OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

What delight awaited our judges as they read the entries to our first year’s competition. Visitors and guest were invited to write the first line of a love story that begun at Temenos. I would have liked to share more entries than space allows but here are just a few for you to enjoy.

Destiny is when two people are on a path leading to one another without having any idea of what is about to happen!  Elizabeth Stewart

In the stillness of the chapel, with only the scent of wild lavender and candle smoke, their souls recognized what they had yet to name.   Diedre Taylor

She followed the peacock down the gravel path, and when the bird turned right heading for the candle flickering in the window sill, she followed and sat herself down quietly next to the shoes at the door, waiting for the moment when it would open, and their eyes would meet.  Carla Hoffman

She came for the silence but stayed on to watch the man dancing barefoot in the herb garden. Danette Kotze

She arrived at Temenos with a suitcase full of silence, searching for nothing and everything, unaware that love was already waiting on the garden path heading towards he.r  Liesber Krisatfor

I watch him enter the labyrinth and after a decent interval I follow, my heart beating faster than my footsteps as I flow and ebb, and ebb and flow, nearer to him and apart, until he is at the centre and, with a smile, makes space for me.  Sue Woodward

Hopefully, in next year’s competition we will consider offering more prizes, but the winner for this year is Michael Brownie who wins………………………….

• Two night’s accommodation for two people including breakfast

• Access to the tranquil gardens, meditation spaces, libraries and walking labyrinth.

• A bottle of MCC on arrival

She noticed my feathers, I was drawn to her beak

Love is in the air

For many, falling in love, we are told, is something we find outside ourselves – another person, a perfect community, a divine source. And yet, the first movement of love begins much closer to home. To fall in love with oneself is not an act of vanity or self-absorption. It is to awaken to the truth that within us lies a fragment of the Sacred, quietly longing to be noticed.

Here at Temenos, the sacred spaces and the silence of the paths are created to remind us that the heart is not an empty vessel waiting to be filled – it is already luminous, already blessed. To fall in love with oneself is to finally look with gentleness upon our own flaws, our weariness and our longings, and to say – this too is beloved.

With love,

Billy, the gardener

Spring and Summer packages

Romantic Package

Bring your beloved for a Romantic Getaway that includes a three course dinner, two breakfasts and a bottle of wine in your cottage. Contact Reception to book optional village and nature reserve walks as well as body therapies. The best time of the year to explore all that McGregor has to offer.

​Friday - Sunday

​​R5150 -  for two sharing.

Solo Retreat

Many guests who come to Temenos enjoy the freedom and simplicity of an unstructured retreat,

Take time out for yourself to enjoy the stillness and beauty of our gardens, as well as indulging in Yoga, body therapies and guided village walks. We also have a variety of counselling and alternative therapies available should you feel the need for additional and supportive soul companionship.

​Four nights’ Accommodation​

Monday – Friday. 

​​R 3600

Self – Catering Midweek couple’s accommodation

Four nights’ Accommodation.

Please call our receptionist for availability.

Monday – Friday

R4900 - for two sharing

Our Regular Pensioner Special

We once again welcome our Pensioners from Monday night to Thursday night. Stay for 4 nights and pay for 3

Still waters

A retreat for Caregivers. Temenos welcomes men and women in caregiving capacities, ministry or social services who often cannot afford to take a rest away from their place of work. Come and rest and restore yourself in tranquil surroundings. Stay 4 weekday nights and only pay for 3.

For those, in challenging circumstances, in need of a longer period of rest and renewal please contact reception. Email address: reception@temenosretreat.co.za

RESTORE, RESTORY, REKINDLE with Johann van Greunen –  10 -12 October  - johann@johannvangreunen.co.za

During this retreat in the beautiful and nurturing environment of Temenos, we will explore the following themes: Neurobiology, stress and trauma: the impact on our bodies The Narratives of Life-scripts: how we story our lives to make meaning Embodiment: The energy body, embodied existence and the body in relation to others

Temenos Spring Retreat with Sue Cooper – 17 – 19 October  - sue.stillmind@gmail.com

This retreat includes teachings from the wisdom of Buddhist psychology, guided meditations in all postures and time for silent walking meditations through the beautiful gardens of Temenos. The ancient practice of qigong movement meditation, as well as optional embodied movement classes and relaxing 60 min aromatherapy massages, will enhance our embodied experience. There will also be time for restorative rest and short, individual sessions with Sue during the retreat. Delicious vegetarian/vegan food will be savoured in silence as part of our integrated practice. This retreat ends with lunch on Sunday 19 October and includes free accommodation on that Sunday night.

THE JOY OF SOUND, THE JOY OF SILENCE with Tania Bownes -   22 October to 26 October 2025 – taniab@celebratingfreedom.co.za

Our retreat moves us gently from the joy of sound, from human connection, laughter, play, shared dinners and more, towards a place of silence. We go from Nia classes, into TRE (tension and trauma release) and then drop into total silence where we still enjoy connection via Chakra Dancer, Bowspring Yoga and Yin Yoga, but all in silence. The common thread for the retreat is our silent sitting time, our meditation time, twice daily.

Garden Tea and life art painting retreat with Mary- Louise Stein – 7-10 November 2025

Join us for an inspiring and unique Art Retreat in the tranquil gardens of Temenos and the charming village of McGregor. Immerse yourself in creativity, connection, and relaxation.

6:30 PM – Welcome gathering and dinner with Mary-Louise and fellowguests at the Temenos restaurant.Saturday -11:00 AM – High Tea in the gardens including a painting workshop.Afternoon – Free time to explore the village, browse the shops, orenjoy optional add-ons.5:30 PM – Life Drawing Session at Caritas, including wine and pizza.Sunday -9:00 AM – Breakfast at Tebaldi’s

Bookings: reception@temenosretreat.co.za

FESTIVE SEASON PACKAGES

CHRISTMAS PACKAGE   22rd  – 26th December  4 nights

Come and enjoy 4 night’s accommodation, Traditional Christmas dinner plus a lunch on Tuesday at Tebaldi’s restaurant.

R 4665 single

R 4240 per person sharing

BREATHER  -  27-29 December  3 nights

A time to indulge in a relaxing breakaway between Christmas and New Year.

3 night’s accommodation plus Saturday night dinner.

R 3320 per person

NEW YEAR PACKAGE   29th Dec to 2nd January   4 nights

Come and experience Temenos at New Year.   All guests are invited to enjoy the beauty of our Candlelit Spiral on New Year’s Eve. 4 night’s accommodation.  New Year’s eve special dinner, Breakfast on New Year’s day plus lunch on Tuesday at Tebaldi’s restaurant.

R 4885 single

R 4780 per person sharing

WIND DOWN   2025 SPECIAL  -  Friday 5th  Jan – Friday 19th January 

Need a quiet break after the festive season.  Come and enjoy the tranquillity of McGregor and out tranquil gardens Choose any 4 nights between 5 – 19th January. 

R 3600 single

R 4900 sharing