Escape to the Mountains

We chat to Jane Paterson about what makes Retreat Guest Farm in the Piketberg such a special escape…

1. Why is the location a unique choice for visitors?

Situated on top of the Piketberg mountains, the area offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding Cederberg and West Coast that can be enjoyed while walking through lush fields of endemic fynbos. The PiketBo-Berg area is also home to the largest concentration of Cape Mountain leopards in the Western Cape, protected by conservation efforts. The Piket-Bo-Berg offers a quiet, holistic escape from the city, and it’s only an hour and a half away from Cape Town.

2. What was the inspiration behind opening the Piket-Bo-Berg Retreat Guest Farm?

My parents have been commercial farmers in the area for 34 years. After acquiring Retreat Farm, they decided - for water reasons - to offer me the opportunity to establish an ecotourism guest farm with a focus on returning the farm to its natural state and sharing this piece of paradise with others. We’ve established extensive alien control programmes and removed all commercial orchards from the farm. Our aim is to continue restoration through low-intervention and sustainable methods.

2. What do you hope for guests to experience when staying on the farm?

We strive to create a space that allows for a peaceful, fun, and relaxing weekend away. Our houses are all situated near walking trails, single-track cycling routes, and dams and pools for a cool down. We prioritise our guests’ privacy and always aim to make sure that they enjoy exclusivity of our trails and amenities during their stay. Our houses all have fully-equipped kitchens that have everything you need to cook, braai, and bake - and we stock plenty of firewood. We never want our guests to want for anything, so we make sure that everything they might need for a break-away is available on arrival.

4. What activities can nature lovers enjoy in the area?

Retreat Guest Farm has a series of MTB single tracks with options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. There are also a number of walking trails where guests can enjoy the beautiful surrounding views and fields of fynbos. Our farm dam is perfect for a quick dip or kayak, and all of our houses have beautiful pools for those hot summer days. For sunset, a walk or drive up to Perdekop offers the best views of the Cederberg and West Coast.

5. What makes it a great destination for families?

All our houses offer enough space for families and friends to enjoy special time together, and we are also petfriendly. With plenty of garden space, MTB and walking tracks, and childsafe pools, there is always something to keep the kids occupied while you relax and enjoy the scenery.

6. What do guests usually cite as a highlight of their stay?

Our guests always appreciate our attention to detail when it comes to providing everything they might needfrom firewood to condiments, coffee, and homely comforts. The tranquillity and privacy of the area is a highlight, and guests love the balance of being able to enjoy the surroundings with a walk or cycle before coming home to a beautiful, calm space. Perdekop sundowners are always a big hit and never disappoint!

7. Are there any noteworthy attractions nearby?

The Piket-Bo-Berg Farmers Market happens on the last Saturday of every month and is a lovely showcase of the area’s offerings and special community. On the same weekend, Piketberg hosts Last Friday, with cultural events and pop-up dinners in the town.

For more information or to book your stay, visit retreatguestfarm. co.za or follow @retreatguestfarm on Instagram or Facebook.

YONI: Sanskrit for “womb”.

A yoni egg is an egg-shaped crystal that is placed into your vagina from 30 mins to a few hours a day to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles

The crystal acts as a weight resistant, which helps to tone and strengthen the muscles that hold up your uterus, bladder and bowel

Using an egg 3 times a week can transform your bladder control, sex life, orgasmic potential, connection, lubrication levels and internal sensitivity.

What size yoni egg do I start with?

Large eggs hold easier because the muscles don't engage as much to hold it in place The bigger the egg, the less pelvic floor contraction When muscle tone and dexterity increase, you can move down in size

For more info: www.celluvac.co.za

Yoni Wands: 100% rose quartz crystal

Yoni wands (pleasure wands) assist in slowing down pleasure, amplifying orgasms and helping create a safe space

For more info: www.celluvac.co.za