A Journey Back to You

Taking time out of our busy lives to nourish ourselves is a foreign concept for most of us. Anassa is a retreat concept, created by Megan Abbott and Dr Siobhan Dawson designed to inspire and awaken our inner healer. Being privy to their newly launched ‘I am’ luxurious retreat was an experience like no other.

This 3-day immersion provided a sanctuary inviting participants to release, re-imagine and re-waken our authentic selves. The magical getaway was hosted at Angala, a 5-star prized boutique hotel in the heart of the Franschhoek Winelands. If you’re looking for a retreat that offers it all- from learning how to manifest your hearts desires, to living at your highest vibration – Anassa is certainly it.

I couldn’t believe my luck when invited by Megan and Siobhan to experience their passion project that culminated in a ‘once in a lifetime’ retreat. Megan is an ex-finance guru turned wellness mentor and Siobhan is a medical psychiatrist and creative visionary. The Anassa co-founders live inspired lives and invited us to give ourselves permission to do the same.

The days seemed to fly by, but at the same time, I felt I had been cocooned for an eternity as we eagerly lapped up the shared knowledge and expertise. The first day focused on Re-leasing where we explored letting go of our limiting beliefs with the help of science backed techniques like NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). Day 2 encouraged us to Re-imagine. Here we used play to reconnect with our inner selves through therapeutic movement and conscious dance. Our final day saw us Re-awaken, with a sunrise walk and healing sound journey. “Every aspect of the retreat is mindfully designed to encourage self -discovery, starting with self-acceptance,” explained Dr Siobhan.

DID YOU KNOW?

Wabi Sabi is an ancient Japanese art centred around the acceptance of impermanence and imperfection. This philosophy is explained in terms of a broken piece of ceramic. Each crack is ‘fixed’ with a gold, silver or platinum lacquer, celebrating the pieces unique history by emphasising the factures and breaks instead of hiding or disguising them.

During our time at Anassa, we were encouraged to use downtime to fully integrate our experiences. We weren’t short of options as we excitedly jumped from the eco pool to ozone pool to infrared sauna to stream room and back again. Massages were also on offer for those who felt like the extra pampering.

Being a total wellness junkie, the food was naturally a big factor. Again, we weren’t short of choices as individual bespoke dietary needs were catered for. Megan is a whole food plant based advocate and is resolute that ‘the power of nutrition in healing can’t be underestimated’. We celebrated delicious, home cooked meals around a big table alongside a wood burning fire place.

I left the retreat feeling restored and connected. I felt like I had known the people I had just met, for a lifetime. There something powerful in coming together and supporting each other on our healing journeys. The Anassa spirit has been born and it is destined to touch many. The next retreat is in October, and if you have an inkling to explore You, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

by Kate Aitken