In the relentless pace of everyday life we often forget our capacity to embrace simplicity and stillness. Our beautiful gardens have been designed to honor and renew the practice of mindfulness, contemplation and the quiet embrace of the present moment.

Temenos was established to encourage the art of simplicity and the practice of mindfulness.

What was once a barren piece of veld in 1996 is now the beautiful oasis of Temenos. On the 1st February 1997 the Retreat was opened with a small gathering of friends in the Chapel of The Little Way. The original property belonged to the Bronn family. They were simple farmers who kept a few cattle and donkeys.

Their original old homestead built of clay in 1856 is now our restaurant. The old stable still exists to the left of the Restaurant patio. When the property was purchased in 1996 by Billy Kennedy the building was in a state of disrepair and there was no garden except for six trees on the current restaurant lawn.

Over the next years the dream of Temenos gently unfolded into the well loved Retreat that it is today.

‘If you want your dream to grow, day by day go slowly. Small beginnings, greater ends, heartfelt work is holy.

Accomodation:

Temenos is well loved for its warm hospitality. It extends an invitation to guests to embrace a milieu of stillness and simplicity. Here one may mindfully listen anew to the needs of one’s body, mind and heart. Within our healing gardens are many private spaces for you to discover where you can unwind and restore yourself. At Temenos we have 14 cottages offering a variety of accommodation. You have the choice of double or twin beds and bathrooms with a shower or a bath. All our cottages are en suite and have private patios and a fireplace. They are fully equipped for self catering. We also offer dinner, bed and breakfast packages and garden restaurant on site.

Read More Here: https://www.temenos.org.za/accommodation

Retreats:

Temenos is the ideal place to take time out to retreat. Our beautiful gardens offer a contemplative milieu to support your embrace of inner stillness and silence. There are many spaces within our grounds where you can withdraw to for quiet meditation or reflection.

Read More Here: https://www.temenos.org.za/retreats

Wellness & Body Healing Therapists:

Temenos offers you a great opportunity to come and gently nurture yourself.

Slow down gently and breathe in deeply the fresh, clean air of McGregor. During your stay we can arrange gentle early morning walks and a Yoga class.

If you are hoping to instil a sense of quietness within yourself you are welcome to join our daily silent meditation sessions. We have a wide range of body and healing therapies for you to indulge in which you can book on arrival or prior to your visit.

TEMENOS is an oasis for mind, body and spirit. Set in the heart of McGregor amidst beautiful gardens, TEMENOS offers each guest the space to reflect and rest, to relax and renew oneself. All are welcome not only to find peace and tranquility, but also to discover the sacred within, and to meet the Beloved. We respect all religious traditions and have endeavoured to create a space where each individual may find a way to reverence and honour their outer lives, as well the divine within themselves.

A small note of Great Thanks to the entire Temenos team for a few wonderful winter days . Every aspect of the Centre, is handled so beautifully – the Housekeeping staff, the Gardeners, those responsible for Maintenance, Staff in the kitchen, in the Restaurant, in Reception , everyone of the ‘Front Team’ working with events, visitors, workshops, accounts, accommodation, all involved with Planning, Marketing, Outreach – so much is involved in Running Temenos, and in working together for the health & beauty of every aspect . It is the particular ‘ethos’ of Temenos, under the guidance of Billy and Michael, which underpins every person’s fundamental, background attitude and work/contribution. As a group of caring, friendly, diligent, responsible, creative – TEAM! What a wonderful model for a human community based on the resources of good, ordinary – yet extraordinary – people. Thank you all for hosting my few days. Be back soon!
Shalom Marguerite

It’s a gem of Beauty & peace in the middle of seemingly nowhere. The owners pour so much love into the retreat and it shows. The food is wonderful in the restaurant too. The small village is welcoming, definitely a place to unwind & relax.
Tracy

Gorgeous oasis in the middle of a pretty dry town. An absolute delight as u walk around the beautiful gardens. Its like ure in another restful world! Well worth a visit. Stay over, eat the beautiful breakfast, enjoy the quiet, feel cool on a super warm day. Its a soul refreshing experience.
Bev

Peaceful, tranquil, refreshing, stimulating, recharging ones batteries.
Susanne

If you have not been, pack you handbag car truck bus caravelle and go. Helicopter will also get you there. It is the love passion inspiration bold grandiose joy warmth fierce spirit emotion dignity uplifting serene everlasting delight motivation thrill venerable diversity reverence classic entrancing awe-inspiring experience. And trust me, and many more, we can continue with laudations. Its classless, and the consideration youll acquire is greatly desired for most South Africans.
Douglas McLoughlin