Set in the spectacular Overberg region of the Western Cape, Bodhi Khaya is a sanctuary where you can escape the stresses of everyday living and renew your perspectives.

In this tranquil natural environment guests can unwind and explore possibility. Our guests may choose to attend one of the various facilitated retreats or they may simply take the time to relax and explore the surrounding countryside on horseback, walk the many beautiful trails, immerse themselves in our library, sit around a fire under the African night sky, or simply rest.

We are members of the Walker Bay Conservancy whose mission is to conserve the natural and cultural diversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom.  The flora of the Cape Region of South Africa is so unusual that it is regarded as one of the world's six floral kingdoms. In an area of just 90 000 km there are an estimated 9000 species of plants. Of these an amazing 69 % are found nowhere else on earth.  

As part of our conservation commitment we are guided by permaculture principles.  All food grown at Bodhi Khaya is organic including fruit, vegetables and herbs with waste kept to a minimum and recycled.   In addition, we participate in alien plant clearing and fire management initiatives in the wider Walker Bay area.

Our Biodigester system converts sewage and food wastes into Biogas for cooking and water for irrigation purposes.

What does Bodhi Khaya mean?

Bodhi Khaya combines the ancient language of Sanskrit with the indigenous African Xhosa language. Bodhi is sometimes described as complete and perfect sanity, or awareness of the true nature of the universe.  The African term "Khaya" means more than just a dwelling.  Khaya is a sense of belonging, the home of your ancestors and your spiritual base.

In essence then, Bodhi Khaya is a welcoming and safe haven in which to awaken your spirit to possibility.

History

Bodhi Khaya is situated on Baviaansfontein Farm, the oldest in the area. Hendrik Cloete senior, the first person to whom Baviaansfontein was granted in about 1791, was one of the Cape's largest land owners. The Cloetes owned 8 farms near Stellenbosch, cattle farms in the Overberg, and Groot Constantia in Cape Town. In 1831 the farm with only a hut on it near the spring was granted to Dirk Cloete, in lieu of his services to the Crown, by the Governor of the Cape, Sir Galbraith Lowry Cole.  He served on the committee which controlled the Cape viniculture and owned a fishery at Strandfontein [the Strand]. Baviaansfontein was subdivided many times to accommodate the various owners thereafter, including author Stuart Cloete who lived on the farm in the latter part of his life - probably unaware of the fact that his forebears Hendrik and Dirk Cloete were the first owners.

In May 2004, the farm was purchased by current owner, Georgina Hamilton with the intention to create a sanctuary for the unique flora and wildlife of the area as well as a peaceful retreat for human guests.