You will travel on a maintained gravel road, leading you to a security gate, from where you will access the Bertha Retreat grounds. At first you might not truly value the sight, but once you set foot out of the car, the full extent of what lies ahead will fill your senses with a feeling of gratitude. This is what South Africa’s nature has to offer! Prepare yourself to being blown away with the view, the people, the work done here and the hospitality at Bertha Retreat.
Bertha Retreat is a rural retreat and convening space. The retreat falls under the Bertha Spaces umbrella, where their vision lies embedded to embrace the sense of community and to create safe and inclusive spaces where communities and activists can work together. The facility is also open to the public for conferences and offers star rated accommodation.
“Our work is grounded in our values of intentionality, collaboration and community.” – Bertha Foundation website
The retreat includes on point conferencing facilities and meeting rooms, a micro-farming and food production project. A community resource centre makes out for a big part of the work done at Bertha Retreat.
To conserve the historical significance of the space, each area within the retreat is named after the families who once resided in it, preserving the legacy of their presence. The naming approach adds a touch of heritage and personal connection to every space within the retreat.
As much as the space is a destination for visitors, the retreat also embraces a strong sense of community supporting the four communities that surround it – namely Pniel, Meerlust, Kylemore and Languedoc. Students safely can enjoy the usage of facilities like the community house and sports field. A study room is available for matriculants from the valley to study and a creative arts organization, Lalela caters to the needs of young children.
Community members and schools also share in the joy of growing and harvesting their own food. The retreat has a staff compliment of 24 people all from the neighboring communities of the Bertha Retreat. Guests can feel safe moving around the grounds during the day and at night the retreat is well light and secure.
Accommodation
Three gorgeously, decorated comfortable cottages offers accommodation for 34 people. The cottages are stylishly decorated and offers a much-appreciated view of the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains. Peceur-Pietersen Cottage: This cottage has five bedrooms and can accommodate a maximum of 10 people.
Bhele-Van Wyk Cottage: This is the biggest of all the cottages with seven bedrooms accommodating a maximum of 14 people.
Scheepers-Kock Cottage: This cottage has five bedrooms and can accommodate a maximum of 10 people.
A beautiful rock pool and entertainment area allows for a cool-down during the warmer summer months. Generally, a good area to admire the view over a freshly brewed coffee or sunset glass of wine.
Conferencing & Dinning Area
A conference and event centre with state-of-the-art conferencing equipment for up to 60 people is available. It offers a break-away room with state-of-the-art conferencing facilities. With unlimited Wi-Fi with no load shedding interruptions, attendees can be assured that their sessions will continue uninterrupted. Conference goers have the option to book between half day and full day and discounted prices.
The dining area, serving delicious meals – breakfast, lunch and supper with fresh ingredients from the vegetable garden comes with a boma/fire-pit right in the middle of the space adding to a warm and cozy winter welcome.
“We prioritize seasonal food so our guests can eat what is currently on season,” says Thembela Ntongana, Director of Communications and Marketing. Bertha Retreat does not have a liquor license, but patrons are welcome to bring in their own wine. Soft drinks and coffee from the well-trained baristas will be sure to take care of the rest of your needs with the chef and kitchen staff.
Thembela continues to say that Lerato Sitole, their “head chef and co-director, who happens to be a Chef by profession, oversees the restaurant menu.”
Rates & Pricing Guide
The Retreat opts to welcome guests from all walks of life. To accommodate guests the retreat offers rates according to the affordability of organizations and offers a generous, affordable sliding scale. The scale is designed to enable sustainable provision of space to others at significantly reduced rates.
Standard Rate: The Standard Rate remains more affordable than comparable commercial alternatives and is targeted at larger non- profit groups, philanthropic organizations, academic institutions, and social enterprises with an annual budget or annual revenue of R12 million or more.
Middle Rate: The Middle Rate applies to medium-sized non-profit organizations or initiatives with lower budgets but with some resources to cover event fees. These groups receive an additional 20% off bookings at Bertha Retreat’s 24-hour retreat and accommodation packages. To qualify groups must have an annual budget of R12 million or less.
Low Rate: The Low Rate applies to smaller non-profit organizations with more constrained budgets. These groups receive 40% off Bertha Retreat’s 24-hour Retreat and Accommodation packages and are exempt from venue rental fees at Bertha House. To qualify for this discount groups must have a budget of R3 million or less per year.
An Inclusive Five Star with a Difference
“What sets us apart is our radical hospitality and the work that we do in the community, people who use our space help us continue the work that we do with the youth and old people of the Dwarsrivier Valley.” -Thembela –
For Bertha Retreat radical hospitality to means that everyone who walks into their space feels safe and cared for. It’s important that their space is inclusive to all who use it be it the community members or paying guests and the kids doing art classes in the community house.
For the adventurous guest a hiking- as well as a biking trial and bikes are available. Want to opt for something that requires more something more grounded and with less impact? No problem, the retreat has a selection of yoga mats to cater for those needs as well. A sun salutation yoga session at the pool will prepare you for your day ahead.
The space also offers a co-workspace facility, sports field, community house and food and community garden. Thembela says she likes to leave the rating of Bertha up to the guest, but would, “rate it a five star with a difference.”
After spending some time at the retreat our team agrees with her statement. The view is spectacular; the service is on point and their story a memorable one. The retreat resembles a historical theme, telling the South African story. Add their vision of inclusivity and sustainability in the mix and Bertha Retreat leads the way in supporting communities whilst providing a once in a lifetime experience to any visitor.
