A weekend of fire and spice: Our first retreat at Haarwegskloof

By Amauréé Jansen van Vuuren

The first Wild & Wise Retreat at Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve unfolded under a soft winter sun during a June weekend. By Friday afternoon, our guests began to arrive as the golden light touched the rolling hills, and the familiar winter chill crept closer. Those who arrived early could explore the walking trails that crisscross our renosterveld or simply settle in with a glass of wine, admiring the view and sharing in easy introductions.

Meanwhile, Dee and Mien, who were leading our workshop: A masterclass in Indian cuisine, were already busy in the Shed, unpacking spices and ingredients in anticipation of the weekend. The room slowly transformed, the air becoming thick with the perfume of cumin, coriander, cardamom and clove – aromas that hinted at what was to come.

That evening, everyone gathered around the fireplace. A glass of wine in hand, conversations warmed the space almost as much as the flames did. When dinner was finally served, it was a feast for the senses. The fragrant spices stirred memories and cravings alike. Laughter and gentle chatter carried us late into the evening, until, one by one, we drifted off to bed, full, content and curious for what tomorrow would bring.

Exploring the spice world

Saturday greeted us with wind, true to Overberg form, but it didn’t stop the group from venturing out for breakfast, scarves wrapped tight and hearts wide open. After a hot drink and something hearty, we moved to the Shed, where Dee awaited, surrounded by bowls and bottles, her spices glowing in the morning light.

Inside, the winter sun poured through the windows and warmed our cold hands as we began our exploration of the spice world. Each guest was handed a small selection of whole, unground spices in their most natural form. Fragrant seeds, dried barks, crinkled pods and all were invited to taste, smell and guess. There was laughter as we shared our impressions: “sweet”, “earthy”, “reminds me of biltong”, “tastes like Fireballs” and we were reminded how different our palates are, and how delightfully subjective flavour can be.

Soon, spices were ground, and the Shed filled with colour and scent. Glass jars captured the pigments of ground turmeric, paprika, garam masala. We learned not just what spices are, but how they work, how they build the foundation of a dish, how they open the senses, and how they connect us to one another across cultures and memories.

But more than just cooking, something else simmered in that room: conversation, connection, curiosity. A community was quietly forming, held together by the golden thread of shared discovery.

An ode to breads

Sunday arrived, with clear skies and a calm stillness that settled over the renosterveld. This time, it was Mien’s turn to lead. With coffee in hand, everyone gathered once more in the Shed for the final session: an ode to breads.

We began by kneading soft doughs for rotis and naan, warming the stoves and preparing the pans. Then we turned to something special: circles of dough, delicately cut and gently fried in hot oil until they puffed and crisped into golden, flaky delights called paratha. These were served with labneh, a selection of soft cheese balls made from strained yogurt and dipped in spices, which was creamy, cool and subtly tangy. The texture of the paratha against the silkiness of the labneh with the aroma of spices was pure comfort. It was the kind of food that doesn’t need explaining, it just makes you smile.

With recipes in hand, each person took on a role in preparing the final lunch. There was slicing and stirring, flipping and folding. And when all was ready, we gathered around the table, laughing, tasting and finally sitting down to enjoy a meal that was entirely our own, though guided by the gentle hands of Dee and Mien.

As the afternoon light faded, goodbyes began. One by one, car boots shut, suitcases packed, and tyres crunched along the farm road. Until finally, all was still again, save for the soft chatter of birds echoing through the veld.

Two reflections from our guests say it best:

“I found Haarwegskloof so peaceful. As I drove away, I experienced the contrast of all the wildlife and multitude of plants with the uniformity of the canola fields. I felt like I had learned so much just by being there among the photos of the little creatures that inhabit the area.”

“Walking the hiking trails and dipping into the wildlife magazines and photographs; there are must-do activities when visiting Haarwegskloof.”

What began as a weekend of food became something more: a quiet celebration of connection, of place, and of the small joys that emerge when we take the time to slow down. Thank you to everyone who made our first retreat such a warm success. We can’t wait to welcome you back.

Be sure to check out our next Wild & Wise Retreats on our Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve here.