Eat to Thrive Retreat
Hoedspruit , South Africa - Date 07/02/2026
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
REDISCOVER YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD THROUGH INTUITIVE COOKING
We invite you to the bush for a nourishing and intuitive cooking retreat led by Chef Arabella Parkinson. Drawing on nutrition science, circular gastronomy, and Ayurvedic principles, guests will be guided to cook and eat intuitively, connected, and in harmony with both body and land.
We invite you to the bush for a nourishing and intuitive cooking retreat led by Chef Arabella Parkinson. Drawing on nutrition science, circular gastronomy, and Ayurvedic principles, guests will be guided to cook and eat intuitively, connected, and in harmony with both body and land.
ACCOMMODATION
Sashwa River of Stars offers an intimate and luxurious stay with beautifully designed river-facing and garden suites in the Greater Kruger region. Each suite features a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom, indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning, and a private deck with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
With its small number of suites, Sashwa provides a peaceful, exclusive retreat, complemented by shared spaces including a river-views outdoor decks, swimming pool, wellness center, creative art studio, wildlife hide and more, all designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the African bush.
With its small number of suites, Sashwa provides a peaceful, exclusive retreat, complemented by shared spaces including a river-views outdoor decks, swimming pool, wellness center, creative art studio, wildlife hide and more, all designed to immerse guests in the beauty of the African bush.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Nourishing dining: Three wholesome, plant-based, seasonally inspired meals daily, with healthy beverages, conservation wines, and snacks available throughout the day.
- Wellness, relaxation & wilderness activities: Access to yoga spaces, gym, sauna, swimming pool, meditation areas, and our wildlife watching hide. One bush walk and game drive included
- Hands-on intuitive cooking experiences: Learn to prepare nourishing, elevated plant-based meals while exploring food as medicine through nutrition science, Ayurvedic principles, and circular gastronomy.
- Take-home knowledge & inspiration: Gain an intuitive approach to food, a personalised food philosophy, and a collection of 20 plant-based recipes to recreate nourishing meals at home.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Transport to and from Sashwa
- Massage treatments, star bath & curio shop purchases
- Gratuities
ABOUT THE ORGANIZER
Arabella has spent years designing menus that support nervous system regulation, hormonal balance, stable blood sugar, and deep rest - all through thoughtfully prepared plant-based food.
She does not advocate for everyone to be vegan, recognising that this is not always accessible or appropriate. Instead, drawing on her background in nutrition and principles of Ayurveda, Arabella uses plants as a foundation to demonstrate food as medicine - flexible, inclusive, and deeply nourishing.
Arabella has worked across yoga, freediving, wilderness, and silent retreats around the world, creating food experiences that nourish on a physical level while gently guiding people back into a more intuitive and embodied relationship with how they eat.
With training in nutrition and sustainability science, and as a long-time student of meditation and Eastern philosophy, Arabella lives the principles she teaches. Her approach to food is grounded yet playful, a reminder that health does not need to be complicated, and that our minds, bodies, and the planet are inseparable, each reflecting the care we offer the others.
She does not advocate for everyone to be vegan, recognising that this is not always accessible or appropriate. Instead, drawing on her background in nutrition and principles of Ayurveda, Arabella uses plants as a foundation to demonstrate food as medicine - flexible, inclusive, and deeply nourishing.
Arabella has worked across yoga, freediving, wilderness, and silent retreats around the world, creating food experiences that nourish on a physical level while gently guiding people back into a more intuitive and embodied relationship with how they eat.
With training in nutrition and sustainability science, and as a long-time student of meditation and Eastern philosophy, Arabella lives the principles she teaches. Her approach to food is grounded yet playful, a reminder that health does not need to be complicated, and that our minds, bodies, and the planet are inseparable, each reflecting the care we offer the others.
