Return to Joy

Logistics and How to Apply

May 14-27, 2026

This an intimate retreat with limited spaces available, and we expect it to fill up.

Therefore, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Click the button below to view the retreat schedule and discover some of the magical experiences you can expect.

Pricing

The total price of the two-week retreat is $6,495 (double-occupancy).

Single rooms are an additional $1,800, as available.

A $495 deposit is payable upon acceptance of your application.

The balance ($6,000 double-occupancy, $7,800 single) can be paid at the time of your deposit or in six installments of $1,000/month (doubles) or $1,300/month (singles), deducted from your credit card for six months on the first of each month beginning October 1, 2025, and ending March 1, 2026.

What’s Included

The Journey Includes:

  • Double-occupancy lodging (13 nights)

  • Three main meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Non-alcoholic beverages

  • Entrance fees and all ground transportation

  • Airport transfers to/from Hoedspruit (HDS) and Blyde on May 14 and 27

Not Included:

  • Airfare

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Personal items (like laundry and souvenirs)

Important Details

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Flights

Please schedule your flight to arrive at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), or Cape Town International (CPT), and connect to a flight to Hoedspruit (HDS), our small, local airport. Arrive HDS on Thursday May 14, and we will provide your approximately 45-minute ground transfer to beautiful Blyde. Please schedule your departure from HDS on Wednesday May 27.

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Transfers

Transfers to/from Hoedspruit airport (HDS) and the retreat venue at Blyde River Canyon are included with arrival on the retreat start day, May 14, and with departure on the retreat end day, May 27. If you plan to arrive or depart on days different from these, transfers are not included. We’ll be in touch closer to the time about your transfer details.

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Check-in/Check-out

Check-in to your retreat accommodation is available only on the retreat start date, May 14. Check-out is on the retreat end date, May 27. Retreat accommodation is not available before or after the retreat dates. If you choose to arrive early or depart late, we are happy to offer advice about different accommodation and airport transfer options.

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Travel Insurance

We require guests to purchase travel insurance that includes Medevac (medical evacuation) coverage—a minimum $100,000 USD. However, some sources recommend $500,000 - $1M. The cost depends on: your age, origin, destination and if you also want travel insurance that includes cancellation, delay, etc. An average cost might be approximately $70-$200+. Please contact your travel or insurance agent for options or search the web for comparisons, such as here.

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Cancellation Policy

We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance in the event that you have to cancel your trip for any unforeseen circumstances. Our cancellation policy for this retreat is as follows: Reservations canceled up to 60 days prior to the retreat start date will forfeit 50 percent of the trip total (or total amount paid if less than 50 percent of trip total). Reservations canceled less than 60 days prior to the retreat start date are non-refundable. If we are forced to cancel due to what we reasonably perceive are conditions that would jeopardize the health or safety of our travelers, all money will be refunded or applied to a later journey. We have had to cancel for these reasons only once in our 28-year history.

Apply to Join the Retreat

Do you hear the call of your heart?!

To start the application process, please click the button below to email our team. We will contact you with the link to our online application form. You will be asked to provide a little information about yourself, complete some written essays and describe your motivations and intentions for the retreat.

You can expect to hear back from us within ten business days after submitting your application.

Upon acceptance, you will receive a welcome message with further information and details for the deposit payment of $495, which is required within one week to confirm your attendance.

Kindly note that this intimate retreat is open only to those who have participated in at least one CoreLight course.

Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on Earth. Once you have been there, you will never be the same.

-Brian Jackman