ABOUT US
OUR STORY AND HISTORY
Located deep within the Sneeuberg mountains of the Karoo, The Rest farm offers a sanctuary away from the noise and distractions of modern life. Nestled atop the water catchment, it provides a haven from the pollution of sound, light, and air, inviting visitors to experience profound rest and rejuvenation.
Our Vision
At The Rest, our vision is to create a space where individuals can reconnect with themselves, their families and natural environment. We believe in living sustainably without sentimentality and invite our guests to explore an alternative relationship with their environment.
Workshops and Retreats
We offer a number of residential retreats throughout the year for groups, families, couples and individuals. Using a powerful combination of the expressive arts therapies, family constellations and the healing power of the natural environment, participants are invited to release what keeps them stuck and allows them to reconnect what gives them life and joy.
Join one of the group retreats scheduled in the year. These retreats accommodate a maximum of 9 participants (and minimum 4). We will explore patterns that no longer serve us (or our families!).
Family constellations is an embodied therapeutic approach that works to reveal ancestral patterns that continue to repeat through the generations and explore ways to break the cycle.
Each day we will do 1 or 2 constellations and work with writing, art making, movement and connecting with the natural environment to enable insight, release and integration.
There will also be time to go for walks in the mountains, forest and veld. You will be invited to disconnect from the noise to listen more deeply.
You will eat delicious home made meals, sleep in comfortable beds in the extraordinary amphitheater of the Sneeuberg mountains.
Community and Support
Iain and Paula are supported by a dedicated team led by Cedric Minaar and including Motlasi, Pule on the farm and Mathabo and Maseabata in the house.
Meet Our Team
The People that Make it Happen
We are committed to fostering healing, connection, and growth at The Rest farm. We are healers, farmers, artists, creative facilitators, diligent caretakers. We each bring a unique set of skills and a shared love for the land.
Cedric Minaar
Cedric has been working on The Rest since his early 20’s. He is skilled in animal husbandry and has a deep understanding of the Karoo environment. His eye for detail and commitment to personal growth is a key ingredient of our success on the farm.
Pule and Pane
Pule hails from Clocholan and Pane from Nieu Bethesda. They bring their knowledge and experience to support Cedric in his work
Mathabo and Nana
Because the business of housecleaning and laundry is taken care of by these two women it is possible to everything else!
Callum and Kyla help us remember our responsibility to leave the earth better for the next generation. They remind us of our priorities. And teach us what to teach them.
Meet the Owners
Discover Stories of Transformation
Read what our guests have to say about their life-changing experiences at The Rest.
Magical location! Great for families. A must if you’re looking to get away from it all!!!
Kristin
Amazing experience if you are looking for something different + a real family feel from the hosts + stars for Africa.
Alistair
What an amazing place! I thoroughly enjoyed staying at The Rest. I cannot wait to go back. If you want peace, quiet and solitude, this is the place for you. Walking in the mountains with not a soul in sight. It was pure adventure.
Melvin
The Rest is a unique and incredible place. There is such a sense of freedom and safety and Paula was a phenomenal host. A wonderful place to get away from normal life and explore the true beauty of the Karoo. Highlights for us included climbing the mountain for sunrise after a snowfall and enjoying hearty meals made with grass fed beef grown right there on the farm. Don’t miss out on that, or a loaf of home made bread!
Jessica
Fantastic. The Shepherd’s Cottage might be rustic but was well appointed and suited to my purposes, which was a quiet time to do some studies while exploring. There is no cell phone reception but there is a good working WiFi to stay in contact. There is good MTB riding experience or just go for a walk but remember no WiFi away from the cottage. I recommend at least a few days stay to properly appreciate the time there.
Patrick
Awesome view and ambience. Clean and all you need for a break from the city hassel and bussel.
Eugene
Rustic and beautiful. Stunning views. Exceptional hospitality. Freshly baked bread on arrival. We enjoyed our stay very much. Magnificent surroundings. Paula and her family are very warm and welcoming.
Talitha
What a wonderful, peaceful space! Thank you very much for sharing this with us. We can see the love and care.
Gert
A very special and recommended place. They rent two houses: one at the entrance to the property; and another next to the family home. I was in the first one, big and comfortable. Good people, the Kingwills!. If you book through Airbnb, ignore some reviews. The access road does not kill anyone! If I got there with a Hyundai I10, you can too!.
Xavier
Farm life and a space to rest is the most practical way to shake off the city. The Rest – brings you back to your roots.
