Pumula Retreat

Pumula Retreat is a beach and forest wellness venue on the subtropical East Coast of South Africa, about 120 km south of Durban in the Umzumbe area. The name “Pumula” means “place of rest” in IsiZulu, and that feeling of calm arrives the minute you step onto the property. Owners Lucie and Scott have created a dedicated space where teachers can run retreats with their students in a peaceful, safe environment. From the breathtaking sea views to the direct access into the coastal forest, every detail is designed to let guests reconnect with nature and themselves.

The retreat sits on a large 18,700 m² wooded garden that gives everyone room to breathe. Paths wind through indigenous trees, colorful seasonal flowers, and quiet corners perfect for journaling or meditation. A short walk through the garden leads to the beach, and the warm Indian Ocean invites surfing, swimming, and long shoreline walks almost all year. Whether you arrive for a structured yoga program or a self-guided personal renewal, Pumula Retreat provides the setting for genuine transformation.

Facilities and Guest Spaces

At the heart of the property is the glassed forest yoga studio, a sunlit room surrounded by trees where classes feel like practicing outdoors in total comfort. Comfortable accommodation options are spread across the estate, many with ocean or garden views. Guests share delicious, plant-based meals in the communal dining area, and free time can be spent by the pool, lounging on sun beds, or watching whales breach during the winter months. Rainwater tanks, a borehole, and solar panels supply much of the property’s water and electricity, so your stay has a lighter footprint.

Yoga Studio and Practice Spaces

The forest studio is the center of daily asana and meditation practice. Big windows bring in natural light and dappled shadow, and the quiet lets students drop into a focused, inward state. Lucie, a 500-hour certified teacher with training in Iyengar, Sivananda, multi-style, and yoga therapy, often guides sessions. Private and small-group classes can be arranged, and visiting teachers are welcome to use the studio for their own retreat programs.

Wellness Retreats and Programs

Pumula Retreat hosts yoga, nutrition, art, and self-development retreats throughout the year. Each retreat is carefully organized so teachers can focus on teaching while the Pumula team handles the behind-the-scenes details. The program always includes daily yoga classes, guided meditation, and plenty of free time for walking, swimming, or simply resting. Specialized retreats might add workshops on mindful eating, creative expression, or stress-release techniques.

Because the venue is affordable and well-equipped, teachers return year after year with their students. The consistent five-star reviews from retreat leaders and participants highlight the quality of the teaching space, the delicious meals, and the warmth of the hospitality.

Plant-Based, Wholesome Cuisine

Every retreat includes healthy, international plant-based cuisine made from scratch. The kitchen follows yogic dietary principles, honoring ahimsa (non-violence) by serving lacto-vegetarian meals rich in grains, pulses, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, and dairy. Garden avocados, bananas, lemons, and limes appear in many dishes, and the team sources local organic produce whenever possible. Meals become a mindful practice in themselves, enjoyed together in a bright, welcoming dining space.

Why Groups Choose Pumula Retreat

Teachers and students recommend Pumula Retreat because the space makes it easy to switch off from busy daily life and go inward. The gardens feel private and safe. The teaching studio is purpose-built and beautiful. Meals are nourishing and creative. Lucie, Scott, and their team treat every guest like family, seeing to every request without fuss. More than 100 retreats have been hosted here since 2017, and many groups return multiple times a year.

Reviews also mention the wildlife. Duikers and bushbuck graze at the edge of the garden, birds fill the trees with song, and in winter whales pass along the coast. Little details like fresh flowers in the rooms and eco-friendly soaps show the care that defines a stay here.

Serving Hibberdene and KwaZulu-Natal

Located at 262 1st Avenue in Pumula, Hibberdene, 4235, the retreat is easy to reach from Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The quiet village setting feels worlds away from city noise, but restaurants, shops, and beaches are only minutes from the gate. For visitors who want to combine yoga with exploration, the team can help arrange surfing lessons, scuba diving, horse riding, or hiking in the nearby Oribi Gorge. A Yoga Safari Tour is also available for an even deeper wildlife experience.

Hours, Location, and Directions

Pumula Retreat is open Friday through Wednesday, 09:00–21:30, and on Thursday from 09:00–16:00. Appointments are required for most retreats and day visits, so please phone ahead on +27 78 813 4244 or email pumularetreat@gmail.com. The entrance at 262 1st Avenue is clearly marked, and plenty of parking is available on site. Detailed directions from the N2 highway are shared with each booking confirmation.

Questions Visitors Ask

• What style of yoga is taught? Lucie is trained in Iyengar, Sivananda, multi-style, and yoga therapy, and visiting teachers bring their own specialties, so you may experience Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, or Ashtanga.
• Do I need to be an experienced yogi to attend a retreat? Not at all. Retreats welcome all levels, and teachers offer modifications so beginners feel comfortable and advanced practitioners stay challenged.
• What’s included in a typical retreat package? Packages generally include accommodation, all meals, daily yoga and meditation sessions, use of the studio and garden, and access to the trails. Workshops and excursions vary by retreat.
• Can I book the venue for my own retreat? Yes, teachers can book the entire property. The team helps with logistics, meal planning, and setup so you can focus entirely on your program.