Sterrekopje Healing Farm

Why book?

If I had to pick one experience to relive from my time working for – and travelling for – Condé Nast Traveller, it would be the few days I spent at Sterrekopje. It was the most inspiring, nurturing and invigorating experience – one where I reconnected not only with myself, but also with my surroundings as a South African. Sterrekopje is more than just a retreat; it is a space in which I was able to discover myself and embrace what serves me, letting go of what no longer does. The entirety of my journey at Sterrekopje was geared towards disconnection and honouring what feels good. This ethos is woven into each part of the farm, from the sanctuary-like rooms to the endless scents emanating from the various gardens, and the personalised rituals and rhythms that occur daily, encouraging connection with the environment and oneself.

Set the scene

Sterrekopje feels alive. Undulating gardens revealed themselves as I explored the property, where I found dahlias of varying colours and familiar herbal scents. Guests are encouraged to indulge in what brings joy, whether that's exploring their inner child through painting or embracing adulthood with a crisp glass of wine at dinner. It felt as though the farm was my own – I rarely crossed paths with other guests beyond the optional group rhythms, such as yoga and meditation, or the communal meals.

The backstory

Nicole Boekhoorn and Fleur Huijskens, owners and life partners, built Sterrekopje as a passion project to create a haven. They strived to create a space where they could connect and rediscover themselves within nature. The retreat is inspired by their travels across Europe, India, Africa, and Asia, pulling from the wisdom of each of these cultures.

The rooms

Sterrekopje has 11 sanctuaries and suites, each of which is a refuge of tranquillity. The suites are scattered across the property, housed in restored heritage buildings, while the sanctuaries are in the main house. The buildings nod to the traditional Cape Dutch style, featuring thatched roofs and distinctive gables, but maintain an air of femininity with dusty pink exteriors set against abundant gardens. The interiors follow a similar tone, featuring curated wallpapers and hand-picked antiques that make for a warm ambience. The four-poster bed and draped canopy encourage deep sleep, and the bathrooms feature earthy coloured tiles, roll-top bathtubs, and beautifully scented products housed in bespoke ceramics. It would be difficult to leave the rooms, if not for the unmatched beauty of the grounds.

Food and drink

I felt deeply nourished by the food at Sterrekopje. It’s not just healthy and abundant – it’s also inspiring to know where your food comes from. Many ingredients in my various meals were ones I had seen or smelled while exploring the farm. Breakfasts were a colourful array of freshly picked seasonal fruits, homemade granolas and warm breads, while lunch and dinner were grander affairs. The menus were predominantly plant-based but often had a touch of fish or meat, served with perfectly cooked vegetables, steaming broths, and indulgent (yet wholesome) desserts. There are plenty of freshly pressed juices and specially crafted teas, as well as unique cocktails and a variety of South African wines. I became a bit of a Buchu tea addict, a native plant that encourages healthy digestion and decreased inflammation. Guests can have dinner in a private room in the main house, but my favourite meals were spent at the communal table in the kitchen, where I could tune into the chit-chat of other guests and the relaxed hum of the kitchen.

The spa

The spa epitomised relaxation. It’s a beautiful blend of cultures, respectfully drawing inspiration from countries like India, Egypt, and Turkey. Sumptuous daybeds sit in a room with clay-toned walls and hand-painted accents. Fresh air pours in from the windows and French doors, which lead to the natural bathing pond, where guests can unwind. Each guest's Journey begins with the hammam ritual, a cleansing experience that prepares guests for their time at Sterrekopje. We were only visiting for a couple of days, so I indulged in the Ritual of Touch, an intuitive body therapy that combines pressure release, meridian alignment, and reflexology.

I pulled on the wonderfully oversized robe and headed to the treatment room – a canopy of dried flowers designed by Leon Kluge hung overhead, emitting the most wonderful scents and creating a cocoon-like space to settle into. My Ritual was personalised based on the reflexology footbath I received upon arrival, which informed the therapist of the areas of my body that needed attention and which essential oils to use. My therapist used chamomile, vetiver and lavender to help calm and regulate my nervous system. Honestly, I’d never felt as understood as I did during that session. I finished with a cup of tea, promising to be truer to myself and my needs, while shedding that which does not serve me.

The service

The service was impeccable – each staff member was warm, kind and showed a genuine respect and passion for the Sterrekopje ethos. I’d be remiss not to mention their outfits – linen tunics of varying shades (based on their role). My sister and I were pining after one the entire weekend.

Eco effort

It’s abundantly clear that Sterrekopje is dedicated to prioritising sustainability – it’s woven into every activity, initiative and space on the farm. The philosophy is one of respect for their natural surroundings, constantly striving to promote harmony between the land and those living on it. The farm cultivates over 100 indigenous and heritage plants using regenerative methods to enrich the soil, supporting biodiversity, while the animals living on the land help to maintain it. They tread lightly – with little to no waste, no plastics and an effort to collaborate with not only the land but the local community surrounding Sterrekopje.

Accessibility

There is one wheelchair-friendly room, but the land is wild and often uneven, which is part of its beauty but does make it unsuitable for wheelchair users.