THE NEKED PLANT-BASED
LIFESTYLE RETREAT
Clarens, Free State
Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 February 2026
NEKED PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE RETREAT
A 4-Day Luxury Plant-Based Gathering in Clarens
Hosted by Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay
This is not a detox.
It’s not a bootcamp.
And it’s definitely not about perfection.
The NEKED Table Retreat is an intimate, four-day plant-based experience created for people who long to slow down,
reconnect, create, and be deeply nourished — body, soul and spirit.
Hosted in the art-filled village of Clarens, surrounded by mountains and stillness, this retreat invites you to step out of the noise
of everyday life and into a shared space of beauty, creativity, conversation and exceptional food.
For four days and three nights, we gather around The NEKED Table — cooking together, eating together, walking together,
painting together, and allowing life to unfold at a gentler pace.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is for:
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Vegans and plant-based humans
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Food lovers and curious cooks
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Creatives (and those who think they’re “not creative”)
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People craving rest, connection and inspiration
It is not about rules, restriction or performance.
It is about
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Communal meals that linger
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Creative expression without judgement
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Nature as quiet medicine
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Conversation that matters
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Luxury for the soul
Food at the Heart
Every meal is:
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100% plant-based
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Seasonal, nourishing and indulgent
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Shared communally
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Prepared with joy, intention and generosity
Some meals are cooked together.
Some are demonstrated.
Some are simply enjoyed slowly, with full glasses and long conversations.
This is not a meal plan.
This is a table experience.
Creativity & Expression
Guests are invited into guided painting and creative sessions led by Vanessa.
No experience required.
No pressure.
No judgement.
Art becomes a way to express, play and soften — not something to get “right”.
Nature & Stillness
Clarens offers a rare kind of quiet.
The retreat includes gentle walks, free time, and a curated visit to Golden Gate Highlands National Park,
allowing the land itself to become part of the experience.
No forced fitness.
Just movement that feels kind.
The Setting
Guests stay at a luxury Clarens lodge, booked exclusively for the group.
Expect
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Beautiful private rooms
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Delicious gourmet plant-based cuisine
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Creative sessions
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Shared spaces that invite connection
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Fireside/ star gazing evenings
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Slow mornings
Group Size
This is a small, curated gathering.
Guest numbers are intentionally limited to preserve intimacy, depth and genuine connection.
You won’t be lost in a crowd — you’ll be welcomed at the table.
What’s Included
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3 nights luxury accommodation
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All plant-based meals and non alcoholic drinks
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Wines served at dinner time
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Guided cooking moments and shared table experiences
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Painting and creative sessions (materials included)
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Guided outing to Golden Gate
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Hosting and facilitation by Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay
A Final Word
This retreat isn’t about escaping your life.
It’s about remembering how you want to live it.
You’ll leave nourished, creatively sparked, and quietly changed — with new connections, full bellies, paint-splattered memories, and a deeper relationship with food, nature and yourself.
Pull up a chair.
The table is set.
FAQ SECTION
Do I need to be vegan?
This retreat is designed for vegans and plant-based guests, but open-hearted plant-curious humans are welcome — provided you’re happy to eat fully plant-based for the duration.
Do I need painting experience?
Absolutely not. This is about expression, not skill. Stick figures are welcome.
Is alcohol included?
The retreat focuses on non-alcoholic drinks. Wine is provided at dinner time. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine/ alcohol if they wish.
Is this a wellness or yoga retreat?
No. There is no yoga schedule, no detox, no pressure. This is a food-, creativity- and connection-led experience.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, curiosity, and an open heart.
How many people will attend?
Numbers are intentionally limited (approximately 8–12 guests) to maintain intimacy.
Is the retreat suitable for solo travellers?
Very much so. Many guests attend alone and leave with lifelong connections.
ABOUT VANESSA
Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay is a multi-award winning celebrated vegan chef, restaurateur, artist and storyteller, known for creating deeply nourishing food and experiences rooted in connection, creativity and soul. As the founder of NEKED Food and NEKED Retreats, she believes true luxury lies in presence, shared tables and meaningful moments.
A February Pause. A Return to What Matters.
The Retreat Programme
The NEKED Plant-based Lifestyle Retreat follows a gentle, spacious rhythm designed to nourish rather than overwhelm.
Guests are welcomed and held on arrival, then gradually invited into shared creation as the retreat unfolds.
What This Looks Like
Day One is about arriving.
Your first dinner is fully hosted — no cooking, no participation. Simply sit, eat, and exhale.
Days Two and Three each include one intentional kitchen co-creation moment — usually in the early evening — where guests are invited to help bring a meal together alongside Vanessa.
Participation is always optional and relaxed.
You may chop, stir, taste, plate — or simply observe with a glass in hand.
Every other meal is lovingly prepared and hosted for you.
The Flow
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Slow breakfasts
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Creative sessions
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Long, lingering lunches
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Free time to rest or explore
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One shared kitchen moment per day
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Candlelit dinners
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Fireside/ stargazing evenings
There is no rush, no pressure, and no expectation to perform.
This is luxury for the soul — where food, creativity and connection unfold naturally around the table.
The Programme at a Glance
4 Days / 3 Nights | Clarens, Free State
The NEKED Plant-Based Lifestyle Retreat unfolds gently over four days, allowing time to arrive, slow down, and truly settle into the experience.
Each day balances beautiful food, creativity, nature, rest, and connection, with plenty of spaciousness built in. Nothing is compulsory. Participation is always optional.
This is not a tightly scheduled retreat — it’s an invitation into a slower, more intentional rhythm of living.
Day 1 — Arrival & Grounding
Guests arrive late morning to a warm welcome, light grazing, and time to settle in.
A relaxed welcome lunch is shared, followed by a generous afternoon at leisure — to rest, unpack, read, or simply arrive.
The evening opens with a gentle opening circle before a fully hosted dinner. No cooking, no expectations — just nourishment and ease.
Day 2 — Create & Connect
The day begins with a slow breakfast, followed by a guided creative painting session. This is gentle, pressure-free, and open to everyone — no experience required.
After a long-table lunch and a spacious free afternoon, the evening centres around the kitchen. Vanessa begins with a relaxed food demonstration, sharing techniques, flavours, and inspiration. Guests are then welcome — but never required — to assist in preparing the evening meal in a social, unhurried way.
The day ends with dinner at the table, followed by a special evening of stargazing under the Clarens sky, weather permitting.
Day 3 — Nature & Celebration
After breakfast, guests head out for a gentle nature excursion to Golden Gate Highlands National Park, allowing time for presence, stillness, and connection with the landscape.
A picnic-style lunch is prepared for guests, followed by a quiet afternoon to rest or enjoy optional creative time.
The final evening includes another relaxed kitchen session beginning with a food demonstration, followed by a celebratory dinner — elegant, joyful, and unhurried.
Day 4 — Closing & Return
The retreat closes with a final breakfast and a gentle closing circle, allowing time to reflect, integrate, and prepare for the return home.
Departures take place late morning.
Note on the Experience
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All cooking sessions begin with a food demonstration
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Guest participation is always optional
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Free time is intentionally built into every day
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Times may flow gently — this is part of the retreat’s design
The NEKED Plant-Based Lifestyle Retreat is about being, not doing.
It’s an experience of living well — together, around the table.
Clarens & the Golden Gate Highlands
Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens is one of South Africa’s most beloved mountain villages — a place where time slows, creativity flourishes, and nature quietly takes centre stage. Known for its crisp air, golden light, and artistic soul, Clarens has long drawn writers, artists, chefs, and seekers looking for beauty without noise.
Just minutes away lies the breathtaking Golden Gate Highlands National Park — a protected wonderland of rolling grasslands, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and ever-changing skies. As the sun moves across the mountains, the rock faces shift from soft honey to deep gold, giving the park its name and its magic.
Walking through Golden Gate is a grounding experience. The landscape invites quiet reflection, gentle movement, and a deep sense of perspective. It’s not about conquering nature here — it’s about meeting it, slowly and respectfully.
Together, Clarens and the Golden Gate create a rare kind of setting: wild yet welcoming, expansive yet intimate. It’s the perfect backdrop for a retreat rooted in presence, connection, and nourishment — where the mountains hold the space, and everything else gently falls away.
RETREAT PRICING & BOOKING INFO
Investment
The NEKED Plant-bases Luxury Lifestyle Retreat is a boutique, intimate experience with limited availability.
Your investment includes:
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3 nights luxury accommodation in Clarens
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All plant-based meals and non-alcoholic drinks, wines at dinners
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Creative painting sessions (materials included)
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Guided nature excursion in The Golden Gate National Park
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One shared kitchen co-creation moment per day (Days 2 & 3)
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Hosting and facilitation by Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay
Pricing
Own/ Self Accommodation (breakfast excluded):
R7 900 per person
Shared Room:
R9 900 per person
Private Room:
R11 900 per person
(Limited availability for private rooms)
Private villa for your family or own group:
From R14 900
(min 4 guests)
Booking & Payment
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A 50 deposit secures your place at the table
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Balance payable 30 days prior to the retreat start date
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Spaces are strictly limited to preserve intimacy
Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive:
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A welcome email
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The Retreat Welcome Pack (PDF)
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Ongoing gentle guidance leading up to arrival
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. A limited number of payment plans are available. A 50% deposit secures your place,
with the remaining balance split into two instalments.
Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to the retreat.
Is there an additional fee for the payment plan?
No — this option is offered to make the retreat more accessible, not to penalise you.
Is This Retreat Right for You?
This retreat is for you if:
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You love plant-based food and shared meals
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You crave connection without pressure
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You enjoy creativity, nature, and slower living
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You value intimacy over crowds
This retreat may not be right for you if:
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You’re looking for a structured cooking course
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You want a packed schedule or wellness bootcamp
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You’re uncomfortable with communal dining
Ready to Join?
This retreat will fill quietly and intentionally.
👉 Reserve Your Seat at the Table
Book Your Spot
72 hr
9,900 South African rand72 hr
11,900 South African rand72 hr
7,900 South African rand72 hr
14,900 South African rand
Why This Retreat Is Worth It
This retreat is not about ticking boxes or following a programme.
It’s about being held in a space that has been intentionally created — where every detail, from the food to the flow of the days, is designed to nourish you without asking anything in return.
Here’s what makes The NEKED Table Retreat different:
You Are Not One of Many
This is a small, curated gathering.
With only a handful of guests, you’re not lost in a crowd — you’re welcomed at the table.
Intimacy allows conversations to deepen, connections to form naturally, and the experience to feel personal rather than performative.
Food Is Central — Not an Add-On
Food here isn’t fuel or a lesson.
It’s shared.
It’s slow.
It’s generous.
You’ll be nourished by beautifully prepared plant-based meals, and gently invited into the kitchen on selected evenings — not to “learn”, but to connect, taste, and participate in something meaningful.
Creativity Without Pressure
This retreat doesn’t ask you to be talented or productive.
Painting becomes a way to soften, express and explore — without outcomes, critique or comparison. Many guests arrive saying, “I’m not creative” and leave surprised by how much joy they found in simply playing.
Nature That Holds You
Clarens and the surrounding landscape offer a kind of stillness that doesn’t demand anything from you.
Gentle walks, wide skies, and time at Golden Gate provide space to breathe, reflect, and reset — without strenuous hikes or forced activity.
You Are Looked After
From the moment you arrive, you are held.
Most meals are fully hosted.
The first night requires nothing of you.
The programme flows gently, with space to rest, opt out, or lean in as you choose.
This is luxury defined not by excess — but by care.
Hosted With Heart
You are not attending a generic retreat.
You are being hosted — personally — by Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay, in a space shaped by years of creating tables where people feel safe, inspired and welcome.
This retreat carries her philosophy of food, creativity and connection into lived experience.
The Real Value
What you leave with cannot be itemised.
You’ll take home:
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A softened nervous system
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New rhythms around food and creativity
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A sense of belonging
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Connections that continue beyond the retreat
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A memory of how good it feels to live slowly
It is not:
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A detox
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A bootcamp
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A rigid schedule
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A cooking course
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A wellness checklist
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A place where you have to perform, share, or be “on”
There are:
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No early-morning alarms
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No pressure to participate
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No expectation to be productive
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No hierarchy or hustle
This retreat is:
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Intimate and intentionally small
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Rooted in shared meals and conversation
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Creative without judgement
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Spacious, gentle and human
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Hosted, not facilitated
You will be nourished.
You will be looked after.
You will be invited — never required.
This is a retreat for people who want to feel, not fix.
To connect, not consume.
To remember how good it feels to live slowly.
Meet Your Hosts
Why this retreat is held by people who have lived it
The NEKED Plant-Based Lifestyle Retreat is hosted by Vanessa Jarvis-Findlay and Daimon Findlay, founders and hands-on owners of the NEKED world in Clarens. This retreat is not a pivot. It is a culmination.
Vanessa’s journey to this table did not begin in wellness circles or curated retreat spaces. It began in the real world — in kitchens, in studios, in hospitals, in grief, in reinvention, and in choosing life again and again.
She is a multi award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and creative producer, but those titles only tell part of the story. Vanessa is also a cancer survivor, someone who has lived inside fear and come out the other side with clarity, humour, and a deep reverence for nourishment in all its forms. Food, for her, has never been about trend or restriction. It has always been about life force, pleasure, and connection.
She co-founded with her husband Daimon Findlay NEKED Food, the Clarens restaurant that went on to be recognised by the Restaurant Association of South Africa as one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the country, two years in a row, not in a vegan category, not as a novelty, but alongside South Africa’s most respected establishments. That recognition came not from gimmicks, but from years of standing on the floor, hosting guests personally, building a culture of generosity, and insisting that plant-based food could be beautiful, indulgent, joyful, and deeply human.
Alongside her life in food, Vanessa is also a South African Music Award-winning executive music producer, which explains something guests often feel before they can name it. She understands rhythm. Timing. Atmosphere. She knows when to gather people and when to leave them alone. When to turn the music up and when to let silence do the work. Hosting, for her, is choreography.
Daimon is her partner in life, business and in this work. Calm, grounded, and deeply present, a certified traditional doctor. He is a creative and accomplished Music Producer & DJ who understands energy in a way that cannot be taught. Where Vanessa brings spark and story, Daimon brings steadiness and space. Together, they create environments where people feel held without being managed, welcomed without being watched.
Their life together has included love, loss, rebuilding, and choosing simplicity after complexity. NEKED was never meant to be a brand in the traditional sense. It was meant to be a way of living honest, generous, playful, and rooted in place. Clarens became home not by accident, but by intention.
This retreat is an extension of that life.
It is not a performance.
It is not a programme you must keep up with.
It is four days and three nights of being welcomed into a rhythm that has been lived, tested, and refined over years.
When Vanessa and Daimon say “everything is taken care of”, they mean it because they have taken care of people before. Hundreds of them. Under pressure. With grace. With humour. With heart.
You are not attending an event.
You are being hosted.
And that, in the end, is the difference you can feel the moment you arrive.
REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY
Refund & Transfer Policy
The NEKED Plant-based Lifestyle Retreat
Due to the intimate nature of our retreats and the significant preparation involved, the following policy applies.
Deposits
All deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations by Guest
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More than 30 days before the retreat:
Your payment may be transferred to a future NEKED Retreat (subject to availability), minus a small administrative fee. -
Within 30 days of the retreat:
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. -
No-shows or early departures:
No refunds or credits apply.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
Cancellations by Host
In the unlikely event that the retreat is cancelled by the host due to unforeseen circumstances, all payments made will be fully refunded. The host is not responsible for additional costs such as flights or travel arrangements.
Transfers
Transfers are subject to availability and must be requested in writing. Transfers cannot be guaranteed and are offered at the host’s discretion.
Exceptional Circumstances
Requests due to medical emergencies will be reviewed compassionately on a case-by-case basis.
Final Note
This policy exists to protect the integrity of the retreat and ensure every guest receives a beautifully curated experience.
Thank you for understanding — and for honouring the table.