They came, they stayed, and they loved the experience of it.

As promised, we said we would publish our journaled experiences as we welcomed our first guests to Harmonie. We hope you enjoy the read.

It was most certainly a busy few days leading up to this historic occasion, but it was spiced with lots of fun and smothered in tons of excitement!

At last the day of the arrival of our first guests dawned! After adding some little finishing touches to their suites, we were ready and listening out for the intercom. The sun had already set and we had set out some ingredients to make a delicious red cappuccino for our guests to enjoy once they had settled into their rooms. It was an honour to welcome: Anver and Carolyn; and Ahmed and Limia to Harmonie! The red cappuccino made with frothy cashew nut milk, delicately sweetened with honey and lightly dusted with cinnamon, was really well received. And after a short meet and greet, our guests, weary from the journey, retired for the night.

The warm summer sun heralded the day. After an early morning introductory “lymphasizing” or rebounding class (we will dedicate a separate blog to this in the near future), our guests had the opportunity to work with Tricia Hoffmann in the kitchen, learning how to make a most delicious and nutritious buckwheat cereal.

Fellowshipping around the breakfast table, while enjoying the fruits of our labour; was a special time getting to know our guests a little more. We had this opportunity again at lunch. Our guests were only too happy to get stuck in and help prepare the meals. This, they felt, equipped them with the knowledge and skill to attempt to make it, back at home.

The gardens at Harmonie at this time of year, are abuzz with insects and birds; and with most of the flowers in full bloom, the sight is breath-taking. Our guests enjoyed time by the pool, under the shade of the umbrellas surrounded by all the beautiful fauna and flora – relaxing and absorbing some vitamin D whilst reading. As the weather cooled down in the afternoon the steam room was enjoyed by some of our guests.

It was heart-warming to know that this place we have lovingly named, Harmonie is now a place where people (of all ages and from all walks of life) can come and retreat to revive, balance and sustain their lives.

It was sad to say our goodbyes at the end of the weekend, but we know it is not goodbye forever, as we had also made some wonderful new friends. What a joy to work with such peaceful, gracious people, with an eager willingness to learn and expand their own knowledge around wellness.

Dear Anver and Carolyn; Ahmed and Limia,

We at Harmonie extend our deepest thanks to you for taking a leap of faith, being game and making our work so enjoyable.

Yours in vibrant wellness

Tricia and Liesel of Harmonie xoxo

P.S.

We were thrilled to receive the below thank you letter from our inaugural guests:

"Dear Tricia and Liesel

Thank you once again for an incredible weekend, it was such a pleasure meeting you and Peter. We thoroughly enjoyed the fitness class, cooking demonstrations and of course the delicious raw vegan feasts that we were served.

We look forward to welcoming you for dinner when you are in Cape Town next month. Please let us know which day would be most convenient for you.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Carolyn and Limia."