4 minutes read

Barefoot Luxury Yoga Retreat

by Alice McBride
Retreat Coordinator

Barefoot luxury is that perfect combination of the most sought after reasons for travel. It’s where adventure and the authentic rugged roots of travel meet the comfort and premium feel that typically is only found in luxury hotels. It’s that sweet spot that we’ve all been searching for, and it’s really shaking things up.

At its core barefoot luxury is really all about appreciating the more subtle luxuries in life, being in the present moment, soaking up and embracing authentic experiences, and connecting to your environment.

Tanzania retreat collage

It emphasises a genuine respect for nature and appreciating things on a much more local level, such as, enjoying local food and produce, embracing local culture, and simply getting to know local people.

This reimagining of ‘luxury travel’, focuses on the luxuries that really matter, connecting with nature, connecting with yourself, and connecting with real people.

Barefoot Luxury at Origins Africa Retreat

At Origins Africa Yoga Retreat it was really important for us to create a space that reflected this notion of barefoot luxury, as these are values we’ve held closely since dreaming up the idea.

Our focus is to create a space where human connection thrives, nature is respected and embraced, local people and cultures are celebrated, and comfort is nurtured.

Our retreat is located in the central highlands of Tanzania, perched on the hilltops, and nestled in nature. It’s away from the typical tourist trail, and really does boost an authentic connection with the rhythm of life here in Tanzania.

Human Connection

Human connection is at the centre of our ethos and we’ve designed the retreat in a way that emphasises this. Our communal dining areas at our retreat are designed as a space to connect with others and really get to know one another. Centred around the life old concept of the kitchen table, we lean into these ideas of togetherness, connecting with each other, and enjoying nutritious and delish meals together. Think sitting down as one big family and enjoying local produce cooked by our in-house chef.

Feeling supported by us is something we take very seriously here. We are a small team of people who care, not a big travel company but a team of dedicated real people. We are here for you, providing you the comfort and support that sometimes is difficult to find.

We will be with you every step of the way from planning your dream retreat to being out in Tanzania with you. You can just sit back and relax and know we got you!

The Environment and Sustainability

Respecting the environment we have been entrusted with has been fundamental to our retreat so far and will continue to be at the forefront of our mission here as we grow.

Origins Africa Barefoot Luxury Chalet

Origins Africa Barefoot Luxury Chalet

We will be fully off-grid at our retreat using solar power for access to electricity and solar thermal water heaters for our access to hot water. Reverse osmosis water systems will be installed eliminating the need for plastic bottles and reducing water wastage. This creates both a more sustainable way and comfortable way to access these resources.

At Origins Africa Yoga Retreat you can really soak up all the nature that surrounds you from the moment you step into the retreat. Wander through our lush gardens, discover indigenous species, and unwind.

Adventures and Experiences

Barefoot luxury at its core is seeking life’s subtle luxuries, luxuries that are not manufactured but real ones, human connection, local people, and nature. We pride ourselves in NOT being just another retreat, but a place where you can truly delve into these luxuries.

Go visit the local markets, tribal villages, and go on safari. We offer a range of adventures and experiences at Origins Africa all designed to give you a real step into Tanzania. Meet the local Maasai tribe, see how people really live, go spot big animals and even sleep in the bush for the night.

Comfort of your Sanctuary

The chalet accommodation has been crafted with real thought, style, and intention. Carefully designed to inspire a connection with the wild and serene environment that surrounds it.

Our chalets are dotted around the retreat, built using sustainably sourced local materials and by local people. The interiors are designed using a combination of chic minimalism and bold African prints, each piece created by skilled local artisans.

Get lost in your practice in either of our two purpose built yoga facilities. At Origins Africa we have both an indoor yoga studio and outdoor yoga deck. Our studio features floor to ceiling windows and continues to establish a connection with nature from within.

The outdoor yoga deck perched on the highest point of the retreat provides panoramic views of the surrounding valley – feel the sun kiss your skin as you connect to your practice and those around you.

Our Retreat provides a sanctuary to let go of the day, to unwind, feel connected with nature, and spark human connections, ultimately designed to mirror the very heart of barefoot luxury.

Change it up

The term barefoot luxury is becoming BIG, and really shaking things up for the tourism industry. At Origins Africa we are advocates for stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing something new and exciting, something real and authentic. Ultimately we believe our Barefoot luxury retreat creates that perfect sweet spot we’ve all been searching for.

Article by Alice McBride
Retreat Coordinator

Alice is one of our lead authors, sharing her passions for yoga, barefoot luxury and human connections through her writings.

Alice is also a Retreat Coordinator here at Origins Africa, helping yoga teachers and group leaders curate their own very individual experiences of this wonderful place.

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