With over 30 years of experience let us help you activate the natural self-healing and balancing powers and processes in your body.
Nestled in the beautiful, unspoilt and tranquil Kleinemonde River Valley near Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa – the St Francis Health Centre with its magical, unique ambience and philosophy of balanced wellness and health, is the ideal retreat for anyone. We are specialists in stress relief, burnout management, weight loss assistance, fatigue and natural healing through a vision of therapeutic, preventative health measures, all while embracing nature’s bountiful beauty and support as an environment conducive to your wellbeing.
Our dedication and focus are on the restoration journey to balance through treatments that are individually personalised within the available wellness retreats. Having exceptionally skilled and experienced therapists, our commitment to your well-being is through consultation and a programme that focuses on holistic principles, blending both ancient wisdom and modern expertise under the management, support and guidance of our specialist health practitioner.
Our current range of health and wellness retreats (3-, 6- and 10-Day plus our monthly 3-Day Nature Cure breakaway) are carefully curated to deliver the best outcomes for every guest, with a choice of either our detox or immune boosting eating plans, both of which have benefits to reach the goal of better balance, wellness and health of mind, body, heart and soul. These esteemed programmes ensure a life-changing health reset and impactful rejuvenation supported by nourishing vegetarian meals, herbal teas, ‘pure’ water, ‘clean’ air and a range of treatments including gentle massages and reflexology. In addition, we offer numerous other therapies (e.g. Ozone therapy, Acudetox, RIFE energy healing, Bioptron light, Iridology and a range of beauty ‘spoils’ such as Hydradermie, Moor and Guinot Facials, manicure/pedicure and waxing) that can be added to your daily program at an additional cost.
We also encourage our guests to detox from electronic devices for a greater impact. The shorter retreats are ideal ‘stress busters’ while the longer options consolidate total rejuvenation and weight loss. Each one supports your journey to a healthier, happier you!
All our retreats include daily healing treatments and activities, such as aqua aerobics in our indoor heated pool plus yoga and meditation on certain days while being surrounded by nature’s rejuvenating embrace, promising to leave you refreshed and inspired.
Our Healing Haven, named in honour of St Francis of Assisi who is the patron saint of ecology, exists within his qualities of being humble, gentle, kind and nature loving while remaining in the space of unconditional love which is the inspiration and at the heart of what we stand for.
Founded in 1987 by Anneliese Cowley, we remain dedicated to her philosophy on stillness and simplicity and her deeply rooted faith in the divinity she saw reflected in each guest. Her mantra lives within and everything to do with the St Francis Health Centre – ‘Whatever you do and wherever you go, carry with you love and gratitude.’
The thought and knowledge that Mrs Cowley put into the design of the St Francis Health Centre is mindful and pure. The layout of the buildings, along with their light energy and colours and the gardens’ landscaping are designed to create a sense of tranquillity for those in them. The property boasts a generous diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, flora and fauna which can be explored via our marked-out walking trails. A walk down to the West Kleinemonde River will take you past a small orchard of pecan nut and citrus trees to a tranquil spot on the riverbank while the other short trails reveal breathe-taking views of the river valley, the small dams and the indigenous vegetation of the area – a true sensory experience. Abundant birdlife and the opportunity to see shy Nyala, Bushbuck and Scrub Hare on our property are testament to the safe, quiet space we have created.
Two significant features on the property include our permanent Labyrinth and The Sanctuary. Our labyrinth is a Chartres Cathedral (France) replica with weekly guided walks facilitated for our guests. At its most basic level, the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey of life. It is also a three-stage pilgrimage to the centre of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are. Entering signifies cleansing, emptying and letting go (releasing) and deals with the past. Time in the centre signifies a time of focus, introspection and inspiration (receiving) and deals with the present. Walking out signifies integration, action, being grounded, becoming energised and empowered (reflecting) and deals with the future. This journey takes place in a safe space created by sacred geometry where the circular shape signifies wholeness and unity. Rose quartz strategically placed brings unconditional love and protection to those who walk our labyrinth. Walking our labyrinth is an exercise of body, mind and spirit.
The Sanctuary is a sacred space where you will find peace, stillness and silence, providing the opportunity for deep inner reflection and meditation. The design of the building is based on a profoundly mystical geometric configuration called the ‘Grace’ and the walls are painted violet which is a high spiritual vibration colour. The final key in the design is the Golden Ratio which underlies proportions in nature and ancient architecture. In The Sanctuary this proportion is reflected in the dimension of the building’s square sides in relation to its height (floor to pyramid apex) – 1:1.618.
The St Francis Health Centre is located on the 300-hectare Ford’s Party Farm property in the heart of the Sunshine Coast near Port Alfred and Bathurst and is straddled between the upper catchments of the West Kleinemonde and Riet rivers. The region has a temperate climate with temperatures seldom going above 27°C or below 7°C with more recorded sunshine hours than anywhere else in the country. Situated between summer (East London) and winter (Port Elizabeth) rainfall regions, rainfall is experienced throughout the year.
We look forward to being your partner on your path to health and wellness through your choice of retreat and to welcoming and hosting you at The Healing Haven we call home.
THE HEALING HAVEN
St Francis Health Centre
WhatsApp/Call: 082 718 2169
www.stfrancishealthcentre.co.za
