bianka duka

a 6 day mountain, movement & wine retreat in franschhoek, south africa

Under The Sun in Franschhoek is a six-day immersion into the extraordinary. Nestled at the foot of the Franschhoek Mountains, Umami Mountain Retreat is a sanctuary built for escapes that feed the body, mind, and spirit. Step into this “French corner” of the Cape Winelands, where every evening brings wine from five of our favourite local estates, dinners glow with laughter, and magic unfolds around the fire.

Here, your days flow between yoga in nature on an elevated deck, deep evening sessions in the soulful Octagon, private cellar tours, and a curated day at Neil’s beloved Babylonstoren Wine Estate. Hike wild mountain trails, swim in the cool dam, linger over meals, and let the pace of life slow until you feel entirely at home — in your skin, in nature, and in community.

come as you are, and let it unfold.

This is a space to breathe. To move. To chant, float in a dam, share a meal, and simply be.
It’s about connection—body, breath, and each other. No expectations. No filters. Just real people, real nature, and the kind of joy that sneaks up quietly and stays with you.

WHY franschhoek, south africa?

The French corner of South Africa.
Nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Franschhoek mountains, this charming village was founded by French Huguenots in the 17th century and remains the heart of South Africa’s wine country.

umami mountain retreat

Where the elephants used to calf…

Umami Mountain Retreat is a 26-hectare nature lover’s paradise that flows directly into the untouched Franschhoek Nature Reserve.
The setting is majestic and unspoiled. As you enter Umami, you drop into the timeless tranquility of the land — a place designed to help you exhale deeply and reconnect with nature.

EXPECT
• Private pods tucked into forest paths and gardens
• A mountain-fed freshwater dam
• A sacred circular space called The Octagon
• A yoga deck suspended above the valley
• Shared fire circles, open kitchens, and star-filled skies

This is not luxury in the polished sense – it’s barefoot, grounded, honest beauty.

your host & instructor – bianka duka

Bianka Duka is a passionate Amsterdam based yoga guide dedicated to helping individuals embark on their journey inward through mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation. With deep influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions, Bianka creates an inclusive and nurturing space where everyone can explore their inner selves and connect with others. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes “working in” rather than “working out,” encouraging students to cultivate self-awareness and inner peace.

Bianka is known for her thoughtful integration of narrative and storytelling in her sessions, drawing inspiration from the likes of Ram Dass to enrich the yoga experience.

The retreat includes a ceremonial cacao celebration, where participants come together to honour their journey and embrace newfound connections. Bianka’s inclusive method ensures that every participant feels welcomed and empowered, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth  and transformation.

your host & personal chef – neil roake

Cooking delicious vegetarian meals inspired by his latest book, Castaway, Neil draws from a variety of island cuisines. Brunches and starlit dinners will transport you across culinary landscapes, hopping from Mediterranean islands to the vibrant flavors of South Africa, India and Southeast Asia. Expect an abundance of fresh ingredients and dishes that are both super tasty and visually stunning. Around the table or by the fire, meals become connection, storytelling, and laughter.

What’s included

5 nights / 6 days under the sun
• 2 daily yoga sessions with Bianka Duka
• Daily brunch & dinner plus all-day healthy snacks
• Local South African wine with dinner
• Welcome circle & cacao ceremony
• Farewell South African braai
• Day trip to Babylonstoren (Babel lunch optional, own cost)
Explore the gardens, wander the grounds, and (if you wish) enjoy a long, slow lunch at the renowned Babel Restaurant (own cost).
• Optional South African cooking lesson with Neil Roake.
Learn the art of the braai and create classics such as pap tart with chakalaka, peri-peri sauce, smoky roosterkoek, and marinated sosaties – an interactive, hands-on experience that ends with everyone sharing the feast.
Not included: flights, airport transfers, optional extras, lunch at Babel, personal travel insurance.

2025 Season

“Create it, and we let it happen, we watch it, breathe it, and feel it. As it comes, as it goes. Because it’s so much more than just a class. This is where the journey truly begins.”

PRICING & PACKAGES

Early Bird (book before 30 November 2025)
€1 200 – Shared Pod
€1,550 – Private Pod
Bring-a-Buddy Special: €2,100 for two in a Shared Pod (€1,050 each)

Standard (from 1 December 2025)
€1,400 – Shared Pod
€1,600 – Private Pod
Bring-a-Buddy Special: €2,300 for two in a Shared Pod (€1,150 each)