THE QUEST
Find your way.
Life pulls us into a game.
We bend and twist to meet expectations, playing along to cover old wounds, to feel accomplished, to silence those critical voices echoing in our minds. Yet, often, we fail.
The Heart Quest
The Heart Quest, set in the serene landscape of Franschhoek, South Africa, is a 12-day or 4 day retreat inspired by the wisdom of ancient traditions. It offers a journey of deep self-inquiry, designed to help you peel back the layers, moving away from your ego and sinking into the true essence of your heart.
Franschhoek, South Africa
Limited to 8 participants
A space for
founders,
builders
& creators
In our heart of hearts, we all know our unique way.
This is why advice from others seldom seems to hit the spot or ring true. Deep down we know we are capable, and indeed compelled, to unearth our truth.
Just You & Nature
The Solo
At the core of this experience is a solo on the Franschhoek mountains.
After deep preparation, where you immerse yourself in nature and circle work, you head into solitude with no phone, no watch, no distraction. Just a journal, a pen, basic gear, and the elements. You fast, except for water, allowing space for raw self-reflection.
Circles & Stories
We, as humans, are natural storytellers, weaving narratives to make sense of our lives. And our instinct for ritual helps us mark pivotal moments on our journeys. Spending 12 days in nature provides a chance to shed the distractions of modern society and rediscover your authentic self.
The Quest amplifies our innate ability to find meaning and create rituals, which are shared and processed within a circle, a safe gathering where participants witness and honour each other's stories.
For centuries, those seeking wisdom have turned to nature, silence, and solitude. We are experienced guides in this ancient practice. With gentle, loving care, we hold a space where you can safely embark on this inward journey, each step along the way.
Come join us on a quest to reconnect with the wisdom of your heart and find your path.
The Journey
The goal is simple: to help you meet your truest self, perhaps for the first time, and understand who you are meant to become.
Quests like these are especially powerful when life brings you to a crossroads, a new chapter, or a need to release the old to make way for the new.
They act as both markers and tools for discernment, helping you find clarity in decision-making and purpose.
The 4 day Quest consists of:
1 1/2 days of preparation through nature experiences and circle work for self-discovery
1 day and night of solo fasting in the mountains
1/2 day of integration and storytelling,
6 online circles across six months to deepen and solidify the process.
The 12 day Quest consists of:
4 days of preparation through nature experiences and circle work for self-discovery
4 days and nights of solo fasting in the mountains
3 days of integration and storytelling,
Breathwork, light yoga, and Biodanza, facilitated by experienced practitioners.
A one-hour, individual session with a clinical psychologist as part of the integration.
6 online circles across six months to deepen and solidify the process.
Limited to 8 participants per Quest
Meet your guides
Simon Bowley
Lead
Simon once climbed the corporate ladder to become CEO of a major clothing retailer. But this life didn’t fit, and he left to seek something deeper. Discovering the ancient tradition of the Vision Quest he refined it into the Heart Quest, an approach to self-inquiry. He subsequently founded the Heart Quest Foundation which provides at-risk youth the opportunity to be guided on this process. He has since guided hundreds of people through this transformational ceremonial process.
Pierre du Plessis
Co-Lead
Pierre has spent over 20 years in spirituality and human development. Skilled in retreats and meditation, he has facilitated countless individuals in their journeys of self-discovery. By day, Pierre is a strategist, helping businesses navigate their futures. The rest of his time is dedicated to studying and guiding founders on their next steps.
How do I join?
Dates for 2025 and 206 to be announced.
UMAMI Retreat, Franschhoek, South Africa
Please get in touch with us to apply to join the next quest by completing the form.
The Quest is Limited to 8 participants, please apply early.
We will set up an online call or in-person meeting with Pierre.
The goal of the conversation would be to discern together whether the Quest is the right path for you at this point in your life, share some of the practicalities, and answer your questions.
Pricing
4 day Quest
International: EUR 2,500
South African Citizens: ZAR 32,500
12 day quest
International: EUR 7,500
South African Citizens: ZAR 95,000
Excluding VAT & Travel to Franschhoek
40% of the fee goes to support the Heart Quest Foundation to provide the same transformative experience to at-risk South African youth.
(Prices subject to change)
FAQs
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No specific preparations are required; we will ensure you are ready.
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Safety measures are rigorously followed, and in over a decade, no participant has ever been injured.
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We spend time before the solo preparing you emotionally, equipping you to sit with whatever may arise during your solo, and allowing it to teach you rather than overwhelm you. This shift in awareness can change how you relate to yourself and your life. After the solo, each participant will have a one-hour private session with a clinical psychologist to help process the experience.
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Yes, the Quest does have a spiritual dimension, but it is completely non-denominational. Participants are encouraged to engage with it from their own spiritual or religious traditions if they have any. The experience is designed to be inclusive and adaptable to all personal beliefs, fostering a deeper connection to self and the world around.
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Groups are limited to 8 participants and are co-ed, ensuring a close, supportive environment.
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Yes, both men and women can join on the Quest, though sometimes the group might end up consisting of only men or only women.
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To deepen the retreat experience, all phones will be handed in at the start of the 12 days and returned on the final day. An emergency contact number will be provided so that participants' families can reach them if necessary.
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This tradition invites you to face your ego and challenges without the use of plants or any stimulants. While we respect those practices and traditions, they are not part of this particular retreat.
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Catering: Full healthy catering is provided by an experienced chef, inform us of any dietary requirements.
Kit to bring: Sleeping bag, mat, warm clothes, hiking shoes, water bottle, torch, sunscreen, journal, and pen. A full kit list will be provided.
Kit supplied: Tarp, paracord, small plastic trowel, shade sail, small clasp knife.
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Travel to and from Franschhoek is excluded. Please organise this for yourselves or share the transport.
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After the Quest there will be a period of six months where the Circle of participants will continue to meet either in Cape Town or online, once a month to reflect on and deepen the experience. These will be facilitated by Pierre.
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40% of the fee supports the Heart Quest Foundation, allowing at-risk South African youth to experience this transformative journey.
South African Citizens: ZAR 95,000 (ex VAT)
Non-South African Citizens: EUR 7,500A 50% Payment is required to secure your spot, and the balance is to be settled 30 days before the Quest.
50% of the amount paid will be refunded in case of cancellation up to 30 days before the Quest, thereafter no refund will be made.
Rediscover the wisdom of your heart.
Find your way.
The Heart Quest Foundation
The Heart Quest Foundation is a Non-Profit Organisation which was founded in 2012. It provides nature based programs promoting self-help, self-awareness and self-empowerment.
The Foundation’s programs strongly promote capacity building, life skills development, general economic upliftment and environmental awareness
