Reconnect, Recharge, Rediscover
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected?
It's time to pause, breathe, and rediscover your path.
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Life's demands can leave us feeling lost, stressed, alone, and disconnected. But you don't have to face these challenges by yourself.
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If you're at a point where you're looking to improve key areas of your life and are ready to take steps toward becoming a better man for yourself and your family, Ikigai invites you to begin that journey with us.​
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Why this Retreat?
With Plettenberg Bay's natural beauty as our setting, this transformative day offers you the chance to:
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Step back from everyday life and distractions for self-care and personal renewal
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Nurture your mental and physical health
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Connect with, support, and learn from like-minded men
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Express vulnerability in a safe and non-judgemental space
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Observe your comfort zones and push past them
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Cultivate a clearer sense of purpose and gain clarity on your goals
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Learn practical tools to manage stress and boost confidence
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Gain fresh perspectives on your challenges and build resilience
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Reconnect with your inner warrior and tap into your core strength
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Create space for introspection and personal growth
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Renew your motivation and drive
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Enhance your relationships through greater self-understanding​
Unique and Purpose-Driven
From mindful movement to introspective practices and meaningful conversations, our retreat offers a full day with every element carefully designed to foster growth, connection with self and others, and self-reflection.
Plant Medicine
Unconventional and transformative experiences through the purposeful and intentional use of plant medicine, fostering profound mindset shifts
Connecting & Bonding
An opportunity to form bonds and collaborate with like-minded men who have the courage to show vulnerability and compassion
Introspection & Mindfulness
Journey within through activities such as yoga, breathwork, meditation, cold plunges, mindful eating, journaling, mindful hikes, etc.
Coaching
Coaching by facilitators and guest speakers on topics such as resilience, relationships, inner strength, limiting beliefs, health & nutrition, business, etc.
Physical Training
Mindful workouts and MMA sessions that focus on the mind-body connection in an outdoor forest training facility
Reconnect with Nature
Immerse yourself in stunning locations teeming with fauna, flora, and plant life, while enjoying the fresh air and grounding yourself
This isn't just another day out. It's a chance to breathe easier, rejuvenate, find clarity, and embrace inner strength.​
Did you know that the leading cause of death in men under 45 is suicide? Men are expected to "man up", be tough, and hide their emotions for fear of coming across as weak. This means that they are not encouraged to speak up and share when they are struggling, which can have a profoundly negative impact on their mental health. Whilst not a magic bullet, our retreat offers a safe, judgment-free environment where men can openly express their feelings, share their struggles, and connect with others facing similar challenges.
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Our retreat is for men from all walks of life who are:
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Seeking balance in a fast-paced world
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Experiencing mental health challenges and looking for healthy ways to express emotions and vulnerabilities
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Looking to break free from stress and routine
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Feeling stuck or lost and seeking inner clarity and direction
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Open to new experiences and perspectives
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Ready to invest in their mental and physical well-being
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Wanting to connect with and form meaningful bonds with other men
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Professionals and business owners looking to recharge and gain new insights
Who is this For?
Community
We understand that a one-day retreat isn't a quick fix for life's challenges. That's why we're committed to building a lasting community. After the retreat, you'll be invited to join our larger group of past participants, and every 4-8 weeks, we organise events like hikes or beach braais, giving you regular chances to connect, share, and bond.
This ongoing community serves two important purposes: it provides you with a wider support network of like-minded men you can turn to when needed, and it offers opportunities for you to support others in return. By staying connected, we help ensure the positive effects of the retreat continue long after the day is over.
Our Next Event
Men's Mindful Plant Medicine Retreat
Dates:
Saturday 9th - Sunday 10th November 2024
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Location:
Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape
Cost:
R4,600 per person
What's Included?
1 night shared glamping accommodation
Fully catered with meals and beverages
Facilitated physical and mindful activities
Plant medicine
Coaching and integration
Post-retreat support
Bonus gift
Why Ikigai
“Ikigai” is the Japanese concept of “a reason to live.” We believe you were put on this earth to cultivate your ikigai and live a life that brings you joy and fulfilment.
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At our retreat, we provide a safe and supportive space for men to embark on a journey of learning, self-discovery, and connection. These lessons will help individuals reignite their purpose and build resilience to better manage life's challenges.
Our space is not for ego or judgement; it is for acceptance and compassion.
Authenticity is at the heart of this retreat. We seek to work with men who aspire to become better humans, for themselves and those around them.
Meet the Team
The reason we do this work is because we have been called on to serve others. Sure, we get to play and learn in awesome company, but that is not the (main) reason we started this business.
We have a shared passion for making a real and lasting impact on other people’s lives, giving back to our communities, and learning from and connecting with incredible humans, all while having an amazing time. That is our ikigai.
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Ikigai Retreats is led by two committed and driven individuals who feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve you.
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Jonathan Bedeman was a pro-am Muay Thai and professional MMA fighter who held the record as the youngest MMA fighter in Africa at 17 years old. At the age of 19, he fought in Greece in the 2002 Muay Thai World Championships and finished with a silver medal. In 2010, during his 9-year residence in Dubai, he claimed the title of UAE Super Middle Weight champion. Having initially been involved in the fitness industry, Jonathan transitioned into corporate roles, eventually overseeing a property portfolio and luxury car rental business in Dubai. In addition to his athletic and corporate pursuits, Jonathan is a qualified chef and personal trainer, as well as an entrepreneur, having leveraged his skills to establish a successful home renovations business in Plettenberg Bay.
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Patsy Horianos has been Jonathan's wife for 16 years and is also his business partner. She spent time at a firm in Johannesburg after graduating with a law degree, and has been in corporate roles since 2008 when she and Jonathan moved to Dubai - a honeymoon turned long-term relocation. She has built her career in the executive search industry and contributed as a writer for the career column in the Middle East Cosmopolitan magazine. She holds a project management certification, her area of expertise, alongside qualifications as a life coach and personal trainer. She also holds a qualification in psychotropic plants, an area she is passionate about. Patsy has always had an interest in fitness and movement, and enjoyed dancing from a young age, eventually dancing professionally for her university and provincial rugby dance teams. ​
How we Aim to Support
In addition to supporting local service providers and businesses, we also aim to back community initiatives through funding and volunteer work with our participants when possible. We strongly believe in the principle: if you can give, you must.
Get In Touch
To learn more about our retreats and the transformative experience on offer, please feel free to reach out to us on the contact details below.
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Jonathan - 079 453 7006 | Patsy - 076 640 4998