In Pursuit of Joy 

A Luxury Day Retreat with Alexandra Tylee & Kate McLeay at Cape South

Saturday 1 February 2025 9:30am to 4:30pm

“Joy is an act of resistance.” Toi Derricotte

A Note from Kate about this event

“I first met local legend Alexandra well over a decade ago when we moved to Hawke’s Bay. At the time, I was teaching yoga, and she quickly became both a dedicated student and a dear friend. In 2015, Alexandra played a pivotal role in launching my wellness retreat journey, inviting me to host day retreats with her at her beautiful home in Poukawa. The rest is history.

When Alexandra recently suggested curating a one-off event together, it was an easy and wholehearted ‘yes.’ Alexandra’s perspective on life is truly unique, shaped by her fascinating journey and sparklingly thought-provoking insights. Her pursuit of joy amidst life’s intensities, including the profound loss of her son, Zeus, is deeply inspiring.

I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our shared passions for mindfulness, creativity, and connection with others.”

CELEBRATE JOY ❤️ EMBRACE SIMPLICITY ❤️ IGNITE CREATIVITY

Immerse yourself in a day of soulful connection, inspriation, and renewal at the serene Cape South. Guided by Alexandra Tylee and Kate McLeay, this intimate retreat invites you to rediscover the beauty in life’s simple moments through mindfulness, relaxation, plant-based living, and the joy of slowing down.

You will leave this retreat feeling more energised, resilient, connected, nurtured, relaxed, mindful, inspired & most importantly oh so good! 

WHEN & WHERE

WHAT TO BRING

COST & HOW TO BOOK

Want to know more - read on … 

Programme

“ Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”   Thich Nhat Hanh

❤️ Welcome & Grounding Meditation with Alexandra & Kate 

Begin the day with a warm welcome, the calming ritual of tea, and a grounding meditation inspired by nature. This gentle practice, led by Kate and Alexandra, sets the tone for connection, presence, and peace.

❤️ Five Treasures Qi Gong & Meeting the Land with Kate

Explore a meditative movement practice rooted in ancient Chinese traditions. This gentle Qi Gong session will guide you to connect with the energy of the land, creating a harmonious flow between mind, body, and nature.

❤️ “Garden to Plate” Cooking Workshop  with Alexandra

Join Alexandra in crafting nourishing, plant-based dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients from Cape South’s organic gardens. This hands-on workshop blends culinary artistry with simple, sustainable techniques to inspire your kitchen creations.

❤️ Sound Bowl & Guided Relaxation Session with Kate

Let Kate guide you through a deeply restorative session with sound bowls and guided relaxation. The soothing vibrations and gentle guidance will help you release tension, quiet your mind, and connect with inner peace.

❤️ Plant-Based Lunch by Alexandra 

Savour a delicious, seasonal lunch prepared with love and care. Relish the rich flavours of Cape South’s organic produce while embracing the ethos of “garden to plate.”

❤️ Time for Reflection & Exploration

Unwind in Cape South’s tranquil spaces. Take time to journal, swim, sauna, explore the gardens, browse the crystal shop or simply enjoy the serene surroundings. This is your opportunity for quiet contemplation and personal renewal.

❤️ Talk: “Walking in Beauty, Resilience, and Grace” with Alexandra 

Hear Alexandra’s heartfelt reflections on living with purpose, finding beauty in the everyday, and navigating life’s challenges. Her stories of resilience, creativity, and finding joy in simplicity will leave you inspired and uplifted.

❤️ Still Life & Meditation Walk with Kate

Take a mindful walk through Cape South’s lush gardens. As you view Cape South’s natural treasures, Kate will guide you to connect with the day’s gifts and the art of appreciating the present moment.

❤️ Closing Meditation & Reflection Circle with Alexandra and Kate 

Conclude the retreat with a heart-centred meditation, followed by any reflections. Anchor in your insights, gratitude, and the day’s highlights and embed them with ti to take with you 

❓Why Attend?

This retreat offers a day of restoration, inspiration, and connection—a gift to yourself. Rediscover joy, embrace simplicity, and awaken to life’s beauty at Cape South.

✅ Booking Details

Spaces are limited to maintain the intimacy of the experience. Secure your place today and join us for a transformative day of creativity, mindfulness, and nourishment.

📍 Booking Conditions- Please note day retreat payments are no refundable. If you book and life happens in a different wave and for some reason you are unable to attend you are welcome to send someone in your place. Should you wish us to endeavour to fill your place and we can we will give you a full refund less a service fee of 15%. 

💎 About Alexandra Tylee

Alexandra Tylee is a celebrated former restaurateur, chef, still-life artist, and author. Known for her award-winning work at Pipi Café and her evocative cookbooks, Alexandra brings a deep appreciation for simplicity, nature, and creativity to all she does.

Inspired by her great-aunt Marion Tylee, a contemporary of the Bloomsbury Group, Alexandra’s still-life art reflects her ability to find beauty in the everyday. Her most recent exhibition, guided by the Navajo prayer Walking in Beauty, embodies her belief in the transformative power of slowing down.

Having faced profound loss with the passing of her second son, Zeus, Alexandra openly shares her journey through grief and healing, offering wisdom and warmth that inspire others to reconnect with what truly matters.

💎 About Kate McLeay

Kate McLeay is a wellness mentor, yoga teacher, and retreat leader dedicated to creating transformative spaces for mindfulness, connection, and healing. With years of experience guiding individuals and groups, Kate blends ancient wisdom with modern practices to inspire deep transformation and inner peace.

Known for her warmth and authenticity, Kate incorporates meditation, yoga, and mindfulness into her retreats, helping participants reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Her passion for community, creativity, and living with intention is woven into every experience she facilitates.

Kate is a co-creator at Cape South, where she leads luxury retreats and wellness weekends designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Her holistic approach and commitment to empowering others make her an inspiring and grounding presence throughout this retreat.

💎 About Cape South

Cape South is a luxurious wellness retreat nestled in the rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay. Known for its timeless beauty and tranquil surroundings, it offers a sanctuary for rest, rejuvenation, and reconnection to nature.

Affectionately called The Grand Duchess of Cape South, this lovingly restored estate features lush organic gardens, a serene mineral pool, and wellness facilities designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit. Here, simplicity meets elegance, creating a setting for transformation and renewal.

Whether exploring the grounds, savouring garden-to-table meals, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, Cape South invites you to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the beauty of life’s quieter moments.