Taste of Wellness in a Perfect Winter Destination
Kenton-on-Sea on South Africa’s Eastern Cape coastline is often seen as a summer holiday spot. But, winter in this coastal town is just as appealing for many reasons. With mild weather, quiet beaches, and a slower pace, it’s the perfect winter destination for rest and reflection.
This June, Kenton hosts A Taste of Wellness, a five-day festival focused on movement, nourishment, and practical approaches to wellbeing.
The festival combines yoga and Pilates sessions, talks on health and emotional resilience, hands-on workshops, and cooking classes, offering a holistic and accessible wellness experience.
The festival runs from 18 to 22 June, and bookings are available for a single day or the full five. Each day is structured around movement sessions, informative talks, and practical workshops, with enough space built in for rest and personal time.
What to Expect at A Taste of Wellness
The Taste of Wellness programme runs across five days. The schedule includes yoga, Pilates, workshops, talks, and evening sessions to support physical and mental wellbeing. The structure is clear, but there’s enough flexibility to make your choices throughout the day.
Each morning starts with movement and options include Hatha, Vinyasa, Yoga Sculpt, and Pilates. The sessions vary in intensity, but all focus on mobility, strength, and connection to breath.
The mid-morning talks cover a wide range of topics. You’ll find sessions on the link between the nervous system and fascia, the role of gut health in immunity and mood, and how to support hormonal shifts through diet and movement. There are also more introspective sessions, like an introduction to the science of emotions or the value of self-compassion in daily life.
Afternoons offer hands-on workshops and food-focused sessions. These include plant-based cooking demos, an introduction to using herbs and spices for gut health, and a session on the basics of psilocybin microdosing. Other workshops cover journalling, dreamwork, and emotional processing using somatic tools. There’s also a focus on everyday skills—like bodyweight training you can do at home, or strategies for staying calm under pressure.
Evenings wind down with meditation, sound therapy, free movement, or restorative yoga—quiet sessions designed to help you rest and integrate the day.
You can attend the full festival or choose individual days, depending on your schedule. Sessions are small, and the overall pace is manageable, with time built in for breaks, rest, and reflection.
Why Kenton is the Winter Destination You Didn’t Know You Needed
Kenton-on-Sea is quieter in winter than during the December rush, but still draws plenty of visitors, especially during the mid-year school break. It’s busy enough to feel lively, without the pressure of peak season. You’ll find it easier to move around, explore the coastline, and book activities without planning too far ahead.
Winter on the Eastern Cape coast is mild and mostly dry. Daytime temperatures sit between 18°C and 22°C, with cooler nights dropping to around 8°C. Cold fronts do roll through now and then, but they’re short and manageable. The ocean cools to around 17–19°C, still warm enough for a surf or quick swim, and most days are clear and sunny, great for being outdoors without the summer heat.
There’s plenty to do, from hiking the trails at Woody Cape to enjoying river cruises on the Kariega or Bushmans Rivers. It’s also the ideal season for a bit of lighthearted competition—gather some friends for a social game of padel at Volo, then linger over drinks or lunch under the trees.
When it comes to the food scene, Kenton’s reliable favourites are always worth a visit. Enjoy a lingering meal at Stanley’s, a local institution, with sweeping river views, or tuck into something comforting at The House Kitchen, renowned for their irresistible cheesecake, served with berry compote and creme fraiche.
The pace is slower this time of year, but there’s still plenty going on. If you’re planning a longer stay or want ideas for things to do while you’re here, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Kenton on Sea.
Where to Stay and What to Pack
Kenton-on-Sea has plenty of accommodation, but The Oyster Collection’s seven houses are especially convenient if you’re attending the festival. Each one is fully equipped, comfortably furnished, and within easy reach of the venues. You can choose a self-catering setup or opt for breakfast included.
Kitchens have everything you need for longer stays—fridge, gas hob, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. Firewood, teas, and ground coffee are provided. Daily housekeeping is included, and all properties have Wi-Fi, off-street parking, and security systems. Families with young children can request extras like a cot, high chair, or pool netting.
Between festival sessions, there’s time to explore. You can walk the beaches, paddle on the river, or head out to a nearby reserve. Massage bookings and other local treatments are also available if you’re looking for extra downtime.
Pack comfortable clothes for movement sessions, a few layers for cooler evenings, and a notebook if you like writing things down. The schedule is full but flexible, and Kenton makes it easy to switch off and settle in.
Come for the Wellness, Stay for the Wonder
A Taste of Wellness is a chance to step away from routine and reconnect with what supports your wellbeing, through movement, rest, and practical tools you can take home with you. Held in one of South Africa’s most underrated winter destinations, the festival offers a clear, well-paced programme in a setting that encourages a slower rhythm.
To make the most of your time in Kenton, book your stay with The Oyster Collection. Each property is well located, comfortably appointed, and ready for a relaxed, restorative winter break.