Travel With Purpose

Every stay creates connection. Travel differently and spend time in the communities that surround Bertha Retreat.

Children being read to during a Travel with Purpose visit

More than a retreat.

At Bertha Retreat, we believe that meaningful travel leaves both people and places better than they were found.

Our Travel with Purpose experiences invite guests beyond the retreat itself, creating opportunities to learn from local communities, contribute alongside them, and experience radical hospitality in action.

This isn’t about “giving back.”
It’s about showing up with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to connect.

Community Experiences

Our experiences are shaped in partnership with local communities and rooted in reciprocity, respect, and shared learning.

Volunteers painting and cleaning during a Travel with Purpose community clean-up

Community Clean-Up

Join residents of the nearby Ithemba community in cleaning and restoring shared spaces, promoting dignity, environmental care, and community pride.

Volunteers serving food at a Travel with Purpose soup kitchen

Soup Kitchen Volunteering

Help prepare and serve meals while spending time with local residents in a space built around care, conversation, and connection.

Children drawing together at Excelsior

Excelsior Pre-Primary School Engagement

Spend time reading, playing, and learning with children from farm worker families at Excelsior Pre-Primary School on Boschendal Wine Estate. Share stories, laughter and moments of joy.

Radical Hospitality in Action

We believe travel can be an act of solidarity. Every Travel with Purpose experience is rooted in respect, reciprocity, and relationships built over time with our neighbouring communities.

Our goal isn’t to “help.”
Our goal is to learn from one another.

Football on the field at Bertha Retreat with the mountains behind

Travel differently.

Experience Bertha Retreat beyond the mountains through meaningful encounters that connect people, place, and purpose.