Brett Shuttleworth is pleased to announce the Olifants River Awakening Smiling Soul Retreat, which will take place from 19 to 21 September 2025, at the stunning Olifants River Lodge, only two hours from Johannesburg. Here's what you need to know about this experience.
Awaken Your Soul
This three-day transformational event, which takes place in the heart of the African bushveld, is Brett's 51st worldwide retreat and brings his idea of spiritual awakening and conscious living back to South Africa.
From a small-town farm child to a professional rugby player, international supermodel, Hollywood actor, and published book, Brett's life has been as diverse as it is inspirational. His greatest calling, however, came from his own inner quest for meaning: using the power of presence, purpose, and deep spiritual transformation to help others discover their true selves. This retreat isn't your typical one.
It's a soul-homecoming, a call to reconnect with your own self and escape the bustle of contemporary life. Participants will travel through Brett's 7 Sacred Miracles teaching framework, a life map for reawakening serenity, clarity, joy, and divine purpose, using his distinctive fusion of presence-driven facilitation, sacred ceremony, and introspective work. Immersed in nature, imbued with intention, and grounded in genuine connection, every Smiling Soul Retreat is crafted to be a living, breathing experience of transformation.
“Nature is the ultimate co-teacher,” says Brett. “The rivers, mountains, and skies reflect your higher self. They remind you who you are – and that reminder can change everything.”
Meet Co-Facilitator, Joe van Niekerk
Joe van Niekerk, a 50-cap Springbok rugby legend, Toulon Hall of Famer, and current Master Breathwork Facilitator and elite transformation specialist, is accompanying Brett on this transformative trip.
Joe's narrative is incredibly complex, spanning from the pinnacle of professional sportsmanship to a healing journey that has made him a respected authority on mind-body integration, conscious connected breathwork, and somatic trauma release. He has a unique perspective that allows him to promote profound transformation because of his remarkable path through sickness, bereavement, addiction, and spiritual awakening.
During the retreat, his breathwork travels will provide a profound somatic release experience that will uncover clarity, calmness, and inner strength.
More Than a Destination
Brett envisioned a new way of traveling the world, one where luxury and significance collide and travel becomes a means of personal growth, long before experiential travel became popular.
Brett's experiences, which range from opulent retreats in Bali to holy immersions in India and, more recently, one of his signature awakening retreats in South Africa, are made for people who want more than a vacation. They are for people who are prepared to awaken, grow, and enjoy life to the fullest.
“I had a dream of creating a retreat that would allow people to end their searching,” Brett reflects. “A place where they could fall back in love with life and create the reality of their grandest dreams.” This is exactly what the Olifants River setting offers: vast vistas, tranquility, soul-stirring beauty, and a potent energetic field that facilitates profound change.
What to Expect
- Brett Shuttleworth’s transformational 7 Sacred Miracles framework
- Transformational Breathwork session with Joe van Niekerk
- A symbolic canoe journey on the Olifants River to set powerful intentions
- A deeply healing fire ceremony for release and renewal
- Hojo – Japanese martial arts sword embodiment practice to align mind, body, and spirit
- Evenings of music, dance, and celebration for joyful integration
- Luxury accommodation, gourmet meals and a retreat workbook
Every element is intentionally designed to awaken transformation that lives on far beyond the weekend.
Why It Matters
More individuals are yearning for depth, quiet, and soul-space as the world becomes louder and faster. A fresh approach to travel is provided by experiential retreats such as this one, which are based on connection rather than consumption and awakening rather than escape.
“To me,” Brett says, “crossing the river from the outside world to the inside world is how you discover your true self. It’s about making the spiritual journey a living, joyful experience.”
For More Information
Visit retreats.smilingsoulcreations.com for bookings and more information.
Also, don't forget to follow Brett Shuttleworth and Smiling Soul Retreats on Facebook and Instagram: