Amid the madness of the summer season, we all need a little downtime. Somewhere to feel a little more grounded. Perhaps with a little yoga to bring us back down to earth, after the craziness of 2023.
On the slopes of the Helderberg in the Somerset Winelands, a new attraction on Lourensford estate aims to do just that. But claustrophobes may want to look away now.
While some may call it just a hole in the ground, the EARTHBOX is envisaged as so much more than that.
Although it is essentially an unadorned underground chamber, it has been created as a subterranean well-being experience. During each 90-minute experience (tickets cost R170-R250) – with 20 minutes spent in the EARTHBOX – visitors can expect to feel connected to the very roots of the planet.
Some might discover they feel more closely bonded with Mother Earth. Some will find the experience emotionally moving. Some should discover a sense of deep-seated calm, contemplation and perspective. Some may simply wonder why on earth they paid to spend 20 minutes standing in a hole in the ground.
And yet this humble hole is rather busy right now.
Every Sunday, EARTHBOX hosts live music sessions (tickets from R150) from 3-6pm, while each morning, you’ll find yoga, Pilates or Nia classes (from R160 per class) taking place in the underground chamber.
And once a month a leading local chef is invited to curate a dinner experience for a select few subterranean diners. The first – taking place on 8 December – features none other than award-winning chef Vusi Ndlovu.
Ndlovu is making waves at the Time Out Market Cape Town with MLILO Fires of Africa, while his inner-city restaurant BOMA was recently voted Best New Restaurant in the 2023 Eat Out Awards. With his EARTHBOX dinners priced at R3500 per person, let’s hope the dinners are out of this world.
If you'd rather be out in the sunshine, check out this year's line-up for the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts.