The Art of Hosting 2027: Culinary Retreat with Elmarie Berry

The Art of Hosting: 3 Days of Feasts, Styling & Slow Living with Elmarie Berry

There’s something truly special about bringing people together around a full table. Long lunches that stretch into dinner, good local wine, easy conversation, and a setting that feels warm without being over-the-top—that’s what hosting is really about.

If you love entertaining (or wish it felt a little less stressful), we’d love for you to join us at In Abundance for The Art of Hosting Retreats in 2027.

We’re teaming up once again with the wonderfully talented Elmarie Berry - international award-winning chef, cookbook author, and food stylist. Together, we’ve put together an intimate, 3-night getaway in Montagu designed to help you slow right down, eat incredibly well, and pick up fresh inspiration for your own table.

What We’ll Be Doing Together

Set right here in the Klein Karoo against the Montagu mountains, this retreat is all about relaxed luxury. Nothing feels rushed, and there’s plenty of time between sessions to just be.

Interactive Cooking Demos with Elmarie

Elmarie makes cooking feel approachable, fun, and effortless. She’ll walk us through seasonal, high-impact dishes that look stunning on the plate but won't leave you stuck in the kitchen for hours when you have guests over.

Table Styling & Setting the Mood

A great gathering starts with how the space feels. We’ll look at simple, creative ways to style your dining table using natural textures, soft lighting, and local greenery to create an inviting atmosphere at home.

Exploring Montagu & The Valley

We’ll also take a few leisurely trips off the estate to experience the best of our local area:

Wine & Olive Oil Tastings: Savouring some of the best local produce across the valley.
A Stroll Through Montagu: Discovering the quiet charm, historic spots, and local art of our village.
Protea Farm Tractor Ride: A scenic, rustic drive out to see blooming endemic flora up close.
Plenty of Downtime

In between workshops and meals, the estate is all yours. Kick off your shoes, read a book by the pool, enjoy an outdoor shower, or sit on the veranda with a glass of wine and watch the late afternoon light hit the mountains.

2027 Retreat Dates

We keep our group sizes small so everyone gets a personal, relaxed experience.

11 – 14 May 2027
9 – 11 June 2027
10 – 13 August 2027

Come Join Us at the Table

Whether you want to sharpen your hosting skills or you’re simply looking for a peaceful, food-filled break in the countryside, we’d love to welcome you.

What our guests have to say

"I have loved ABSOLUTELY every part of this weekend. From the minute we walked through the door at In Abundance, to meeting everyone in the team that would look after us, it has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life, I know that seems over the top, but there really are no words to describe how much I enjoyed every single part of the weekend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" - From Our Guest PIPPA

"The Food!! The lovely people we've met. Learning about new recipes and getting amazing ideas for new meals, being inspired by Elmarie's love of food. The walking tour was fabulous. The kindness and laughter. The most amazing Team at In Abundance. The beautiful room, views and the garden" - From Our Guest SHELLEY