Arrive by Boat | Romantic Karoo Retreat

Tula Retreat is an exclusive boat-access wilderness sanctuary on the edge of Calitzdorp Dam in the Little Karoo.

We host only one booking at a time — when you reserve your dates, the entire property is yours. No shared spaces. No interruptions. Just mountains, water, wildlife, and endless sky.

Your stay begins with a private boat transfer. Crossing the dam is the only way to reach this secluded romantic escape — setting the tone for complete privacy from the moment you arrive.

Designed for couples seeking total seclusion, a wood-fired hot tub under the stars, luxury off-grid living, and a peaceful weekend getaway in the Western Cape, Tula Retreat offers one of the most private and intimate romantic stays in the Little Karoo.

Our private safari-style bush kitchen is fully equipped with:

• Gas stove and oven

• Gas fridge

• Fire pit for traditional South African braais

• WiFi and Solar charging points (phones and laptops only)

We provide salt, pepper, olive oil, sunflower oil, tea, sugar, ground coffee and a French press.

Daily wood and firelighters are included.

Pre-Order Traditional Karoo Meals

Guests can pre-order delicious, pre-packed “Skof-Tin” meals prepared with fresh local ingredients and collect them in Calitzdorp on the way to Tula.

The perfect solution for a stress-free romantic getaway.

Guests can enjoy:

Wellness

• Massages available on request

• Yoga mats & meditation cushions

On the dam

• Swimming

• Double seater kayak 

• Guided kayak tours

• Catch-and-release yellowfish (bring your own rod)

• Boat cruises

Nature

• 1.5km mountain trail (steep)

• 6km gravel trail

• Birdwatching

• Cycling routes

• Hammock relaxation

• Stargazing from the hot tub

Tula Retreat is more than accommodation — it is a private nature sanctuary in the Little Karoo.

Is Tula Retreat completely private?

Yes. Tula Retreat is completely private. We host only one booking at a time, meaning the entire sanctuary is exclusively yours for the duration of your stay.

Please note: The Vayu Vintage Caravan cannot be booked separately and is only available as additional accommodation together with the Jala Luxury Tent for groups of 3–4 guests.

Is the hot tub private?

Yes. The wood-fired hot tub is exclusively yours for the duration of your stay.

How do guests access the retreat?

Guests arrive via a private boat transfer across Calitzdorp Dam from Fish Eagle Private Resort, located approximately 8 km from Calitzdorp along the Groenfontein Gravel Route.

The road is generally well maintained and suitable for most standard passenger vehicles. While low-clearance vehicles can usually access the parking area without any issues, we recommend driving slowly and taking extra care on the gravel.

Is there secure parking?

Yes. Secure shaded parking is available at Fish Eagle Private Resort, where your vehicle will be parked behind a gate. A caretaker is on site 24/7.

From there, one of our staff members will transfer you to Tula Retreat by boat. The boat journey takes approximately 10 minutes.

Is the retreat self-catering?

Yes. Tula Retreat is a self-catering retreat with a fully equipped private outdoor kitchen.

Guests can also pre-order Vineyard Kitchen’s Skof-Tin meals with at least three days’ notice for convenient heat-and-eat dining during their stay.

Is there WiFi or mobile reception?

To encourage a true off-grid experience, there is no WiFi in the Jala Luxury Tent, allowing guests to intentionally disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

WiFi is available at the outdoor kitchen, where solar charging points are also provided for phones and laptops only. High-voltage appliances are not permitted.

There is limited Vodacom mobile reception at the retreat, while coverage from other networks may be unavailable.

A radio is provided in the tent should you need to contact our staff in the event of an emergency.

How far is Tula Retreat from Cape Town?

Tula Retreat is approximately a 4 to 4½-hour drive from Cape Town.

What is the closest airport?

George Airport (GRJ) is the nearest airport, approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Tula Retreat. Car rental is available at the airport, and the scenic drive through the Little Karoo forms part of the experience.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (no boat transfers after dark)

Check-out: By 10:00 am

Is Tula Retreat pet-friendly?

Unfortunately not. Tula Retreat is not suitable for pets due to free-roaming wildlife and the rugged natural terrain.

Is the water safe to drink?

Water supplied at the retreat is filtered dam water. We recommend bringing bottled drinking water and ice if preferred.

A cooler box is available in the tent and during your boat transfer.

Have another question?

We’re always happy to help.

Please contact us via WhatsApp if you have any questions before or during your stay.

⸻

Important Information

• We are unable to accommodate infants or children under 12 years of age.
• A signed indemnity form is required prior to check-in.
• The Little Karoo is a naturally dry region, and we kindly ask guests to use water responsibly.
• Water levels in the dam vary depending on seasonal rainfall.
• Staff are available daily between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

⸻

Cancellation Policy

• 30+ days before arrival: 25% of the deposit is forfeited.
• 21–29 days before arrival: 50% of the deposit is forfeited.
• 14–20 days before arrival: 100% of the deposit is forfeited.
• 7–13 days before arrival: 100% of the booking total is forfeited.
• Less than 7 days before arrival or no-show: 100% of the booking total is forfeited.