It’s a common revelation - despite my 'success' in a corporate career in London, I found myself to be unfulfilled and uninspired. Longing for something more meaningful, I studied for a BSc Degree in Nutritional Medicine and went on to be a private consultant. It gave me a lot of satisfaction, yet after some years I was acutely aware that although nutrition was a very powerful healer it could only take us so far. Without a doubt, it is emotional & spiritual miscomprehension that is the hand-brake on many people's healing & happiness, including my own. 

This realisation sent me on a new search. I spent time in some of the Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, India and Burma, and found the combination of meditation, philosophy and ethical conduct, which forms the Buddha's teachings, to be incredibly instructive and uplifting. I became very committed and sat many retreats, at one point undertaking a silent 90-day vipassana retreat. 

In 2010 I began working as a chef in a Buddhist centre in London, as a way to soak myself in the atmosphere of universal, eternal wisdom. Over the next decade, I worked my way to Aotearoa, cooking almost exclusively in retreat centres, immersing in many fields of spiritual wellbeing, and improving my cooking skills with every new season. Most recently I was the Head Chef At Aro-Ha Wellness Retreat (2017-2020). 

In 2020, in the immediate aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic, I bought the property that is now Te Whenua Retreat with my friend and business partner. We wanted to provide a place for retreat, where guests can, first and foremost, deeply rest. It’s not possible to create a life of joy, beauty and magic on top of a nervous system that is over activated and a heart which is disconnected from what we each find to be truly meaningful. Rest IS the foundational spiritual practise of our time.

Gibbston seemed to us to be the perfect location, easily accessible yet secluded. Sheltered by the ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges to the north and south sides of the valley, our mature gardens attract bird life from hawks to paradise ducks, bellbirds to tui, and the rush of the mighty Kawarau River can be heard in the distance. As the valley glows in the last amber light of the day, your eyes will be drawn to the heavens - we are situated in an internationally recognised 'dark sky park', and the stars are truly magnificent. 

Te Whenua is now in its 6th year of offering retreats. Over this time I have leaned into the transformational practise of Yoga Nidra, which feels like the missing puzzle piece that sits between meditation and deep, restorative rest, an effortless practise that has transformative potential for the mind, nervous system, and spirit. With 16+ years of professional cooking behind me, the reputation we have garnered for offering (and teaching ) modern plant-based cooking has brought us guests from all over the world. But without doubt my greatest offering to you is my presence, and an ability to meet you just as you are - to be a safe harbour as you navigate your own unique journey. 

We look forward to welcoming you.

Jenny (& Pema, the Te Whenua dog)