Private Romantic Karoo Retreat on Route 62 | Hot Tub & Total Seclusion | Arrive by boat
You are the only guests.
A 100% private retreat in the Little Karoo, accessible only by boat.
Soak in your private wood-fired hot tub, watch the mountains turn gold at sunset, and reconnect under some of the clearest night skies in South Africa.
No neighbours. No shared spaces. Just mountains, water, wildlife and silence.
The property:
Tula Retreat is a completely private wilderness sanctuary on the edge of Calitzdorp Dam.
The retreat is accessible only by boat, ensuring a rare level of privacy that is almost impossible to find elsewhere.
Designed primarily for couples, with space for up to four guests seeking complete privacy, Tula Retreat blends the raw beauty of the Karoo with refined off-grid luxury.
Spend your days kayaking, hiking or fishing, and your evenings beside the indoor fireplace or soaking in the hot tub beneath endless stars.
Why Guests Love Tula
✔Arrival by boat
✔ Exclusive use of the entire retreat
✔ Private wood-fired hot tub under the stars
✔ Swedish massage by appointment
✔ Indoor fireplace for cozy Karoo evenings
✔ Panoramic mountain & dam views
✔ A true digital detox experience
✔ Complete seclusion in nature
Accommodation
Designed for couples or small groups, the retreat sleeps up to 4 guests in total privacy.
Jala Luxury Tent
Spacious 80m² safari-style tent featuring:
• King XL bed
• En-suite bathroom
• Indoor fireplace
• Outdoor shower
• Wood-fired hot tub
• Private patio overlooking the Karoo
There is no WiFi or electricity in the tent, only soft LED lighting — creating the perfect environment to truly disconnect.
Vayu Vintage Caravan
A refurbished double-bed caravan located approximately 200m away on a hill, ideal for additional guests who prefer a separate sleeping space.
For 2-guest bookings, only the Jala tent is prepared unless arranged in advance.
Outdoor Kitchen
Private self-catering bush kitchen located on a hill (next the the Vayu Vintage Caravan) approximately 200m from the tent, offering sweeping dam and mountain views.
Includes:
• Gas stove & oven
• Gas fridge
• Fire pit for traditional braais
• Tea, coffee, oils, salt & pepper
• Daily wood & firelighters
WiFi is available only in this area.
Optional: Pre-order traditional Karoo “Skof-Tin” meals for collection in Calitzdorp before arrival.
Activities
Wellness
• Yoga mats & meditation cushions
• Swedish massages available on request
On the dam
• Swimming
• One double seater kayak available for guests to use free of charge
• 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
Guest access:
Arrive by Boat
Your stay begins with a private boat transfer across Calitzdorp Dam to your secluded retreat.
This exclusive boat-only access ensures complete privacy and uninterrupted views.
Free secure parking is available at Fish Eagle Private Resort, approximately 8km from Calitzdorp.
A staff member will meet you and ferry you across the dam (±10 minutes).
The camp is located on a slope. We recommend packing light — luggage assistance is provided.
Check-in: 2pm – 6pm (boat transfers cannot take place after dark).
Interaction with guests:
Staff live on-site and are available between 8am and 5pm should you require assistance during your stay.
While Tula Retreat offers complete privacy, they are nearby to ensure your comfort and smooth boat transfers.
In the event of an urgent need, a staff member will assist with transport back to your vehicle.
Important Information:
• Indemnity form required prior to check-in
• The Little Karoo is a dry region — please use water mindfully
• Drinking water is filtered dam water (bottled water recommended)
• Solar charging points available at the outdoor kitchen for phones & laptops only
• Dam level varies depending on rainfall
• No infants or children under 12
• Not pet-friendly (wild game roam freely)
• Staff available 8am–5pm
We recommend bringing bottled drinking water and two bags of ice, available in Calitzdorp.
