In an ever faster world, where the demands of daily life often distance people from themselves, interest is growing in experiences that invite introspection, balance and human reconnection. It was precisely from this desire that Sou Tajiri was born, a wellness and personal development retreat held in Salamanga, in a setting that participants describe as deeply inspiring. More than an event, Sou Tajiri presents itself as a celebration of inner wealth, spirituality, human connection and the search for meaning. Bringing together dozens of participants of different ages, backgrounds and beliefs, the initiative sought to create an environment where each person could pause, breathe and look within.
The vision that became reality
The origin of the retreat goes back to the end of 2023, when Ira Fonseca felt she needed to experience the turn of the year in a different way and was invited by a friend to that place she considers magical. What began as a personal experience would turn into a project that today mobilises an entire community. “As soon as I arrived, I felt deeply that something special was being placed in me. In fact, I had a vision of this event, without knowing exactly how it would be possible to bring it about,” she recalls. That experience took place at the Fundação Minhembeti, in Salamanga, the venue that would go on to host the second edition of Sou Tajiri.
For Ira, the choice of venue was never merely logistical. “It was more based on something I felt. From the first time I visited the place, I realised it was a sacred place and that, if I had received that vision there, something special would have to happen in that space. After sharing this vision with my partner Massy Calu, with my father, Nuno Fonseca, and with Andre Bergh (House of Healing Cape Town), I received a great deal of support from them to make it a reality. I would also like to thank the Fundação Minhembeti for believing in our concept and for trusting our brand Tajiri.
Wealth that is not measured in possessions
The very name of the retreat reveals much about its essence. Tajiri means wealth, but not necessarily the material wealth we usually associate with success: “The concept was developed on the basis of the meaning of the word Tajiri. The whole experience was built around spiritual wealth, which we believe is the foundation of all the other forms of abundance we can achieve in life.” The proposal was simple but profound: to create a space where participants could strengthen their faith in life, manifest dreams, value human relationships and rediscover the importance of living fully in the present.
An experience built through the senses
The programme was designed to provide moments of reflection, learning and emotional connection. The retreat began with a fire show and the sounds of the djembe drum, in a celebration of cultural roots and collective energy. There followed moments of spiritual sharing with the Maharaj resident on site, in Salamanga/Fundação Minhembeti, which included teachings on the traditional sacred Havan fire (a ritual that consists of lighting a fire, reciting mantras and making offerings to purify the environment, invoke blessings and bring positivity). “I believe one of the greatest transformations was realising that, regardless of religion, we can respect different beliefs, learn from one another and celebrate unity,” says Ira.
The activities also included rhythmic yoga sessions, with Farida from the Forever Health centre, a yoga class with Milu da Graça, representative of the Artedeviver Foundation in Mozambique, as well as, guided by Luciana/Pastel Brasileiro, the cacao ceremony, which involves drinking pure cacao, accompanied by meditation, music or sharing, to promote an opening of the heart and relaxation. The guided meditation is a particularly striking experience of sound meditation held in a marble cave. It was led by Ira Fonseca, who is a sound therapist, and André Bergh, a South African specialist in meditation and healing through sound with more than 50 years of experience, considered one of the leading figures in the field. “The power of sound spoke for itself, creating a unique and deeply impactful experience. I sincerely believe that nobody left that space the same way they entered,” Ira tells us.
A community that continues to grow
One of the aspects that most distinguishes Sou Tajiri is the sense of belonging created among the participants. This edition had about 63 participants, in addition to members of the Fundação Minhembeti. “What I like most is that Tajiri is more than a brand; it is a family and a way of living that focuses on well-being and unconditional love.” According to the organiser, people of different generations and life stories found something in common in that space: the desire to grow, share and live meaningful experiences.
A transformation that is hard to explain
Asked about the most moving moments of the experience, Ira does not hesitate: “For me, the most moving moment was seeing the vision I had in 2023 come true and feeling that each person present arrived with an open heart to receive and share love.” The impact was also reflected in the participants' feedback. The most repeated question at the end of the retreat was simple and revealing: “When is the next Sou Tajiri event?” For Ira, that reaction confirms that something profound happened that day: “Without a doubt. I clearly felt that many people left transformed by the experience. I can say that I myself left differently from how I arrived.”
The future of Sou Tajiri
The next edition is already in the plans and should take place in 2027. Until then, the community will remain active through the so-called Tajiri Get Togethers, gatherings designed to keep alive the energy and principles that inspired the project. “This is our annual event; the next edition is planned for 2027. Right now, I feel I need some time to rest, reflect and allow the next vision to emerge.” At a time when so many people look for answers outside themselves, Sou Tajiri proposes a different path: to remember that the greatest wealth may already be within each of us.
