About
What does Renew, Restore, Explore mean?
The name is meant to capture both the fun and excitement of exploring a new place, combined with dedicated space to rest and take time for self-reflection. We hope this is exactly what you experience on one of our trips.
Our team
Anne Stevenson
Anne is the founder of Renew, Restore, Explore, a company rooted in the connection between travel, mental health, movement, and wellness. She has lived and worked in multiple countries across Africa and completed her PhD in Psychiatry in Cape Town, South Africa - a place that profoundly shaped her personal and professional journey.
For over 12 years, Anne worked in mental health research at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital. Alongside her academic career, she became a certified barre instructor and sound practitioner, drawn to the power of movement, mindfulness, and restoration to help people feel strong, grounded, and reconnected to themselves.
She currently lives in the United States and teaches barre at Yogasakti in Salem, Massachusetts. She will lead your barre sessions and sound baths on the trip.
Jacqui Womersley
Jacqui was born and raised in South Africa and has called Cape Town home for the past 23 years. Her family ran guided tours off the coast of Africa in the Seychelles for more than a decade, giving her a deep appreciation for travel and exploration. Jacqui holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Cape Town, reflecting her curiosity about how the brain works. In her free time, she enjoys running and hiking in the mountains surrounding Cape Town.
Anne and Jacqui have been working closely together since 2023. Together, they bring their shared knowledge and passion to every journey. They will be your hosts on this trip and look forward to welcoming you and leading you through a memorable experience.
Testimonials
“This is the kind of trip that sticks with you. Cape Town and Stellenbosch were so fun to explore, while the yoga retreat in Bodhi Khaya left me feeling energized and refreshed. South Africa is unlike any place I've ever been, and Anne and Jacqui were excellent guides. The trip of a lifetime!”
Darren
“I absolutely loved this trip! It was thoughtfully planned, and Anne’s deep knowledge of South Africa made it feel truly special, blending must-see highlights and hidden gems. The country itself is stunning, soulful, and incredibly warm and it stays with you long after you leave. I loved Bodhi Khaya, which offered a peaceful, restorative pause and a rare chance to slow down and disconnect. Stellenbosch was magical - I loved visiting the wine farms and doing wine tastings and exploring the cute streets, restaurants, and stores downtown.”
Barbara
“The trip with Anne and our group was my highlight of 2025. It was fantastic, absolutely amazing, and I think back on it all the time. Thank you for taking me to South Africa. I sincerely hope that many more people will enjoy your trips as much as I did.”
Isabelle