why STILL
A sustainable, slow movement, STILL was started with the belief that in order to navigate this busy, modern world, there is a need to return to basics with a simpler way of living. Having spent many years working together on luxury super yachts – and as much and they loved the continual change, glamour and adventure – Bronnie and Tara had a strong desire for balance. Finding quiet in day to day rituals, enjoying wholesome meals together and connecting with community.
STILL gives them, and their guests, the opportunity to be quiet, truly still and to enjoy a place where there is no motion or rolling thoughts – a disconnection from the outside world. Bronnie and Tara discovered that through quietening minds, creativity and clarity can flow, which has led them on a journey of fulfilment through experimentation, wellness and movement.
Coming to understand a simpler life, safe space and joy in basic elements has been integral to the couple’s journey and to the birth of STILL. The realisation of a complete lifestyle overhaul, a career dream and the fruits of an accumulation of years in hospitality, STILL Karoo is a dream space, one that encourages us to live in the present and to slow down the pace of life.
“when were you last still?
without movement and motion.
and free from thoughts tumbling and rumbling ahead.
but still in the silent depths of quiet calm.
holding a space for now.”
Natalie Walton
OUR STORY
Grown from a shared love for authenticity and quiet presence, STILL Karoo is an extension of its founders, Bronnie and Tara – their warmth, their hospitality and the incredible community they build wherever they settle.
A South African chef, Bronnie has a deep love of good food, the shared conversations over meals and simple, clean living. Cheffing in Michelin starred restaurants, also as a private chef, as well as on superyachts around the Mediterranean– which is where she met her partner in adventure, business and life, Tara – Bronnie has an incredible knowledge of world cusines and luxury dining.
A captain and explorer at heart, Tara is fluent in many languages, learnt while living and immersing himself in multiple cultures and communities around the world, spanning Morocco to France and Spain to Holland.
In recent years, the couple fell in love with, and settled in Oneglia – a quiet seaside town in northern Italy, where they established STILL-Italy. Leaning into their collective experience of high-end hospitality, the couple were able to design a space that offered guests a peaceful stay, intentionally emphasising simplicity and authenticity.
And now, through the re-imagination of De Bergkant in Prince Albert, the couple are able to welcome guests with same sense of warmth and well-being to their South African property, STILL Karoo.
Chosen for its remote location, connection to nature and strong sense of community, the second addition to the STILL Collection, STILL Karoo, is set in the historical town of Prince Albert. Nestled against the majestic Swartberg mountains within the semi-desert Karoo, the couple fell in love with the region, and De Bergkant, after spending only two short days there.
A space designed for intentional disconnection from the outside world, the paired-back design of STILL Karoo encourages a state of recharge, a stillness of the mind and movement of the body.
By taking time to feel the rhythm of the community, hear the heartbeat of the natural world and understand to the history of the town, Bronnie and Tara have created a truly authentic experience that encourages guests to disconnect with the outside world, and connect with themselves. The aim and ethos is not about perfection; but heart. There is a strong connection to ‘the story’, the history and ‘the lived in’.
‘We believe in simple – the creation of something authentic,’
