A powerful day of connection, inspiration and self-care on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast marks the next chapter of a growing movement for women’s wellbeing.
What began as an idea to give women permission to pause has evolved into something much bigger.
On Saturday, 29 August, women from across KwaZulu-Natal gathered at Umdoni Point Sports & Leisure in Pennington for the Scottfin Revive Selfcare Summit 2026 – a day dedicated to connection, wellbeing, inspiration and the often-overlooked importance of taking care of oneself.
Presented by Revive Coastal Luxury Spa and proudly supported by headline sponsor Scottfin Insurance Brokers, in collaboration with Umdoni Point Coastal estate, Hollard and Kayla Osborn Culinary School. The summit was built around the theme “Reconnect. Reignite. Rise.” Rather than simply being another conference or speaker event, the summit created an immersive experience where women could move, learn, laugh, connect, reflect and experience practical approaches to wellbeing.
The programme brought together an inspiring mix of local women leaders, wellness professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives, alongside special guest Rachel Kolisi, whose Fireside Conversation was the highlight of the day.
“I have never been to the South of Durban’s coast before and Pennington. And my first impression was just this beautiful community that exists there, and just how supportive everybody is of one another. I also just love spaces where women are creating opportunity for skills development and networking, and I think that’s exactly what is about is happening through this organisation. It was an honour to share the stage with so many women that are navigating so many different seasons of life, and just hearing the wisdom on the day. So very grateful to have been there and look forward to returning.” – Rachel Kolisi The key differentiator for this event, besides the presence of the national public figure, was the series of interactive “Power Circles” – intimate, hands-on sessions covering movement and mindfulness, wellness and beauty, creativity, styling, networking and a live culinary experience. Rather than simply listening to experts speak about wellbeing, attendees were encouraged to participate and take something tangible away from each experience.
For award winning Chef Kayla-Ann Osborn, who hosted the Cooking Demo Power Circle, the interactive format was an important part of what made the summit different.
“Food has always been about connection for me, so being able to bring women together around something as simple and meaningful as cooking was really special. It wasn’t about standing at the front and telling people what to do – it was about getting involved, sharing, tasting, talking and creating something together. That is what I loved about the summit. Women weren’t just spectators; they were part of the experience. There was such a beautiful energy in the room, and I think everyone left with more than just a recipe – they left with a reminder that taking time to nourish yourself and connect with others matters.”
For founder Laverne De Jager, the summit represents the continued development of a much broader Coastal Selfcare Movement.
“This event was never intended to be just another event on the calendar. It was born from something I kept seeing around me – women who were capable, successful, generous and constantly showing up for everyone else, but who were running on empty themselves. What happened at the summit reminded me why this matters. When women are given permission to pause, something changes. They connect differently, they speak more openly, they laugh, they learn from one another, and they remember that they matter too. Rachel Kolisi brought such authenticity and warmth to the day, but what really stood out to me was that she didn’t position herself above anyone in the room. She shared her story, her challenges and her perspective in a way that created connection. My hope is that Revive continues to grow beyond one day and becomes a lasting community – one that reminds women that self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent. It is part of how we build stronger women, stronger families, stronger businesses and stronger communities.”
Scottfin Insurance broker’s CEO, Debbie Holroyd, said the atmosphere created by the summit was what made the experience particularly memorable.
“What made the day so special was seeing women from all walks of life come together, put everything else aside for a while and simply take time for themselves. We so often spend our days looking after everyone else that it was wonderful to create a space where women could pause, connect, laugh, be inspired and remember to look after themselves too. Rachel Kolisi was a real highlight. She was incredibly inspirational, but what made her so special was how relatable and authentic she was. She spoke openly about her own experiences in a way that made everyone feel that, no matter where we come from or what life looks like for us, we can all find strength in one another. It was a truly uplifting day, and one that I think many of us left feeling a little lighter, more connected and inspired.”
For summit guest Davenee Govender, the experience was a reminder that self-care is about far more than simply being pampered.
“The Revive Selfcare Summit was such a beautiful reminder of how important it is to take time for ourselves. From the moment I arrived, there was such a warm and uplifting energy. It was wonderful to be surrounded by women from different walks of life, all coming together to connect, learn, laugh and simply enjoy a day focused on ourselves. What really stood out to me was how genuine the experience felt. It wasn’t just about being pampered or attending talks – it created a space where you could pause from everyday life, reflect and leave feeling inspired and recharged. Rachel Kolisi was a particular highlight and hearing her speak so openly and authentically made the day even more meaningful. I left feeling grateful to have been part of something that celebrated women, encouraged self-care and reminded us that looking after ourselves is not selfish – it’s necessary.”
The summit also highlighted the strength of collaboration on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.
Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate provided the setting for the summit, with its coastal environment and open spaces within its Sports & Leisure Centre that reinforced the event’s message of slowing down, reconnecting and making space for wellbeing.
The event brought together local businesses, wellness practitioners, entrepreneurs and community partners, demonstrating the potential for collaboration to create meaningful experiences while showcasing the South Coast as a destination for wellness, lifestyle and connection.
Partners and supporters included Scottfin Insurance Brokers, Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate, Hollard, Deidre van Heerden Physiotherapists, Kayla Osborn Culinary School, Kayla-Ann’s, Post Script and OK Foods.
The summit forms part of a growing conversation around wellness tourism and women’s wellbeing on the South Coast – demonstrating how local businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders can collaborate to create experiences that have an impact beyond the event itself.
For De Jager, that is ultimately the bigger ambition.
“I don’t want women to leave this event simply saying, ‘That was a lovely day.’ I want them to leave having changed something – even something small. Maybe they make an appointment they have been putting off, start moving their bodies again, have an honest conversation, pursue an idea, set a boundary, reconnect with a friend or simply give themselves permission to rest. If one woman goes home and decides that she is worth investing her time in, then the day has already achieved something. But when hundreds of women start having that conversation with themselves and with one another, I believe we can create real change.”
As Women’s Month ends this past weekend, the Scottfin Revive Selfcare Summit 2026 leaves behind more than photographs and memories.
It leaves a reminder that self-care is not a luxury. It is an investment in the women who hold so much together.
And the movement is only beginning. Dates for more events to be announced in 2027.
About Revive Coastal Luxury Spa
Revive Coastal Luxury Spa is a coastal wellness destination based at Umdoni Point, Pennington, owned by serial mumpreneur Laverne De jager. The luxury spa is focused on creating restorative experiences that encourage guests to reconnect with themselves through wellness, beauty and self-care.
The Scottfin Revive Selfcare Summit forms part of Revive’s broader vision to create a community around women’s wellbeing on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and aims to be a yearly women’s month event.
