Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka

There are so many superb Meditation Retreats in Sri Lanka taking place whether you are a beginner or advanced practitioner. 

Cleanse and transform your mind on a meditation retreat in Sri Lanka amidst the wilderness and give yourself the time and opportunity to pause, unwind and unplug from the stressors and distractions of a fast-paced society. Declutter your mind and let your true essence shine through as you learn to let go of ingrained patterns: fears, insecurities, attachments, desires and illusions, which may be driving your behaviour without you even releasing it. During your meditation retreat, you will be given the space and support to observe your behavioural patterns with curiosity and compassion, rather than reaction and judgement. So, how should you choose a meditation retreat?

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Choosing a Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka - 5 Tips

  1. Ask yourself what your utmost priority for this retreat is. Are you in need of a spa-like holiday to simply unwind and relax or in need of a more spiritual retreat? It is essential that you consider your truest motivation to embark on this journey so that you may best support your decision in your choice of retreat. It would be disappointing to fly across the world in the hope of participating in an intensive yoga retreat, only to find you have unknowingly enrolled in a gentle yin yoga course. 
  2. Consider the location and season you wish to go to. Which country? If you are looking for Ayurvedic healing, then Sri Lanka is the place for you. Do you find the tropical monsoon rain calming or do you prefer boundless sunshine? It is important to feel comfortable in your environment when going through such depths of emotional exploration and transformation. 
  3. Budget is inevitably a necessary factor to consider early on. You do not need to spend thousands to have a wonderful retreat experience. It all depends on the location and type of retreat you choose. Tips to make a retreat cheaper: 
    • Buy flights early 
    • Travel during the low season 
    • Consider sharing accommodation with a friend 
    • Surf the web and explore all the affordable destinations 
  1. Ask yourself whether you wish to embark on this journey alone or with a friend/partner as mentioned, going with someone can make accommodation cheaper. A retreat can also be a beautiful, memorable experience worth sharing with a loved one. However, drawbacks may arise such as the potential need to compromise to find a retreat suited to you both. It may also be harder for you to connect with the other people on the retreat since you may feel tied to your companion. The possibility for you and your companion to bond can also be a positive aspect of the retreat. 
  2. Know your retreat leaders. Find out who your retreat leaders could be and whether their areas of focus match the aspects you wish to flourish or grow in. Reach out to the teachers on social media and get a feel of who they are. Follow your intuition from then on about whether they would be the right teacher for you.

Expectations at a Meditation retreat

As with everything, it is always best to go in without expectations and open your heart to the possibilities that lie ahead. Meditation is a practice that involves training your mind to focus and allowing thoughts and emotions to flow freely without attachment. A spiritual practice at heart, it is gaining more and more attention within the scientific community and beyond, for its myriad health benefits, from reducing stress, increasing focus and cognitive functioning, restoring healthy sleep patterns and enhancing pain tolerance. It is also invaluable for developing healthy habits, including self-discipline, cultivating a positive mindset, and increasing awareness of yourself and the world around you.

When we meditate, we come to understand our mind and its habitual thoughts, feelings and reactions. We come to realise that there are ingrained patterns of fears, insecurities, attachments, and desires all of which subconsciously drive our behaviour. The more we recognise and observe these patterns with curiosity and compassion the more they fade, creating space for us to connect with our higher wisdom.

Sen Wellness Meditation Retreat: 4 Things You’ll Experience

A Day of Silence

Insight Meditation or Vipassana, descended from the teachings of Buddhist meditation. It is known to teach mindfulness to your inner thoughts, feelings, actions and breathing. This practice requires total silence to experience and observe the world as it truly is. At Sen Wellness, we invite a local Buddhist Monk to lead silent walks along the beach and occasional full days of silence. Silent meditation for extended periods can be a challenging and boundary-pushing practice, however, removing yourself from the familiar conversation in your mind can have extraordinary effects on your mind, your overall perspective, and your nervous system.

Sound Healing

Bathe the mind and body in the rich soundscape and vibrations of the gong bath, an ancient healing tool that promotes calm, relaxation and clarity. The deep sounds of the gong activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing down the breath and heart rate, and shifting the mind to an alpha and theta-dominant brainwave state, a deeply meditative and restorative state. The chattering mind quietens, and the body’s natural healing mechanisms restore balance, alignment and optimal energy flow. At the Sanctuary, you can enjoy the enchanting experience of a gong bath during the meditation sessions led by our visiting Buddhist monk.

Nature Immersion

Whilst on retreat, you are completely immersed in the beauty of the Sri Lankan wilderness: a mangrove and palm tree forest and the expansive landscape of the Indian Ocean. This nature immersion allows your mind to tune in to the awe-inspiring gifts that Gaia has to offer. By allowing yourself to be completely free in the natural elements, you can permit yourself to meditate on the abundance of life.

Pranayama Techniques

Breathwork (pranayama) is a powerful tool that we offer alongside yoga and meditation. This form of breathwork includes methods such Ujjayi breath and Bhramari breath, used to promote relaxation, calm anxiety and soothe physical ailments. These are just two examples of effective Pranayama techniques promoted in yoga and the benefits of how breathwork can be a valuable tool for your life and your meditation practice.

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Top 3 Benefits of a Retreat

1.  Step outside of your comfort zone as you face the challenges we often neglect in our everyday lives: fears, insecurities, and unhealed scars. This is the time to let them go and set yourself free.

2. Experience an ultimate sense of peace, silence, and tranquillity. One that you will learn to carry with you in your daily routine after the retreat.

3. Feel liberated from the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, or planning. All of which are taken care of by us. You are granted the space to focus on yourself – mind, body and soul.

Award-Winning Meditation Retreat Centre in Sri Lanka

Sen Wellness Sanctuary is an Award-Winning Meditation Retreat Centre in Sri Lanka. We incorporate all modalities of holistic health care into your retreat,  from yoga, meditation, sound healing, Ayurvedic treatments, herbal medicines and nourishing food.

Signature Retreats
During our seasonal Signature retreats held by our founder Sam Kankanamge, we join together as a group to explore silent, guided and breath-focused meditation.

Bespoke Retreats 
Whether you are new to meditation or not, our Bespoke Retreats run all year round and hold space for your emotional, physical and spiritual needs. We invite you to a weekly meditation and Sound Healing session with our Buddhist Monk, who can also assist you with your personal growth and help you discover ways in which you can integrate Buddhist meditation into your everyday life.

Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Eva B.
Sen Wellness has been amazing. The Ayurvedic treatments are top of the bill, the food is delicious, staff always friendly and the surrounding nature is lovely. The beach, the pool, monkees in the trees, squirrels, birds… I will miss this place, the people, the yoga…is has been a bliss and I feel lighter and full of energy again. Will be back! ❤️
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Rishabh R.
Stayed at Sen Wellness Sanctuary after spending time at its sister retreat, Rekawa, and loved how different yet connected the experience felt. Sen is beautifully designed, calm, and carries a gentle spiritual energy that quietly wraps around you.

What makes the place special is its setting. On one side you have the wide open beach, and on the other side a serene lagoon, so you feel like you are floating between two worlds rather than choosing just one.

The wellness sessions were grounding, the food was clean and comforting, and everything about the space makes it easy to slow down without even trying. I may not have reached enlightenment, but I definitely reached a very pleasant level of “life is good”.

Sam, the founder, is a warm and thoughtful host who clearly cares about the experience of every guest. You can feel that Sen is built from intention, not just aesthetics.

I left feeling lighter, calmer, and genuinely refreshed. If you are looking for a serene, well designed retreat that feels soulful without trying too hard, Sen is absolutely worth it.
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Mamadou & B.
Für mich war dieser Ayurveda-Retreat von A bis Z perfekt und hat meine Erwartungen bei weitem übertroffen. Das gesamte Team ist ausserordentlich herzlich, aufmerksam und zuvorkommend – man fühlt sich vom ersten Moment an willkommen und bestens aufgehoben.

Die Ayurveda-Ärztinnen waren unglaublich angenehm, einfühlsam und kompetent. Ich habe mich durchgehend hervorragend betreut und ernst genommen gefühlt.

Auch die Anlage selbst ist wunderschön: die Lage, das Meer, der Strand – einfach traumhaft. Und nicht zu vergessen das fantastische Essen, das jeden Tag ein Highlight war.

Diese Erfahrung war für mich rundum bereichernd, sodass ich direkt wieder für nächstes Jahr reserviert habe. Absolute Herzensempfehlung!
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Dagmar G.
★★★★★ Absolutely outstanding experience

We were absolutely thrilled with our 10-day stay. From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized and carried by genuine warmth.

The therapists and treatment team are exceptional – deeply skilled, attentive, and truly present. The doctors are fantastic: knowledgeable, compassionate, and inspiring, making us feel safe and understood at every step. A special thank you also to the service staff for their kindness, professionalism, and constant care. We are very grateful to everyone.

The food was excellent – nourishing, beautifully prepared, and perfectly aligned with the holistic concept of the place.

Beyond the medical and therapeutic care, the additional experiences were truly special: the cacao ceremony was deeply touching, the yoga and meditation sessions were grounding and enriching, and the workshops and meeting with the Buddhist monk were profoundly meaningful and inspiring.

This is a very special place filled with heart, wisdom, and humanity.
A place we can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking healing, depth, and authentic care.

With deep gratitude,
Dagmar and Oliver
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Nadine L.
Mein Aufenthalt war einer meiner schönsten Urlaube. Das Sanctuary verfügt über eine wunderschöne Anlage in sehr ruhiger Umgebung und mit traumhafter Natur, hübsche Zimmer, grossartige ayurvedische Behandlungen, einzigartige Verpflegung und ein unübertreffbar sympathisches Team sowie professionelle Ärzte. Ich bin sehr dankbar und werde ganz sicher wiederkommen. Noch nie fühlte ich mich nach 2 Wochen so erholt. DANKE!
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Daniel R.
I spent nearly two weeks at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, and it was a truly transformative experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt how much care and intention goes into creating a space that allows deep rest and genuine healing. The atmosphere is calm, grounding, and thoughtfully designed, with incredible attention to detail that supports relaxation on every level.

Health and wellbeing are approached with real seriousness and compassion here. Sam, the owner, is deeply involved and spends time with guests individually, offering very pragmatic, grounded advice that helps you understand your own journey rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. His presence adds a lot of trust and clarity to the experience.

There is a beautiful sense of community, with around 20 guests sharing the journey together. It’s inspiring to connect with others who are all there with intention, and the group energy is both supportive and uplifting. Regular ceremonies add depth and meaning to the stay, and the 6 a.m. yoga sessions are an absolute highlight — challenging, energising, and surprisingly joyful.

The setting itself is stunning: the sanctuary sits between the ocean on one side and a peaceful lagoon on the other, creating a feeling of being held by nature. Sen’s commitment to Ayurvedic healing is exceptional — treatments are carefully explained, personalised, and rooted in genuine knowledge rather than vague wellness trends. The regular visits from a Buddhist monk bring an extra layer of inspiration and reflection that stays with you long after.

The food deserves a special mention: it is highly curated, sourced locally, and entirely free from processed ingredients, yet still incredibly tasty and diverse. Each meal feels nourishing, intentional, and full of flavour, proving that healing food can also be deeply enjoyable.

Sen Wellness is not just a retreat; it’s a place to reset, learn, and reconnect with yourself in a meaningful way. I left feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply grateful for the experience.
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Iris P.
Wonderful place for recovering, mentale, fysicaly and spiritualy and getting wisdom for the rest of your life.
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Elena R.
It’s was an amazing experience for us. We are very thankfully have been joined this amazing accommodation, with wonderful staff 😍🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
peter L.
I highly recommend Sen Sanctuary as an amazing calm oasis to reset your body and mind. I stayed for 7 glorious nights and it has literally changed my life in a more positive intentional way.

The team did a great job of educating us on the Ayurvedic practices (cooking, philosophy, nutrition, lifestyle) and the treatments were wonderful (my first Ayurvedic retreat).

What also made the stay so special is the community that the staff are fostering, so if you are travelling solo then dint worry, you’ll meet some wonderful fellow travellers. As this isn’t really a place for 1 or 2 nights, you have time you really build connections.

The sanctuary is situated far off the beaten track in a nature reserve surrounded by a lagoon and the ocean. If you want to disconnect (from the world) yet feel more connected (with like minded people) then there isn’t a better place to go!

The experience from start to finish was superb - I can’t wait to come back.
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Agne R.
I spent 10 days at this sanctuary on an Ayurvedic and yoga retreat, and it was a truly transformative experience.

The location is breathtaking - surrounded by jungle, lagoon, and sea, with an abundance of birds and wildlife. Being so immersed in nature felt deeply grounding and healing. The food was incredible: nourishing, comforting, and clearly prepared with so much care. Every meal felt like part of the healing process.

The Ayurvedic treatments were phenomenal. The doctors and massage therapists were attentive, kind, and genuinely invested in making each day the best possible experience. While the doctors didn’t speak much English, it never felt like a limitation - I was there to experience rather than analyse, and that felt right.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this retreat was the people I met. I formed deep connections and, through this shared space, learned more about myself in 10 days than I have in the past year.

I want to especially acknowledge Lucy and Rebecca, who led the yoga and healing sessions. They are truly incredible - deeply present, compassionate, and gifted at creating a safe, supportive space. Through both their practices and conversations, I was able to process my experience and access a level of healing I hadn’t reached before. They were a huge part of what made this retreat so special for me.

I do feel it’s important to gently mention one observation, as transparency matters. While my personal experience as a guest was very positive, I noticed moments that made me feel uncomfortable regarding how staff were treated, particularly by the retreat owner. Staff appeared fearful at times, and there was a noticeable separation between guests and staff during ceremonies. I also wasn’t clear about how tips were distributed, which left me uncertain. I share this not to detract from the healing I personally experienced, but because ethical treatment of staff is important to me and may matter to others considering a stay.

Overall, this retreat offered profound healing, connection, and reflection. It is a powerful place for those seeking deep rest, self-discovery, and immersion in nature.
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Jadwiga B.
Najlepsze miejsce w życiu i na świecie!<3
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Max R.
I had an incredible stay at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. The place is truly a treasure. Everything is perfect. The rooms are beautiful, the food fantastic, the staff super kind, and everything very high quality. The location is incredibly peaceful, nestled between a lagoon and the beach. The treatments are wonderful, and Dr. Sam and all of the professionals are experts. This was by far my favorite part of my trip to Sri Lanka!
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Maryanne T.
I recommend this place to everyone for a short or long retreat. A magical place with incredible staff. Structure and kindness are the order of the day. I felt safe, with excellent support in terms of food. Thank you to the whole team.
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
Isabela C.
Just spent the most relaxing week at Sen Wellness. As soon as you walk in the warm, calm energy envelopes you, not only due to the beautiful understated design of the communal area, but mostly because of the staff. Lucy greeted us and explained everything and she was a wonderful host throughout, answering questions at any hour and delivering the extra mile every time with a friendly smile on her face. Thank you Lucy 🙏🏻
The doctors, therapists and masseurs were incredible, again nothing was too much and did everything professionally with a warmth that may very well be the Sri Lankan attitude towards life, making sure you are comfortable and taken care of. I loved the Ayurvedic treatments and left feeling refreshed and energised.

The kitchen staff made the most delicious food in the Ayurvedic tradition and the fact that meals were served together with the other guests also contributed to the beautiful energy that we felt at the sanctuary.

Amrita and Rebecca guided us through beautiful yoga sessions and meditation practices which we are grateful for. 💛

The location is wonderful, please do take a morning to see the sunrise on the beach.

A quick mention of Taru, the driver who took us back to the airport, who made the 3 hrs journey feel like 10 minutes, told us so many things about Sri Lanka and once more had a wonderful energy to him.

Thank you all and hope to come back soon!
💛
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive
The D.
A Soul-Nourishing 7-Day Retreat at Zen Wellness, Sri Lanka 🌿
My friends and I spent seven unforgettable days at Zen Wellness in Sri Lanka, and it was truly one of the most heart-warming, rejuvenating experiences of our lives. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced with genuine kindness, serenity, and a level of care that went far beyond our expectations.
The food deserves special praise—every meal was a delight. Thoughtfully prepared, nourishing, and absolutely delicious, the cuisine perfectly complemented the retreat experience. Each dish felt like it was made with love, balancing flavor and wellness in the most beautiful way.
The staff and therapists at Zen Wellness are simply extraordinary. Their warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness made us feel supported and cared for at every step. The Ayurvedic treatments and massages were deeply healing and transformative—tailored with expertise and delivered with such compassion that each session felt like a true reset for both body and mind.
A very special mention must go to Lucy, the hotel manager, who truly elevated our entire stay. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and personal touch made all the difference. Lucy has an incredible way of making guests feel not just welcome, but truly seen and valued. Thanks to her, every day flowed effortlessly, and every request was met with grace and a smile.
The highlight of our stay was the beautiful birthday surprises they arranged for me. From thoughtful gestures to touching moments that made me feel incredibly special, it was clear that the team went out of their way to create memories I will cherish forever. Celebrating my birthday in such a peaceful, loving environment, surrounded by my friends and the Zen Wellness family, was nothing short of magical.
Zen Wellness is not just a retreat—it’s truly a sanctuary. A place where healing, joy, and connection come together seamlessly. I left feeling renewed, grateful, and already dreaming of returning. Thank you to the entire Zen Wellness team for creating such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. 💚✨
Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive

The Final Word

Our holistic approach to meditation at Sen Wellness is intended to replenish and nourish every aspect of your soul’s existence and help you break down your internal boundaries to find inner acceptance, peace and connection. We have taken great consideration in creating a safe space for you to explore a deeper part of yourself alongside a team of specialists who can guide you through these meditation practices softly and intuitively. 

With so many powerful ways to enhance your connection to meditation, our approach allows you to decide which one works best for you, whether silent meditation, sound healing, breathwork or forest bathing, the Sanctuary can provide you with everything you can expect to find at a meditation retreat in Sri Lanka.

Sen Wellness Sanctuary | Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive