FAQs

Our accommodation

Our rooms and cabanas are built with respect for the natural surroundings and we therefore do not have air conditioning in the rooms. Thanks to its beachside location, the Sanctuary is naturally cool. The buildings are also designed to maximise airflow and we provide ceiling and standing fans as well as mosquito nets in all rooms. Air conditioning is also not suitable for the Ayurvedic treatments as it is too harsh on the respiratory system.

Yes, all the cabana rooms are en suite and fitted with solar panel showers.

All our cabana rooms are facing the lagoon with balconies overlooking the treetops.

We seek to encourage mindfulness while you are with us and therefore advocate a digital detox to enable you to disconnect from everyday life back at home and be in the present moment.

However, we do of course understand that some guests need to be able to access Wi-Fi and we therefore enable Wi-Fi access for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening at allocated times.

We would be thankful if you could vacate the room by 11 am however, we are happy to try and accommodate late checkouts wherever possible. You can of course continue using the rest of the Sanctuary as a home if you have a late return transfer.

The Sanctuary

We are in the process of developing a pool at the Sanctuary, although rather than a traditional swimming pool this will be a saltwater plunge pool designed to mimic the sea and promote healing.
The beach is under two minutes away.

Our food and drink

We serve fresh authentic Sri Lankan food which is primarily vegetarian with occasional locally caught fish offered on the side. Ingredients are grown locally and produce is field fresh and full of vitality. Everything is prepared with love and care in a Sri Lankan home-style kitchen, and the meals feature the best of local cooking with delicious flavours all prepared to support the Ayurvedic programme. Learn more about nourishment at the Sanctuary.

Yes. If you have any concerns about our menu fitting your dietary requirements, please let us know and we will make sure our menu is best suited to you.

We are an authentic retreat centre and do not serve alcohol at the Sanctuary.

Our wellness programmes

We offer a variety of wellness programmes available throughout the year ranging from 1 to 14 days. Find out more about our Bespoke Retreat packages and please do contact us if you would like to find out about available dates and for further advice.

Our varied programmes can help you to destress, detox, improve your yoga, meditation/mindfulness practice, break addictions and habits, help digestive and skin problems, as well as depression and weight loss. The carefully designed programmes can also reduce insomnia, fatigue and anxiety, and support you to reconnect and find joy, happiness and inspiration.

Our wellness programmes include the following:
  • Full consultation with Ayurvedic doctor on arrival and prior to departure, with daily support
  • Daily Ayurvedic treatments according to your body type, on average three treatments a day totalling approximately 90 minutes
  • Weekly group meditation and sound healing sessions with Buddhist Monk
  • Morning and evening yoga classes, open to all levels, (90-120 minutes)
  • Acupuncture (for 5 days + retreat programmes)
  • Herbal Ayurvedic medicine to support your retreat (for 5 days + retreat programmes)
  • One private one-hour class with our yoga teacher (for 7 days + retreat programmes)
  • 30-minute pre and post retreat support sessions via Zoom with Sen Wellness Founder and Osteopath, Sam Kankanamge (for 7 days + retreat programmes).
Read more about our wellness offerings, treatments and modalities

Our group Signature Retreats and individual Bespoke Retreats offer uniquely different experiences.

Bespoke Retreats are available all year round and allow for extra attention to be spent on your individual journey and the personal intention you have for your experience. They also enable you to have precious, undistracted time to yourself.

For Signature Retreats, an intention is set at the start for the group as a whole. A maximum of 16 guests start and end their retreat journey together, often influencing and inspiring the energy and dynamics of the group. Additional group activities and excursions may be included over the retreat.

Find out more about retreats at the Sanctuary.

Planning your trip

December to March and July to August are hot and dry, and tend to be the best time to plan your visit. April to June and October and November are generally humid and are therefore the ideal time for deep cleansing and Panchakarma

Tangalle has its own micro climate, with less rain than in other areas of the island. The weather tends to follow the following pattern:

December to March is hot and dry, with rains starting in mid-end of April. May and June are more humid, and July through to September tends to see dry and sunny days with rain setting in again in October and November.

The car journey from Colombo airport to the Sanctuary takes about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. If you let us know your flight details we can arrange your transfer in advance.

We always invite our guests to set an intention ahead of your retreat as this will make your experience more empowering.

After you book your retreat and we receive your deposit we will send you a Welcome Guide with more information about what to expect and how you can prepare.

We also share a questionnaire with you 10 days before your arrival date so you can let us know what you want to get out of your experience, as well as any ailments or dietary requirements.

Guests booking a 7 days + Bespoke Retreat will have a 30-minute pre and post retreat Zoom consultation with our Founder, Dr Sam Kankanamge.

We are of course always available to answer any questions on email or via phone call on +44 207 4863 373.

You don’t need to have any experience so don’t worry if you have never practiced yoga or meditation before. All of our teachers are compassionate to all levels of experience and will quickly help to build up your confidence.
Applying for your visa is quick and easy and can be done online in less than 10 minutes. The visa will then be automatically linked to your passport number.
Read more about the vaccinations you may need or alternatively check with your doctor. Malaria tablets will not be necessary for your visit to the Sanctuary.

For more information about our terms and conditions and cancellation policy, please click here.