Daily Rhythm

The Sanskrit term for daily routine is ‘dinacharya’, which means ‘to be close to the day’.

At the Sanctuary, we embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda and encourage alignment with the rhythms of nature. Our daily routine will regulate your internal biological clock, reset your nervous system, balance hormone levels, and support elevated mood and well-being. During your stay, you will acquire valuable self-care practices that you can integrate into your daily life.

As dawn breaks, a cup of herbal tea is delivered to your door, gently waking you up for the day ahead
06:00 – 07:30: Energising and revitalising sunrise yoga session. We recommend a refreshing post-yoga swim* or a walk along the beautiful beach afterwards.
08:30: Indulge in a nutritious breakfast served with a refreshing king coconut.
09:30 – 13:00: Personalised programme of Ayurvedic treatments, resting, exploring or enjoying the space to simply be present.
13:00: Delight in a delicious, freshly prepared lunch.
14:00 – 17:00: Another window for Ayurvedic treatments, organised excursions and activities, or free time.
17:00 – 18:30: Gentle evening yoga, meditation and mantra chanting often accompanied by the healing vibrations of the gong bath.
19:00: Enjoy a fresh, light and delicious dinner at the communal table.
20:00: Lights out for a restorative night’s sleep.

*The current is too strong to swim directly on our doorstep, but a picturesque, 25-minute walk along Rekawa Beach will take you to a rock pool where it is safe to swim. We are also happy to organise a tuk-tuk to take you there and bring you back in time for breakfast each morning.

Local Excursions

The daily rhythm at the Sanctuary is designed to make space for deep rest, and for some, this will look like spending more time alone for quiet contemplation in between treatments. For those who embrace a slightly busier schedule, we have an optional excursion or activity on offer each day.

Rock Pool Swimming

A picturesque 25-minute walk along a beautiful stretch of unspoilt beach takes you to the rock pool where it is safe to swim. We are happy to transport you there and back if you prefer that option. Trips to swimming beaches in nearby Tangalle can also be organised during your stay.

Turtle watching

The back garden of the Sanctuary is Rekawa Beach, Sri Lanka’s first protected marine turtle nesting sanctuary. This offers guests the unique experience of witnessing hundreds of baby turtles hatching, making their way to the ocean and seeing adult female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. This is a seasonal activity with high nesting season occurring from January to July.

Lagoon Ride

Ride along the lagoon in a Sri Lankan catamaran while bathing in the oxygen-rich embrace of the mangrove forest.

Mulkirigala Rock Temple

Visit the Mulkirigala Rock Temple and explore the seven cave temples adorned with images of Buddhas, Arhats and Gods.

Cooking Class

Our resident Head Chef will lead guests through a traditional cooking demonstration, exploring the different indigenous and Ayurvedic ingredients, their properties and health benefits.

Excellent

4.8

★

Based on 169 reviews from

Mithi T.

1694508202

★★★★★

Heaven on earth. A must-visit if you wish to disconnect and self-connect.

Elaine L.

1693770775

★★★★★

The most nourishing, relaxing and healing week I have ever experienced in the most beautiful setting!! 7-day Ayurvedic and Yoga retreat left me feeling like a new person. I will definitely be returning.

Jill L.

1693328040

★★★★★

My two trips to the Sanctuary were equally special. Both were in January, one in 2016 and then again in 2020. It was a perfect way to start the year. The sheer beauty of this part of Sri Lanka is restorative in itself, but when coupled with the luxury and care of the Sanctuary, it becomes a deeply healing experience. I will go back again as soon as I can.

Di S.

1693132092

★★★★★

I arrived exhausted and frazzled from a flight that had lost my bag in transit with the clothes I left London in and raging sinuses from the plane's insanely fierce aircon. Within days the sinus infection was healed with Ayurveda. This was the start of a 10 day healing journey that was pure magic. I stayed in an eco cabana - bed super comfy! - waking up to amazing birdsong. The nature here is lush (bring your mozzie spray!) , the complex open and airy, the food delicious (mainly veggie). Everyone on the team - from the Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners, the amazing manager, the chef and his crew, the yoga teachers to the boys who do the cleaning know what they're doing and radiate positive energy. Days are structured but the vibe is relaxed, open and easy. The Cacao ceremony was amazing. The Fire ceremony also. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Emma C.

1692720436

★★★★★

I came to the sanctuary at a difficult time for me personally. I came home feeling mentally and physically restored. It was just the tonic for me.The sanctuary is set in a beautiful and peaceful location, a stone’s throw from the sea and never-ending empty beaches.I loved the daily yoga sessions - I had a brilliant teacher the week I was there - which has an open front so we often saw monkeys swinging by.But it were the Ayurvedic treatments and meals, made with fresh local produce, that were out of this world.The communal dining is such a great idea, particularly if you come on your own like I did. And the sanctuary is run by a fantastic and caring team who went out of their way to make my experience truly unforgettable.I really do hope to return again one day.

Stephanie U.

1692379552

★★★★★

Sen Wellness is really a Sanctuary where you can really connect back to you, your body and nature. The 10 days Spring Retreat was so fantastic, the breathing, moving and the food was always great. The location is far off from everything and you pretty much have the beach to yourself. All the animals like baby turtles, monkeys, squirrels, peacocks combined with nature was just magical. Also all the staff took great care of everyone induvidually. I will definitly be back!!

Lara Y

1692369607

★★★★★

My husband and I stayed at Sen Wellness Retreat for 11 days in February 2023. We highly recommend Sen Wellness. It is not a resort, it’s a true retreat. Our stay was an absolute dream come true. From the moment we passed through the gate, took our shoes off, and set our feet on the grounds, we found ourselves in a serene atmosphere that washed away all the stress and worries of everyday life. It was an absolute peaceful heaven with calming sounds of the ocean and nature. We stayed in eco-cabana. The blend of natural materials and elements with simple but modern amenities created a perfect balance between rustic charm and contemporary luxury. The room was daily cleaned and had everything we needed for our stay. After meeting with doctor on the first day, our Ayurvedic treatments were tailored to our individual needs, and they were the best part of the experience. Our yoga teacher Thilini was local and made our yoga sessions very meaningful, connecting our body and mind. We still do yoga with her over Zoom ever since we returned home. In a week, we had a new teacher Megan coming. She wasn’t local but she had an extensive knowledge about Ayurveda, local culture and she was great too. The people we had a pleasure of meeting during stay were from all over the world and truly exceptional. The best part was having all meals together around the table and having conversations. Every meal was a delightful journey of flavors and nourishment. The food had many varieties and left us both satisfied and intrigued to try more. Thilini explained to us each food ingredients and shared many stories and information about the local culture. She even took us to the beach late at night for stars gazing and listening to the sounds of the ocean. The staff was very caring, attentive, and tried to provide the best service. By the time we had to leave, we felt so much genuine care and felt like a part of a close-knit community. After returning home, I had a question about medicine for the doctor. Davia sent my question to Dr. Harnika and she replied to me. We left retreat feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, deeply relaxed, and with determination to change our lifestyle.

Rahela R.

1691383170

★★★★★

My time at SEN Wellness Sanctuary for the Ayurvedic retreat was an incredibly relaxing experience. The immersion in pure nature, the sights and sounds of flora and fauna wildlife, and the rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments made it a standout wellness sanctuary worldwide. Daily yoga and meditation sessions, as well as a meeting with a monk, added a spiritual dimension. The wholesome meals were a delight, and the romantic boat ride they arranged for our wedding anniversary was unforgettable. The staff's warmth and dedication created a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere that truly fostered a deep connection with nature. The private beach felt like a personal paradise, offering an exclusive bond with the ocean and sand. My stay at SEN Wellness Sanctuary was truly transformative.

Ghurair S.

1691373696

★★★★★

Our time at SEN Wellness Sanctuary was like discovering a whole new world during the Ayurvedic retreat. Every second felt like a soothing melody of relaxation and refreshment for both of us. Being surrounded by untouched nature was like a dream, with all sorts of plants and animals creating a calming atmosphere. The Ayurvedic treatments were like magic, making this place stand out as one of the best wellness spots globally.Each day, we got to do calming yoga and meditation. We even met a monk, which was pretty cool and added a special vibe to our days. The food was delicious and healthy, giving us energy and making us smile. The cherry on top was a romantic boat ride on our anniversary, showing how much they cared about our happiness.The staff was incredibly friendly and worked hard to make the place feel like a peaceful escape. It was like they understood how much we needed to connect with nature. The private beach felt like our own little paradise, where the waves and sand seemed to give us their full attention.And guess what? We're already planning our next visit to SEN Wellness Sanctuary. Our stay changed us in a big way. It felt like we were woven into a beautiful story that mixed nature's beauty, calming activities, and friendly vibes. This experience is something we'll always remember and it inspires us to bring more harmony and renewal into our lives.

Kristine S.

1691073416

★★★★★

I was looking to fill my cup with good energy and that’s exactly what I got from Sen Wellness. Highlights for me were the delicious healthy food, the setting surrounded by nature and a protected nesting-turtle beach, the soothing Ayurvedic treatments and the daily yoga/ meditation sessions in peaceful settings or gentle dips in the seaside pool. The staff are superb, treating you like family in their lovely home. The cabanas were super comfortable and had everything I needed. Bring lots of insect repellent, camera storage for all the baby turtles you might witness, and a positive attitude and you’re golden. Worth the three-hour trip from Colombo!

Shamail S.

1691069614

★★★★★

Amazing place! Location with the beach on one side, a lake on the other and dense green in between is spectacular. The inclusive meals, daily ayurvedic treatments, and highly attentive staff make this place extraordinary. Looking forward to going back.

Nicole Z.

1689413531

★★★★★

Perfect start in Sri Lanka! We had the chance to really calm down and relax at this stay. The food was amazing and delicious. At the first night we got surprised with an outdoor picnic. The treatments (massage, consultation, bath, ...) were a real pleasure. The staff does great work and behaved really nice and friendly. The yoga classes (by Shruti and Stefania) were extremely calming and diverse. All in all a really peasant stay!

Asoka B.

1687260715

★★★★★

A peaceful sanctuary in a beautiful natural location. Warm, kind and generous staff. Delicious, healthy food; nourishing ayurvedic treatments, yoga and breathwork. Thank you so much!

Jo S.

1687249611

★★★★★

I visited the beautiful Sen Wellness with a friend several years ago. It was a life changing experience for both of us. An introduction to the power of Kundalini yoga delivered in the stunning setting by Eleanor. The Ayurvedic consultation and remedies and treatments throughout the week were incredible. The staff are wonderful and naturally take great care of your every need. The food is delicious and plentiful and all dietary requirements are fulfilled. Sri Lanka is a beautiful island full of wonders to discover. It was an unforgettable retreat that will hold a special place in my heart forever. Thank you to everybody. I really hope to return again one day.

Sally J.

1687193596

★★★★★

My first visit to Sen was a truly wonderful experience. I found it a wonderfully serene and tranquil place to be, and the yoga and daily massage treatments surpassed my expectations. The staff are so incredibly welcoming and warm, and it felt like nothing was too much trouble. The food was delicious and while I did not try the fasting/purge routine I know other people found it very cleansing and uplifting. I enjoyed my visit so much (I took my 20 year old daughter with me who loved it) I then encouraged my older daughter to visit at a time when she was feeling very stressed with work, and she returned feeling renewed and with a calmer outlook on life. I shall return again this year on my own and would highly recommend to anyone looking for a non judgemental and supportive environment to improve their yoga and meditation practice, to take a step out of the modern world and enjoy living and being in the most beautiful and peaceful location.