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.
- 05:30: Welcome the day with a cup of herbal tea
- 06:00: Energising and revitalising sunrise yoga session.
- 07:30: King coconut hydrates and replenishes before a post-practice beach walk*, followed by a nourishing breakfast.
- 09:30: 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: Another window for Ayurvedic treatments, organised excursion/ activity, or free time.
- 17:00: Gentle evening yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices.
- 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.
Activities and 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 a few optional excursions and activities on offer throughout the week.
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.


Ayurvedic Workshop
Dive into the world of Ayurveda with our doctor-led workshop, where you’ll explore its core philosophy and traditional medicines. This interactive session offers valuable insights into your unique constitution and the powerful role Ayurvedic herbs play in personalised treatment.
Rock Pool Swimming
Self-guided activity
A picturesque 25-minute walk along a beautiful stretch of unspoilt beach takes you to the rock pool where it is safe to swim. This is a self-guided activity, and we can help arrange a tuk-tuk to transport you there and back at an additional cost.


Turtle watching
Self-guided activity
Rekawa Beach is Sri Lanka’s first protected marine turtle nesting sanctuary. We work closely with the beach conservation team, and if you’re lucky, you may witness baby turtles hatching or mothers coming ashore to lay their eggs. This unforgettable, seasonal experience peaks from January to July, and tickets can be bought directly from the local turtle sanctuary.
In the 10 days retreat I celebrated here my birthday. With being one year older, I now feel 10 years younger, mainly because of all the love, the care, the joy and the special attention they have given me and all of us.
We feel blessed we were able to spend wonderful moments together with you in this beautiful authentic place!
Wonderful ayurvedic treatments, great individual care from the doctors, the tasty food, the yogaclasses, and the lovely people!
I will definitely come back.
Until we meet again!
Love, Jessica & Jeroen
🦎
The Sanctuary is located in a natural reserve so you are in contact with all type of animals and just a few steps from the beach, which makes it more special.
I would love to come back at least once a year to this special place.
蚊に刺されやすい方は、ディートかイカリジン入り虫除けは必須です!
アットホームで素晴らしいホスピタリティに感謝です。ぜひまた伺いたいです。
Thanks for all the healing team Sen wellness
I needed a "reset" from the hustle and bustle of New York and I came here without that much expectations. What I found here was a pleasant surprise.
Food - the food was very healthy (not traditional Western salads healthy). It may be challenging for some as other than eggs, no animal protein is provided. However, it was overall extremely healthy - everything was made in house, even sauces and peanut butter.
Treatments - I really thought there would only be 1-2 treatments a day but to my shock, you get 3-5 treatments a day. In addition, you could also do special sessions with the owner (Dr Sam) if he is visiting. My sessions with the team and Dr Sam were incredibly helpful to relieve my anxiety.
Fixed Schedule - if you want to reset and not think about anything, this is the perfect place. Everything is thought about for you - food, activities, daily treatments. Literally all you have to do is show up and relax.
Yoga, Breathwork and Community - Most importantly, I loved the sanctuary because of the yoga and the community. There are sessions with the yoga teacher, a breathwork teacher, and a monk.
I had the most wonderful stay at this Ayurvedic retreat. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, cared for, and completely at ease. The staff were not only professional but also genuinely warm and attentive, making me feel like part of their family.
The Ayurvedic consultations were thorough and insightful, with treatments tailored perfectly to my needs. Each therapy session was deeply relaxing, and I could feel my stress melting away day by day. The massages, herbal remedies, and healing rituals were authentic and done with so much skill and compassion.
The food was another highlight – delicious, nourishing, and beautifully prepared according to Ayurvedic principles. I left each meal feeling light yet satisfied, and I could truly feel the difference in my energy levels and overall wellbeing.
The peaceful setting of the retreat made the whole experience even more special. Surrounded by nature, I found the time and space to disconnect, reflect, and recharge. By the end of my stay, I felt rejuvenated, balanced, and more in tune with myself than I have in years.
I can’t recommend this retreat highly enough to anyone seeking deep relaxation, healing, or simply a reset from everyday life.
Thanks to all the staff , Dr Chamodi, Madu,Sam , Alex and Mariana ! This place is in my heart i will definitely come back !
The food was really excellent, and meals were always shared together, which created a warm sense of community. This makes the retreat also very suitable for solo travelers, as it is easy to connect with others. There were also many extra activities. One special highlight for me was the trip to the beach in the afternoon, where we practiced breathwork at sunset – an unforgettable experience. I also enjoyed the meditations, the visit of a monk, and the different workshops, which were all very enriching.
I especially loved the yoga classes with Mariana, as well as her breathwork session, which was a completely new and powerful experience for me. Overall, I spent a truly wonderful week at Zen Wellness Sanctuary, full of new impressions and experiences. I am very grateful for this time and would like to thank the whole team for everything.
This is a magical place for both body and soul, mainly because of the wonderful and kind people working there, its unique location, and the harmony it exudes. I came here seeking relaxation, but I received so much more. The day begins with yoga. I read that many people didn’t enjoy these classes, but I had a completely different experience—they were excellent in my opinion. Suitable for everyone, they teach a love for the practice.
The food is exceptional varied, healthy, and perfect for a full detox, thanks to the head chef who is amazing and whom I warmly greet. The meals are incredibly good, diverse, and fresh. This is definitely a detox-focused diet, but it delivers great results.
The most important part of my stay became the care provided by Dr. Chamodi and her team. She is amazing and invaluable, taking care of every detail of your stay in line with Ayurvedic practice. Throughout the day, various treatments are offered, all of top-level quality. The massages and their Sri Lankan ambiance became something I deeply miss. Special greetings to Rasange, though the entire team is truly excellent.
SEN is a place with minor flaws, but they are minimal compared to what it offers. If you want to be fully prepared, here’s a tip: you need to be certain about the length of your stay, as management reserves the right not to negotiate the rate set upon arrival. So it’s worth deciding in advance how long you want to stay. Initially, I thought 14 days might be too long, but it turned out to be a wonderfully rejuvenating period.
Additionally, it’s worth bringing products other than Sri Lankan mosquito repellents, as there are many mosquitoes. If you prefer your own yoga mat and want it very clean, bring it along. The only aspect that could be improved is the beach towels and new yoga mats—they need replacement, but this is completely natural. This is a place strongly focused on wellbeing, so it may not bother you at all they are really good but could be little better. I was without mine and it works really fine so don't worry. Its an info for extra pedantic characters and their comfort zone.
Someone mentioned that massage towels are dirty, but that is not true. I checked and discussed this, and it simply isn’t the case. The cleaning stuff is amazing. Thank you guys. U are doing good job.
These are my only two notes. Otherwise, I want to say that this place is truly worth visiting. It has its own microclimate and energy. Located in a completely secluded area, if you value a private beach and being close to the sounds of the sea, this might be the best place in the world. I highly recommend it. Once again, I want to thank the entire team, both the doctors and all the staff, who ensure this place is so exceptional from management, the team from London, to every single employee. I adore you for your energy. Never lose it.
I believe we will meet again soon. Maks
A truly world class experience.
I have never been somewhere that has offered so much care, love and attention both to me and the details of how they make the entire experience deeply personal and special
The treatments were of an extraordinarily high calibre, The food crafted with so much care, I felt very held by Sam, Mariana, Alex and the rest of the Sen team who are all really spiritual and caring people.
For those travelling alone, I can only tell you that it is a very safe place and you will be deeply welcomed
The sanctuary’s location is at a stunning place between the rekawa lagoon and the beach in the south of Sri Lanka.
10/10, highly recommend it 🩵