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?

Choosing a Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka - 5 Tips

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.
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.
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

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.
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.

Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone

No. of Guests

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Retreat Option

Dates - Arrival

Dates - Departure

How did you find us?(Required)

Accommodation Options(Required)

What is the primary reason for coming to the Sanctuary?(Required)

Comments / Questions / Queries

Country

CAPTCHA

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.

Excellent

Sen Wellness Sanctuary

Based on 245 reviews

See all reviews

Kirstin S.

Truly a beautiful experience- one week here feels like a month in the real world. Allow yourself the gift of disconnection to connect with what matters, yourself & community. People are kind, treatments are wonderful, food is delicious, pacing is calm. No pressure to do much of anything- the healing is intuitive just by existing. Thank you! I can't wait to come back here!

Lara A.

I stayed in this beautiful sanctuary for almost a week. The place and service is incredible! Highly recommended. I am picky with my food and they accommodated all my needs and never made me feel like my asks were too much or anything. Madu, Samin, Taru, the founder Sam, everyone was so nice and welcoming the whole time. Felt like home away from home ♥️ highly recommended to anyone who wants to reconnect with themselves and rest and recharge.

Nick M.

Simply incredible!
I experienced an amazing 8 day stay at Sen Wellness which was both deeply relaxing and transformative. The staff are remarkably kind and caring, the space is beautiful and tranquil, and the treatments are exceptional. If you’re looking for a place for restoration and reinvigoration, look no further than Sen Wellness

Ariel F.

We booked our stay at Sen Wellness just 24 hours before arriving, planning to stay for only 3 days. We loved it so much that we ended up extending to a full week.

Everything about this place is special. The staff are amazing — from the yoga teachers and doctors to the massage therapists and wellness team, everyone takes such good care of you and makes you feel at home. The food was out of this world, healthy but also unbelievably delicious.

The setting itself is magical. The wildlife around the sanctuary was unbelievable — we saw so many incredible animals right on our doorstep, which made the whole experience even more unique.

What really stood out too were the people we met there. The guests that come to Sen Wellness are some of the most interesting, kind, and inspiring people you could hope to meet.

This place is more than just a retreat — it’s somewhere you leave feeling lighter, healthier, and more connected. I’d recommend this place to anyone!

Niv F.

I had the privilege of spending a week at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff and doctors here are absolutely amazing – warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in your wellbeing. From the moment I arrived, I felt cared for on every level.

The environment is breathtaking – surrounded by pristine nature, the beach, and the lagoon – it creates the perfect setting for healing and transformation. The daily yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, and nourishing food all worked together to bring me balance, clarity, and peace.

What really stood out to me were the two brothers who own the sanctuary. They genuinely care for every guest, and you can feel their kindness and authenticity in everything they do. They’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and their vision and heart make this place unlike anywhere else.

If you want to change your life for the better, come here. Sen Wellness Sanctuary is not just a retreat, it’s a life-changing experience. I will definitely be coming back very soon.

Tal F.

The best experience I’ve ever had at a hotel. I came for 3 days but stayed 7 days. The staff are the nicest people you’ll meet and they really care about your well being. The food is absolutely amazing, Michelin star level. The doctors are the best you can find and really help you with your needs and health issues. The hotel is situated in the nicest plot of land in between a beautiful lagoon and beach that are both accessible from the hotel. If you are looking for an Ayurveda wellness resort or even a nice hotel surrounded by beautiful nature this is your place.

A T

This was my first-ever retreat! I chose the 3-day program and stayed alongside guests whose visits ranged from 5 days to 3 weeks.

Always ask questions or requests, it will help you get the most out of your stay. During my visit, there were complimentary activities available, but you needed to request them. Sometimes these activities depended on a set schedule or the number of guests interested, so plan accordingly.

Meals were delicious and sometimes varied.

One note for improvement: during one of my treatments, I noticed the towel hadn’t been changed, and I had to ask for a fresh one. I hope this was just a one-off oversight, but I’m sharing it to help improve the experience.

Overall, I would stay again. What made the experience especially lovely were the other guests and people I met who were all open, kind, and wonderful to be around.

Big shoutout to Nat and Mariana, the wellness manager and yoga instructor, who brought great energy, made us feel welcome, and were also on their own journeys. The onsite doctor and staff truly took great care of everyone.

Thank you!

Andrew M.

Absolutely FANTASTIC!! I recommend this place so highly to anyone and everyone!

The staff are soooo wonderful, honestly they look after you so well. The place is so clean, every day they clean and make your room.

The pool Is soo nice and it’s not chlorinated so it’s so beautiful and fresh.
The Dr will assess you when you come and everyday will give you treatments to do and treatments are the best!

Oh also, turtles laying eggs on beach is very cool.

Doing yoga and meditation twice a day in the yoga studio with monkeys in the trees, beautiful birds and squirrels, it’s such an enchanting place!

Peacocks are always walking around the yards.

If you want the best Ayurvedic retreat, this is the one for you! 🤗

Cerys H.

I stayed at Sen Wellness for three days and found the entire experience deeply relaxing and restorative. The daily timetable was thoughtfully planned, with each day following a similar structure. As someone on the autism spectrum, I found this predictability very reassuring and supportive.

The treatments were excellent and noticeably beneficial for my wellbeing. I particularly appreciated how accommodating the team was to my physical disability — they personally escorted me to my room to ensure my safety, and even made me a walking stick during my stay. The consultation with Dr. Sam, the CEO, was another highlight; his warm, understanding manner, combined with breathing exercises and acupuncture-style pressure point work, felt both validating and affirming.

The food was delicious, fresh, and healthy. I even lost 2kg during my stay without ever feeling deprived or as though I was “on a diet.”

Beyond the sanctuary itself, the trips they offered enriched the experience — I enjoyed a serene boat ride in the lagoon behind the hotel, and they also organise temple visits. On Mondays, a monk visits the sanctuary to lead a guided meditation and share Buddhist philosophy, which was both calming and thought-provoking.

My short stay left me feeling rejuvenated and cared for, and I would happily return for a longer visit in the future.

keren M.

Sen wellness is fully focused on health and enrichment of the whole body . I found the auyvedic treatments were extremely beneficial and the consultation with the auyvedic doctor very accurate in assessing my body and what would improve my health. The food is delicious and mostly vegetarian. It was fresh , nourishing and plentiful. The accomodation was fair , but a little cramped quarters for 2 single people. Definitely recommend the Sen and all the lovely people who work there.

Aline X C.

I came for 10days and ending up staying 14days. The staff, the location, the treatments are amazing. I loved meeting the Doctors, they are kind and very knowledgable, the therapists really good. I really felt a strong energy renewal during this retreat. I highly recommend

Ludovic R

A truly unique and enriching experience! The Ayurvedic treatments were both relaxing and revitalizing. All the staff were incredibly kind, professional, and attentive to every detail. I left feeling balanced, refreshed, and deeply cared for. Highly recommended for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves in a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere — on a wonderful, almost private beach where turtles come to nest and one can run without meeting anyone but the waves. Many thanks to all the staff who go above and beyond to meet our needs. Particular mention for Doctor Chamodi and her entire team. They are exceptional — professional, caring, and truly dedicated to their patients' well-being. I want to give special praise to Rasanga, who has a remarkable gift. His massages are simply magical and bring an incredible sense of relief and relaxation. You can genuinely feel the passion and talent in his hands. An outstanding experience from start to finish!

Max V.

This was my very first 10-day retreat at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, and I can confidently say—it was an unforgettable journey. The location is absolutely stunning, nestled in nature with a peaceful, healing atmosphere that soothes you the moment you arrive.

The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, always ready to help with warm smiles. I felt at home from day one. The food was delicious, nourishing, and beautifully prepared to support our wellness journey.

The treatments and meditation sessions were amazing—each day brought a deeper sense of peace and connection. I also appreciated how knowledgeable and kind the doctors were. They took time to listen, understand, and guide me through my relaxation and detox process.

Overall, this experience was beyond my expectations. I feel renewed in body, mind, and soul. I’ll definitely be coming back—thank you, Sen Wellness, for such a magical and healing retreat!
Thank you
Best regard
Max

💐💐💐

Hadas P.

I came alone to Sen Wellness Sanctuary for 10 magical days
Everything was simply perfect: the incredibly kind and attentive staff (thank you to Madhu, Jasmin, Dr chamodi and her lovely team, the wonderful therapists, especially Rasanga who did everything he could to heal my back with care, professionalism, and a smile and the kitchen staff, the chef, and sweet, always-smiling Sami)
The place is beautifully maintained, .clean, peaceful, and full of hear
My room by the ocean was lovel
The daily schedule is grounding and nourishing: morning and evening yoga, healthy delicious food, amazing body treatments, soul-soothing meditations (thank you, Shefali), a powerful session with a monk, and even some lovely excursions.
If you're dealing with pain, stress, or just craving real rest for your body and soul, I wholeheartedly recommend this sanctuary.

Maya C.

Wunderschöner Ort, fantastische Therapeuten, köstliches Essen. Perfekt wenn man mal wirklich runterkommen möchte.

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.