Best Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka in 2024 - Top 10
If you’re looking for a paradise-like destination to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul, Sri Lanka is the place to be. With its stunning beaches, lush jungle, and Ayurvedic traditions, Sri Lanka has become a popular destination for yoga retreats. In 2023, there are numerous yoga retreats in Sri Lanka that offer daily yoga sessions, meditation, and wellness activities. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. From yoga and surf retreats in Weligama to Ayurvedic yoga holidays in Kandy or Galle, there’s a perfect retreat for everyone.
The best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka offer a variety of styles of yoga, including Vinyasa, Hatha yoga, and more. You can practice yoga in a serene shala in the middle of the jungle or on a stunning beach overlooking the ocean. There are yoga teachers from all over the world who will guide you through your next yoga session and help you deepen your practice. You can also combine your yoga practice with other activities such as surfing, trekking, or exploring the local culture.
Accommodation in Sri Lanka’s yoga retreats ranges from luxurious villas to eco-friendly plantation villas. You can wake up to the sound of monkeys playing in the trees or the waves crashing on the shore. With delicious Sri Lankan cuisine and Ayurvedic treatments, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
In this article, we tell you about the Yoga Retreat at Sen Wellness Sanctuary and how it compares with the other Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka.
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Why go on a Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka might be a small island, but what it has to offer is more than you can imagine. In the central province, you can visit the Lion’s Rock, an ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, or the famous cave temples of Dambulla, a sacred pilgrimage site with five sanctuaries and Buddhist mural paintings that cover more than 2000 square metres; you can take a stroll in the sacred city of Anuradhapura marvelling at its ancient Buddhist temples and giant dome-shaped stupas or mingle with wildlife in Yala National Park which has the highest density of leopards in the world.
Immersing yourself on a yoga holiday for a few weeks is a temporary lifestyle change that can lead to permanent transformation in your body, mind and spirit. And if you choose to go on this healing journey in a country where you are surrounded by lush greenery, rich biodiversity, ancient Buddhist temples and swaying coconut palm trees, the shift can be even greater. This is Sri Lanka, an emerging pristine, off the beaten track and affordable Asian hotspot, a feast for all the senses with its rich cultural heritage, colonial architecture, and a wide array of classic dishes such as the egg hopper or Sri Lankan kottu roti, that you won’t find anywhere else.
According to Hindu mythology, Vishwakarma, the divine architect created a kingdom called Lanka, which is one of the earliest written references to the island of Sri Lanka in the Ramayana. The island of ’serendipity’ – Sarandīb as the ancient Persians and Arabs referred to it from the Sanskrit word Siṃhaladvīpah – is a year-round destination for surfers trying to ride the best waves in a tropical climate, and for people who want to practice yoga and meditation, or experience the ancient healing practices of Ayurveda.
Sen Wellness – An Eco Yoga Retreat Center in Sri Lanka
Sen Wellness is an eco-conscious retreat centre that has been voted one of the top 20 yoga retreats in the world by The Times and has glowing reviews by publishers such as Taschen and Conde Nast. The sanctuary’s sustainable, circular buildings nestle between a peaceful lagoon and a secluded beach in Rekawa Nature Reserve, home to a rich, tropical mangrove ecosystem with unique and diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary offers luxury yoga retreats whilst providing a bespoke healing program for every guest, based on a holistic approach and Ayurvedic principles that not only help them regain balance in mind, body, and spirit but also empower them to reach their full potential that carries over into all aspects of their lives.
Sen Wellness puts great emphasis on supporting all guests, empowering them and helping them reconnect with their authentic selves in a nurturing environment. After a thorough consultation with one of the best Ayurvedic doctors in Sri Lanka, a personalised support and health care program is developed for each guest that includes daily doses of herbal medicines, ayurvedic treatments, yoga and meditation classes – all tailored to their specific needs. The daily routine is structured in a way that helps guests be in sync with nature and regulate their biological rhythms, metabolism, hormonal balance, and mood.
Eco-Conscious Accommodation
Sen Wellness Sanctuary has prioritized eco-conscious accommodation and works closely with independent environmental consultants to ensure their sustainability initiatives are relevant, responsible, and have a long-term, positive impact. Their sustainability policies aim to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and educate guests on the importance of environmental responsibility.
It operates with a strong belief in being in harmony with nature and takes its role as guardian of the Sanctuary’s habitat seriously. The reserve boasts a rich mangrove ecosystem, a peaceful lagoon, and a stunning, unspoiled beach where giant sea turtles come to nest. The sanctuary takes pride in its sustainability journey and has recently committed to expanding its efforts further. In October 2020, they made pledges to prioritize renewable energy, waste management, sustainable water use, sustainable food production, and reducing carbon emissions. They understand that being in harmony with the environment is crucial for well-being and aim to create an immersive experience that reflects this belief.
Guests are invited to experience Sen Wellness Sanctuary’s eco-conscious accommodation and immerse themselves in the healing power of nature. Their Green Manifesto outlines their current sustainability policies and pledges, which they continuously strive to improve and implement. As they continue to evolve, the sanctuary remains committed to protecting and preserving the natural beauty of the Sanctuary for generations to come.
Yoga Retreat Schedule at Sen Wellness Sanctuary
The days can vary, but the day always begins with a cup of herbal tea before the early morning revitalising yoga session at 6 am. At 8.30 am guests can choose from a smorgasbord of healthy and nourishing dishes as part of an abundant breakfast with a refreshing king coconut. Between 9.30 am and 1 pm, and from 2 to 5 pm, guests have their bespoke Ayurvedic treatments and special programs they have requested. Guests also have free time during the day to explore and to experience the feeling of just ’being’ and connecting with nature and others around them. After an evening yoga class with meditation, mantra chanting and gong bath taught by either a Buddhist monk or one of the centre’s highly experienced and carefully selected yoga teachers, the day ends with a light but wholesome dinner around a communal table where guests can connect and share their experiences.
Sen Wellness is a unique, sustainable luxury paradise on a magical island with immense biodiversity that can help you reconnect with yourself, nature, and the people around you. In this healing and nurturing space, open all year round, the programs, treatments and yoga classes are designed to meet your individual needs and to help you regain balance in mind, body, and spirit, whilst developing the inner resources you can always rely on.
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Range of the Best Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka for 2023
Sri Lanka offers a wide range of yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats at resorts with world-class facilities where you can also do surf courses or even yoga teacher training. Many of these centres incorporate detox programs and Ayurvedic treatments into their yoga retreat experience, but there is only one retreat centre in the southern province of this special country that offers a bespoke healing and treatment plan for each guest. Sen Wellness was founded on Ayurvedic principles and takes a holistic approach to healing, with world-class osteopathic treatments, daily yoga and meditation classes, sound journeys, and various other complementary healing practices. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your yoga journey, there’s a perfect retreat for you in Sri Lanka. From beachfront retreats to jungle getaways, here are the 10 best yoga retreats Sri Lanka has to offer:
Sen Wellness Sanctuary
This eco-conscious retreat centre nestled within the Rekawa Nature Reserve offers a variety of yoga classes, meditation sessions, and Ayurvedic treatments to help guests connect with nature and find inner peace. Voted one of the best yoga retreats in the world by The Times.
Talalla Wellness
Located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, this beachfront retreat offers sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, mindfulness walks, and spa treatments for a holistic wellness experience.
Samadhi Centre
Set in the lush jungle of Kandy, this retreat offers meditation and yoga sessions, and Ayurvedic treatments to help guests rejuvenate and find balance amidst the serene surroundings.
Lanka Yoga
This surf and yoga retreat in Weligama offers a blend of dynamic and restorative yoga classes, sound healing sessions, and surf lessons for a holistic approach to wellness.
Villa de Zoysa
This boutique retreat in Ahangama offers bespoke yoga and meditation experiences tailored to each guest’s unique needs. In addition to yoga, guests can enjoy cooking classes, nature walks, and cultural excursions.
Welikande Estate
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Knuckle Mountains, Welikande Estate is an eco-conscious and sustainable retreat center that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and Victoria Lake. Perched atop the mountain, this retreat center boasts acres of lush gardens, a yoga shala and meditation studio, a spa center, a swimming pool, and mountain view accommodations.
Soul & Surf Sri Lanka
This retreat centre in Ahangama offers a variety of yoga classes, mindfulness workshops, and surf lessons for a fun and inspiring wellness experience.
Jungle Tide
This eco-lodge and popular yoga retreat centre deep in the jungle of Sri Lanka offers daily yoga sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, and guided treks to help guests connect with nature and find inner peace.
Ulpotha
This rustic wellness retreat in Sri Lanka offers a unique yoga experience amidst a stunning natural setting. In addition to daily yoga sessions, guests can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and horseback riding.
Santani Wellness
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, this luxurious retreat offers an array of yoga and meditation classes, sound baths, and personalized Ayurvedic treatments to help guests unwind and recharge.
The Final Word
In conclusion, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise that offers some of the best yoga retreats in the world. With a range of yoga styles, daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, and Ayurvedic treatments, a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka is the perfect way to recharge and rejuvenate. The country’s rich culture, beautiful retreat centres, and authentic Sri Lankan food make it an ideal destination for a wellness retreat.
Whether you’re looking for a surf and yoga retreat, a wellness sanctuary, or an authentic Sri Lankan yoga retreat experience, Sri Lanka has it all. The retreats are open all year round, thanks to the tropical climate, and offer a variety of activities, including cooking classes and meditation classes.
Many of the best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka are set in the middle of the jungle, deep in the heart of Central Sri Lanka, where you can find the best waves and one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world, Yala National Park, home to one of the largest populations of leopards in the world. The Salty Pelican, one of the beautiful retreat centres, is a boutique hotel that offers a range of yoga styles, including Yin Yoga and is one of the best surf retreats on the south coast.
In 2023, Sri Lanka’s yoga retreats offer an authentic experience, with Ayurvedic doctors, Ayurveda treatments, and a range of yoga and meditation classes. Whether you’re looking for a surf camp, a yoga shala, or a retreat centre, you’ll find the best retreats in Sri Lanka.
So, if you’re looking to go on a yoga retreat, Sri Lanka is one of the top destinations to find the best yoga retreats. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and top-notch retreats, Sri Lanka offers the ultimate yoga experience. Book your next retreat and discover the beauty of Sri Lanka and its many yoga retreats.
