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Sen Wellness Sanctuary|Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka – All Inclusive

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?

Table of Contents

Choosing a Meditation Retreat in Sri Lanka - 5 Tips

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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 
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
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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.

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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.

Agnieszka O.
I recently spent a beautiful week at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, and it was truly a wonderful experience. The Ayurveda program was exceptional — the doctors were incredibly knowledgeable, caring, and attentive throughout my stay. The therapists and masseurs were also fantastic, making every treatment relaxing and deeply healing.
The food was absolutely delicious — healthy, fresh, and full of flavor. The entire staff was warm, supportive, and always ready to help with anything I needed.
Overall, Sen Wellness Sanctuary provided the perfect balance of healing, relaxation, and nourishment. I left feeling refreshed, re-energized, and very grateful for the experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and transformative retreat.
Beate B.
A pure magical experience.
Aleksandra S.
An Unforgettable and Deeply Healing Ayurvedic Experience!

From the moment I arrived, I knew I had found a truly special place for my Ayurvedic treatment. I wholeheartedly recommend this center to anyone seeking authentic healing and rejuvenation.

The consultations with the Ayurvedic specialists (doctors) were incredibly helpful and deeply engaging. They took the time to understand my specific needs and condition, showing genuine dedication to ensuring the treatment brought the maximum possible benefits.

The treatments themselves were highly professional, carried out with extraordinary care and attention to every single detail.

The staff and service are wonderful – truly delightful and always trying to assist you with various situations at every turn. Their genuine smiles and commitment to guest comfort make the experience even more pleasant.

The food is diverse, absolutely delicious, and beautifully prepared. The menu ensures that no one goes hungry, offering nourishing and flavorful meals that are an integral part of the healing process.

Finally, the location is absolutely stunning. The resort itself is beautiful, perfectly situated right on the edge of a serene lagoon. It features a lovely pool and has easy access to the beach, where you can admire the raw power and beauty of the ocean.

I highly recommend undergoing your Ayurvedic treatment here because you will meet smiling, dedicated people who genuinely care about maximizing your well-being and health status. It is a place of profound relaxation, expert care, and positive energy.
Ariane von N.
I spent two wonderful weeks at this Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka, and it was truly a beautiful start to a healthier life. The retreat is an authentic haven surrounded by nature — peaceful, green, and full of positive energy.

The staff are simply amazing — always smiling, kind, and genuinely thoughtful. You can feel that they put their hearts into everything they do, every single day. The food is absolutely delicious, fresh, and nourishing, perfectly aligned with the Ayurvedic philosophy.

Each day brought new, amazing treatments that helped me relax and reconnect with myself. It was my first retreat, and I couldn’t have imagined a better place to begin this journey. Life here runs on island time and style — calm, unhurried, and full of warmth.

I felt completely comfortable and cared for from the moment I arrived. A huge thank you to everyone who made this experience so special. I’m leaving with a calm mind, a happy heart, and deep gratitude. 🌿💚
Angelika M.
This Signature Place so much deserves its name: so SEN with its location between the sea and lagoon and quiet & lonely beach but rough sea , its beautiful and calming architecture and interior and kind people allover the place.
And so WELLNESS with the great & professional ayurvedic doctors & staff & treatments, special yoga and breathwork sessions and talks with a monk ever week and amazing food variety every day. Never wanna miss Sunday hoppers with peanut butter again!
Thank your SAM and your whole great team for creating this magic Signature Place and life changing moments and experiences!
Fynn L.
Great place to relax, unwind and connect back to yourself. The place is beautifully located between a lagoon and the ocean. There was rarely a moment when you can’t hear the ocean. The food is absolutely amazing and all the staff are just the best. Special thanks to Rosie for making everybody feel welcome and at easy and Gobi for saving the day
Jessica V.
Stuti Stuti Stuti to the whole team of SenWellness 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
🦎
Cecilia Z.
I had such an amazing experience at the sen wellness sanctuary, the staff was so kind and professional and all the classes and treatments were amazing.
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.
Barbara D.
A wonderful experience. The resort offers excellent service with outstanding professionals in every area. Both the treatments and the care provided by the doctors, as well as the yoga and breathing classes, are highly recommended. The location, between a lagoon and a wild beach inside a natural park, makes it unique.
kazu y
9月のDragonfly Retreatに参加させていただきました。二度目のスリランカで初めてsen wellnessにお世話になりました。とても静かで穏やかな環境下にあるサンクチュアリ。アーユルヴェーダの先生方、施術スタッフの皆さん、シェフ、ホテルスタッフの皆さん全員が暖かく、とても心地よく過ごすことができました。アーユルヴェーダの背術は期待以上！個人に合わせた施術プランを立ててくれます。私はAC無しのお部屋に宿泊しましたが、清掃も行き届いていてシンプルながら快適でした。ACがついているロッジも見せてもらいましたが、とても素敵でした。そして毎食何といっても楽しみだったのが、絶品お料理！朝の瞑想とヨガ後のキングココナッツも最高です。
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。
Richa S.
Recently visited Sen wellness sanctuary Colombo after finishing my chemotherapy for detoxification & holistic wellness. The centre really justifies its name of being a sanctuary , a healing refuge mentally , physically & spiritually. Plethora of treatments by their well trained staff , continuous guidance & consultations with their qualified doctors , everyday yoga & meditation sessions , all ensured our healthy well being. The food too complimented the same with its nourishing value & pleasing presentations. With its beautiful , green & serene environment it’s the best place to rejuvenate & unwind. We will definitely come back to the experience.
Thanks for all the healing team Sen wellness
J. B.
I stayed here for 6 days and I wish I had more days!

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.
Ana Maria Gaviria E.
A Truly Transformative Ayurvedic Experience
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 !
Marion F.
I was part of the Golden Summer Retreat at Zen Wellness Sanctuary, and it was a truly beautiful time for me. The sanctuary is a magical place, located between a lagoon and the ocean, right in the middle of nature. The sea is wild, and the beach is empty, clean, and natural – perfect for long walks after morning yoga, watching the sunset in the evening, or looking up at the stars at night. Everything was very well organized. The Ayurvedic treatments were excellent, and the team of therapists did a really wonderful job.
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.
Mel D.
My daughter and I stayed at Sen and participated in the dragonfly retreat. We had both been grieving the loss of a loved one and the time here helped us to heal and gather the necessary tools to continue to heal when we returned home. All of the staff were caring and knowledgeable in their practices and the food was something you need to experience. We are planning on coming back. Thank you Sen for having us.

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.