Discover the Best Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
While India is recognized as the birthplace of yoga, Sri Lanka, a neighboring island nation, offers an even more tranquil setting for a yoga retreat and a rejuvenating holiday.
Sri Lanka boasts lush tropical beauty, rich wildlife, ancient temples, stunning beaches, and top-tier surf spots. Many yoga retreats here also include surf lessons, sightseeing tours, and Ayurvedic spa treatments, making it a perfect destination for a comprehensive yoga and wellness getaway.
In this article, I’ll explore why Sri Lanka is an exceptional destination for yoga holidays and highlight some of the top-rated retreats to consider.
Why You’ll Love Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka can be considered ‘India lite,’ offering much of India’s vibrant culture in a cleaner, smaller, less crowded, and safer environment, especially for women, with easier and faster travel options.
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ Sri Lanka features a warm, sunny tropical climate year-round, unspoiled beaches, lush jungles and tea plantations, scenic train rides, diverse wildlife, rich culture, and excellent safari experiences outside of Africa. Additionally, it’s a world-class surf destination, making it ideal for combining yoga with surfing.
Popular Yoga Retreat Destinations in Sri Lanka
Some of the most popular destinations include beach areas like Weligama, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hiriketiya, and Arugam Bay. The ancient capital, Kandy, located in the hills and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also favored for yoga and Ayurveda retreats.
Here are some top recommendations for yoga retreats in Sri Lanka:
Plantation Villa – Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Location: Kalutara
Duration: 5 Days
Price: From USD 435
For a mindful yoga and meditation retreat, the award-winning Plantation Villa in Kalutara offers classes in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga styles. Guests stay in a historic colonial villa with access to an outdoor pool and gardens, enjoying healthy, locally sourced food. The retreat also includes spa treatments, plantation walks, cookery demonstrations, and excursions to beaches, temples, and popular towns like Galle and Kandy.
Polwaththa Retreat – Nature and Yoga Retreat
Location: Near Kandy
Duration: 4 Days
Price: From USD 185
Polwaththa Eco Lodge offers a ‘Living-in-the-Jungle’ experience near Kandy. This retreat includes yoga, trekking, cooking, and reforestation activities. Guests enjoy Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga classes, jungle trekking, tree planting, waterfall swimming, and local cookery lessons. Accommodation is eco-friendly, and the retreat supports responsible tourism through the Forest Healing Foundation.
The Salty Pelican – Surf, Meditation & Yoga Holiday
Location: Hiriketiya
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From USD 724
Located in Hiriketiya, The Salty Pelican offers yoga, meditation, and surf retreats. Facilities include an infinity pool, yoga deck, and a shala surrounded by jungle greenery. The package includes daily yoga classes, surf lessons, accommodation, breakfast, group dinners, and a massage, with additional options for excursions and evening events.
Green Peace Inn – Yoga and Breathwork Retreat
Location: Weligama
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From USD 1,500
This retreat focuses on breathwork, yoga, and meditation, offering a transformative journey with daily guided meditation, breathwork sessions, mantras, affirmations, and multi-style yoga classes. The retreat includes vegan meals, an Ayurvedic massage, and time to explore or relax in Weligama.
Surf and Yoga Mirissa – Surf and Yoga Retreat
Location: Mirissa
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From USD 550
Located in a laid-back jungle setting, Surf and Yoga Mirissa offers Hatha yoga for beginners and intermediates, with options for yoga-only or combined surf and yoga retreats. Facilities include a swimming pool, café, and various accommodation options. The retreat includes yoga lessons, surfboard hire, and excursions to local attractions like temples and tea plantations.
Conclusion
This selection showcases just a few of the best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka. Whether you wish to combine yoga with surfing, meditation, breathwork, Ayurveda, or sightseeing, Sri Lanka offers numerous opportunities for an incredible wellness holiday.
