A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE CENTRAL AND EAST COAST OF SRI LANKA

While our South Coast retreat is about slowing all the way down, this one is for when you're ready to move. You'll wake each morning inside the jungle, drive out to a different ancient rock temple or fortress, and come home to yoga on your veranda and Ayurvedic treatments. Then the journey turns east to the coast, before finishing in Colombo, Sri Lanka's lively capital.

Eight days, three stops: four nights based in the jungle near Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, two nights on Trincomalee's east coast, and a final night in Colombo.

YOUR BASE FOR FOUR NIGHTS

Deep in the heart of Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka's first ancient kingdom, and the birthplace of Buddhism on the island - the retreat begins amid acres of greenery, built around a historic 150-year-old mansion once home to a village chieftain. This luxury estate spans 58 acres between two reservoirs, lush paddy fields and lily-strewn ponds, with the world heritage sites of Anuradhapura and Sigiriya close by.

Days move between morning and evening yoga, twice-daily meditation, and meals that carry the same spirit - fresh and locally sourced, ayurvedically balanced, with generations of culinary wisdom in every bite. Whilst here, sink into relaxation with two Ayurvedic massages during your time here.

Our luxury base comes with ample opportunity to explore ancient sites within easy reach - choose to explore:

• Sigiriya (Lion Rock) - the headline fortress, a royal palace atop a 200-metre rock.

• Anuradhapura - Sri Lanka's first capital: the sacred Bodhi tree, the stupas of Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya and Abhayagiri, and the Brazen Palace ruins.

• Dambulla Cave Temple - the classic example: Buddhist cave shrines carved into a rock face, filled with murals and statues, close to Sigiriya.

• Minneriya Tank - an ancient reservoir built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD, still irrigating the surrounding plains today.

• Optional add-on ($120AUD): Minneriya National Park Safari - a jeep safari to see herds of wild elephants gathering at the ancient Minneriya reservoir.

And the freedom to venture out into the surrounding jungle, whenever the moment takes you, below are some optional add ons that the venue can organise for you (cost TBC at venue):

• Cycling - narrow lanes that cut between rice paddies, past family compounds and village workshops where life moves at a different speed.

• Reservoir kayaking - a sunrise or sunset paddle on the pristine Wannamaduwa Reservoir, every stroke rippling its mirror-still surface.

THE MANDALA CEREMONY

Midway through your stay, the retreat pauses for its most sacred ritual. Guided by Niveen, in honour of the trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the forces of creation, preservation and destruction - you will be welcomed to spend an afternoon shaping hand-coloured grains of rice into a mandala, watching it bloom slowly into a flower beneath your hands.

What unfolds is bigger than the craft itself. Grain by grain, the ceremony opens into something cathartic - a release that reaches far past the page in front of you. Year after year, we've watched this become the turning point of the retreat: the moment guests turn inward, let go of what they've been carrying, and emerge lighter, ready for whatever the rest of the journey holds.

THE JOURNEY EAST

Leave the paddy fields behind for an unhurried drive east, watching the landscape open up from ancient kingdom to coastline, until the Indian Ocean appears on the horizon.

Welcome to Trincomalee, where jungle meets the sea along one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful stretches of coast. Our sister retreat sits on a sheltered bay of soft golden sand and calm, clear water, with the same rhythm, care and spirit as your first base, now set to the sound of the waves.

Your practice continues by the ocean: morning and evening yoga, twice-daily meditation, and fresh, locally sourced meals inspired by the coast. Between sessions, the days are yours to swim, rest in the shade, or simply watch the tide.

When you're ready to explore, the east coast offers:

• Koneswaram Temple - a sacred Hindu temple set high on the cliffs of Swami Rock, looking out over the ocean. It's one of the island's most revered sites, and the views are unforgettable.

• Pigeon Island - a short boat ride to a protected marine park, where you can snorkel over coral reefs alongside tropical fish and turtles.

INTO THE CITY

The final chapter brings you to Colombo, Sri Lanka's lively coastal capital, and a gentle return to the world. After days of stillness by the sea, the city arrives slowly: temple bells beside busy streets, old colonial façades beside new cafés, and the Indian Ocean still close at hand.

Here, the pace lifts but the care stays the same. Use this time to integrate everything you've felt, with a final practice together, time to reflect, and space to take your experience with you before you head home.

When you're ready to explore, Colombo offers:

• Gangaramaya Temple - a richly decorated Buddhist temple beside Beira Lake, filled with statues, antiques and offerings. It's a calm, colourful place to pause.

• Galle Face Green - an ocean-side promenade that comes alive at sunset, with kite flyers, street food and the breeze off the water.

• Pettah Market - a vibrant maze of stalls and colour, perfect for spices, textiles and souvenirs to take home.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Love the sound of this retreat but the dates don’t work for you?
Don’t worry- we run our signature retreat in July, or send us an email with your expression of interest for our 2028 retreats so we can try to make the dates work for you.

MEET YOUR HOSTS

PACKAGE OPTIONS

All packages are all-inclusive. Travelling solo and want the double rate? We'll try to match you with a roommate, though we can't guarantee a pairing.

• 8 days / 7 nights, all meals included except a few during excursion days

• Flights aren't included - let us know if you'd like help booking.

• Pay by credit card or bank transfer, specified on the registration form.

Payments and Terms