Whilst India is the birthplace of yoga, the small neighbouring island nation of Sri Lanka is arguably an even better place for a serene yoga retreat and relaxing holiday.
Sri Lanka is full of tropical natural beauty and wildlife, ancient temples, stunning beaches, and world-class surf spots. Some of the best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka also offer surf lessons, sightseeing excursions, and ayurvedic spa treatments so it’s the ideal place for an amazing all round yoga and wellness holiday or even a yoga teacher training course if you want to go deeper.
In this post, I’ll explain why this island is one of the world’s best yoga destinations and reveal the top-rated Sri Lanka yoga retreats for you to consider for your next yoga holiday.
Read More: My favourite places in Sri Lanka
Why you’ll love a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka can be described as ‘India lite‘ – with much of the colour and exotic spectacle you’ll find in India but in a cleaner, smaller, less densely populated country that’s safer for women and easier and quicker to travel around.
Sri Lanka is also known as ‘the Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ and offers a warm, sunny, tropical climate throughout the year, long stretches of stunning, unspoiled beaches.
And that’s not all – there’s also luscious jungles and tea plantations, scenic train rides, heaps of biodiversity, a rich culture and history as well as the best safari and wildlife spotting opportunities outside of Africa!
Read More: Why I love traveling in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is also a world class surf destination so it’s an ideal place to combine the two with many yoga retreats in Sri Lanka also offering surf lessons! So why not combine a surf and yoga retreat with a trip around the island – read my Sri Lanka Itinerary for more ideas and tips.
Most people in Sri Lanka follow Buddhism and the island has a serene, spiritual energy. No wonder Sri Lanka is fast becoming one of the most popular places to take a yoga retreat or join a surf camp. It’s kind of a mix of the best bits of India, Bali and Thailand and yet it still doesn’t feel super touristy.
Read Also: The Best Surf Camps in Sri Lanka
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There are many wonderful wellness destinations in Sri Lanka to choose from. Some of the most popular include beach destinations like Ahangama, Weligama, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hiriketiya and Arugam Bay.
The UNESCO listed ancient capital up in the hills, Kandy, is also a great place for yoga and Ayurveda with some great retreats nestled in the nature surrounding the city. The popular little hill town of Ella also has a growing number of yoga retreats too.
Whatever level you are at in your yoga practice you’re sure to find the perfect Sri Lanka yoga retreat but it’s still important to do your research and check reviews. I find www.bookyogaretreats.com really useful as you can read real reviews from people who’ve been there before. It’s like the Booking.com for yoga retreats!
But as there’s such a growing number of retreats it can be hard to narrow it down, so to help you choose here are my recommendations for the best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka.
BTW – I’ve added approximate prices in USD. GBP and Euro to help you find a retreat that suits your budget but be aware that prices can change depending on dates and currency exchange rates.
My Pick of the 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
Here are my pick for the 10 best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka (plus the best Yoga teacher training course) to help you decide.
- Welikande Estate, Kandy
- Yoga Bee, Benota Beach
- Niyagama House, Galle
- Plantation Villa, Kalutara
- Polwaththa Retreat, Kandy
- The Salty Pelican, Hiriketiya Beach
- Ella Retreat, Ella
- Surf and Yoga Mirissa, Mirissa
- Villa My Way, Ahangama
- Green Peace Inn, Weligama
- Bonus – Yoga Teacher Training @ Talalla Retreat, Tangalle
Click on the links to find out more, read reviews and book – or carry on reading to find out what I think makes each one special.
Cultural Yoga Retreat @ Welikande Estate
- Location: Kandy
- Duration: 6 Days
- Price: From USD 625 / £458 / €526
Twice-daily yoga is just one of the many perks of this 6-day retreat at Welikande Estate. Every day, you’ll embark on a different cultural experience to learn all about the Sri Lankan way of life. From meeting local villagers and learning to cook Sri Lankan cuisine to trekking through the island’s beautiful national parks, Welikande’s yoga retreats are full of adventure.
The retreat center’s location is truly magical. Situated atop Kandy’s mountains, you’ll have incredible views of the Victoria Dam Lake. Plus, the two 90-minute yoga classes are cleverly scheduled so you can watch the sunrise and sunset directly from the shala.
All guests at Welikande Estate get private rooms. There are also double rooms for couples who want to enjoy a peaceful yoga and nature immersion together.
Beach Yoga Vacation @ Yoga Bee
- Location: Bentota
- Duration: 7 Days
- Price: From USD 779/ £570 / €656
Want to spend 7 days on Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches, while rejuvenating your body, mind, and soul? Then head to Yoga Bee in the postcard-perfect beach town of Bentota, on the southwest coast.
Running year-round, Yoga Bee’s week-long yoga retreats blend mindful yoga, nutritious food, and plenty of vitamin SEA. The days begin with an energizing yoga session in the peaceful shala, followed by a delicious breakfast with organic produce, fresh fruit, and smoothie bowls.
After breakfast, you’ll head to the beach for some swimming and sunbathing. You’ll then head back to the retreat center for a relaxing yoga class before a lively communal dinner, where you’ll taste the best of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Yoga Bee’s retreats are capped at 8 participants to keep the experience intimate. Each participant gets a private room in the newly built retreat center.
Relaxed Hatha Yoga Holiday @ Niyagama House
- Location: Galle
- Duration: 6 Days
- Price: From USD 545/ £399 / €459
Niyagama House is a luxury boutique retreat center close to the coastal city of Galle. It’s surrounded by a tea plantation and endless tropical greenery, creating a truly serene ambiance.
Niyagama House runs weekly Hatha yoga retreats throughout the year, from Sunday to Friday. The schedule is pretty relaxed, starting with a 2-hour yoga and meditation session every morning. Guests can then opt for free time or join additional yoga classes or meditation sessions.
Considering this, Niyagama House offers one of the most flexible yoga retreats in Sri Lanka, ideal for anyone who wants to experience Sri Lanka’s relaxed pace. For those who do want some adventure, Galle Town is just a short tuk-tuk ride away, and you can also reach Unawatuna Beach within 30 minutes.
Yoga and Meditation Retreat @ Plantation Villa
- Location: Kalutara
- Duration: 5 Days
- Price: From USD 435/ £319 / €366
For one of the most mindful yoga and meditation retreats in Sri Lanka, consider a stay at the award-winning Plantation Villa in Kalutara.
This stunning retreat offers yoga classes for all levels in Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga styles. Instructors incorporate their expertise in meditation, Ayurveda, and varied yoga styles to provide a natural environment that helps free your mind from the distractions of our modern world.
You’ll stay in a beautiful, historic colonial villa (not too far from Colombo) in a room that opens up to a communal veranda, enjoy relaxing in the outdoor swimming pool and gardens, and refuel with natural, healthy foods that are locally and ethically sourced.
The lovely staff allow you to relax and focus on your wellbeing with personalised service to ensure your mind and body are fully detoxed and destressed.
When not on the mat you can relax in the spa or soak up the ancient, local knowledge with plantation walks, cookery demonstrations and discussions about yoga philosophy, Ayurveda and meditation.
You’ll also have the option to add on trips to beaches, temples, national parks and to explore the popular towns of Galle and Kandy.
Nature and Yoga Retreat @ Polwaththa Retreat
- Location: In the jungle near Kandy
- Duration: 4 Days
- Price: From USD 185/ £135 / €155
Polwaththa Eco Lodge consists of 15 comfortable lodges, spread out in a pristine environment to give you that ‘Living-in-the-Jungle’ experience, close to the popular UNESCO listed ancient capital city of Kandy.
The 4 day yoga, trekking, cooking, and reforestation retreat will help you reconnect to your body and to nature. There’s 2 daily yoga and mediation classes in Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin which are often accompanied by wildlife as monkeys and deer often pass by.
Off the mat you will be trekking through the jungle, planting trees, visiting local homes, swimming in a waterfall and having a local cookery lesson. Healthy and authentic Sri Lankan meals are included and eco friendly accommodation. The team can also arrange trips to the nearby incredible cultural sites like Kandy, Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock for an additional cost.
Everything Polwaththa do is centred around eco friendly and responsible tourism. Your stay will directly contribute to their Forest Healing Foundation and you’ll get to meet local people. This amazing Sri Lanka yoga retreat is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and have a positive impact on their wellness, the environment and its people.
It’s not just me who thinks it’s amazing – read their reviews!
Surf, Meditation & Yoga Holiday @ The Salty Pelican
- Location: Hiriketiya
- Duration: 8 Days
- Price: From USD 724/ £530 / €609
If you are daydreaming of practicing asanas on the beach and surfing in the ocean surrounded by unspoilt, tropical paradise and magical vibes then The Salty Pelican may be just what you are looking for.
This yoga, meditation and surf retreat is located in popular Hiriketiya on a headland right between two pristine beaches, and offers yoga classes for all levels in Hatha and Yin styles.
The recently built facilities of this yoga and surf retreat feature modern, clean, and comfortable amenities complete with a infinity swimming pool, yoga deck, and yoga shala surrounded by jungle greenery and it’s only 200 meters from the beach!
You’ll eat at the poolside restaurant featuring delicious local ingredients, seafood, smoothie bowls, Sri Lankan coffee, and vegetarian and vegan dishes. Multi-cultural instructors offer diverse yoga classes, surfing instruction, and rejuvenating meditation sessions for all levels.
There are a variety of packages available. The 8 day yoga, mediation and surf holiday includes daily mediations, unlimited daily yoga classes, unlimited surf board hire and 5 surf lessons, accommodation, daily breakfast, 2 group dinners and a massage. You also have the option to join evening events, national park visits, exploring temples, markets and more beaches nearby.
Read More: The Best Surf Camps in Sri Lanka
Private Yoga & Meditation Immersion @ Ella Retreat
- Location: Ella
- Duration: 4 Days
- Price: From USD 750/ £550 / €631
Enjoy a personalized yoga experience with a Sri Lankan yoga teacher at a luxury villa in Ella!
This private 4-day retreat takes place in the nature-rich town of Ella in central Sri Lanka. Here you’ll stay in a private cottage that blends elegance with nature, allowing you to reconnect with Mother Earth without sacrificing comfort.
The package includes morning and evening Hatha yoga and meditation sessions along with two excursions or cultural activities each day. These include a cookery class, a visit to a local tea factory, and a massage at the nearby spa.
All meals, snacks, and drinks are included in the package. Alternatively, you can dine out in Ella Town (2 kilometers away) at your own expense.
Surf and Yoga Retreat @ Surf and Yoga Mirissa,
- Location: Mirissa
- Duration: 8 Days
- Price: From USD 550/ £403 / €463
If you’d like to level up your yoga practice and also try and bit of surfing in beautiful Sri Lanka then check out Surf and Yoga Mirissa.
This affordable yoga and surf camp is located in a laid back, bohemian jungle setting by the ocean in beautiful Mirissa where monkeys roam around freely.
The friendly and knowledgeable team here focus on Hatha yoga for beginner and intermediate levels and offer yoga only or surf and yoga retreat packages.
Twice daily yoga lessons are held on the lawn under the shade of the palm trees and at sunset on the cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. A massage is also included and there’s a gorgeous swimming pool surrounded by tropical greenery to chill out at.
There’s also a cafe, where the included continental or traditional Sri Lankan breakfast is served, a library and plenty of hammocks, games and equipment you can use including a slackline. For lunch and dinner you can eat at the onsite cafe or you can explore the many cafes and restaurants nearby.
Choose from a variety of accommodation options from wooden jungle cottages to air conditioned rooms, most with balconies. There’s also the option to add on excursions to visit temples, tea plantations and go whale watching – Mirissa is also one of the best places to go whale watching in Sri Lanka!
Rainforest Yoga Getaway @ Villa My Way
- Location: Ahangama
- Duration: 9 Days
- Price: From USD 846/ £620 / €712
How does 9 days of vitalizing vinyasa flows, scenic bike rides, and sunset beach strolls sound? If you’re looking to unwind in your own cozy bungalow in one of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of Sri Lanka, you’ll love the yoga retreat at Villa My Way.
Ahangama is a small town on the south coast where the rainforest meets the sea. Villa My Way is surrounded by lush green trees, creating a secluded vibe. Yet you’re just 10 minutes from the nearest sandy shore and the town center, which you can easily reach with the resort’s bicycles.
The retreat package includes private accommodation just a few steps away from the shared pool. You’ll also get morning and evening Vinyasa yoga and meditation sessions, as well as healthy, freshly prepared breakfast and dinner each day.
Yoga and Breathwork Retreat @ Green Peace Inn
- Location: Weligama
- Duration: 8 Days
- Price: From USD 1,500/ £1,100 / €1,263
Have you experienced how powerful Breathwork is yet? This 8 day intensive breathwork, yoga and meditation retreat will take you on a transformative journey and provide a safe space to face buried feelings and emotions and teach you how to let them go with love.
You’ll experience daily guided meditation classes, daily group breathwork sessions, mantras and affirmations and two multi-style yoga classes each day on the large rooftop shala at sunrise and sunset.
This unique Sri Lanka breathwork retreat also includes delicious vegan meals, one Ayurvedic massage, accommodation and a supportive community vibe. There’s also plenty of time to relax at the beach, go surfing, explore the area or just soak up the sun and tropical vibes in beautiful Weligama.
Bonus – Best Yoga Teacher Training in Sri Lanka
If you want to dive deeper into your yoga practice or become a certified yoga teacher then you might want to consider yoga teacher training in Sri Lanka. When you do a YTT you’ll learn not only about the asanas (yoga poses) but also yoga philosophy, anatomy, alignment and teaching methodology.
While there’s not as many yoga teacher training courses in Sri Lanka as you’ll find in places like Rishikesh, India, it’s a great choice if you want to be immersed in yoga on a beautiful, relaxed, tropical island whether you wish to teach or just focus on your personal practice.
Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training @ Talalla Retreat
- Location: Talalla
- Duration: 15 Days
- Price: From USD 2,479/ £1,818 / €2,088
If a week-long retreat isn’t enough, why not consider taking a yoga teacher training in Sri Lanka?
This 200-hour yoga course is run by Shri Gaia Institute, an international yoga teacher training provider. It includes 15 days of in-person training at a secluded beachfront resort in Talalla on the south coast.
The in-depth program includes daily Hatha and Vinyasa yoga practice, meditation, pranayama, and group discussions and sharing circles. However, every day you’ll have some free time in the afternoon or evening to enjoy the beach and the local village.
At the retreat center, you can choose from shared or private accommodation. All rooms have balconies, ocean views, and immediate access to the resort’s outdoor freshwater pool.
Note that you will be required to complete 5 days of online training (self-paced) before the retreat. In doing so, you can gain your teaching qualification and register with Yoga Alliance after the in-person training.
Final Thoughts on Yoga in Sri Lanka
This is just a small selection of the very best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka – I hope this gives you a taste of what this amazing country has to offer.
Whether you want to combine yoga with surfing, meditation, breathwork, Ayurveda or sightseeing – there’s so many ways to have an incredible wellness holiday in Sri Lanka!
I hope this post has helped you find the perfect one for you – remember to check that it’s suitable for your level of experience and check the reviews.
Still looking for the perfect yoga holiday? Check out my round up of the best yoga retreats around the world
Read More:
- The ultimate Sri Lanka itinerary
- Surf Camps in Sri Lanka
- Yoga Retreats in Goa, India
- Yoga Retreats in Bali
- Surf Camps in Bali
- Yoga Retreats in Thailand
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