10 Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka (Surf, Nature & Connection)

4 Day Yoga, Trekking, Cooking, and Reforestation Retreat in Kandy

Best for nature lovers

Pros

• Consistently rated one of the best retreats in Sri Lanka
• Your stay contributes to the Forest Healing Foundation
• Starting from: $185

Cons

• Airport transfer not included
• Not a beach destination

This idyllic retreat is in a hideaway location in the center of the country. It’s only ​​19 kilometers from Kandy, yet it feels like you are deep in the jungle.

Aside from twice daily Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin classes, you’ll experience jungle trekking, waterfall swimming and will learn how to cook authentic Sri Lankan food. Moreover, you’ll stay in the Polwaththa Eco-Lodges, where you can expect to spot a wide array of local wildlife, from monkeys to deer!

8 Day Ayurveda Yoga and Mediation Holiday in Beruwala

Best for Ayurveda focus

Pros

• Daily massage
• Personalized Ayurveda treatment
• Starting from: $910

Cons

• Yoga is best suited for beginners
• No excursions are included

There is an increasing number of Ayurvedic-focused yoga retreats in Sri Lanka (and the world!). This retreat is one of the best as it combines ancient and scientifically proven therapies that will allow you to learn more about your body and embark on a holistic healing journey.

Your days will consist of morning yoga and meditation sessions, Ayurveda treatments, free time to explore the surroundings, and Ayurvedic meals tailored to your body type. You’ll stay in a comfortable holiday-style villa fully equipped with modern amenities.

10 Day Solo Traveler Yoga Holiday in Weligama

Best for solo travelers

Pros

• Oceanview yoga shala
• Very social
• Starting from: $418

Cons

• Very social (not ideal if you want self-reflection time)
• Lunch & dinners are not included

This customizable retreat should definitely be considered as it’s one of the best in Sri Lanka! The founders of Basecamp have created an ideal base for those who are digital nomads traveling, or simply on holiday. All are welcome to come and enjoy the picturesque location in Weligama that overlooks the water (which is also a good surf spot), beach hop, and check out the area.

You can expect yoga twice daily (morning and afternoon) yoga, where you will be guided through vinyasa flows and relaxing yin that are open to all levels. Between classes and meals that are included (breakfast), you can surf, indulge in the included massage, spend time at the beach, socialize or take the time to look inward and reflect. It’s totally up to you!

10 Day Ayurveda Retreat with Meditation and Yoga in Kalutara

Best for advancing your yoga practice

Pros

• Ayurveda and yoga philosophy talks
• All meals included
• Starting from: $1,305

Cons

• Early morning yoga (6:30AM)
• Airport pick up and drop off not included

On this well-rounded, holistic yoga retreat, you’ll spend 10 days deepening your yoga and meditation practice in the peaceful, healing environment of Kalutara. You’ll practice a range of yoga styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga, and you’ll meditate with a Buddhist monk!

Because this retreat has a strong focus on Ayurvedic healing, you’ll spend these 10 days nourishing your body from the inside out with wholesome Ayurvedic food. You will also be able to partake in daily mindfulness activities such as plantation walks, tree planting, and cooking classes.

8 Day The Surfer Beach Camp – Yoga and Surf Camp in Weligama

Best for surfers

Pros

• Daily yoga and surf lessons
• Private balcony and bathroom
• Starting from: $442

Cons

• Lunches not included
• Only Hatha yoga taught

Sri Lanka’s south coast is a fantastic place for surfing. This water sport can be physically exhausting, so balancing your time on the board with some time on the mat is essential. That is exactly what The Surfer Beach Camp offers on their 8-day yoga and surf camp.

Aside from daily surf and Hatha yoga sessions, the retreat includes accommodation and two meals a day. You’ll visit all the best surf spots in Weligama, and the experienced instructors will help you catch the best wave of the day. Plus, this camp caters to all levels, including beginners. 

11 Day Heart Awakening Healing Yoga Retreat in Unawatuna

Best for healing

Pros

• A unique blend of yoga styles for healing
• Consultations with Ayurveda doctors
• Starting from: $2,026

Cons

• More expensive
• Early morning start (6AM)

This sacred healing retreat in the Galle District will help you heal past traumas and awaken into your most authentic self. The experienced yoga teachers will use Kundalini, Hatha, and Kriya practices to help you move past fear and towards love and acceptance. 

The program also includes various Ayurvedic treatments, relaxing Watsu water therapy, and some planned excursions like cooking classes and visiting a Buddhist temple. Plus, you’ll be staying in a cozy home just a few minutes from the ocean. 

6 Day Ella Retreat for Nature Lovers: Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Badulla, Uva

Best for private instruction

Pros

• Unique excursions included
• Located beside a waterfall
• Starting from: $1,200

Cons

• Airport transfer not included
• Excursion transfers not included

If you prefer the mountains over the beach, this 6 day Ella retreat in Sri Lanka is for you. This yoga vacation is unique because you can get super close to nature by glamping under the stars. But don’t worry if that’s not your thing, as there’s a cozy cottage you can stay in instead. 

The program includes morning yoga and pranayama classes, a mid-morning trip to a local attraction, followed by lunch in the town center. In the afternoons, you’ll visit another sight or take a gentle nature walk before returning to base for a relaxing meditation session. This retreat offers a beautiful balance of yoga, nature, and sightseeing.

6 Day All Level Yoga and Surf Camp in Kabalana, Ahangama

Best for budget surf retreat

Pros

• Located 100 meters from the best surf spot
• Daily surf and yogalessons
• Starting from: $580

Cons

• Private surfing lessons not included
• No meals included

For those looking to step back from the outside world, even if just for a little while, then look no further than this surf and yoga retreat. Here your home for 6 days will be in a unique boutique hotel that is amongst the wild jungle but is only 100 meters from the water where you can catch waves.

Your day-to-day activities include one yoga class, one surfing lesson, and the rest of the time is for you to reflect, enjoy life, and take in your natural surroundings however you wish. All levels are welcome and Hatha yoga is practiced at this retreat.

11 Day Yoga Retreat in Ahangama

Best for exploration

Pros

• Complete freedom to do what you please and when
• Choose-your-own-adventure style retreat
• Starting from: $961

Cons

• Meals not included
• Addtional activities not included

Many Sri Lanka yoga retreats offer a wide range of activities besides yoga. This can be ideal if you want to learn surfing or go hiking. However, if you’re solely looking to immerse yourself in everything yoga, this 11-day yoga vacation in Ahangama is perfect. You’ll stay at The Nuga House, 100 meters from Kablana beach, giving you that tropical vacation vibe.

The program includes 3 yoga classes every day, more than you will find on most other yoga retreats in Sri Lanka. The early morning session is Hatha flow, followed by a mid-morning class where you’ll dive deeper into the foundations of yoga. The evening class is therapeutic, helping you unwind and relax for a blissful night’s sleep. 

5 Day Cooking and Yoga Retreat in Kalutara

Best for cooking

Pros

• Award-winning resort
• All meals are included
• Starting from: $480

Cons

• Optional activities not included
• Airport transfer not included

Nutritious food is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. This cooking and yoga retreat will teach you how to fuel yourself with the right food while deepening your yoga and meditation practice. You’ll learn to cook organic, Ayurvedic meals, pick your own fresh vegetables from the vegetable garden, and explore plantations and paddy fields.

You’ll be staying in the award-winning Plantation spa villa, a converted colonial home. The comfortable environment will help you relax and recharge, along with twice-daily yoga and meditation sessions.

What’s next?

• Get travel insurance to protect yourself on the mat and off.
• Find the perfect travel yoga mat for you.
• Keep up your yoga practice with me on YouTube.