16th - 23rd March 2025
or 16th - 27th/28th March 2025
(including cultural tour)
We will begin with a week together at a retreat venue on the south coast near Galle called Talalla. The retreat begins on Sunday 16th March and runs for a week until Sunday 23rd March. We’ll be staying together in private and shared accomodation, there are limited spaces.
What’s included:-
The retreat includes 6 morning Ashtanga mysore yoga classes (Mon-Sat) and 5 afternoon classes including various elements of meditation, contemplation, chanting, philosophy, pranayama, yin, self-enquiry and technique workshops.
7 nights accomodation in single or shared rooms
Full board, breakfast, lunch and dinner (Although we’ll probably eat out locally on a few occasions which isn’t included) - Principally meals can be vegetarian but may include some local fish if people are keen. Food is sourced locally and organic where possible.
Tea, coffee throughout the day
Two surf lessons for those who are interested (This will cater for beginners and those with some experience) OR A boat trip to see whales and dolphins
A 60min Ayurvedic massage
Also included will be some local adventures together. Some examples are below, although they may slightly change according to what is right at the time of the retreat:-
Swimming/Snorkelling adventure to a protected reef.
Cultural trip to a local temple and buddha statue.
Visit to the protected sea turtle hatchery.
Room orientation
Rooms are single occupancy or twin share/double. They feature authentic Sri Lankan furniture and fabrics and our situated close to the beach and ocean. They are open air but private and all situated on the first floor and include views of the ocean or gardens and palm trees, open air bathrooms, mosquito nets, private balcony or outside area, safe and wifi. The Seaview villas are slightly more spacious with a sea view and closer proximity to the beach (hence the price difference)
There is a swimming pool and gardens on site and a open air restaurant where we’ll eat together. There are a number of yoga spaces to for us to practice in.
Seaview Villa First Floor - Single occupancy
Early bird £1725 until 31st May £1825 from June onwards
Seaview Villa First Floor - Twin sharing or couple
Early bird £1525 until 31st May £1625 from June onwards
Deluxe room First Floor - single occupancy
Early bird £1625 until 31st May £1725 from June onwards
Deluxe room First Floor - Twin share
Early bird £1475 until 31st May £1575 form June onwards
What’s not included:-
Flights and travel insurance
Visas - You can apply for a 30 day ETA online for 50 US Dollars
A few meals where we’ll eat out locally
Any extra massages or treatments (I’ve included one Ayurvedic massage)
Transfers to and from the retreat (As it is likely people will want to take different flights based on their location and budget I haven’t included this in the price. I’m told transfers are 110 US Dollars per vehicle one way, with an occupancy of up to 6, so you’d potentially be paying 20-30 each. It will take 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic and I can book these in advance so you’ll be collected at the airport. Those continuing on the cultural tour I will try to organise a pick us up from the retreat and we’ll finish in Colombo where the airport is)
I’m told check in is strictly after 2pm on Sunday 16th March but there are some options if you are due to arrive earlier
Any tips you wish to give
If coming to the retreat only flights would need to arrive Sunday 16th March and leave on Sunday 23rd March (we won’t have class that morning) A brief search prices flights at £750-900 return.
A number of different airlines fly to Sri Lanka, a few direct and some with a brief stop over. It looks like a number of flights are overnight.
CULTURAL TOUR
Based on the success of our sightseeing/cultural trip to Mysore during the last India trip I’d like to plan something similar after our week at the retreat. I won’t teach classes on this section of the trip but hopefully there will be communal spaces for us to still practice a little together and enjoy exploring the country and it’s heritage.
My plan is to book a 4-5 day cultural tour that will visit the tea plantations, spot wildlife such as elephants in the national park, experience a train ride and explore cultural spots including Colombo if there is sufficient interest. I’m hoping to keep the price of this element of the trip to £550 maximum (as a guideline for your budget) including our accomodation and meals and will look to book and confirm this once I have an idea of people’s interest. Hopefully there will be a number of us that want to include this part of the trip so I’ll be able to book us a private tour for the group. This section of the trip would run from Sunday 23rd March until the 27th/28th March.
If you are interested to join this part of the retreat please add £150 to your deposit as an expression of your interest by the end of May when the early bird finishes or at least let me know you are hoping to join this element of the trip. I will then look to confirm this part of the trip by July and will confirm the final price, a basic itinerary and when to book your return flight home.
If coming to the retreat and cultural tour, flights would need to arrive Sunday 16th March (check in is after 2pm) and leave on Thursday or Friday 27th/28th March.
Please note there are limited places and limited single rooms.
Deposit to hold space on the retreat - £400
Deposit for retreat and cultural tour - £550