Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka

Yoga, pranayama and meditation by the sea in Arugam Bay

From 14 to 20 March 2027, you enjoy a week of yoga right on the beach in Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka. You start the day with the sunrise over the ocean, practise pranayama and vinyasa yoga and let the evening wind down with yin yoga or reiki. In between, there is plenty of time for the beach, the pool, nature and rest.

All sessions are optional. You decide how active or relaxed your week is: you are always welcome in the group and have just as much space for yourself.

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What to look forward to

• Pranayama and dynamic vinyasa yoga in the morning, for beginners to experienced yogis
• Yin yoga and reiki group sessions in the evening
• A massage and reflexology workshop
• Brunch buffet with Sri Lankan specialities and Western favourites
• Afternoons by the sea or pool, in nature or surfing
• Stay Golden Hotel right on the beach with a yoga shala facing the sea, a large pool and wellness facilities

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Who is it for

For all levels. The vinyasa classes are designed for mixed groups: beginners receive thorough guidance and alternatives, while experienced practitioners can challenge themselves with more demanding variations. The group is small, with a maximum of 15 participants.

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Included

• 6 nights at Stay Golden Hotel (14–20 March 2027)
• 7 × 90-minute vinyasa yoga classes
• 6 × pranayama
• 3 × yin yoga
• 3 × reiki group healing sessions
• 1 × massage and reflexology workshop
• 6 × breakfast/brunch
• Pool access at any time

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Not included

• Transfer to and from the hotel
• Optional activities (safari, lagoon safari, surf lessons, cooking class)
• Meals and drinks other than brunch (so you can eat according to your budget, schedule and taste; restaurants in the area cost roughly USD 1.50 to 15)
• Insurance of any kind

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Prices

Early bird prices (until 3 months before the retreat starts, afterwards in brackets):

• 1 person in a Double Cabana: €1,110 (afterwards €1,160)
• 1 person in a Premium Double Room: €1,290 (afterwards €1,340)
• 2 people in a Triple Room: €1,960 in total, €980 per person (afterwards €2,060 in total)
• 2 people in a Premium Cabana: €2,190 in total, €1,110 per person (afterwards €2,320 in total)
• 3 people in a Family Cabana: €2,670 in total, €890 per person (afterwards €2,820 in total)

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Rooms for two or three are usually meant for friends. On request, we can match you with a suitable room partner.

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Good to know

• Travelling with a non-participating partner: there is an alternative offer that excludes the retreat price for the non-participating person. They skip the yoga sessions but are welcome at all meals and optional excursions.
• You can book additional nights directly with the hotel or with help from the retreat leader. Mention that you are a retreat participant so you can keep the same room.
• Shorter stays: you can arrive one day later or leave one day earlier, and the package price is adjusted.
• Already living in Arugam Bay? Resident rates are available on request.

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Optional activities (not included in the price)

• Safari in Kumana National Park, around 6–7 hours, roughly €35–100 per person depending on group size (the park has the highest leopard density in Sri Lanka; a sighting cannot be guaranteed)
• Lagoon safari, a 2–3 hour boat trip in the late afternoon, around €10 per person
• Surfing: two surf spots are within walking distance, lessons cost around €20 and boards can be rented for a few euros. Conditions vary and may not be ideal during the retreat week.
• On request, a trip to an upcycling enterprise for local women or a Sri Lankan cooking class

Daily schedule (guideline)

• From sunrise: meditation, a morning dip or a walk on the beach (optional)
• 07:30 Pranayama
• 08:15 Vinyasa yoga
• around 10:00 Breakfast/brunch buffet
• Afternoon: free time with pool, massage, exploring or optional activities
• Sunset from the hotel roof, followed by a group dinner
• Evening: yin yoga, reiki group session or massage and reflexology workshop

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Some parts of the schedule may still change. Depending on the group's wishes, dinner times can be adjusted, for example, or yin and reiki moved to the afternoon. All sessions and activities are optional.

Pranayama

In pranayama (directing life energy, prana) you influence your energy through the breath: through holds, active or passive inhales and exhales, and through the depth, speed and rhythm of your breathing. The morning exercises aim to energise and balance you. You will also learn techniques that quiet the mind and help you wind down for a restful night's sleep.

Vinyasa yoga

A dynamic practice with warm-up, sun salutations, forward and back bends, inversions, balances, side bends and twists. The guidance is detailed so that beginners can set up the poses safely and experienced practitioners can fine-tune their positions. The group's wishes and levels are taken into account.

Yin yoga

Here you hold each position for a few minutes. Instead of targeting muscles, this practice works on connective tissue such as fascia. In TCM, energy lines are said to run through the fascia, so yin yoga also supports the flow of energy. It is relaxing and is associated with rest, night and letting go.

Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing. The reiki practitioner channels positive life force energy and passes it on to the participants. The experience can be profoundly relaxing or bring up physical, emotional and mental impressions. You can set an intention or let the energy move where it sees the greatest healing potential at that moment.