The 13 Best Surf, Wellness and Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka

A small country with an interesting and vivid history, Sri Lanka has only begun to hit global ‘must-visit’ lists in the last decade or so. This means that although it’s got a lot going for it as a wellness and yoga destination, it’s less likely to be packed with tourists than destinations like Thailand, Costa Rica or Bali.

Yoga retreats in Sri Lanka are varied in location, intention, and teaching style, but what they all have in common is the beauty and warmth of this vibrant country.

Why Choose Sri Lanka As A Yoga And Surf Retreat Destination

Although only 18 miles by boat from India, Sri Lanka is much calmer and less overwhelming than the ‘source’ of yoga itself. This makes it a much easier place to be as a visitor, but with yoga originating so close by, you’ll find incredible teachers and dedicated yoga ashrams in Sri Lanka.

Yoga retreats in Sri Lanka offer everything from intensive training to relaxing, pampering holidays; and there’s a break to suit every budget, too. Nature is abundant in Sri Lanka and therefore it is easy to combine yoga with jungle and wildlife tours and safaris too!

Ayurveda, the world's oldest healing system, is also widely integrated into many yoga retreats in Sri Lanka, making it the perfect destination for some extra relaxation and wellness treatments.

Depending on the kind of experience you’d like to have, you could choose a retreat close to a big city like Colombo, the country’s capital; opt for a mountain getaway near Kandy; or find a yoga retreat around the southern parts of Weligama, Arugam Bay and Galle, Sri Lanka’s beach haven boasting with popular surf spots.

For a small country, there are a huge variety of landscapes and retreat experiences to choose from.

Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka

Due to the islands' close proximity to the Equator; the average temperature during the year is a very comfortable 27 degrees. There are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka, which alternate from the west and east coast.

To avoid the rainy season with heavy downpours and intense heat, the best time to visit the west and south coasts as well as the hill country is between December and March.

The best time to head to the east coast of Sri Lanka is from late April to September. Therefore, Sri Lanka is really an all-year destination. You’ll always find a spot where it’s dry and pleasant throughout the year.

The Best Yoga Retreats In Sri Lanka

Here’s our list of top Sri Lanka retreats to get you on your way to a transformative experience.

Best yoga retreats in Kandy (the heart of Sri Lanka)

4 Days Yoga, Trekking, Cooking & Reforestation Retreat

This affordable retreat is a relatively new yoga retreat in Kandy. Surrounded by lush green hills and with a focus on a variety of yoga styles, it has quickly become one of the most popular yoga retreats in Sri Lanka.

Practice Hatha, Yin and Vinyasa yoga and enjoy beautiful excursions — including jungle trekking, and swimming in nearby waterfalls. A perfect retreat if you want to combine yoga and meditation with nature.

• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Location: Polwaththa Eco Lodges, Kandy
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $185 per person
• What makes it special? Give back to the local environment by booking a retreat here; Polwaththa is committed to reforestation and supporting nature, and you might even plant a tree or two yourself.

Images courtesy of Polwaththa Eco Lodges on BookYogaRetreats.

7 Days Ayurveda, Meditation, Hiking, and Yoga Retreat

Rejuvenate in the middle of the jungle — close enough to Kandy to visit, but tucked away in a remote and peaceful location. Swim in wild lakes and practice yoga in an open-air yoga shala twice daily. Healthy meals with vegan options are served daily and you also receive an ayurvedic massage treatment.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Location: Rukgala Retreat in Digana, Kandy
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $1,067 per person
• What makes it special? The retreat is within easy walking distance of an ancient Buddhist meditation cave.

Images courtesy of Rukgala Retreat on BookYogaRetreats.

15 Days Inspiring Yoga Holiday

Retreat off the beaten path and enjoy some peaceful YOU time at this Kandy yoga retreat. The serenity of the forested hillside, home-cooked meals and rustic but comfortable accommodation will make you feel welcomed immediately.

You will practice yoga and meditation in a shala overlooking the jungle and river. The retreat also includes some excursions. Be sure to also take advantage of the resident Ayurveda therapist and book in a treatment.

• Duration: 15 days / 14 nights
• Location: The Kandy Samadhi Centre, Kandy
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $1700 per person
• What makes it special? The retreat is set on an abandoned tea plantation, far away from any distractions, which makes it the perfect place to fully escape and surrender.

Image courtesy of The Candy Samadhi Centre on BookYogaRetreats.

3 Days Mountain Yoga and Meditation Holiday

This yoga and wellness resort is set in the mountains, a perfect location to reconnect with yourself and nature. 

While staying at Welikande Villas, it’s all about combining yoga and meditation with nature, which you’ll get to explore on daily excursions to the nearby waterfalls and during activities like hiking or joining a cooking class.

• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Location: Welikande Villas, Kandy
• Experience level: Beginner and Intermediate
• Price range: from $199 per person
• What makes it special? This is all about you — you can choose the treatments, services and excursions you want, and be as busy — or as chilled out — as you like.

Image courtesy of Welikande Villas on BookYogaRetreats.

Best yoga retreats near Colombo

8 Days Cookery, Yoga, and Ayurveda Retreat

Just 80 km away from the capital Colombo, Plantation Villa is an eco-friendly yoga and meditation retreat in Sri Lanka that weaves Ayurveda and traditional medicinal practices into each day. You can expect daily ayurvedic treatments as well as guided meditation, yoga and cooking classes.

Practice Hatha yoga and immerse yourself in a comprehensive introductory course to holistic medicine systems. The center even has their own charity and if you like, you can get active in the various charity activities throughout the local community as well.

• Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
• Location: Plantation Villa, Kalutara
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $1,960 per person
• What makes it special? Ayurveda is a part of everyday health practices in the village here, so you’ll be learning from people who actively work with this healing system on a daily basis.

Images courtesy of Plantation Villa on BookYogaRetreats.

Best yoga and surf retreats in Southern Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka isn’t the best-known surf destination in the world — but with beautiful beaches and great beginner waves, it’s the perfect place for a fun and relaxing yoga and surf retreat.

7 Days Yoga Holiday with Surfing in Arugam Bay and Hiking in Ella

Combine yoga and surfing at Croco Beach House on the east coast of Sri Lanka. You’ll get tailored surfing lessons to your level, as well as yoga classes right by the ocean and far away from the tourist crowds.

You’ll love the beautiful beach shack that is Croco Beach House just footsteps from the beach with perfect waves to escape your daily grind and de-stress. Then, join a guided hiking trip to Ella’s stunning tea plantations and climb Adam’s Peak.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Location: Croco Beach House in Arugam Bay & The Mamma Shanti House in Ella
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $1,600 per person
• What makes it special? This retreat has two parts, combining hiking in Ella’s mountains with surfing in Arugam Bay all while incorporating yoga and meditation.

Image courtesy of Croco Beach House on BookYogaRetreats.

8 Days Surf, Meditation, and Yoga Holiday

The Salty Pelican is known as one of the best places for surfing and yoga in Sri Lanka. Just imagine a tropical paradise bay framed by palm trees and long sandy beaches and the blue ocean at its backdrop.

Enjoy time on the waves with expert surf teachers, and ease out your tired muscles on the mat with equally experienced yoga teachers. Ready to combine sun, surf and yoga?

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Location: The Salty Pelican Yoga and Surf Retreat, Hiriketiya
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $556 per person
• What makes it special? The balance between surf and yoga is respected here; expect salty hair and serenity.

Image courtesy of The Salty Pelican Yoga and Surf Retreat on BookYogaRetreats.

8 Days Yoga and Surf Camp

One of the best yoga retreats in Sri Lanka for a laid-back experience of yoga and surf — with 6 yoga classes and 6 guided surf sessions.

The wave breaks and perfect beaches in Weligama are simply amazing. The accommodation is a social place with spacious rooms and private bathrooms. If you want to holiday in style, enquire about their deluxe room on the rooftop with sea view and air-conditioning.

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Location: The Surfer Beach Camp, Weligama
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $400 per person
• What makes it special? The beach in Weligama is a perfect beginner’s surf spot and a great holiday spot for singles, couples and groups alike.

Images courtesy of The Surfer Beach Camp in Weligama on BookYogaRetreats.

6 Days Beautiful Yoga Holiday with Massage and Relaxation

Practice twice-daily yoga in a gorgeous shala overlooking the bay of Weligama, and take things at your pace. You can chill at the retreat center or explore the area with new friends.

Basecamp is not a typical yoga retreat, but more like a relaxed holiday stay with the option to join yoga classes, which are held in the morning and in the afternoon. There are no requirements to do any yoga if you don’t feel like it one day.

• Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
• Location: Basecamp, Weligama
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $324 per person
• What makes it special? Basecamp is run by two good friends — and their warm personalities will infuse your experience with happiness.

Images courtesy of Basecamp on BookYogaRetreats.

7 Days Tropical Island Relaxation and Yoga Holiday

Enjoy a relaxing retreat in Sri Lanka as you rejuvenate and find your flow amidst a tropical paradise. You will love the superior rooms and saltwater swimming pool.

Whatever your retreat goals, this yoga resort will provide the classes, the menu, and the support you need to de-stress and break up your usual routine back home. The eco-lodges are not far from Dalawella Beach and offer the opportunity for a lot of different activities such as kayaking, cycling, whale watching or going on a wildlife safari.

• Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
• Location: Kaju Green Eco Lodges, Galle
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $1,680 per person
• What makes it special? You will get a 2-hour full body Ayurvedic massage and all plant-based meals every day.

Image courtesy of Kaju Green Eco Lodges on BookYogaRetreats.

5 Days Yoga and Surf Camp

Tucked away in the jungle, you almost won’t know that the beach is just a few footsteps away from this beautiful and unique boutique hotel. In fact, Kabala surf spot is just about a 3-minute walk away.

The Nuga House is the perfect place for surfing, no matter what level you are at. With one lesson with an instructor per day, you will feel like you worked out but still have the energy to attend a daily yoga class as well.

• Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
• Location: The Nuga House, Ahangama
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $574 per person
• What makes it special? All rooms in the hotel are designed uniquely with the goal of spreading serenity, surrender and giving.

Images courtesy of The Nuga House on BookYogaRetreats.

Yoga Teacher Trainings In Sri Lanka

While Bali may be the most popular destination for yoga teacher trainings in Southeast Asia, if you're looking to pursue a yoga teacher training in Sri Lanka, you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of enjoyable options available in this tropical paradise.

22 Days Small Group 200-Hour Alignment Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training

This 200-hour yoga teacher training will make you a fully accredited yoga teacher in only 3 weeks.

With daily asana, meditation and breath practices, you’ll learn from experienced teachers in a beautiful atmosphere surrounded by palm trees and within minutes on Kopalana beach.

Designed to make you a great yoga teacher, you’ll take a deep dive into sessions on alignment, anatomy, injury prevention, class planning, meditation and much more.

• Duration: 22 days / 21 nights
• Location: The Nuga House, Ahangama
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $2,981 per person
• What makes it special? You get to stay in Sri Lanka’s famous surf coast with great cafes, spots for water activities and lots of wildlife surrounding you.

Images courtesy of The Nuga House on BookYogaRetreats.

13 Days 100 Hours Yin and Yang Aerial Yoga Teacher Training

This comprehensive training will give you a 100-hour aerial teacher training certificate.

It doesn’t matter if you are already a yoga teacher or you want to self-practice safely, in this training you will learn aerial yoga postures, and inversions and have extensive discussions so you will get to know aerial yoga inside out.

• Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
• Location: ME yoga villa, Weligama
• Experience level: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
• Price range: from $2,336 per person
• What makes it special? This is a small group teacher training with a maximum of 12 students and you’ll have lots of time to practice.

Images courtesy of ME Yoga Villa on BookYogaRetreats.

Best Sri Lanka Yoga and Surf Retreats – Final Words

I hope you now have a better idea of what sort of retreats you can do in Sri Lanka. No matter if you choose a relaxing holiday with some extra yoga classes, want to up your surfing game or truly dive deeper into Ayurvedic treatments, Sri Lanka has got it all!

Begin your journey to Sri Lanka with excitement in your heart, and make the most of every second.