Nourishing yoga and sunshine retreat, Sri Lanka

About Sri Devi Retreat

Situated on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Sri Devi Retreat offers access to excellent beaches for relaxing and enjoying unforgettable sunsets. There are tea plantations and Buddhist temples dotted along the coast. This luxury retreat centre has over 2.5 acres of tropical garden. The outdoor yoga platform is covered and close to the paddy fields, amongst the wildlife. There is a large pool, a spa and both an indoor and an outdoor covered lounge area. The venue has extremely friendly and helpful staff and all modern facilities.

The chef is very creative and cooks amazing regionally inspired dishes using locally sourced products. Sri Lankan cuisine includes curries, fish and poultry in banana leaves, sambals and a few more special secrets.

There are many excursions on offer during the week and trips to explore on your day off.

The daily programme

There will be two yoga classes each day. Each morning will begin with a dynamic flowing yoga practice, opening the body and attuning the mind to the breath.

After the morning session there will be an abundance of fruits and a healthy and filling breakfast. There will be several hours in the day to yourself, where you can head off to one of the nearby white, sandy beaches, take a treatment with the Ayurvedic therapist, take a ride to the nearby shops, cafes and restaurants or simply relax by the pool.

The group will meet again in the late afternoon for a more gentle and restorative practice dedicated to nourishing yourself, including restorative postures, meditation and yoga nidra.

The retreat starts on the Saturday 6 March at 7pm with a welcome meal. The last class is on the Friday 12 March evening with a farewell meal. Five evening meals are included, leaving two nights free for dining out.

Things to do

There are several optional activities to choose from during the week for those interested in seeing the sights of Sri Lanka. There will be one free day during the week when you can explore further afield on the island or take one of the excursions offered.

Sri Devi Retreat is very luxurious and spacious, tucked away near a village and surrounded by nature and wildlife. There are many different areas to spend time undisturbed, simply relaxing. It's about a 15 minute walk along the paddy fields or a 5 minute tuk-tuk ride to the sea and sandy beach.

There are several beaches to choose from - some lively with music and entertainment, some quieter and expansive. There are many varied restaurants along the coastline for watching stunning sunsets and evening entertainment if you wish to experience Sri Lanka's unique and friendly social-life.

Excursions & activities:
- A safari to see the wild elephants in Yala National Park
- A trip to Kataragama, a pilgrimage town in Sri Lanka for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Veddas
- A sunrise boat trip to see blue whales
- A tour of a famous 19th century tea estate
- A magnificent boat trip to Cinnamon Island to see how cinnamon is harvested and produced
- A walk around Galle Fort

Treatments available

The in-house spa offers Ayurvedic floral and herbal baths, the shirodhara drip treatment and a wide variety of massages. There is also the use of the steam box. An Ayurvedic diagnosis is available with one of the best practitioners. The experienced Ayurvedic therapist offers different kinds of Ayurvedic massages and treatments. Her specialties are chakra massages, shirodhara (a slow oil stream on the forehead) and relaxing body massages - fantastic for reducing tension and stress.

Accommodation at Sri Devi Retreat

The villas at Sri Devi are luxurious, comfortable and very spacious with twin or double beds. Each villa has its own tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and counter with sink, a large bathroom and private terrace. There are a limited number of single occupancy rooms available.

In addition there is a fully equipped and staffed kitchen and for no extra cost the staff can prepare your own food for you.