AYURVEDA &YOGA
SRI LANKA RETREAT
BY Begüm Gülderen
@ KOSGODA, SOUTH SRI LANKA.
24 FEBRUARY - 2 MARCH 2025
6 Nights / 7 Days
Retreat Fees
Shared Double Room: €1890
Private Single Room: €2390
ASHTANGA Yoga & AYURVEDA Retreat
Prepare your senses for overload, Sri Lanka at its most sultry and enticing: a glorious shoreline of dazzling white curves of sand set against emerald forested hills. A Private Yoga & Ayurveda Resort which nestled in a serene Southern cove, we discovered an ideal location full of potential. Envisioning it as one of Sri Lanka’s naturally most beautiful beach hotels, you will fall in love instantly…..
In Kosgoda, 60 km from Colombo, a stretch of isolated beach leads to a hidden cove. The rocky outcrop above is lush, green and seemingly wild. The air is warm (averages 30°C) the breeze, ever so gentle, and the waves rise and fall without end. Timeless, ageless peace lives here. This is Sama (Peace) Retreat…
Kosgoda is a small, quiet beach town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 50 km north of Galle and 120 km, or 2 hours, south of Bandaranaike International Airport.
The breezy coastal town is known for its turtle conservation project and turtle nesting areas, where five (green, olive ridley, loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback turtles) of the seven species of marine turtles nest on the local beaches.
Starting the retreat with Ayurveda consultation individually, followed by delicious nourishing healing foods, then every early morning ashtanga vinyasa yoga and chanting, and then you could start to walk on the beach or have Ayurvedic massage in open air spa rooms and do some awesome activities together! Late afternoons and evenings will be Ancient Yoga practices and workshops..
This retreat is very unique and planed for you very carefully..!
Where we will retreat is an amazing place.. With utmost care and dedication, they fashioned and moulded it into the harmonious home of tranquillity and ‘joie de vivre’ that it is today.
When shaping the 10 acres of land (which included a fishing village), they made sure not to disturb its natural contours and character. Preserved its beauty and enhanced it …A perfect place for a complete harmony and balance…
ACCOMMODATION:
In our little beach retreat in Sri Lanka, there are 5 cottages – small homes with two or three rooms, en-suite bathrooms, living rooms, mini kitchens, and a spacious verandah or terrace. Some have the luxury of a plunge pool too.
Named after village personalities, our cottages are much like their homes – natural and unpretentious, yet comfortable. Owner of retreat resort added their own touches of luxury and indulgences however, so you have all you need too.
Just like the sound of the waves that lulled you to sleep at night, the birds will wake you with the first rays of light. Beautiful mornings to spend on meditation, yoga or sun worship, to renew your whole being; perhaps enjoy your breakfast in the company of squirrels and butterflies.
The day may warm up, but your cottage will remain cool, and the plunge pool will certainly invite you in. You may wish to lunch alone or with friends, and relax on the spacious veranda or terrace enjoying a lazy afternoon. Read, talk, make music and let companionship and good vibes flow with the setting sun and into the night beyond.
All beautiful unhique rooms have old wooden floors, high ceilings and terracotta roof tiles keep the heat at bay. The furniture is vintage, understated and minimal, enhancing the sense of space. The decor in muted colours is simple, yet the aura of comfort prevails throughout the cottage. COTTAGE AMENITIES AND FACILITIES; Individually controlled air-conditioning, Glass bottled water ,Tea/coffee making facilities , Electronic safe, Evening turn-down service, Bathrobes, Hair dryer, Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, shower caps, body lotion, soap etc), Private terrace / balcony.
HIGHLIGHTS
6 Nights Cottage Room Accommodation. Some has private plunge pools. (rooms will be given as first come, first served.)
Full and exclusive access to the property; 10 lush acres.
Ayurvedic Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner including fish.
Vegetarian & Pescatarian Diet options. Plenty of free tea and coffee..! Fresh juices & coconuts..
Morning Yoga & Meditation Classes.
Afternoon Workshops such as Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Sound healing & Chakra Balancing.
Ayurvedic doctor consultations
Wellness & Spa treatments at 40% off.
Airport Transfers (Make sure to arrive early in the morning and depart early in the morning…)
Guided activities and visits…
NOT INCLUDED:
Travel costs, Ayurvedic treatments
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:
Admiring and visiting a Sea Turtle Hatchery & visiting a beautiful Temple, both just 2 min walking distance.
Surfing, swimming & snorkeling
Visiting Bentota, Hikkaduwa towns for a nice fun vibe.
Visiting Galle Fort - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
OpTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Surfing lessons, cooking classes, cultural immersions such as batiks, silks, crafts, traditional masks etc.
Visiting National Park.
Visiting Mangrove river boat safari & visiting waterfall there.
Sample Program
6 am to 8 am - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
8 am to 9 am - Breakfast
Free Time for Ayurvedic treatments, beach or pool & sightseeings..!
4 pm to 6 pm Group Gatherings or Workshops
6 pm to 7 pm Dinner
Ashtanga Vinyasa YOGA by Begum
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a style of yoga codified and popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois during the 20th century. Ashtanga means eight limbs or branches, of which asana or physical yoga posture is merely one branch, breath or pranayama is another. So all the classed will be based on this style. Prepare to sweat as you briskly move through a set sequence. In Vinyasa yoga, we do asana practice as well as chanting practices. All-Levels are welcome!
*Some days for sightseeing. Sight-seeing will be arranged and if you are coming to Sri Lanka alone, afraid of being a stranger, you won't be….
*Retreat will start from the date of 24th of February. You could arrive the retreat hotel in the afternoon. After check- in at 15:00, we will meet at 16:00 for the first class. Followed by dinner with under the amazing stars.
Yoga Nidra, Chakra Healing, Pranayama,
Sound Healing Afternoon Workshops bY Molly
Meet Molly who is the resident yoga teacher and Director of Wellness for Sri Lanka Retreats. With over 15 years of teaching under her belt, Molly is renowned for her inclusive, heart-centered approach to yoga and wellness. Drawing from a wealth of diverse knowledge and training with masters worldwide, she specializes in Hatha, Vinyasa, Tantra, Restorative, Yin, and Yoga Nidra. As an Ayurvedic Wellness Practitioner and Therapeutic Massage Therapist, she brings a holistic perspective to her teachings. She emphasizes harmony, balance, alignment, healing, intuition, freedom, grace, and flow. Afternoon workshops will be taught by her.
Ayurveda in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka ayurveda medicine is based on the country’s centuries old treasure trove of indigenous knowledge base, natural environment and cultural repertory. According to archeological evidence, human civilisation dates back 30,000 years. Cave men of that age domesticated many wild plant varieties and used them for food and medicines.Sri Lanka’s indigenous medicine has similar origins, linked to the 30,000 year old native habitants of the land known as the Balangoda man (manavaya).
With its ancient history, traditional ayurveda medicine as it is practiced today in the country, is based on an indigenous heritage preserved over 3000 years.The royal patronage extended throughout history to the nation’s healthcare was supported by the ayurveda practice of the time.
What is the connection between Ayurveda and yoga?
As Ayurveda and Yoga are interrelated, they together encompass healing disciplines in the body. On the one hand, Ayurveda rejuvenates the body; on the other, Yoga deals with the purification of mind and consciousness. Thus, together they both complement and embrace each other.
You will start your retreat with a complimentary doctor consultations. Then you could choose an ayurvedic program for yourself …
Food at the Retreat Venue
As a wellness and yoga retreat, we consider food to be of prime importance. So our cuisine includes wholesome dishes featuring fresh, homegrown and locally produced ingredients. Each dish is prepared following the traditional ayurvedic philosophy of ‘Rasa Haya’ which is strictly followed at Sama Retreats, as per the Sama Retreats concept of wellness cuisine.
Ensuring that all major nutrients are included, the Ayurvedic concept of ‘Rasa Haya’ involves six tastes – sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Such food pacifies the energies within you, bringing your body into a perfect state of balance and harmony.
Harmony is very much a part of our dining experience too. Our meal times are unfettered. They are times to gather around, enjoy healthy meals, share stories and adventures, laugh, talk, make friends and memories..!
DINING Wholesome Cuisine, Your Way
Lazy lunches, tapas – Sri Lankan style, sunset drinks and moonlit dinners; our ambience is casual, communal dining where wholesome meals are enjoyed together. Our cuisine follows the iconic Ayurevedic philosophy of Rasa Haya, meaning six tastes.
We support communities by sourcing local organic produce: our fruit and veg come fresh from home gardens, including our own. Our seafood is off the morning’s catch, providing a sustainable income to the nearby fishing villages.
HOSPITALITY MISSION & VISION
A far cry from being one of the typical beach hotels in down south Sri Lanka, at Sama Retreats you’ll find that we’re not part of the crowd. We’re simple and unpretentious in the luxuries we offer.
Slip in to our natural pool in the shade of trees and let the pure, sun-dappled water embrace you. Find our infinity pool, hidden in the trees, but with unbroken views of the sea and swim up to the pool bar for a refreshing drink. Take all the time you need at our wellness centre or to enjoy your yoga program.
+5 DISTINCT COTTAGES +INFINITY POOL +12 INDIVIDUAL ROOMS +FRESH WATER POOL +RESTAURANT & BAR +YOGA & SPA
What to do
Turtle Conservation Site Visit (1 Km)
Learn about the rare turtles that visit the Southern coast with a visit to a turtle hatchery and conservation site. The projects rescue and protect turtle eggs – ensuring that they hatch safely. The baby turtles are then released back into the ocean.
Fishing Village And Lellama Visit (7 Km)
On our coastline, fishing is the way of life. Take a little time out with our naturalist to visit a nearby fishing village and to watch the hussle and haggle at the local fish market known as a ‘Lellama’. You can even take your pick off the catch of the day for our Chef to prepare to your liking.
Aluthgama Kande Viharaya Temple (16 Km)
One of the important Buddhist temples in the district and formally recognised as a key archaeological site, the Aluthgama Kande Viharaya was built in 1734. Situated high on a rocky hill, the temple is home to a sacred Bo Tree (Ficus Religiosa) believed to be more than 300 years old. It also houses a gigantic Samadhi Buddha statue – which at 48.8 m (160 ft) in height, is considered to be one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in the world.
Galle Fort (56 Km)
Take a half day or day trip out to the hub of all cool and the cultural capital of Southern Sri Lanka. The Dutch Fort at Galle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was originally built in1588 by the Portuguesehas weathered storms both natural and manmade to survive intact to this day. The old city walled within it is often described as a treasure trove of colonial grandeur, entertainment, and great culinary experiences.
Transfer by Road
Route One
BIA to Southern Expressway via Aluthgama.
From the airport highway to Kadawatha via Velipenna interchange.
From Velipenna to Aluthgama (14.5km).
At Aluthgama turn left onto Galle Road and drive 14km up to Kosgoda.
Turn right onto Galbokka Road and drive 200m towards the beach. Signboards are placed at the Galbokka Road entrance.
TO REGISTER
Please email your interest to Begüm ( begumgulderenyoga@gmail.com ). You will then receive a registration form to complete and details regarding the transfer of deposit. A deposit of 30% of the total price is required to secure your booking. The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival. Upon registration, you will be sent more info about getting to and around Sri Lanka, pick-up from the airport, what to bring, the rules of the retreat etc.