10-Day Yoga & Wellness Escape by the Sea in Bentota, Sri Lanka

The day usually begins early, before the heat sets in. You'll do a yoga session — sometimes more dynamic, sometimes slower and more focused on breathing and alignment depending on where the group is at — followed by meditation. Breakfast is served after practice: fresh fruit, eggs, hoppers, coconut roti, curries if you want them. Then the day opens up. A complimentary tuk-tuk takes you to the nearby beach most mornings, where sun loungers and an ocean breeze are waiting.

Afternoons are for the extras that come with the package. There's a massage included, and you can book additional wellness treatments. The hosts arrange excursions to a turtle conservation project and local temples, and they'll tailor cultural outings or accommodate special requests where they can. Some people spend the afternoon reading; others walk into town or take a second swim. Dinner is homemade Sri Lankan fare, eaten together, and evenings tend to be quiet — this isn't a party retreat.

What separates this from other yoga holidays on the coast is the pace. There's no rushing between activities, no competing for space, no pressure to fill every hour. The schedule has room in it. The teacher works with a small group so you get corrections and adjustments rather than a generic flow class. And because retreats run every day of the week, you can pick dates that suit you rather than fitting into someone else's calendar.

The accommodation is arranged per booking — private rooms, shared spaces, or upgrades depending on what you want. Meals are tailored to the group, and dietary needs are handled if you tell them in advance. Full directions and travel guidance are shared once your booking is confirmed.

Worth knowing: seasonal surcharges apply from December 18 through January 6 and again from March 16 to 23. If you're travelling in those windows, factor that in. Cancellation terms are set by the retreat leader and confirmed before you pay anything.

What's included

- 10-day yoga and meditation programme with a resident teacher - Accommodation (room type confirmed per booking) - Homemade Sri Lankan meals, tailored to the group - One relaxing massage - Complimentary tuk-tuk ride to the nearby beach most mornings - Excursions to a local turtle conservation project and temples - Assistance with cultural outings and special requests

What's not included

- International flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Personal expenses - Additional spa/wellness treatments beyond the included massage - Airport transfers (unless arranged separately) - Seasonal surcharges (December 18–January 6 and March 16–23)