Creative Yoga & Cooking Retreat in Coastal Sri Lanka

Day one starts with a swim in the Indian Ocean on a quiet beach a short walk from the house. You'll wander to the fishing harbour, pick out fish for the evening barbecue, and ride tuk-tuks to the local market, where fresh coconut water is part of the experience. Back at the house, Kumara has a Sri Lankan breakfast ready. After some free time, there's an art session — the exact project depends on the day — and if you've booked yoga or surf, you'll be taken to your class. The afternoon brings a cooking class focused on preparing the fish for the barbecue, along with a few other dishes, and there's time to rest or shower while everything cooks.

Day two begins with a kayak trip along the nearby river. Back at Dragon-Fly House, you'll learn how to make hoppers — the bowl-shaped rice-flour pancakes — and have them for lunch with sambols, followed by curd and treacle. The afternoon art class involves watching a neighbour weave coconut husks into rope, then using natural materials collected along the way to make lampshade covers and bowls to take home. Dinner that night is a Spanish/Sri Lankan fusion paella with coconut roti bread, and there are cocktails and mocktails before the meal.

On the final full day, you visit a temple set on a rock, with time to meditate, walk around, and take photos. There's a drive through the surrounding area with a rice and curry lunch, and in the evening a local artist gives a talk. You'll also go to an art museum where you can buy paintings or small metal sculptures. After some free time for shopping, the group gathers at Amaroo for a farewell drink at sunset, and the last supper is at a local roti shop, where you'll see how roti and kottu are made.

The house itself is a colonial building with plenty of character. It's quiet, surrounded by vegetation, with birds and squirrels around, and has a large verandah and open spaces in most rooms. The kitchen is big and well equipped, which is where the cooking classes happen. It's a relaxed, authentic slice of Sri Lankan life rather than a luxury resort stay.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water, tea, coffee served throughout the day - Welcome drink - Yoga - 30 minute massage - Cooking class - Specialized workshops - Excursions & activities - Pre and post retreat support from our team - Transportation during the retreat - Luggage storage - Parking - Wifi connection

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments