Wellness Escape with Daily Yoga and Meditation in Ella, Sri Lanka

The retreat is based at Ella Retreat, a small, design-led property just outside Ella town, surrounded by jungle, mountains, and a seasonal waterfall. The owners, led by Danushka, run the place with a focus on comfort and personal service, from tuk-tuk pickups to arranging a cookery class or archery session whenever you fancy it. Accommodation is in one of three private options: a glamping tent, a villa, or a hillside villa, each with its own bathroom and outdoor tub.

Each day includes a morning session of yoga, meditation, and pranayama, and an evening yoga and relaxation session, with the occasional Happy Drum and Singing Bowl. Sessions happen on the deck of the glamping tent or in the cottage living area, always outdoors and close to the greenery. Afternoons are mostly free for the included attractions—Rawana Cave, Rawana Waterfall, the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, and a monastery visit—guided by the retreat team.

The week is flexible. You can skip sessions, swap activities, or simply stay put with a book. There's a spa treatment at a nearby hotel, a cooking class, and the chance to rent a scooter and explore further afield. For those after a genuine escape, it's hard to beat the combination of daily practice, lush surroundings, and the unhurried rhythm of the place.

What's included

- Private accommodation for 5 nights - All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks and king coconut - Daily morning and evening yoga and meditation sessions - Daily pranayama classes - Welcome drink - 1-hour Ayurvedic or spa treatment per guest - Cookery class - Archery session - Guided nature hikes and group excursions - Visit to Buddhist monastery (Mahamewnawa Asapuwa) - Guide for selected attractions (Rawana Rock, Rawana Cave, Rawana Waterfall, 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak, KithalElla Waterfall) - Pickup and drop-off at Ella town - Free parking and wifi - Herbal drinks, tea, and coffee throughout the day

What's not included

- International flights - Visa fee - Travel insurance - Additional activities or treatments not in the itinerary - Extra nights (available at additional cost) - Scooter rental (available for an extra charge)