Ayurveda Wellness and Yoga Retreat on the Bentota River

This retreat is a proper Ayurveda program, not just a yoga holiday. It starts with a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who assesses your body and health goals, then puts together a treatment plan and a diet for the week. Treatments can range from general relaxation massages to Panchakarma detox, weight loss, or targeted care for issues like migraines, high blood pressure, or joint pain. You'll have a 60-minute Ayurvedic massage every day, and the daily yoga is taught by Roshan, a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher with over a decade of practice.

The yoga itself is accessible—designed to make you feel stronger and calmer, with a focus on alignment and breath. Roshan also incorporates sound healing into the week; he's one of the few teachers in the area offering dedicated sound bath sessions. Morning sessions are pranayama and asana, and there's another class in the late afternoon. In between, you're free to book extra massages or scrubs, take a bicycle out, or just lie on a sunbed under the mangroves.

Meals are a highlight for many guests. Everything is vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options available, and the menu leans into Ayurvedic principles—fresh juices, salads, herbal teas, and light dinners. The kitchen works around what the doctor recommends for you, which makes the food feel personal rather than generic.

The villa itself is a small, eco-minded property run by Roshan and his partners. With only five rooms, you're never in a crowd, and the atmosphere is more like staying at a friend's riverside house than a resort. It's quiet, surrounded by garden and water, with lounge chairs placed for watching the river go by. The host speaks English, Russian, and Sinhalese, which helps make international guests feel at home.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water and herbal tea throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily yoga classes - Daily ayurveda massage (60 min) - Group excursions/activities - Transportation during the retreat - Luggage storage - Parking - Wi-Fi connection

What's not included

- Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Extra treatments (massages, scrubs) - Airport transfer (€50 per person) - Optional activities not listed