Peaceful Yoga & Meditation Escape Near Sigiriya Rock Fortress

The retreat runs over four days and three nights, starting Friday evening and finishing Monday morning. Friday's introductory class is where Katalin gets to know what you want from the weekend — any injuries, how much yoga you've done before, what kind of practice suits you. From there, Saturday and Sunday each have a morning and evening class, with the afternoons left free for you to swim, nap, or explore the area.

Each class follows the same gentle structure: 15 minutes of conscious relaxation to settle in, 45 minutes of postures (asanas), 15 minutes of pranayama (breathing exercises), and 15 minutes of seated meditation. The postures are accessible rather than athletic — this is classical Hatha yoga in the Sivananda style, not power flow. You'll stretch, strengthen gently, and learn to pay attention to how your body actually feels rather than pushing through.

The hotel itself, Hideaway Garage, is run by Anthonyio and his team. It's a quiet spot with air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and a restaurant that serves Sri Lankan and international food. You get a generous breakfast each morning and dinner each evening, with dishes chosen from the menu. The rooms have two double beds, mosquito nets, and direct access to the pool area.

Dambulla sits right in the middle of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, so you're well placed for day trips to Sigiriya (the Lion Rock fortress), the Rangiri Cave Temple, or a safari in one of the nearby national parks. But the point of this retreat is to give you permission to not rush off somewhere every morning. You can do all of that sightseeing after you leave, or take a day trip if you feel like it — the hotel can help arrange transport.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private double room with A/C and ensuite bathroom - 3 generous breakfasts - 5 meals (dinner Friday, lunch and dinner Saturday, lunch and dinner Sunday) - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Daily yoga classes (90 minutes each) - Daily meditation and pranayama as part of each yoga class - Use of swimming pool - Free Wi-Fi - Free parking - Luggage storage - Transport to Rangiri Cave Temple (UNESCO site)

What's not included

- Flights to Sri Lanka - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Airport transfers (available for €60 per person return) - Personal expenses - Optional extras (private classes, laundry, extra nights)