about the retreat
A 6-night reset in south Sri Lanka, by Koggala Lake. Slow mornings, therapeutic and modern yoga, and sustainable, body-aware movement to support your nervous system. Vegan meals, jungle surroundings, and time to switch off — away from the noise, back to yourself.
Guided by Katerina and Lea, the retreat brings together a shared approach to mindful, body-aware movement and nervous system regulation. Designed as a space to slow down and step away from the pace of everyday life, a space to learn how to rest, feel calm and connected again.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the pace of life, constant responsibilities, and the habit of putting everything and everyone else before yourself? In a world where we’re constantly under pressure, it’s easy to lose connection with how we actually feel. The intention behind this retreat is to create space for you to slow down, step away from that noise, and gently guide you in learning how to regulate the stress your body experiences in daily life.
upcoming dates
13 – 19 December, 2026
In this retreat, we explore simple, practical ways to support your nervous system, reduce built-up tension in the body, and reconnect with how you actually feel. Over the week, we’ll share clear, easy-to-use tools that can help you manage stress, improve body awareness,
and bring more balance into your daily life through:
mindful movement
This practice blends gentle, flowing movements inspired by Qi Gong, with mindful exploration of the joints and their associated movements. The spinal movements practice helps build awareness and freedom in the spine, creating a foundation for safe movement.
The movement encourages regulation and a natural slowing of the breath, supporting circulation and helping to calm the nervous system. As the body begins to move more as a whole, the practice develops into a smooth, connected movements.
asana & vinyasa flow
Our approach to Vinyasa-style yoga blends mindful movement with an understanding of how the body works. We guide you through yoga poses with smooth, efficient transitions, focusing on alignment, joint mobility, and body awareness.
Sun salutations and sequences are designed to feel natural and intuitive, letting your body move in a way that makes sense for you. Each practice is clear, purposeful, and easily adaptable for all levels, helping you build strength, flexibility, and confidence in your movement.
restorative flow & stillness
This practice draws from yin and restorative traditions, offering a supportive space to slow down and reconnect. Using props and longer-held, floor-based postures, we gently release tension in the body and calm the nervous system. It’s a time to turn inward, explore stillness, and allow the body to settle into a calm state.
presence practice
Mindfulness is the practice of fully being present, noticing each moment without judgment. You’ll learn simple ways to bring awareness into daily life.
Mindful practices help calm the nervous system, release tension, and improve focus. During the retreat, you’ll experience techniques such as guided attention, body scans, and mindful observation. These skills support stress regulation, deepen self-awareness, and can create a sense of calm in body and mind.
silence & journaling
Our mornings start with silence, giving you space to wake up fully with all your senses. We invite you to take it as a small personal challenge and stay offline, at least for the morning, just to notice how you feel before the day begins.
Journaling then helps you tune into your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Think of it as a little therapy on paper—just putting everything out, knowing nobody will read it. Sometimes that’s all we need: to name it, share it with ourselves, and let it go. Journaling can bring clarity to the mind and help you feel more present.
These practices gently engage the nervous system, supporting stress regulation and cultivating calm. Taking a moment of silence and reflection every morning also builds awareness and helps you carry this into the rest of your day.
the venue
Lanka Yoga sits on the shores of Koggala Lake on Sri Lanka’s south coast, between Ahangama and Galle. Beaches, surf breaks, and the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort are all just minutes away. The venue was purpose-built for retreats and teacher trainings. The shala sits among the treetops, there’s an infinity pool, scattered outdoor spaces, and a vegetable garden and fruit forest that supply much of what ends up on your plate.
schedule
This is an example of a typical day at the retreat, giving you an idea of how your time will be structured. The schedule is flexible and meant as a guide to help you make the most of your experience.
7:30 – 9:00 AM Morning Practice
9:00 – 10:00 AM Breakfast
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Relax or optional activity
1:00 PM Lunch
2:00 – 5:00 PM Activity or workshop
5:00 – 6:30 PM Evening practice
6:30 PM onwards Dinner and free time
meet katerina & lea
Katerina
Brings a thoughtful approach to yoga and mindful movement, combining modern movement principles with body-aware practices, including restorative and hormonal yoga focused on longevity. Her classes help you build strength, flexibility, and awareness in a safe and supportive way.
Lea
Guides with a gentle and intuitive approach, blending energizing Vinyasa flows with grounding restorative practices. She creates a soft, supportive space to explore movement, settle the nervous system, and reconnect with yourself.
Want to know more about us? Check out the full info pack for all the details.
choose your accommodation
All rooms overlook Koggala Lake, with comfy (mosquito-netted) beds, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and ceiling fans.
Pick the option that feels right for your comfort and style:
3 or 4 person shared
Upstairs rooms catch the morning light, while garden-level rooms stay naturally cool, each overlooking the still waters of Koggala Lake. Each dorm accommodates 3–4 guests and includes a spacious ensuite with two showers and double sinks, making it easy to get ready. Beds come with individual mosquito nets, and quiet air conditioning and ceiling fans keep the room comfortable at any time of day.
1100€ per person
twin share
Upstairs villa rooms feel open and airy, while guest-block rooms offer a sheltered retreat—and every room faces calming lake views. Two single beds give each guest room to spread out, and an ensuite offers plenty of counter space. Beds have individual mosquito nets. Whisper-quiet air conditioning and ceiling fans create a restful environment day and night.
1250€ per person
Private
A garden-level suite with a king-size bed opens onto a veranda overlooking Koggala Lake and includes a private bathroom and a small space for reading or journaling during your stay. The bed has a mosquito net, and quiet air conditioning and a ceiling fan help keep the room comfortable for restful sleep.
1400€ per person
1100€ per person
1250€ per person
1400€ per person
what’s included
Everything is designed to support you in slowing down, reconnecting, and taking time for yourself:
Six nights and seven days at Lanka Yoga, overlooking the peaceful Koggala Lake
Comfortable accommodation with lake views
Three nourishing plant-based meals each day
Unlimited filtered water and Ceylon herbal teas
Daily morning Vinyasa and evening restorative practices
Workshops on mindfulness, journaling, and sustainable movement
Morning silence and time to disconnect and tune into yourself
Simple, practical tools to support nervous system regulation and manage daily stress
Sri Lankan cooking class with the Lanka Yoga kitchen team
One Ayurvedic massage (our gift to you)
Boat tour on Koggala Lake, including a visit to Temple Island
Plenty of free time to rest, explore, and simply be
the food
Three chef-designed vegan meals a day, using as much home-grown and local produce as possible. The menu is a Western and Sri Lankan fusion — think banana pancakes and kithul honey for breakfast, Sri Lankan rice and curry for dinner. Fresh fruit, filtered water and Ceylon tea are always available, and the on-site Lanka Café serves vegan desserts, kombucha, smoothies and other treats throughout the day.
beyond the mat
Most days have free time built in. You can use it to relax by the pool, or head out and explore Sri Lanka’s south coast. Surf lessons are just around the corner at some of the island’s best breaks. You can take a tuk-tuk ride to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, join a Sri Lankan cooking class with the Lanka Yoga kitchen team, go on a safari to see elephants and leopards, or take a day trip down to Mirissa and Hiriketiya.
frequently asked questions
When does this retreat take place?
Do I need yoga experience to join this retreat?
Not at all. The retreat is designed for all levels, including complete beginners. Katerina and Lea adapt every session so you can work at your own pace. There are two practices a day — a morning session and an evening session, each up to two hours — with plenty of time in between for rest, exploring, or doing nothing at all. If you’ve never done yoga before, a week-long retreat like this is one of the best ways to start.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely — most people do. With three room options (shared, twin, or private), you can be as social or as independent as you like. Solo travellers make up the majority of our retreat guests, and the small group size means you’ll get to know everyone quickly. It’s a safe, welcoming environment whether you’re travelling alone for the first time or it’s something you do regularly.
What's included in the price?
What's the food like?
Where is Lanka Yoga?
What can I do in my free time?
What's the weather like in December in Sri Lanka?
December falls in the dry season on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Expect warm, sunny days with temperatures between 25–30°C and occasional brief rain. It’s one of the best times of year for a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka — the beaches are at their best and the evenings are warm and calm.
Is this retreat a good option over the Christmas period?
Yes — the retreat runs 13–19 December, so you’ll be back in time for Christmas if you need to be, or you could extend your stay and spend the holidays on Sri Lanka’s south coast. December is a popular time for yoga retreats in Sri Lanka, and flights from Europe are widely available. A few of our guests each year use the retreat as a way to step out of the usual holiday rush and start the season feeling rested instead of wired.
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