Yoga And Meditation Program

Awaken with a gentle yoga session on the retreat’s lawns, where the sun’s first light warms the misty fields. Your instructor guides you through mindful stretches and breathing, while the chorus of birds creates a natural soundtrack to your practice. The tranquility of this setting allows you to feel both grounded and uplifted.

In the afternoon, venture into Minneriya National Park, home to one of Asia’s most spectacular wildlife experiences. Between July and October, the park becomes the stage for “The Gathering”, the largest congregation of Asian elephants on earth. Watch as entire herds wade through the shallows, calves playfully trumpet, and tuskers graze peacefully against the backdrop of wide skies. Even outside this season, the park teems with life: troops of monkeys swing from branches, spotted deer move in herds, and painted storks circle overhead. As dusk falls, the golden light spreads across the grasslands, creating an unforgettable wildlife spectacle before you return to your retreat.

This morning, set out for the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rising nearly 200 meters above the plains. As you ascend, explore landscaped water gardens, pass through enormous lion’s paws carved into the rock, and admire the famous frescoes of the “Cloud Maidens,” painted with delicate detail centuries ago. From the summit, sweeping views stretch over dense jungles, shimmering lakes, and distant mountains; a reward that blends cultural history with natural majesty.

Return to Kalundewa Retreat in the afternoon for a deeply reflective session. A guided meditation and Dhamma discussion with your instructor provide a calm counterpoint to the morning’s climb, inviting you to look inward and embrace mindfulness. As night descends, the retreat is wrapped in silence, broken only by the calls of owls and the gentle whisper of the breeze.

After breakfast, continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a vast cave complex adorned with golden statues of the Buddha and intricate murals that date back centuries. The air here is scented with incense, and the stillness of the caves amplifies the sense of reverence.

Travel onwards to Kandy, where you’ll stop at the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. Amidst the sound of chanting monks and the glow of oil lamps, witness rituals that have remained unchanged for generations.

By late afternoon, arrive at Santani Wellness Resort, perched high in the hills overlooking misty valleys. With architecture that opens entirely to nature, this sanctuary offers uninterrupted views of lush mountainsides. The transition from cultural exploration to serene wellness retreat is seamless, preparing you for the days of rejuvenation ahead.

Wake to the crisp mountain air and begin your day with guided yoga and meditation sessions. Each practice is tailored to your level, allowing you to either deepen an existing practice or begin anew under gentle guidance. The backdrop of rolling hills and birdsong makes each breath feel richer, each movement more grounded.

Throughout the day, savour nourishing meals inspired by Ayurvedic principles, prepared with fresh, organic ingredients. Between sessions, relax in the infinity pool overlooking valleys or retreat into the spa’s hydrotherapy facilities. The caring nature of the staff, attentive without intrusion, ensures every moment is one of restoration and ease.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Some may choose to continue with guided yoga and meditation, while others may prefer spa therapies such as full-body massages, herbal steam baths, or cleansing rituals. For those seeking solitude, the open-air pavilions and hillside trails invite quiet contemplation.

The day unfolds at your pace. Sip warm herbal infusions while gazing over mist-cloaked mountains, journal your reflections, or simply surrender to stillness. This balance of structure and freedom allows you to connect more deeply with yourself and the beauty that surrounds you.

After breakfast, leave the cool, misty hills of Kandy behind and journey to the sun-drenched western coast of Sri Lanka. The drive unfolds through lush countryside, passing rivers that glisten under the tropical sun, small villages with coconut groves, and expansive paddy fields. As you approach Negombo, the air begins to carry the fresh, briny scent of the sea and the soft calls of shorebirds.

Arrive at Jetwing Lagoon, a sanctuary where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean in perfect harmony. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, the property blends architecture with nature, with open pavilions overlooking the water, lush gardens that invite meditation, and pathways that meander through mangroves and saltwater marshes. Spend the afternoon strolling along the lagoon edge, watching herons, kingfishers, and egrets move gracefully among the reeds. The gentle lapping of water, combined with the warm hospitality of the staff, immediately restores a sense of calm and anticipation for the wellness experiences ahead.

Dedicate today entirely to your holistic wellness journey. Begin with a consultation with in-house Ayurvedic doctors, who assess your mind and body to recommend treatments tailored specifically to you. Options include Abhyanga oil massages, herbal compress therapies, detoxifying body wraps, or Shirodhara; the gentle, rhythmic flow of warm oil over the forehead designed to calm the nervous system and sharpen mental clarity.

Between therapies, wander the resort’s lagoon-edge paths, listening to the rustle of mangrove leaves and the gentle calls of water birds. The reflective waters mirror the sky, enhancing the sense of serenity. Relax in the pool, or enjoy moments of mindful stillness in shaded pavilions. Meals are crafted according to Ayurvedic principles, using fresh local ingredients to nourish both body and spirit. The combination of attentive therapies, tranquil scenery, and gentle breezes ensures that every sense is soothed and rejuvenated.

Awake with the first light of day over the lagoon, accompanied by the soft cries of kingfishers and the gentle hum of the coastal breeze. Begin with a guided yoga session, where every stretch and breath aligns with the natural rhythms of the water and wind around you. Afterward, enjoy a nourishing Ayurvedic breakfast infused with herbs and spices that invigorate the body and awaken the senses.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Choose an additional massage or therapy, or take a slow walk along the lagoon as the tide flows in and out, observing fishermen navigate the calm waters and birds dive for fish. As evening approaches, the sky ignites with the fiery hues of sunset, mirrored perfectly on the still lagoon surface. Let the sights, sounds, and scents of this coastal sanctuary settle into your consciousness, a lasting impression of harmony and renewal.

This morning, absorb the last moments of serenity as you take in the still waters of the lagoon and the soft rustle of coastal palms. After a final stroll or tea by the water, you are transferred to Colombo International Airport for your departure. As you journey home, you carry with you not only memories of scenic landscapes and sacred sites but also a renewed sense of vitality, calm, and balance; the true essence of your Sri Lankan wellness journey.