BY MAHIKA PANDITHA Even if you do not do yoga, it is not unknown that there is a plethora of benefits that come with it. And it is not only about getting a great body, but some of the techniques can actually be helpful in the long run in terms of wellness. The best way to explain yoga is as a group of practices that discipline your mind and body. What’s good for us is Sri Lanka is full of some stunning yoga retreat centres that you can immerse yourself in any weekend you have the time and feel like it. Here is a list of a few places you can try out both in Colombo and out of Colombo, whichever you are most comfortable with, but some of them will make quite the adventure! Ulpotha Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat In the rustic jungles of our beautiful island is one of the best yoga retreats in the country. Ulpotha is basically an agricultural community that offers both yoga and Ayurvedic healing. In this area, you can be left to your senses and looked after by the community who lives with nature. The price you pay is inclusive of accommodation, meals (including snacks!), as well as two yoga classes a day and one massage per week along with many other things. Most of the food is vegan and gluten-free, but it is all fresh. As for yoga, there is a variety offered such as Vinyasa Krama, Iyengar Yoga, and much more. So do check out their site and check which type of yoga is available according to the month wish to visit. It has been covered in articles published all over the world as well, so you know it must be really special. Tri Lanka Koggala by Reveal Located on the shore of Koggala Lake, Tri Lanka happens to be Sri Lanka’s first sustainable luxury hotel. Built over a decade ago, it was created with the vision of a hotel being driven by its surroundings with edible gardens, local materials, and much more. The kitchen offers Lankan fusion cuisine as well, locally sourced from the gardens. The yoga space is an elevated space wherein quantum yoga is practised, either individually or in groups. Along with this, there is also a spa available that offers an array of massages in a location that looks over treetops through large windows. This retreat even offers exclusive use; it could host up to 30 guests and can cater for up to 100. Santani Wellness Resort and Spa The name “santani” itself means “in harmony with” in Sanskrit. The concept behind the retreat is based on sustainable wellness and balance of nature around and nurture within. Santani offers personalised packages and experiences for each guest; they assess their guests’ lifestyle, body composition, stress, emotional state, and more, and proceed to customise the packages, thus providing their guests with a unique and one-of-a-kind retreat. There is also a range of Ayurveda packages offered, from Santani Recovery to Santani Detox along with Santani Weight Loss and Santani Sleep. You can even go on a set of excursions if you would like to explore more on your trip. Santani also won Geoffrey Bawa Awards for Excellence in Architecture! It is descendant from ancient India and there happens to be a variety of practices within the parent practice of yoga itself. Yoga helps with the cultivation of self-awareness and self-regulation, and improved consciousness in general. It is also a brilliant way to relieve yourself of stress and improve your flexibility and physical fitness. This practice also encourages body positivity, which we all love! Talalla Retreat A beachfront retreat that sits on a hidden beach, only approached by local fishermen, offers individual surf, wellness services, and, our favourite, yoga. Every day, the retreat hosts a series of Pilates and yoga classes or workshops with teachers from around the world. You could even schedule a one-on-one class with them! The rooms are designed to help guests indulge in the serenity of the location with open bathrooms and private patios. Talalla also wants to ensure the local community around them benefits greatly and so there is an organic garden, fair trade products, and even weekly beach clean-ups! PHOTOS BOOKING.COM AND RESPECTIVE WEBSITES