sRI LANKAN retreat

Discovery. Adventure. Connection

Journey to exciting new destinations while bringing you home to the heart of who you are.

Our retreat is set in the middle of lush greenery and secluded by vast wilderness, offering escape and exploration in the beautiful hills of central Sri Lanka. Rukgala Retreat (House on the Rock) rests at the foothills of the Knuckles Mountains and the shores of Victoria Lake. Our setting is remote and peaceful yet accessible and still very much in touch with the Sri Lankan community that gives the hills its soul.

Experience juicy yoga and meditation practices surrounded by mountains, lakes and magical forests. Visit nearby tea plantations, ancient temples and as well as lots of time to relax in the sanctuary of your boutique accommodation.

The ethos of this retreat is 100% health and well-being, giving you time to relax, unwind and reconnect. It’s 7 days of daily yoga, mindful movement, meditation, plus lots of sleep, sunshine and soul discovery so you can expect to leave rejuvenated.

ACCOMMODATION

There are three room options available at different costs.  You can choose to book a private room just for yourself or share a room with a partner or another solo traveller or even or a couple of friends.

Main House Double and Twin Bedrooms

Three large double/twin bedrooms line the Main House - sitting on top of the rock that puts the 'Gala' in Rukgala. Beds might have different sizes and very comfortable mattresses. Enjoy the views over the pool, trees and lake beyond. Bathrooms open onto the private terrace with similarly great views.

Garden Cottage Double (2 people) and Twin Bedrooms (3 people)

Just down from the Main House, the Garden Cottage has four bedrooms - two set up as doubles (with Queen-size beds) and two as twins (with large single beds). Each room has a cute mezzanine level with extra single bed. Bathrooms are a little larger, each with stand-alone claw-foot tubs.

Shared Room (4 people)

At the end of the Main House is a great big room ideal for friends or small groups happy to share. The room has four large single beds - two four-posters and two standard beds.  The room has a lovely little private garden/sun-spot.

MENU

The ethically sourced menu has been specifically designed to heal from within by boosting your immunity, balancing hormones and rebuilding your microbiomes.  Elixirs, mylks, juices and smoothies will nourish you from the inside out and your tastebuds will be tantalised with innovative dishes such as Lotus Roots & Courgette Rolls, Laksa with tofu and Beetroot & Avocado Cake. 

You have the choice of three set menus (vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian). Please choose on your application form which one you prefer for the time of your stay.

If you have any allergies or intolerances please let us know via the registration form below.

ACTIVITIES

Explore with us the really beautiful, small meditation caves of Bambaragala, incredibly and intricately painted several hundred years ago. Visit the Ashburnham Tea Estate with a guided tour of the fields to see and understand the process of planting and picking then plunge under the waterfalls after a morning in the fields. We‘d love to take you on one of the incredible hikes of the Knuckle mountains - a National Park, well protected against development with a yoga /meditation session on the trek. As well as a journey into Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth. If you are still thirsty for more adventures there are possibilities to go catamaran fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and mountain biking.

PRICING

Quadruple Room Share (4 x Single Bed) - AUD $2,350 per person

Triple Room Share (3 x Single Bed) - AUD $2,650 per person

Double Room Share (2 x Single Bed) – AUD $2,950 per person

Single Room (1 x King Bed) - AUD $3,650 per person

*For group booking of more than two (2) people, and any special accommodation arrangements, please contact us directly via email at cecily@cecilychun.com

PAYMENT OPTIONS

Payment is made via bank transfer. Account details will be provided upon receipt of the registration form below.

Option 1: Regular Payment

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due when you submit the registration form. The remaining balance is then due on or before January 1st, 2024.

Option 2: Payment Plan

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due when you submit the registration form. The remaining balance is then split up into 4 payments to be paid on the 1st of each month. The final payment is due on or before January 1st, 2024. Each payment must be clearly named and an email of remittance must be sent to cecily@cecilychun.com

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• A total of six (6) nights accommodation*

• 3 x delicious, healthy meals daily with welcome drinks and snacks

• Twice daily yoga/mat pilates classes

• Meditation, kirtan and sound healing sessions

• Yoga workshops on deepening your asana practice and explore more traditional aspects of yoga such as mantra and philosophy

• Art therapy class

• Cooking class

• Day trips: Kandy, Temple of the Tooth, guided tour to the Ashburnham Tea Estate and waterfalls in Elkaduwa, guided trek to Knuckles Mountain, Bambaragala cave temple and Pettigala summit

• All ground transportation to places as per the itinerary and packed lunches for hikes

• Pampering session: one hour Ayurvedic massage

• Luxury welcome gift

• A collection of the retreat photos

• Complementary use of stand-up paddle boards and mountain bikes

• Group airport transfers (2-way) to the retreat location (note: only provided to the bulk group arrival and departure, any timings outside of this would have to be on personal expense)

*Note on Rooms: Room configuration and room assignments are based on a first come, first served basis. Shared room is based on a quadruple, triple or twin share.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• International and/or domestic airfare

• Cost of Visa

• Traveller’s insurance

• Vaccinations, additional preventative medical needs

• Cost of airport tax upon arrival and/or departure (often included in price of plane ticket)

• International or domestic transportation of any kind (ie- ferries, bikes, taxis, etc)

• Additional hotel bookings (for those arriving early, or staying later)

• Independent ground transportation (motorbike rental, bicycles, cars, tuk tubs etc)

• Additional excursions, instruction, or lessons (ie-scooter rentals, sightseeing)

• Personal shopping expenses/souvenirs

*Airport transportation is not included for those arriving early or staying longer, although we are happy to arrange transportation for you at an additional cost (please do let us know in advance)

ARRIVING AT RUKGALA FOR THE RETREAT 

Fly in/out of Bandaranaike International Airport, the main airport near Colombo.

The retreat begins with an opening circle at 4:30pm followed by a yoga class. You can arrive at the villa as early as 3:00pm to check in and get settled.

Check out is at 12 noon, so we suggest afternoon or evening flights out.

TRANSFERS

We will arrange airport pick-ups and we’ll collect your flight details so we can set up shared rides based on the bulk arrival timing. If you arrive outside of this arrival window or are coming from another place, we can still help you arrange transportation for an additional cost.

trains

If already in Colombo your guests may prefer to take the train to Kandy and then a car on to Rukgala - approximately 1 hour's drive.

Rail tickets can be booked here

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Do I need a visa?

Australian visitors can apply online for a tourist visa (if you are travelling on a non Australian passport please check with the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration.)

Do I need vaccinations?

It is recommended that you are up to date with DTP, Hep A, Typhoid and Polio jabs. Please take advice from your GP.

What should I pack?

Yoga clothes

Swimsuit

Walking shoes

A set of warm clothes for cooler mornings and evenings

Sarong for entering temples

Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent

Your holiday mood and an adventurous spirit

A TYPICAL DAY ON RETREAT

7.30am:  Morning Vinyasa Yoga Flow and Meditation or Mat Pilates

9.30am:  Deliciously fresh and healthy breakfast

10.00am - 1pm:  Exploration of local cultural, historical and nature sites

1.00pm:  Lunch

2.00pm - 4.30pm:  Free time for resting by the pool, reading, enjoying a massage or wild swimming in the lake

4.30pm:  Afternoon Yin/Restorative Yoga and Meditation

6.30pm:  Dinner, great conversation and excellent company

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This sounds amazing! How do I sign up?

To sign up please fill out the online registration form here. We require a $500 deposit to secure your booking.

I am a beginner yogi, can I still come?

Of course! A yoga retreat is a great place to learn yoga. This retreat is suitable for all levels of experience; everyone is welcome with much love! We guarantee a blissful, wild and peaceful experience, sprinkled with lots of fun, laughter and soulful connections! 

What if I’m not a yogi but still want to experience Sri Lanka with my partner/friend who is attending this retreat, can I still come?

Absolutely. Email us for a discounted “I’ll skip the yoga thanks” rate.

Can I come on my own?

Of course! Yoga retreats are perfect for solo travellers. You will make new friends and meet like-minded people. You can choose to share a room with another solo traveller and we will match you up according to your age and gender.

Can I bring my kids?

Sorry this retreat is adults only. Teenagers over 15 are welcome but must pay adult price.

What is the weather like in Sri Lanka?

March is amongst one of the best months to travel to Sri Lanka. During this month the country enjoys on average eight hours of sunshine and temperature sits at a balmy 29 – 30 degrees during the day. Expect blue skies, sunshine and the occasional tropical shower.

I have a dietary requirement/intolerance. Can this be catered for?

Yes. Please list your dietary requirements on the registration form below and we will notify the chef.

Do I need to be vaccinated against Covid-19?

No you do not need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter Sri Lanka.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations made before the final payment date of Friday February 14th, 2024 will forfeit the $500 non-refundable deposit. If you need to cancel 90 days prior to the retreat starting, we will provide 100% refund minus non-refundable deposit. 

Cancellations made 31-60 days prior to the start of the yoga retreat, you will be refunded 50% of the full retreat amount (minus your $500 booking fee).

Cancellations made 0-30 days prior to the start of the yoga retreat, you will forfeit your entire payment.  

If serious illness or injury occurs outside of the final payment date that prohibits you from participating in the retreat a refund of monies paid outside of the non-refundable deposit will be considered upon assessment of the circumstances.

By clicking submit you are agreeing to the "Terms and Conditions" 

General terms and conditions

The minimum requirement of participants for the retreat is 10 (10) people. We reserve the right to cancel the retreat if the requirement is not met 70 days before the beginning of the retreat. In case of our cancellation, a full refund of the payment will be provided.