the fastest route to slowing down
6 nights, 7 days of PRESENCE, ‘ah-ha’ moments & deep rest — Sri Lanka Yoga retreat 20 - 26th October, 2024
LIMITED TIME OFFER - SAVE $200 EACH WHEN YOU BOOK WITH A FRIEND. VALID UNTIL APRIL 30th.
presence brings clarity
presence brings clarity
Sri Lanka yoga retreat
20th - 26th OCTOBER 2024 | koggala lake
A YOGA RETREAT that gives you the space to take a breath, reignite the passion for your practice and tools for ongoing confidence and clarity. Offering a balance between yoga practice, free time and adventure.
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MEANING ISN’T FOUND IN A NEW JOB, CAREER, PARTNER OR CITY. MEANING IS FOUND IN A PRESENT MIND. YOU WILL LEARN YOGIC PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICES THAT create more MENTAL space, alongside explorative journalling workshops that will help to re-evaluate the path you’re on.
CONNECT WITH LIKE MINDED YOGIS, LEARN FROM THEIR STORIES AND LEAN BACK INTO THE MAGIC. IT’S NOT JUST YOGA. IT’S AN ADVENTURE LEADING YOU TO A DEEP KNOWING OF YOURSELF.
WE WELCOME SOLO OR GROUP TRAVELLERS. OUR GUARANTEE IS THAT YOU LEAVE WITH A COMMUNITY OF NEW FRIENDS THAT LAST A LIFETIME.
See for yourself
See for yourself
I actually feel more confident and upbeat. Sounds silly but I'm someone who doubTs myself and my ability a lot and I actually feel strong & capable of "choosing my attitude" & outlook. I AM focused and determined to have a go at new things that challenge my confidence and I’M willing to be vulnerable and ask for help (ie slowly starting a business) which I have always talked myself out of.
— 2023 Retreat guest
is this retreat for me?
who & why
THIS WILL BE OUR THIRD YEAR HOSTING THIS SRI LANKA YOGA RETREAT AND ZOE’S 5TH RETURN TO SRI LANKA. YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS.
MOST OF OUR GUESTS LEAD INCREDIBLY BUSY LIVES. THEY FIND IT HARD TO ACTUALLY PAUSE AND TAKE A BREATH. OFTEN THE PRACTICES THEY KNOW ARE MOST HELPFUL FOR THEIR HEALTH, HAVE SLIPPED. THEY STRUGGLE TO FIND BALANCE AND OFTEN WRESTLE WITH VOICES OF SELF-DOUBT.
THEY’RE OFTEN SITTING WITH BIG QUESTIONS. IT IS HARD TO FIND CLARITY WHEN LIFE CONTINUES TO SWEEP UP YOUR TIME and MENTAL SPACE. WITH ALL OF THIS IN MIND, WE PLUCK YOU OUT OF YOUR CURRENT REALITY, SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE THE SPACE TO REFLECT AND EXAMINE WHAT IS AND ISN’T WORKING. WE USE ANCIENT YOGIC PRACTICES ALONGSIDE PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC TOOLS FOR SELF-DISCOVERY.
WE PLAN EVERYTHING FOR YOU TO REDUCE YOUR MENTAL LOAD AND GIVE YOU THE TIME TO FULLY RELAX INTO PRESENCE. IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT THE TYPE OF YOGIS THAT ARE ATTRACTED TO THIS RETREAT WILL BE JUST LIKE YOU. IF YOU’RE COMING SOLO, YOU CAN get out of your comfort zone WHILST ALSO KNOWING YOU WILL BE SAFE. NEW CONNECTIONS BRING NEW PERSPECTIVE — THAT IS PRICELESS.
AFTER our WEEK TOGETHER YOU WILL FEEL optimisitic and AT PEACE. YOU WILL FEEL CONFIDENT and certain on a more meaningful life path, leaving you prine to comparing yourself to others. you will feel physically healthier and well nourished and the FIRE OF YOUR YOGA PRACTICE WILL BE BURNING.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOU WILL REMEMBER WHAT IT IS LIKE TO PLAY AND LET GO. THIS EXPERIENCE IS LIGHT HEARTED AND FUN, WE LAUGH (A LOT) AND TOGETHER LEAN INTO LEARNING NEW THINGS.
Your destination
Koggala Lake, SRI LANKA
Nothing short of paradise. Lanka Yoga is on Koggala Lake in the little-known village of Duwamalalagama. This location puts us at the first of the famous surf beaches on the South Coast. Just 5 minutes from the pristine white sandy beaches in Habaraduwa town and 10 minutes to the famous surf at Kabalana and Dewata.
The venue itself is one of a kind. Located on the water’s edge, offering a calm alternative to the sometimes hectic nature of the beachside locations. The generously spaced venue has open plan living, secluded nooks and crannies, an elevated yoga shala, a spectacular infinity pool, lush gardens including a sustainable vegetable garden, an abundance of juicy fruit trees and more.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER IS SHOULDER SEASON; THIS MEANS WARM SUNNY WEATHER, WITH LESS CROWDS. in this period, it’s mostly clear, SOMETIMES WITH CALMING RAIN IN THE LATE AFTERNOONS. LISTENING TO THE RAIN ON THE SHALA ROOF DURING YIN PRACTICE INSTANTLY CALMS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. the beaches are QUIETER and the surf OFFERS OPTIONS FOR ALL LEVELS.
your host
zoe WALKER (NEE KLEIN)
THIS WILL BE ZOE’ 5TH RETURN TO SRI LANKA — HER SECOND HOME. ZOE TOOK A TEACHING JOB HERE IN 2019 AND FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CULTURE, PEOPLE, INCREDIBLE FOOD AND SURF. It was here that she found the time and space to recognise what was really important. She healed old wounds and got clear on her direction. She changed careers and reignited her passion. She knew this was an experience and opportunity that had to be shared.
Zoe has been teaching YOGA since 2015, traveling globally to learn and share the practice. Having taught over 2000 hours of public classes she is well-equipped to facilitating safe and customised practices for all levels of experience. ZOE IS ALSO A PSYCHOTHERAPIST, FUNCTIONAL BREATHING COACH AND HAS SPENT MANY YEARS WORKING IN THE CORPORATE WORLD (SHE GETS IT…). SHE teaches and expiriments with both eastern and western approaches to wellbeing.
ZOE ALIGNS HER LIFE WITH HER VALUES (NAMELY FREEDOM, LEARNING & HEALTH) AND HELPS HER STUDENTS AND CLIENTS TO DO THE SAME. HER RETREAT OFFERINGS ARE MOTIVATED BY UNTANGLING THE MESS OF OUR society AND PROVIDING SPACE FOR OTHERS TO FIND CLARITY AROUND THEIR UNIQUE PATH AND PURPOSE.
Zoe’s teaching style is fluid, creative and always with a philosophical undertone. Expect carefully curated music, authentic stories, laughter and most importantly her undivided presence.
the yoga
twice daily practice
Relish in twice daily practices with Zoe. You will receive personalised feedback, time to ask questions and work on stronger poses. The complete practice will be honoured with asana, meditation, pranayama, mantra and workshop style classes. All practices will be held in the purpose built open air yoga shala.
Grow & Flow: All morning classes. These vinyasa classes will be fluid, dynamic and breath based, with a sprinkle of workshop style education. leave these practices feeling confident, clear and ready to soak up the day.
Rest & Realign: All afternoon classes. These will jump between hatha/restorative/yin, yoga nidra, breath work and meditation.
Some yoga experiences recommended.
the food
vegan sri lankan fusion
The key to an amazing getaway is great food. Sri Lankan food is nothing short of extraordinary. It IS ZOE’S favourite cuisine from anywhere in the world. For breakfast, lunch and dinner you will enjoy a Michelin chef designed Sri Lankan fusion menu. All meals are vegan and utilise as much local and home grown ingredients as possible. Immerse your taste buds in the mouth watering local cuisine with just the right amount of western familiarity.
The kitchen is open plan meaning our cooks are on display as they prepare each meal. YOU will learn the key to their amazing food with a traditional Sri Lankan cooking class and explore the plethora of street vendors selling delicious Hoppers, Roti, Kottu & Samosas.
We can support your dietary requirements if you let us know in advance.
example day
schedule may differ*
7am - 9am Grow & Flow Yoga Practice
9am - 10am Nourishing Breakfast
10am - 12pm Optional Surf Lesson
12:30pm - 1:30pm Lunch
1:30pm - 4:30pm Free Time by the Pool, Massage or Exploring
4:30pm - 5:30pm Rest & Realign Practice / Value Setting Workshop
6pm - 7pm Group Dinner
7pm onwards Free Time
additional activities
not included in retreat cost*
There are many GOLDEN beaches for you to relax on, and restaurants, cafes for you to explore. Additional surf or surf lessons at Sri Lanka’s best surf points. Local excursions to Galle Fort and Unawatuna. In house massage treatments with some of Sri Lankas most experienced hands.
accomodation and rates
Limited time offer:
Save $200 off each booking when you book with a friend.
We have three types of rooms to suit your budget or group. All prices are in AUD and per person. Your registration form will prompt you to let us know if you're travelling solo or in a group and if/who you would like to room share with.
We will allocate the rooms to the best of our ability on a first come first serve basis. Beds can be arranged into queen bed or twin singles.
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Share with up to four people
$3150 AUD pp
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Share with one other person.
$3300 AUD pp
ONE ROOM REMAINING
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Entire lakefront room to yourself
$3550 AUD pp
SOLD OUT
Each room has an ensuite and an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Koggala Lake. You’ll see nothing but green and blue, with the occasional crocodile, swarm of eagles, and other wildlife that will make it feel like you’re living in the middle of a national park.
Limited rooms available. Be prompt with your booking to ensure your requests can be accommodated.
frequently asked questions
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You can fly directly from Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) to Colombo International Airport (CMB) in roughly 10hrs via Sri Lankan Airlines. You can also fly indirectly via Malaysian and Singapore Airlines.
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Inclusions
Welcome gift pack; 6 nights accommodation at Lanka Yoga; 2 daily yoga classes including use of all props; Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner; 1 x Surf lesson including transport and board hire; Sri Lankan cooking class; Boat Tour of Kogalla Lake; Complimentary drinking water and tea; sustainable toiletries in bathrooms.
Exclusions
Flights to and from Sri Lanka, transfers to and from Colombo airport, travel & medical insurance, additional food and drink, massage, additional activities and transport.
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Yes. You require a visa (application here). Ensure your passport has at least 6 months before expiry. We also require you to have travel insurance.
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We welcome beginners however some yoga experiences is recommended. If you book far enough in advance, we recommend attending a few vinyasa classes in the lead up so that you start to get comfortable with the style.
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It is roughly a 2hr drive from Colombo to the retreat venue in Habaraduwa and can cost somewhere around $90-$120. Depending on your arrival time, we can pair you up with other guests to share the ride. Otherwise, you can jump on a bus or train. See other options https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Colombo/Habaraduwahere.
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Nope! The retreat is yours to customise as much or as little as you like.
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Majority of our guests come solo. What a GREAT way to make new friends.
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Please read our T&C's located at the bottom of the registration form for all information regarding COVID-19. Of course, the challenges of the unknown are ever present but I will work with you to the best of my ability to navigate difficult circumstances if they arise. In the event of the entire retreat needing to be postponed, your deposit will be automatically transferred to the new dates.
What others Are Saying
I felt empowered to step outside my comfort zone. It just reinforced the fact that it is important to do that as often as you can in life, because the rewards far outweigh any fears. I came back home feeling refreshed and much calmer in the face of endless roles and responsibilities. Thanks for creating the perfect experience! It was so lovely to have everything taken care of, food, activities and sorting out extra free time activities. It really allowed everyone to switch off and enjoy themselves.
— retreat guest
"yoga with Zoe is so much more than just the yoga practice. It's a wholesome experience. The classes flows seamlessly. Zoe has an energy that is an absolute pleasure to be around. She is kind and considerate, but is also down for a good time or a mid flow boogie. You won't regret any experience with Zoe, whether is a class or a week long retreat. Do it!"
— retreat guest
“My heart is so full and nourished after this retreat. Zoe is not only an amazing yoga teacher, but also host. During the week not one detail was missed to ensure all guests were looked after. I had the most magical time and formed some really beautiful friendships with people who were strangers just a week earlier. If you are looking to recharge, seeking to meet like minded people - this is the retreat for you”
— Jules, retreat guest
booking process
Register
Fill out the registration form including your preferred accomodation. Read the T&C's carefully (find these at the bottom of the form).
secure your spot
Upon completing the registration form we will email you with confirmation of accomodation and the transfer details for your $600 deposit. remaining payments are due by September 1st 2023.
travel insurance
booking your travel insurance ASAP. Check out Southern Cross travel insurance who protect against some elements of COVID-19. Ensure you read their full T&C's and pick what feels right for you.