hike to take in the view from sigiriya ancient rock fortress

spend 2 nights surrounded by lush mountains at the 5 star 98 acres resort and spa, ella.

capture first light with a sunrise hike to little adams peack, ella

get the perfect shot as we ride the famous kandy - ella train

connect with the spirit of sri lanka with temple visits and sacred sights

our journey entails

Accomodation

Your accommodation is every bit as special as the landscapes you’ll explore. Each hotel on this itinerary has been personally hand-picked and curated for comfort, style, and a deep sense of place. We begin with a restorative stay at Jetwing Lagoon Wellness Negombo, an Ayurvedic wellness resort where you can unwind from travel, enjoy healing treatments, and gently settle into retreat mode. From there we continue on to Aliya Resort & Hotel in Sigiriya, offering sweeping views of Sri Lanka’s iconic rock fortress and lush jungle surroundings — the perfect blend of nature, serenity, and luxury.

The journey then flows onward into the misty hill country, staying at Kandy Myst in Kandy, followed by the breathtaking 98 Acres Resort & Spa in Ella, nestled among emerald tea plantations and rolling mountains. We conclude the adventure within the storied walls of Merchant Galle Fort, where heritage charm meets refined elegance in the heart of the historic fort.

Across every stop, you’ll be staying in luxurious, five-star style properties chosen specifically for their exceptional service, wellness offerings, location, and atmosphere. Each one offers something unique — but together they create a seamless thread of comfort, beauty, and indulgence throughout your Sri Lankan escape.

Cuisine

One of the true highlights of this journey through Sri Lanka is the incredible cuisine you’ll enjoy at each of our hand-picked hotels. From fragrant curries to colourful tropical fruits, mealtimes become part of the experience — not just something in between activities. Throughout the retreat you’ll enjoy half-board dining daily (breakfast and dinner), giving you the perfect balance of choice, abundance, and relaxation around meals. At our first hotel, due to late arrivals, breakfast only is included, and then we shift into half board for the remainder of the trip.

Expect generous buffet spreads everywhere you stay, offering a beautiful mix of traditional Sri Lankan dishes and familiar Western favourites. You’ll taste the island’s famous rich spices, coconut, fresh vegetables, rice dishes, sambols, and soul-warming curries, many of which are shaped by Ayurvedic wisdom to support digestion, vitality, and overall wellness. If you prefer something a little more familiar, you’ll also find plenty of international options — salads, breads, pasta, grills, and sweet treats — so there’s always something that feels just right for you.

From nourishing breakfasts to relaxed evening meals, dining on this retreat is designed to be joyful, flavourful, and deeply satisfying — yet aligned with wellness and balance. It’s the perfect way to experience the heart of Sri Lankan culture, one delicious plate at a time.

Adventures:

Your Sri Lankan adventure is designed to be the perfect blend of bucket-list experiences and true relaxation — no rushing, no FOMO, just a beautifully curated flow. Throughout the journey you’ll travel in comfort with chauffeur-driven, private air-conditioned transport (mini van) and a dedicated English-speaking guide, making it easy to simply sit back and enjoy the ride while everything is taken care of for you.

Our itinerary takes you through waterfalls, misty mountains, tea country, and the coast, and even includes the iconic Kandy to Ella train journey, often described as one of the most beautiful rail trips in the world. You’ll also enjoy the chance to connect with nature on safari, spotting wildlife in its natural habitat. Along the way, we’ll visit five of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, immersing you in the island’s rich history, sacred spaces, and ancient culture.

This retreat is your chance to tick off the Sri Lankan bucket list in one unforgettable trip — from landscapes to landmarks — while still keeping things grounded, mindful, and restorative. The itinerary has been intentionally crafted so you experience the very best of the country without feeling constantly on the go, giving you space to stay relaxed, nourished, and zen every step of the way.

Wellness:

Daily movement sessions are offered to relax, energise, and support you in growing your personal practice — whatever your level. Alongside yoga, breathwork & meditation our retreats include a variety of movement styles such as Pilates-inspired classes, strength & conditioning, nature hikes, and gentle yin & restorative sessions, ensuring there’s truly something for everyone. With a maximum of 12 guests, you’ll receive plenty of individual attention, hands-on guidance, and the confidence to explore at your own pace.

Class locations are part of the magic: think helipads perched on mountain tops in Ella, views across shimmering lakes, riverside platforms, and spaces wrapped in lush Sri Lankan jungle. Sessions may be gentle, restorative, or more dynamic depending on the group’s needs, and will be carefully tailored to support your body and your retreat intentions throughout the journey. We’ll remind you of all the ayurvedic spa treatments available on the way and give you plenty of time for R&R at your own pace so you leave feeling completely zen.

Meet your host

Courtney Chambers

Hi, I’m Courtney founder of Holistic Escapes, 525-hour certified yoga teacher, mama of a busy toddler, ex–flight attendant, and passionate traveller who swapped constant motion for mindful living.

After years of flying around the world, I found myself completely burnt out & disconnected from the balance and presence I was helping others find in their travels. Yoga became my anchor. It reminded me how to slow down, breathe deeply, and live with intention and has served me greatly since becoming a mum too.

That journey led me back to what I truly love: exploring the world through a more soulful lens. Over the years, I’ve led retreats across Australia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, & bali blending my love of adventure with the restorative power of yoga and connection.

Sri Lanka holds a special place in my heart. Its rhythm, warmth, and natural beauty continue to inspire me, and I’ve spent years uncovering its hidden gems, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. This retreat is my love letter to the island and to the kind of travel that restores you from the inside out.

If you’re craving inspiration, new experiences, and a deeper connection to yourself, I’d love to guide you on this journey. This isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about remembering your essence and rediscovering your spark in one of the most magical places on earth.

Details & Pricing:

Every detail is taken care of – from airport pickup to daily activities – so you can arrive, exhale, and feel completely at ease and supported for your greatest adventure yet.

✔️7 nights’ accommodation in handpicked 5-star hotels
✔️ Intimate group size of no more than 12 pax
✔️ Seamless airport transfers, including a complimentary group drop-off aligned with most guests’ departure times
✔️ Daily yoga, meditation, and mindful movement classes
✔️ Daily breakfast and dinner featuring fresh, nourishing, locally sourced cuisine (first hotel is breakfast only)
✔️ A perfectly curated 8-day tour filled with adventure and discovery & 5 unesco world heritage sites
✔️ Private transport and local tour guide for our group throughout the retreat
✔️ Scenic train ride through the famous hillside & tea plantations
✔️ Transformative workshops and healing experiences each day
✔️ Optional sound healing session (available at an additional charge)
✔️ Immersive cultural excursions and authentic local experiences
✔️ A thoughtful welcome gift bag to start your journey
✔️ Dedicated, personalised support from your host Courtney and our retreat team
✔️ Soul-enriching adventures designed to inspire and expand your mindset
✔️ Meet like-minded travellers and form lifelong connections

🚫 Exclusions:

• International & domestic flights

• Visa fees & travel insurance

• Lunches & drinks

• Optional activities & personal expenses

• Tips & gratuities