Immersive Vinyasa Flow on Sri Lanka's south coast, with optional surf and curated excursions. One week only, with a small group, at one of the most beautiful boutique hotels on the island.
Ten years ago, Simon and I brought a small group to Sri Lanka's southern coast. In March 2027 we return, for one week, with a handful of guests. At its heart is a week of deep, daily practice, set against the jungle, the ocean and the island itself, and each evening you come home to Malabar Hill.
Every day begins with an immersive, full spectrum Vinyasa practice: strong, fluid and intelligent, building over the week as the island wakes around us.
As the sun goes down, the practice turns inwards. Evening sessions slow everything down, softening the body and settling the mind, so you sleep deeply and wake ready for more. Whether you've practised for years or want to take your practice somewhere new, you'll leave stronger, clearer and with a deeper understanding of what your body can do.
High on a jungle hilltop above Weligama Bay, Malabar Hill is one of Sri Lanka's most quietly sought-after hideaways. Just fourteen villas, each standing alone among cinnamon trees with its own pool, looking out over the Indian Ocean towards the golden curve of Mirissa.
Whitewashed walls, hand-carved wood, a saltwater infinity pool and lantern-lit dinners in an open pavilion among the treetops. Nothing is loud and nothing is rushed. You wake to birdsong and ocean, practise above the trees, and fall asleep with the jungle breathing around you.
Simon, an avid surfer, will take the group out to the long, gentle breaks of Weligama Bay, with expert local coaches alongside. Never stood on a board? This is one of the kindest places in the world to learn. Prefer to watch from the sand? That's part of the week too, with plenty of time for swimming and sun.
One afternoon we head to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where four centuries of history meet the Indian Ocean. There's time to wander its old lanes of boutiques, galleries and some of Sri Lanka's most exciting designers, before sunset drinks on the rooftop at The Charleston and dinner together inside the fort walls as the lanterns come on.
Closer to home, we visit Kushtarajagala, the ancient figure carved into the rock above Weligama. And as always on my retreats, there will be a few surprises along the way.
In the open-sided Hill House pavilion, the kitchen cooks a generous mix of Sri Lankan, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, with vegetables and herbs from the hotel's own gardens and fish landed each morning by the Weligama fishermen.
Egg hoppers with fiery lunu miris, fresh curries and tropical fruit. Long, slow brunches after practice, then candlelit dinners as the jungle goes quiet. Whatever you love to eat, the chefs will cook around you.
A passion fruit margarita by the fire pit if you wish, and the kind of conversation that only happens a long way from home. You leave realigned, in body, spirit and mind.
Ayurvedic massage, restorative body treatments and rituals using Sri Lanka's own Spa Ceylon botanicals, a few steps from your villa. Treatments can be booked throughout the week. My advice: book early, and book more than one.
Travelling solo, you have a private pool villa entirely to yourself. Coming with a partner or friend, you share one at a gentler price per person. Simon and I host every part of the week personally: me leading the practice, Simon in the water, and both of us at the table each evening.
£3,900 per person
Share a private pool villa with a partner or friend for six nights.
Reserve · £1,950 deposit per personSix nights in a private pool villa · Daily immersive Vinyasa, morning and evening · Brunch and dinner daily · Optional surf with Simon and expert local coaches, boards included · Curated excursions including Galle Fort, sunset drinks at The Charleston and dinner in the fort · Spa treatments available to book throughout the week
Flights are not included. Airport transfers from Colombo can be arranged through Malabar Hill: US$170 each way by car (up to two people) or US$280 by van (up to six).
Reserve with a 50% deposit, with the balance due on 15 January 2027. Deposits are non-refundable but can be moved to a future retreat within 12 months or transferred to another person at no cost. Payments can become credit towards another retreat, less a £250 admin fee, to be used within 12 months. Travel insurance is required.