Sacred Time – Sri Lanka Christmas Retreat

Sacred time. Christmas.
Yoga. Surf. Safari.
Sri Lanka

December 20-27

Christmas holds a different meaning for each of us.

For some, it is a priceless time with family. For others, it is a season of expectations that bring more heaviness than joy.
This year, instead of gifts, may we gift ourselves a true, deep, and meaningful experience.
Let us turn the holiday into a time for connecting with our most heartfelt dreams, for strengthening our bond with Nature and Spirit,
and may we ritually and sincerely set intentions for the new chapter ahead.

Why retreat

A yoga retreat is a conscious pause — a sacred space where we step away from the noise of daily life and create time to reflect,
to acknowledge our inner space and to find clarity about where we’ve been and where we are heading,
all while embracing the beauty of the present moment.
Through daily yoga classes, we build discipline, awaken and move our energy, and gently expand the boundaries of what feels possible —
both physically and mentally.
Through workshops, talks, and mindful activities, we connect with our emotional landscape,
tune into how we truly feel in this season of life and open our hearts to the direction our soul is ready to take.
A retreat is not an escape — it is a return to yourself.

Why Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is still one of Asia’s lesser-visited destinations. This makes it refreshingly free from heavy Western influence, rich in local culture, flavors, and authentic experiences.
As tourism is gradually increasing, the next three years may be the most special time to discover the island — before it becomes as busy and commercial as Bali or Thailand.
That is the beauty of Sri Lanka right now — its simplicity and authenticity.
And still, don’t worry — you will also find charming cafés and unique little shops to explore.

We will be staying at Lanka Yoga — a retreat center nestled on the shore of a peaceful lake, far away from noise and rush.
This is without a doubt the perfect place to step back, slow down, and fully immerse ourselves in the process.
We have already been there twice, so we guarantee the calmness and good energy of the venue.

The retreat center is located in the south of the island, where we can enjoy pristine beaches, swim with turtles, try surfing
and witness wild animals in their natural habitat during the Safari trip that is already planned for you during this vacation.

It is important for every participant to know that we will be sharing space with monkeys, birds, lizards, and insects.
We are their guests, not the other way around. None of these creatures are dangerous or threatening to your health — they are simply part of the island’s natural rhythm.

Accommodation & Meals

The rooms are simply furnished with natural and recycled materials, reflecting the retreat center’s philosophy of creating a sense of spaciousness and lightness rather than luxury.
Each room has air conditioning, as well as a private bathroom and toilet.
From the rooms, as well as from the pool area and the yoga shala, you can enjoy beautiful views of Koggala Lake.

Accommodation options include double, triple, and quadruple rooms, arranged in advance depending on availability.

All meals are vegan, yet fully nourishing.

Each dish is freshly prepared before our eyes, with even the smallest details made in-house for us —
from sourdough bread to coconut milk, nut butters, and more.

Activities & Adventure

  • We will take our first steps in surfing on a stunning tropical beach.
  • The surf classes are suitable for both complete beginners and those with some experience.
  • We will join a guided Safari trip, where we’ll observe elephants and leopards in their natural habitat.
  • We will visit sacred temples and explore the artistic coastal city of Galle.
  • You will have the option to walk around a cinnamon plantation, with the chance to taste and purchase authentic Ceylon cinnamon.
  • Relaxing on various beaches, soaking in as much beauty and nourishment for the eyes, mind, and body as possible.
  • Optional activities include a walk through a tropical rainforest, boat trip to spot whales, and snorkelling.

Investment

€1310 / 2568 BGN – per participant in shared room
€1230 / 2411 BGN – per person for couples or relatives joining together
€1100 / 2156 BGN – per companion (yoga program excluded)

The price includes:

  • 7 nights at Lanka Yoga Retreat Center
  • (double, triple, or quadruple room depending on availability)
  • 7 vegan breakfasts, dinners, and a light lunch
  • (some days packed for takeaway)
  • Transportation around the island during the 7-day stay — for planned excursions and surf lessons only
  • All yoga practices, lectures, and rituals led by Vio
  • Half-day Safari trip
  • 3 surf lessons
  • Mineral water and tea throughout the stay
  • Use of yoga shala, props, and mats

What is not included:

  • Not included:
  • Flight ticket
  • Airport–retreat center–airport transfer
  • (between €10 and €85 depending on whether it’s shared with other participants – we will help you get in touch with each other)
  • Tourist visa (€35)
  • Massages (optional)
  • Cooking class (optional)
  • Cinnamon plantation tour (optional)
  • Other excursions (whale watching, rainforest trekking, etc.)
  • Extra nights (if desired)
  • Tips for the staff
  • Entrance fees for temples or other attractions
  • Travel health insurance

20.12. Saturday
4:30
Check-in starts
Free time
(We can organise in house massage,
or help you get to a nearby beach,
or visit a turtle sanctuary)
18:30 Gentle restorative yoga session 
19:30 New Moon ritual
20:00 Dinner

21.12. Sunday
8:00 Yoga session
9:30 Breakfast
10:30 Openning circle
12:00 Surf lesson
14:00 Lunch at the retreat center
Free time
18:00 Yoga session
19:30 Dinner

22.12. Monday
4:00
Safari tour
14:30 Rest time at the retreat center, lunch and massage therapies
*Option to visit a nearby beach
*Option to take a boat tour at the lake (cinnamon plantation visit)
19:00 Yoga session & Pranayama
20:00 Dinner

23.12. Tuesday
8:00 Yoga session
9:00 Breakfast
Surf lesson
Beach time (takeaway lunch)
18:00 Yoga session
19:30 Dinner
20:10 Satsang – Q&A time/group discussion

24.12. Wednesday
8:00 Yoga session
9:00 Dinner
10:00 Group activity – Workshop
12:30 Temple visit Japanese pagoda
Day at artistic Galle town
20:30 Christmas eve dinner

25.12. Thursday
8:00 Yoga session & Christmas group activity
9:30 Christmas breakfast
Beach day (takeaway lunch)
18:00 Sunset dinner at a restaurant (optional)

26.12. Friday
8:00 Yoga session
9:00 Breakfast
Surf lesson and free time (takeaway lunch)
18:30 Yoga session & meditation
20:00 Dinner
Board games or movie night

27.12. Saturday
8:00
Yoga session
9:30 Breakfast
10:40 Closing circle
12:00 Checkout

Booking & Payment Terms

  • To reserve your spot, please send an email to vioo.dimitrova@gmail.com
    with your full name, preferred room type, phone number and date of birth.
  • After receiving a confirmation email of availability and booking,
    you have 5 days to pay a 30% deposit (€393). This amount is not refundable.
  • Together with the confirmation email, you will receive a document outlining the terms and conditions. You must sign this document (either by hand or electronically) and send it back.
  • The second installment of 30% (€393) is due by November 20th.

This payment is not refundable.

  • The third installment of 40% (€524) is due by December 10th.
  • This payment is non-refundable.

The only exception for refunds after October 20th is if the participant’s spot is taken and fully paid for by another person. The organizer does not guarantee that a replacement will be found and is not responsible for arranging one.
In the unlikely event that the entire retreat must be canceled, all payments made will be fully refunded.

Special Payment plan

  • To reserve your spot, please send an email to vioo.dimitrova@gmail.com with your full name,
    room preference, phone number, and personal ID number.
  • Once you receive a confirmation email confirming availability and your reserved place,
    you have 3 days to pay a 20% deposit – €262.
  • This deposit is non-refundable.
  • Along with the confirmation email, you will receive a document containing the payment plan terms and agreement, which you will need to sign (by hand or electronically) and return.

The following payments are scheduled as follows:

  • 20% – €262 by November 20
  • 20% – €262 by December 20
  • 20% – €262 by January 20 – This payment is due regardless of whether the participant attends the event or not.
  • 20% – €262 by February 20 – If the participant does not attend the event, this final payment is not required.

Refunds are possible only if the participant’s place is filled and paid for by another person.
The organizer cannot guarantee that a replacement will be found and bears no responsibility for securing one.
In the unlikely event that the entire retreat must be cancelled, all payments made will be fully refunded.