Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Sri Lankan experience without surfing – another perk that’s super popular on the island. Most places are willing to arrange for classes if you’ve never surfed before so don’t hesitate to grab a board and hit those waves! Duration Meditation and relaxation can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which has benefits such as the relief of stress, anxiety and depression, better immune function, downtime for the nervous system, improved sleep, reduced blood pressure and even, reportedly, the retention of bone calcium levels (reducing the risk of osteoporosis).

Nearly all Sri Lanka yoga retreats offer added perks to enhance your experience. Since yoga and meditation often go hand in hand, it’s not uncommon for instructors to guide you through various meditation techniques before or after the class. This style of yoga was developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s and is based around a series of 26 postures, practised in a studio heated above blood temperature. As in Ashtanga, a Bikram class always follows the same sequence, but the Bikram sequence is different from the Ashtanga sequence. Due to the dynamic nature of the class and the extreme heat, it is a particularly demanding form of practice. A class described as ‘hot’ yoga is similar to Bikram yoga, but does not necessarily use the same sequence of postures and cannot therefore be described as ‘Bikram’. Vinyasa styles can vary depending on the teacher and the sequence of postures can be varied from a wide range, unlike Ashtanga, which is the same sequence every time. This class is suitable for students with some experience who enjoy a physically challenging practice. Kundalini yoga has both a physical and spiritual focus, derived from the practise of activating the body’s kundalini energy, which lies at the base of the spine. This practice combines invigorating physical postures (similar to Hatha yoga), with the chanting of mantras and meditation. Classes can be an intense experience and are suitable for beginners and advanced students alike.While the sweet spot in Sri Lanka tends to be around three to four days, it’s entirely possible to find longer retreats if you really want to disconnect from the daily grind. Yoga has many benefits to our mental and physical health. Despite being widely accessible through gym classes, fitness studios, online resources and private lessons, many people are put off by the incorrect belief that it is only for ‘bendy’ people or that it has a religious bias.

The location definitely drives up the price. For instance, beachfront retreats will undeniably cost more than, say, somewhere that’s further inland. Boutique hotels also tend to be more expensive since you’ll have access to various resort facilities, including spas and swimming pools. Perks As well as finding the right style, you also need to think carefully about the teacher and environment that you choose. Many gyms offer exercise classes that use elements of yoga and other disciplines such as Pilates and tai chi (e.g. ‘body balance’), which are taught by trained fitness instructors who are not usually specific practitioners in any one discipline. These classes might offer you all you need in terms of a physical workout, but if you are looking for something that encompasses a greater depth of yoga philosophy (and in doing so offers mental as well as physical health benefits), then it is better to go to a class taught by a trained and registered yoga teacher.Day & Time: Mondays at 10.15am for The Bishop’s Palace. Saturdays at 9.30am for Yeo Valley Organic Gardens.