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The ancient history of Yoga dates back to the Vedic period in
India at least 5,000 years ago which was a significant period
of cultural and spiritual development. The word `Yoga’
is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘yuj’ which means
to merge or unite. Yoga is based on the concept that that the
body and breath are intimately connected with the mind.
By controlling ones breath and holding the body in steady postures,
known in yogic terms as ‘Asanas’, stagnant energy
centers open up, contributing to better physical health, mental
peace and well-being. Yoga has been practiced for thousands
of years in South Asia as a beneficial complement to Ayurvedic
medicine and healing.
Ayurveda and Yoga come from the same philosophical background
and examines the mind – body concept from the perspective
of maintenance of health and the treatment of disease. Today,
people are turning to yoga for many reasons from stress management
to maintaining optimum levels of health and well-being.
Yoga, with a deep rooted history in Sri Lanka, is practiced
widely in Ashrams and retreats. More recently, Yoga is being
offered in local fitness centers in Colombo, as well as a growing
number of hotels, guesthouses and retreats around the island,
often in conjunction with guided meditation sessions and
Ayurveda therapies.
Red Dot is able to offer advice on and make bookings for the
best Yogav retreats in the island. We also have a range of Yoga
and Ayuveda-focused holidays. In addition, Red Dot is able to
organize personal Yoga instructors for individualized programmes,
a service that is particular popular for those staying in private
villas in the south.
Yoga Holidays
We have designed three yoga- focused holidays with each providing
a week’s stay in one of the wellness retreats around the
island in addition to another nine to ten days of holiday that
allows the traveler to experience Sri Lanka’s most beautiful
and tranquil landscapes – from the north central cultural
triangle area to the southwest. Each provide a persona journey
of inner peace: Yoga to create inner balance between mind and
bod y; Meditation to improve your concentration; and an option
of benefiting from Ayurveda, an ancient h olistic approach to
life, good health, and healing. H oliday highlights include
visits to the UNESCO world heritage sites within the Cultural
Triangle and Galle Fort, safaris in wildlife sanctuaries, stays
in peaceful hotels, health resorts or boutique villas. We will,
as always, be happy to tinker with these set itineraries to
design the perfect holiday for you.
[Find out more about Yoga holidays]
Personal Yoga Instruction
There are a growing number of guesthouses, hotels and
retreats offering Yoga now in Sri Lanka. However, some of our
clients prefer private tuition and we are happy to organise
this. Our ability to do this depends on the availability of
teachers. The easiest area to do this is around Galle but private
yoga teachers can also be employed in Bentota and Tangalle.
We do not charge for this service and you would need to pay
your Yoga teacher direct.
Recommended Yoga Hotels & Health Resorts
Amangalla, Galle
Lying within the walls of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO protected
world heritage site, Amangalla reopened for business in 2005
after a complete refurbishment by Aman Resorts. The refurbishment
has been a fabulous success and the hotel is now the leading
property in the Galle area, offering old-world luxury, superb
food, arguably the best spa in the island and exceptional service.
In a quiet part of the hotel gardens is the yoga and meditation
pavilion where daily programmes are offered.
Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama
Located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, the Barberyn Beach
Ayurveda Resort blends contemporary architecture beautifully
with indigenous design. The 60 rooms are built into the valley
on stilts and overlook the landscaped gardens and the beautiful
ocean. Yoga classes are held daily and are free of charge for
resident guests. Classes are designed to cater to everyone –
beginners as well as advanced students. The yoga practiced at
Barberyn is the traditional Hatha Yoga (postures) with Pranayama
(breathing).
Secret Garden, Unawatuna
Located within the young, happening bay of Unawatuna, Villa
Secret Garden set in a lush tropical garden, is only a short
stroll away from the beautiful beach and will appeal to independently
minded travelers who prefer a private, secluded setting. It
lives up to its name, a hidden oasis tucked away from the livelier
Unawatuna beachfront. Yoga, meditation and Ayurveda treatments
are offered. The tranquility of the location makes it easy to
unwind and relax.
Siddhalepa Health Resort, Wadduwa
The Siddhalepa Health Resort. located on the west coast, is
one of the most famous Ayurveda hotels on the island with a
reputed Ayurveda tradition. Daily Yoga classes are held as a
powerful complement to the preventive as well as curative Ayurveda
treatments that are on offer. Weekly guided Meditation sessions
are also held inorder to provide a holistic approach to attaining
positive health and well-being.
Talalla Retreat, near Matara
Located on the southern coast, the Talalla Retreat offers
a harmonious blend of stylish accommodation against a backdrop
of lush tropical jungle that overlooks the beach. Talalla
was founded by a group of yoga practitioners & teachers.
Their vision was to create a luxurious retreat in one of the
most secluded places on earth to rest and to pursue a personal
journey of inner peace and tranquility.
Yoga and Tai Chi classes andguided Mediations are offered.
Ulpotha, Cultural Triangle
Ulpotha is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest eco-retreats, hidden
away in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Visitors stay in
wattle and daub huts within this village and eat traditional
Sri Lankan food cooked in clay pots over a hearth. Rooms have
oil lamps, spring water in a pot to drink, and mosquito nets
covering the beds. Yoga classes are conducted in an open sided
building with a leaf-thatched roof or in the cool shade of a
Banyan tree. There are several comprehensive Yoga courses planned
each year.
Villa de Zoysa, Boosa
Located just a few kms north of Galle, Villa de Zoysa is a private
home with an airy, colonial feel. If you want to escape hotel
life, the villa offers a relaxing and homely environment. The
balconies offer views of the ocean just a few minutes walk away.
Two week Yoga programmes are conducted by local and European
instructors where classes are held twice a day. Shorter courses
are arranged upon request. Guided meditation sessions and Ayurveda
therapies are also offered.
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