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14 Day Relax and Unwind Yoga Retreat in Weligama, Sri Lanka

March 2-15, 2025
    from US$ 1,182
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    Instructors (1)

    Elke Bancken

    Reviews (26)

    Anonymous

    from Netherlands, July 2023

    "Mooi en betekenisvol"

    Het afwisselende programma, ontzettend bijzondere locatie, de warme betrokkenheid en aandacht van de organisatie, de bijzondere ontmoetingen, heerlijk eten. Alles klopte. Het was voor mij een eerste yoga retraite en die heb ik bijzonder positief ervaren. Ik zou graag nog eens deelnemen bij Nele en Elke. Lieve groeten, Dagmar.

    Lieke Steur

    from Netherlands, July 2023

    "Top retreat!"

    Goede ervaring, top verzorging en prachtige locatie. Bovenal hele fijn mensen!

    Wendy Heine

    from Germany, March 2020

    "The experience we had here exceeded our expectations!"

    The owners Elke & Manoj are simply wonderful hosts! Friendly, warm, welcoming, helpful and authentic; we immediately felt at home. Their lovely home is clean, fresh and open and the garden with a beautiful refreshing pool was the perfect bonus on the hot morning we arrived. The authentic daily Sri Lankan breakfast each morning was a perfect way to feel and live the culture of the local people as it was made & displayed with so much love. The company of Elke & Manoj and the other guests at breakfast in the mornings was also a great way to connect & learn about what was being offered in the surrounding area regarding where to eat, what to see and do. It is a 5 min. walk to the beach with lots of places to eat along the way. We were able to use the bikes from the house (which worked perfectly) to explore the greater surrounding area to some small hidden villages which we loved discovering. Our room was large, lovely and clean with a huge balcony overlooking the garden and jungle behind the house where monkeys played. But why I really wanted to come here was to try aerial yoga. Daily classes were offered... it was so fun and a new experience that offered a great challenge and stretches with lots of relaxation and satisfaction. And Elke is just a wonderful yoga teacher with so much passion and knowledge. I would recommend this place for anyone who wants a great overall experience with, food, yoga, connection, comfort, beaches, relaxation and fun!

    Blanca Alcañiz Martin

    from Spain, March 2020

    "Experiencia muy recomendable "

    Estoy muy contenta y agradecida de haberme permitido ser valiente de volar sola a Sri Lanka para vivir esta gran experiencia. Sin mucha experiencia en el yoga pero con ganas de profundizar y seguir mejorando mis poses y conocimientos en mi práctica. Las instalaciones de Me ayogaVilla son súper bonitas, cómodas y con muy buena energía, la sala de yoga en la terraza con todas las vistas a las palmeras son increíbles. Y la experiencia de probar aero yoga allí también ha sido genial.Totalmente recomendable!

    Benedicte Blanc

    from France, February 2020

    "Superb experience. Highly recommended ✨✨"

    Let’s start with the welcoming. Elke and Manoj are amazing hosts. Their Villa is very well located. A few minutes away from the beach and not on side of the road which gives a very peaceful and noise free atmosphere.

    The Villa is Fab, My room was spacious and super clean with the view on the garden and palm trees. I could observe the monkeys jumping from tree to tree directly from the room ! Priceless experience.

    The yoga classes are great. Elke is very experienced and she is an amazing teacher. Aerial yoga is definitely great especially the Yin Aerial Class that was such a restorative moment that I encourage everyone to take.

    The morning breakfast is just FABULOUS! Local food, with a lot of diversity and Elke and Manoj really did the best job in introducing every single day new local dishes for us to have a full Sri Lankan experience.

    I honestly loved my trip so much and will definitely come back.

    Marieke Haak

    from Netherlands, January 2020

    "Unforgettable place!"

    The hosts, Elke and Manoj are extremely warm hearted and friendly. I felt at home instantly. They really take that extra step to accommodate you in any possible way. The atmosphere was relaxed, peaceful and very joyful at the same time. Their home and the yoga shala were very clean and designed and decorated with good taste and utmost care. After spending one week here I really didn't want to leave! I absolutely loved my stay here!!

    Fraser Doherty

    from Sri Lanka, January 2020

    "Everything you could dream of from a yoga stay"

    Wow! Can’t recommend Elke & Manoj’s place highly enough. Their house is beautiful - worthy of the tv show ‘Grand Designs’ - with their stunning yoga shala on the top floor overlooking their pool and surrounding jungle beneath. Their hospitality is what makes their home something special - they cooked mouthwatering breakfasts of dosas, rotis and hoppers. All served with exotic fresh fruit like papaya, soursop and watermelon. We met likeminded fellow guests but also had space to do our own thing. Their hospitality is something special and extremely rare to find - they are the most positive, funny, helpful and kind people you could ever hope to meet. Elke’s yoga classes taught us a mix of different styles - the highlight was getting to do aerial yoga in the sheets of silk that she hangs from the ceiling of the shala - it is breathtaking. The location is ideal - a short walk fo the local beach, which is much more peaceful and enjoyable than the craziness of Weligama, which is only a cheap tuktuk away - we enjoyed doing a surf lesson there. Manoj is an excellent hair stylist - he previously worked for the stars of Bollywood - so it was a real joy to get a haircut from him in his home salon!

    Joe Sanders

    from United Kingdom, December 2019

    "Peaceful and relaxing stay with ME Yoga"

    The yoga practice was the perfect balance for me, it was strong yet but manageable. The class size was perfect and I particularly loved the aerial yoga. This was the first time I'd taken part in aerial yoga and it was a great discovery. The villa is clean with a beautiful pool and backs onto the jungle which is audibly bustling with wildlife-there are some local bearded monkeys. The location is just off the main road so it's peaceful, but within a 5 minute walk to the bus stop. I have to give real gratitude to Manoj and Elka for being such wonderfully caring hosts, giving advice about where to go and setting me up on a safari and supporting me with planning the rest of my trip. The biggest highlight was the food. Manoj is a professional chef and is was such a treat to have daal and sambal for breakfast with fresh juice and the option of smoothie bowls.

    Kasia Borek

    from Luxembourg, December 2019

    "Rare find!"

    What a great way to start holidays! Beautiful house, spacious and clean room of high standard. I enjoyed amazing breakfast (delicious, fresh and lots of it :) ), swimming pool to cool off, two beaches near by, places to eat out, and amazing yoga (including aerial) overlooking palm trees. Great atmosphere, lots of options to socialise if you feel like it, or chill on your own. Top it off with the most kind, caring hosts, that make you feel at home. This has been the best holiday experience for me do far and i highly recommend it.

    Desiree Vitanzi

    from Japan, December 2019

    "Wonderful yoga retreat "

    I honestly liked everything. I could not ask for more! The house is great with all the facilities, the yoga lessons were excellent and the aerial yoga was a very nice discovery. The hosts Elke and Manoj, were absolutely outstanding. They made feel at home from the moment I stepped in. The food is also amazing. Honestly you cannot go wrong by booking at ME yoga villa!

    Lisa Kajanus

    from Norway, April 2019

    "Lovely yoga retreat"

    Elke and Manoj were excellent hosts and made me feel like home. The location was perfect- situated in the jungle and only a 5 minute walk away from the beach. The breakfast was delicious and the yoga lessons were good. I really enjoyed my stay at ME yoga villa and would love to go back.

    Bianca Wing Yu Ip

    from Hong Kong, April 2019

    "Everything is perfect"

    Elke is a really nice host and immediately makes you feel like you are home upon your arrival. The breakfasts are amazing with a large variety of food and drinks everyday . The villa is spotlessly clean and the pool is super nice, with only a short walk to the beach. The yoga classes are suitable for different levels of students and everyone in the class is being well taken care of. It was an amazing time spent, and I am really happy and lucky to have chosen this yoga retreat which I have met so many nice people (+2 lovely kittens)and had such a great time in Weligama!

    Regina Mecking

    from Portugal, April 2019

    "Great experience!"

    Elke and Manoj are super hosts and make us feel at home right from the arrival.

    The breakfast was delicious, very fresh and healthy, fruits, juices, teas and every day they could give us a new taste of Sri Lankan food.

    The yoga shala, on top of the roof, is amazing, facing the jungle, creating a natural song with monkeys, squirrels, all kinds of birds ... There was an offer of different styles of yoga, including aerial yoga and some workshops .

    Beautiful house, pool and great location, just minutes walk from the best beaches.

    Strongly recommended!

    Gudrun Gaedke

    from United States, March 2019

    "Very nice place and great yoga retreat"

    Elke and Manoj have built a very nice place to stay in Weligama Sri Lanka. They are great hosts. The breakfasts are exceptional. The yoga retreat was diversifed, with guest teachers, the aerial yoga was a great experience. I enjoyed the week at the MEYoga hotel as well in the surroundings of Weligama.

    Isabel Bader

    from Austria, March 2019

    "Expectations exceeded!"

    From the room, the most comfy bed mattress, the delicious breakfast, the best beaches right down the street to the great yoga sessions and the top yoga equipment - everything was better than expected and hoped for! Elke and her husband truly provide a wonderful home away from home - do not hesitate; book!

    Anna Mackney

    from United Kingdom, March 2019

    "Amazing!!!"

    Elke was extremely welcoming and happy to help in any way required! The yoga classes were wonderful- aerial yoga was especially fun! The breakfasts were delicious- healthy and freshly prepared daily.

    Chloé Antunes

    from Netherlands, February 2019

    "Amazing experience "

    Wow this place is amazing! The house is beautiful, modern, completely renovated, well equipped. It is located in a quite and peaceful area, only a 5-10 min walk from a beautiful wild beach that you almost have for yourself. And with good restaurants near by.

    The yoga shala is amazing, facing the jungle with its natural music... Birds, monkeys and squirrels jumping in the trees in front of us... It’s magic!

    And what about the hosts... Elke and Manoj are wonderful persons, full of positive energy, joie de vivre and simplicity! They make this place so special.

    Elke is a great teacher with a lot of experience. The classes were always different and Elke suggests different options depending on your level.

    Manoj cooked us delicious Sri Lankan meals! The Sri Lankan breakfast is also excellent. We used to take it all together which was super nice.

    And we would sometimes go out for dinner or lunch all together so you will basically never feel lonely in this house. It felt like a home away from home.

    I strongly recommend this place and would go back there for sure if I ever travel to Sri Lanka again!

    THANKS again to both of you <3

    Loes Van Winden

    from Sri Lanka, February 2019

    "Thuiskomen en ontspannen in Sri Lanka"

    De yoga lessen met prachtig uitzicht over de jungle en apen waren fantastisch. Elke geeft met humor en liefde les, een van de betere yoga leraressen die ik ooit heb gehad!

    Het is een luxe villa van alle gemakken voorzien. Door de gastvrijheid en gezelligheid van Elke en haar echtgenoot voel je je enorm welkom. Heerlijk geslapen in de comfortabele bedden en S ochtends steeds een ontzettend goed (gezond) ontbijt. De yoga studio is rustig gelegen maar je bent alsnog binnen 5 minuten bij restaurantjes of bij het strand om te zwemmen of surfen (tussen de schildpadden!) ik kan deze plek aan iedereen aanbevelen en kom zeker een keer terug.

    Andrea Friedle

    from United Kingdom, February 2019

    "Yoga paradise in beautiful surroundings"

    I had an amazing 8 days at this beautiful yoga retreat! I was happy that I booked the 8 days instead only 4! The place is in a quiet street with beautiful views of the surrounding nature and a lovely refreshing pool. You can see the monkeys playing in the trees and sometimes a squirrel gets nosy and comes up close to you. The beach is only a 5 min walk and it is one of the best beaches in Weligama!

    The best part are the hosts themselves, Elke an Manoj are very welcoming and kind people who made sure we had the best experience during our stay. The food is delicious with fresh smoothie bowls and fruits every day!

    The room was very big and all nice and clean, it even came with Ayurvedic (vegan) toiletries!

    The yoga was superb, not only included it the morning flows but also aerial yoga and yin and yang classes. The aerial was my highlight and Elke was a great teacher taking the initial fear of hanging upside down away from me and within 2 classes I loved it!

    Overall I LOVED this place and met amazing people I will definitely stay in touch with and hope to get an opportunity to return for some more yoga soon! :)

    Libby Orr

    from United States, February 2019

    "Couldn’t recommend Elke and ME yoga more!!"

    There is so much to love - the accomodation is beautifully done, the food is some of the best I have had in Sri Lanka, and I felt very much at home in my stay at ME Yoga Villa.

    The yoga is thoroughly enjoyable, caters to varying skill levels in the class and is always different, which is great to keep it fresh. Elke always makes sure to provide modifications towards either beginners or more advanced throughout the class, so you never feel like your needs aren’t being seen to.

    The Aerial is such a fun and dynamic form of yoga - it was my first time doing it, and it was a lot of fun and the teaching was encouraging enough for me to feel some real improvement over the four sessions I attended. Again, Elke is very good at catering to all levels in Aerial.

    The yoga shala is the best I have been to myself - the setting overlooking the jungle tree tops and the well equipped space provide an excellent space to practice in.

    Love love love!

    Odd Harald Barder

    from Sri Lanka, January 2019

    "Perfect yoga holiday at ME yoga villa"

    We booked a four day yoga retreat at ME yoga villa, but ended up spending our entire two week holiday there. We absolutely loved it. Included in the price is several yoga classes every day in various styles (including aerial which we really loved), held by Elke who is a superb yoga instructor. The villa has a beautiful shala on the top floor with cooling fans and view over the nature outside. Every day, Elke and Manoj prepared a delicious vegetarian (and vegan for us) breakfast with fresh juices, curries, rotis, fresh fruit etc. Throughout the stay they prepared all sorts of different sri lankan foods and typical breakfasts for us to taste. There is a really nice and informal atmosphere in the house, where all guests eat breakfast together outside in the garden, and you get to know everybody (we were around 8-10 ppl). Some of the nicest thing was to have long breakfasts with everybody in the house and hang out with them by the pool. (And pet the two adorable cats living in the house)Especially, we got to know Elke and Manoj. They are super hosts and wonderful persons; they gave us all sorts of local tips, showed us where to get local foods and spices, invited us out for drinks, and made sure our last breakfast had our favourites from the stay (coconut roti). The house is perfectly located with a short walk from very nice beaches and local restaurants, and a short tuk tuk ride from Weligama city. We strongly recommend a stay with Elke and Manoj, we hope to come back real soon.

    Anonymous

    from Switzerland, January 2019

    Elke and Manoj are great hosts and make guests feel very welcome and at ease at their villa. They were also very attentive and quick to respond to any questions about the area etc.

    The two daily classes were stimulating enough and always different: I really enjoyed the variation between Viniyasa, aerial or the Yin/Yang classes. The yoga space is very well equiped, and it felt spacious while also cosy, and one can feel a lot of thought and care was put into it.

    The daily breakfasts were also delicious and quite different each morning, and one could chose from traditional to raw, from savoury to sweet. Again, the extra touch that made the morning meal an amazing treat.

    If you want a relaxed but somewhat fun retreat, with options to try different yoga styles and if you're a breakfast foodie, this place is definetely worth the trip!

    Giulia Tuzzi

    from Bahrain, January 2019

    "All the yoga classes were great and Elke is a great teacher"

    I love the Sensation to feel at home and the owners are wonderful souls always helpful and kind they became my friends

    Adriana Fonseca

    from Austria, January 2019

    It was just the best decision to choose to do a yoga retreat with Elke after all the traveling in Sri Lanka. After 1 week always on the go we arrived finally in the south for a last few days of relaxation and "recharge batteries"! The location of the vila is perfect, by the beach, but a bit hidden from the chaos of the traffic and tourism. The accommodation is great, all brand new, and super comfortable. The best part - they invite us to feel at home! Also to mention the wonderful Sri Lanka breakfast served every morning with so much love and that gathers together the guests and hosts. It felt almost like a new small Sri Lanka family! Elke is an amazing yoga teacher, and the practice on the roof top with a view for the tropical trees makes it the perfect scenarium for a strong and deep yoga class. Also the way Elke explains the purpose of yoga and makes us setting intentions, like in the detox yoga class on the 1st day of January, was a very good experience and a boost of energy for the new year!

    Merel Manshande

    from Netherlands, January 2019

    "A little paradise in Weligama"

    There’s nothing not to like about ME yoga villa: beautiful spacious rooms, top notch yoga classes in a beautiful shalla looking out on the jungle while monkeys are watching you from the trees, the warm hospitality of Elke and Manoj who treat you like family, and OMG the home made breakfast..:.. the location is great with plenty of restaurants around and a quiet beach with high waves. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends/family, this place is guaranteed to relax you. I wanna go back!!!