7 Day Joy and Sun: Christmas Gentle Yoga Holiday near the Ocean in Bentota Area, Sri Lanka
Christmas Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka
A small place for deeper practice. For people seeking warmth, not crowds. Six days. A handful of guests. One host who knows your name from day one. Danushka - 20+ years of yoga practice, 500-hour Yoga Alliance certified, 15 years as resident yogi at an exclusive five-star Maldivian resort - welcomes you to spend Christmas in southern Sri Lanka, the personal way. Mornings start with yoga on the open shala. After breakfast, the tuk-tuk takes you to the beach - complimentary, sun loungers included. Midday is yours: rest in the garden, book a massage, or simply do nothing. Every afternoon, Teatime in the chillout garden - tea, something homemade, and quiet. Evenings close with a restorative session, then a fresh family dinner around the table. On Christmas Day: a temple visit with Buddhist monks and blessings, a quiet shared ceremony, and a candlelight dinner. Not a hotel Christmas. A human one.
Meet the instructors
Read more
Highlights
- 2 yoga classes per day led personally by Danushka
- Daily guided meditation
- Christmas day with candlelight dinner, quiet ceremony, and temple visit with Buddhist monks
- Daily afternoon teatime in the garden chillout area
- Complimentary morning shuttle to the beach (7 minutes away)
- Turtle sanctuary, cooking class, and relaxing massage
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- 6 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Yoga styles
6 days with instruction in English
Average daily hours of activity: 2.5
Accommodation
Facilities
- Spa
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Yoga shala
- Free Wi-Fi
Yoga Bee is a traditional Sri Lankan courtyard house - newly built in 2024, airy, and genuinely quiet. High ceilings, open verandas, tropical greenery all around. The kind of place where you slow down before you have even unpacked. Rooms have queen-sized beds or two single beds, soft cotton linen, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and mosquito nets. Each has a private balcony overlooking the garden, an ensuite bathroom with a large rain dance shower, hot and cold water, and soft towels. Elegant wooden furniture, spacious wardrobes, and free Wi-Fi throughout. All rooms are non-smoking. The massage room was designed by a local artist. Guests notice it.
Program
At this intimate YogaBee retreat in southern Sri Lanka, you will be welcomed into a carefully curated experience designed for rest, connection, and renewal. With only a small number of guests, this is not a crowded retreat. It is a peaceful sanctuary where you can feel personally cared for and truly seen. Especially welcoming to solo travelers and couples, the retreat offers a gentle rhythm of yoga, nourishing food, quiet moments, and warm human connection in a tropical setting. Celebrate the season of peace, reflection, and joy far away from stress and noise. There are no expectations here - only kindness, calm, and space to slow down under the palm trees.
Enjoy daily yoga and meditation sessions guided by an experienced teacher, with practices that gently build throughout your stay to support both physical and emotional well-being. YogaBee also offers a complimentary tuk-tuk shuttle to the nearby beach, where comfortable loungers and the fresh ocean breeze await. During your free time, you may simply relax or join optional cultural activities such as temple visits, cooking experiences, or local excursions. As YogaBee retreats operate on a flexible rolling basis, you are free to choose the dates and length of your stay that suit you best. From organizing excursions to arranging special moments during your stay, the team will take care of every detail so you can remain fully present and enjoy a meaningful experience in beautiful Sri Lanka.
Christmas day celebration
Special program
- Temple visit with Buddhist monks and blessings
- A quiet shared ceremony
- Candlelight dinner - served together, with warmth and intention
Sample daily schedule
- 07:00 - 08:30 Morning yoga and meditation
Begin the day with gentle movement, breathwork, and meditation suitable for all levels.
- 09:00 Healthy vegetarian breakfast
Enjoy homemade tropical breakfasts with fresh fruit, Sri Lankan specialties, and herbal tea.
- 10:30 - 13:00 Free time or optional activities
Relax at the beach, swim, journal, enjoy a massage, or join optional cultural experiences such as a temple visit or turtle sanctuary.
- Afternoon rest and personal time
Read, nap, walk by the ocean, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- 17:30 - 18:30 Evening yoga and deep relaxation
Unwind with Yin yoga, restorative practices, breath awareness, or guided meditation.
- 19:00 Dinner
A nourishing vegetarian dinner shared in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
- 20:00 Optional evening rituals or sharing circles
On selected evenings, gentle gatherings may include guided journaling, candlelight rituals, or quiet reflection.
Included excursions
Local activities are part of the retreat. What is on depends on the group and the weather - Danushka organises everything.
- Temple visit and turtle sanctuary - A visit to a local Buddhist temple and the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Center
- Cooking class with Kanchana - Learn the recipes. Real kitchen, real food.
- Meditation at Bentota Beach - Some sessions move to the beach. Open sky, gentle waves.
- ED’s Afternoon School - Danushka’s free English programme for local children. Guests are welcome to join.
Instructors
Danushka Prasat Fernando
Danushka has practised yoga for over 20 years and holds a 500-hour Yoga Alliance certification. He trained with respected teachers in India . For more than a decade he taught as resident yogi at an exclusive five-star Maldivian resort, working with guests of every background and ability level. Yoga Bee is what he built when he was ready to do it his way — smaller, more personal, in the country he grew up in. He teaches every class himself. No substitutes, no assistants. Before I adapt a session, I listen. Sometimes that takes five minutes. Sometimes I already know from the day before.”
Retreat location
YogaBee is located in Dharga Town near Bentota on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast - around 75 minutes from Colombo Airport. Bentota Beach is just a short complimentary tuk-tuk ride away. The beach here is long, relaxed, and less crowded than many other areas on the southwest coast. Beginner-friendly surf lessons can also be arranged nearby. Guests who would like to explore can visit the nearby Madu River for peaceful boat tours through mangroves and small islands, or take a day trip to the historic town of Galle. For first-time visitors to Sri Lanka, this area offers a calm, welcoming, and easy introduction to the country.
This Yoga Retreat is vegetarian-friendly
Click to see more vegetarian-friendly Yoga Retreats
Food
Food - Joyful, homemade, and full of heart
At YogaBee, food is part of the retreat magic. They serve two lovingly prepared meals a day - a nourishing breakfast after yoga and a delicious dinner under the stars. Indulge in their delicious and healthy meals.
Every dish will be homemade with care, using fresh, local ingredients, tropical fruits, and gentle Sri Lankan spices. You’ll taste vibrant flavors, feel light and satisfied, and enjoy a mealtime rhythm that supports deep rest and gentle digestion.
YogaBee's kitchen celebrates simplicity, nourishment, and joy, with vegetarian and vegan options available daily. They’ll also be happy to accommodate personal dietary needs.
Christmas highlight:
On Christmas Day, the group will gather for a beautifully festive dinner with candlelight, special flavors, and heartfelt touches. It’ll be a celebration not of excess, but of warmth, connection, and gratitude. Go hungry for real food, made with love, and leave feeling truly nourished.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
YogaBee will be happy to organize everything for you. Just tell them what you'd like to do.
A private yoga class
If you would like to create your own flow or would like to target one area of your body, book a private yoga class.
Additional wellness / massage treatments
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage using YogaBee's luxurious massage foam. Tailored to your needs, their skilled therapists can help ease tension and stress.
Visit Galle Fort, the charming UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the charming Galle Fort, book a guided tour, or stroll through the beautiful old streets on your own. Have dinner at one of the restaurants that reside in former old merchant houses, or buy some souvenirs and discover the markets and shops in Galle Town on your way back.
Whale and dolphin watching at Mirissa Beach
For the adventurers at heart, experience the thrill of seeing blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins on a morning boat tour off the coast of Mirissa. This breathtaking experience is perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Diving and surfing lessons
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, the waters of Bentota Beach offer incredible diving experiences. If surfing is more your style, ask YogaBee about surf lessons and ride the waves with expert instructors.
Cooking classes
Participate in a Sri Lankan cooking class to learn how to prepare healthy local dishes, which you can recreate at home.
Cultural excursions
Take day trips to local villages, markets, and historical sites to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Sri Lanka. You can also visit more beautiful beaches in the area by tuk-tuk.
Spa treatments
Spa massage
Experience the soothing application of YogaBee's relaxing massage foam after yoga sessions. Treat yourself to deep relaxation. YogaBee's skilled therapists offer personalized massages that will melt away tension and leave you feeling renewed, body and soul. You deserve this soothing massage in YogaBee's tranquil massage room, along with moments of stillness and self-reflection.
- 1 massage treatment at YogaBee's serene massage space included
What's included
- Twice daily yoga and meditation sessions
- 1 massage treatment
- Beach walks and local excursions
- Optional activities like cooking workshops and cultural visits
- Retreat materials (e.g., mats, yoga props)
- 6 nights accommodation
- Half-board healthy vegetarian meals
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfer
- Visa
- Lunch
- Extra activities and excursions
- Extra spa treatments
- Local transportation
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer not provided
Bandaranaike International Airport
83 km away from your destination
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 40% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
Reviews
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookYogaRetreats.com. All major credit cards supported.