Daily Rhythm

The Sanskrit term for daily routine is ‘dinacharya’, which means ‘to be close to the day’.

At the Sanctuary, we embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda and encourage alignment with the rhythms of nature. Our daily routine will regulate your internal biological clock, reset your nervous system, balance hormone levels, and support elevated mood and well-being. During your stay, you will acquire valuable self-care practices that you can integrate into your daily life.

05:30: Welcome the day with a cup of herbal tea
06:00 – 07:30: Energising and revitalising sunrise yoga session. We recommend a refreshing post-yoga swim* or a walk along the beautiful beach afterwards.
08:30: Indulge in a nutritious breakfast served with a refreshing king coconut.
09:30 – 13:00: Personalised programme of Ayurvedic treatments, resting, exploring or enjoying the space to simply be present.
13:00: Delight in a delicious, freshly prepared lunch.
14:00 – 17:00: Another window for Ayurvedic treatments, organised excursions and activities, or free time.
17:00 – 18:30: Gentle evening yoga, meditation and mantra chanting often accompanied by the healing vibrations of the gong bath.
19:00: Enjoy a fresh, light and delicious dinner at the communal table.
20:00: Lights out for a restorative night’s sleep.

*The current is too strong to swim directly on our doorstep, but a picturesque, 25-minute walk along Rekawa Beach will take you to a rock pool where it is safe to swim. We are also happy to organise a tuk-tuk to take you there and bring you back in time for breakfast each morning.

Local Excursions

The daily rhythm at the Sanctuary is designed to make space for deep rest, and for some, this will look like spending more time alone for quiet contemplation in between treatments. For those who embrace a slightly busier schedule, we have an optional excursion or activity on offer each day.

Rock Pool Swimming

A picturesque 25-minute walk along a beautiful stretch of unspoilt beach takes you to the rock pool where it is safe to swim. We are happy to transport you there and back if you prefer that option. Trips to swimming beaches in nearby Tangalle can also be organised during your stay.

Turtle watching

The back garden of the Sanctuary is Rekawa Beach, Sri Lanka’s first protected marine turtle nesting sanctuary. This offers guests the unique experience of witnessing hundreds of baby turtles hatching, making their way to the ocean and seeing adult female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. This is a seasonal activity with high nesting season occurring from January to July.

Lagoon Ride

Ride along the lagoon in a Sri Lankan catamaran while bathing in the oxygen-rich embrace of the mangrove forest.

Mulkirigala Rock Temple

Visit the Mulkirigala Rock Temple and explore the seven cave temples adorned with images of Buddhas, Arhats and Gods.

Cooking Class

Our resident Head Chef will lead guests through a traditional cooking demonstration, exploring the different indigenous and Ayurvedic ingredients, their properties and health benefits.

Excellent

4.8

★

Based on 185 reviews from

britta B.

1713871962

★★★★★

I had a wonderful stay and participated in the Signature Retreat. The resort is located in a very beautiful nature reserve. There is a beautiful beach for long nice walks and you also can see turtles.Meditation and Yoga were very also so good as were the ayurvedic treatments. I love it.The Signature Retreat led by Sam is a great, inspiring journey in itself - I can highly recommend.The ayurvedic food was delicious and the staff is great.I hope to go soon again to this wonderful place.Mandy thanks to Sam and his team at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. Britta

Kimberly St. O.

1712299536

★★★★★

One of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had in my life. The 10-day retreat is the ultimate in relaxation. They feed you all your meals (delicious homegrown/homemade food), schedule yoga and daily spa treatments and hold special ceremonies throughout the week. The staff go above and beyond to make your experience deep, meaningful and heartfelt. The sanctuary is located in a jungle so be prepared to be immersed in wildlife! Monkeys, reptiles of all kinds, turtles on the beach, eagles/birds and more! I stumbled across this place researching Sri Lanka and it was truly meant to be. The faculties are stunning, comfortable and reasonably priced. Don’t miss an opportunity to come here!

Melanie F.

1711609773

★★★★★

A wonderful stay! The staff was so incredible and thoughtful throughout. I left feeling very rejuvenated. Thank you !

M U.

1710650939

★★★★★

I had really nice experience at Sen Wellness for 8 nights. Here is in the middle of nature, we can feel that we are a part of nature and it is very natural to live with all kinds of animals and plants. I am now mentally and physically fit.What I really appreciated is food - healthy, everyday different menu, some vegetables that I have never seen… I felt that my feeling of taste transformed through my stay and skin condition and body condition became better.All people here is really kind and peaceful.Yoga teacher, Stefania, is a wonderful teacher, she is really knowledgeable and so kind to care all participants. I had enjoyed conversations with her at breakfast, lunch and dinner.Doctors, therapists are nice, I could ask questions and request whatever I feel comfortable.There are different types of rooms, I experienced the most luxury cabana and eco-cabana with Air Conditioning, too. Luxury cabana was awesome but I liked eco-cabana as well. It was an old facility but authentic, compact and I felt cozy. I was alone in the room so the space was enough for single use. If you wish to have luxury stay, I would recommend you to go for Luxury cabana.Everyone has different purpose and expectations. My purpose was feel nature, have simple life and feel appreciation of life. And it was fulfilled. Thank you so much for all Sen wellness team.

sunil D.

1710516667

★★★★★

Went to Sen Wellness with family for a retreat, it was a nice spiritual and healthy experience. Fantastic team who were friendly and did everything possible to make it us feel special, great doctors and therapists and of course the daily yoga and one on one interaction with Sam was icing on the cake. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a great mix of spirituality, yoga, treatment and healthy eating. Look forward to my next one at Sen Wellness.

Jessica C.

1709904229

★★★★★

Sen Wellness is the perfect place to go to when you are exhausted by life and need a rest to get back to yourself and work through any difficulties you may be experiencing.There’s lovely yoga and meditation classes every day plus a set schedule which is a great way to structure your day of rest alongside tailored Ayurvedic treatments and healthy food.The place is for me perfect but it’s not like a 5 star hotel so if that’s what you are looking for it may be the wrong place for you.If you are lucky you’ll see some turtles as well.Samath and Francis are great managers and will make sure everything goes well.

Kumail S.

1709739998

★★★★★

Beautiful experience, beyond my wildest expectations. Would recommend to anyone interested in Ayurveda and healing

Neil W.

1709656423

★★★★★

I was fortunate to lead a yoga retreat in early February of 2024. Everything was absolutely spectacular. Sen is a very special place with a beautiful energy that is perfect for retreat and healing.What really makes Sen so special are the people. Every single one of the staff members as well as the ayurveda doctors and all the managers were so kind and always trying to make each experience special. The entire team was led by Sanath and Frances and they were both absolutely wonderful. I can't possibly find enough kind words for both of them. Their leadership and warmth really allowed me to lead the retreat in the best way I could and they were always there for me whenever I needed. Thank you!

helen W.

1709279369

★★★★★

Sen wellness is a perfect sanctuary. The Ayurvedic retreat was insane - I loved every minute of it . Thank you

Elly G

1708444914

★★★★★

Came here for a yoga retreat with our teacher. This is the place to unwind, do yoga, relax and get Ayurvedic treatment. Ayurvedic drs and therapists are so helpful and friendly. Staff are so warm and helpful. Frances is the manager at Sen, a person with a beautiful soul who is very sensitive to our needs and intentions when visiting the sanctuary. Saneth (pardon my spelling) is a very dedicated and hardworking gentleman who made sure that our stay was a pleasant one. Highly recommend Sen Wellness Sanctuary 🙏🏽

Heike M.

1708017780

★★★★★

I stayed at Sen Wellness Sancutary for the festive retreat 23/24 - for me a 10 days commitment to complete immersion. I enjoyed every bit of it already at the Sanctuary! Now, back home and 40 days later, I am still profiting from the treatments, the experiences I made and my 40-days-practise that I started, as soon as I arrived home.Here is my deepest gratitude for the gifts I received during this retreat: a wonderful place, a kind, supportive, attentive and friendly team, support and grounding in my personal difficult moments, fantastic and soothing Ayurveda treatments (thanks to the doctors & massage therapists - always there with a smile and advice), delicious food, fascinating ceremonies (an unforgettable experience!), a lot of fun & laughter with other group members...Just to name a fiew.The biggest gift is, that I still have all this in my heart, that I can feel the connection to it. And that the practice of pranayama and meditation starts to become a routine! I hope, I can return to this unique place one day.

Sally E.

1707933557

★★★★★

My stay at Sen Wellness was exhilarating, from the dramatic colours of the sunsets to the naughty monkeys bouncing on the roof of our yoga room then leaping into the jungle. Best of all was watching, after a sunset walk over the wide empty white beach, newly hatched turtles hurtling over the sand to the ocean beyond. Good food, kind smiling staff, excellent and varied company from all over the world at the communal meals, massages, swimming pool, meditation, yoga, it was all pretty faultless and very inspiring.The serene and mesmerising Tseyang from Tibet provided me with a yoga programme I am actually keeping to.

Jennifer M.

1707576319

★★★★★

One of the most relaxing and intriguing stays I’ve ever had. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, the hosts and staff anticipate and provide for your every need.The creative Vegan meals, yoga, meditation and daily treatments make this retreat a must-do for anyone who wants to experience an absolute gem.

Melbin A.

1707565341

★★★★★

I recently attended a 14-day Ayurveda and Yoga retreat at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, and I can confidently say it was the best decision I made in 2024!The sanctuary is nestled in a truly enchanting environment, providing a perfect blend of calmness and nature. Being located next to Turtle Beach added a unique touch to the overall experience, making it an ideal destination for anyone seeking serenity and relaxation.The staff at Sen Wellness Sanctuary is exceptional. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles, and their hospitality throughout my stay was beyond compare. Special shout-out to Sudheera, Sanath, the Manager, whose dedication to ensuring a seamless experience stood out. Frances,The wellness Manager with her beautiful soul, Tsayang, my Yoga guru, Gopi, my transporter, and the entire team, including Kavindu, Dr. Tarushi, Dr. Udari, Mahil, Madhu, and many more, contributed to making my stay truly memorable.The food was another highlight of my experience. Traditional Sri Lankan dishes, rich in veggies and fruits, were served daily, creating a culinary journey that added to the overall wellness experience.One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Sen was the opportunity to make new friends from around the world. Connecting with like-minded individuals enhanced the entire retreat experience, and I left with a profound sense of personal evolution.In conclusion, Sen Wellness Sanctuary is more than just a retreat; it's a haven for personal growth and well-being. I completed the program with a genuine feeling of having evolved into a new person. I highly recommend Sen to anyone seeking a transformative and rejuvenating experience.Thank you, Sen Wellness Sanctuary, for the exceptional hospitality. I look forward to returning in the future!

Linda D.

1707311735

★★★★★

I have spent time in very austere ashrams through to very high end spa retreats but, Sen Sanctuary is in a league of its own, it is the only place I have ever been where I haven’t for one moment thought, what am I doing here? It is unique in its ability to blend wellness, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, diet and joy in a relaxed, unpretentious and thoughtful environment. Every member of staff is there to guide you on your way ,all you have to do is turn up with an open heart and mind!I first went there in March 2023 having met the amazing Dr Sam in London and I returned again in January 2024, both times unique, both times wonderful. I have no doubt I will go back again and again.Sen Wellness Sanctuary is a place built with love and integrity straight from Dr Sam’s heart to every one who has the great good fortune of staying there.