During this week we are going to explore Sri Lanka’s waterways to the fullest by SUP. Starting on the gentle, mangrove lined rivers and lagoons on our doorstep where you can witness the world change during sunrise and sunset. Two days paddling on the Indian Ocean to gorgeous beaches and exploring temples. All of these activities are complemented with daily yoga including SUP Yoga, Aerial, Vinyasa, Yin & guided meditation.
On top of this, our accommodation is an immersive experience in itself. Nestled on a serene inland island surrounded by protected mangrove forests, our sanctuary is just minutes away from the stunning beaches yet feels in the heart of the jungle.
2026 DATES
February 7th - 14th - 7 spaces left
PRICES
Single occupancy - £1750
Double Occupancy - £2500 (£1250pp)
On top of this, our accommodation is an immersive experience in itself. Nestled on a serene inland island surrounded by protected mangrove forests, our sanctuary is just minutes away from the stunning beaches yet feels in the heart of the jungle.
2026 DATES
February 7th - 14th - 7 spaces left
PRICES
Single occupancy - £1750
Double Occupancy - £2500 (£1250pp)
Villa Nirbana, our retreat space
Launch into the river from your back yard and feel a million miles away. Five star luxury meets the jungle in this exclusive colonial villa with a 25 metre pool.
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrival
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your room will be ready from midday. Kev and Ylva will be there to greet you and show you around your home for the week. Spend the afternoon settling in, finding a local lunch spot, or relaxing by the pool with the sounds of the jungle in the background. In the early evening, join us for a gentle yin yoga and meditation session before we share a welcome dinner in the pavilion with the rest of the group. |
Coconut tree hill, Mirissa
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Day 2 - Sunrise River Paddle & SUP Yoga
We start early to catch the stillness of the river at sunrise. This morning's paddle takes us through the quiet mangroves of Duwa Island. Breakfast is served daily at 9:30am. The rest of the day is yours to explore. In the late afternoon, we’ll meet again on the water for a sunset SUP yoga session. |
Thalduwa River, Ahangama
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Day 3 - Unawatuna Paddle & Peace Pagoda
Before sunrise, we head out by tuk-tuk to Unawatuna, about 20 minutes away. We paddle from a mangrove river into the bay and stop at a beach for a snorkel and a short hike up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda. There are beachside cafés where you can eat, drink, or just take it easy. |
Returning from Secret Beach to Mirissa
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Day 4 - Choose Your Own Adventure
Today is yours to spend however you like. You might take a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park to see wild elephants, join a whale watching trip from Mirissa, or simply stay at the villa and unwind. We’ll gather again in the evening for another relaxed dinner together. |
Uduwalawe National Park
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Day 5 - Firelight SUP Yoga
Enjoy a slow morning. In the late afternoon, we head to a peaceful lake near Mirissa for a paddle and a special Firelight SUP yoga session led by Ylva. Practising on the water at twilight is a truly unique experience. |
Firelight SUP Yoga on the river
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Day 6 - Weligama to Secret Beach
Today we paddle the full stretch of Weligama Bay, one of the most beautiful on the south coast. We leave the crowds behind as we round the headland to reach Secret Beach in Mirissa. There is time to snorkel, relax, eat, and enjoy the afternoon. |
Secret Beach, Mirissa
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Day 7 - Aerial Yoga and Devil's Island
Start the morning with a fun and playful aerial yoga session led by Ylva in the shala. Later in the afternoon, we return to the Duwa River for our final paddle. We head out into the Indian Ocean to reach Devil's Island, a small jungle-covered rock that feels untouched. On the way back, we take in the sunset and watch the fruit bats glide across the sky. |
Sunset paddle, Ahangama
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Day 8 - Farewell
We finish the week with a final vinyasa yoga and meditation session, followed by breakfast. Checkout from Nirbana is at 11am. If you need help arranging transport to the airport or want to extend your stay, just let us know. You are always welcome here. |
Who doesn't love a tuk-tuk
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What's included:
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What's not included:
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Why Sri Lanka?
“Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food.” Lonely Planet
Are you arriving a week or two early? Or extending your stay a week or two after? Here are our picks of things to do on the island that we’ve personally experienced ourselves. So please give us a shout if you’d like more info...
- Train ride from Kandy to Ella. One of the most famous train rides on earth for a reason. The change in landscape and climate is dramatic as you rise from the humid city, through tea plantations and into the chilly mountains. Or, better yet, walk a section of it! In 2018 Kev walked for four days along this track starting in Ella. In between the breathtaking scenery the tunnels can be a claustrophobic and exhilarating experience.
- Hiking Knuckles. Get off the beaten track of Ella's hiking trails and into the Knuckles Mountain Range.
- Hirikiteya. This is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque bays in all of Sri Lanka. It has gained interest since Lonely Planet published it as a ‘hidden gem’ in 2017, so now it is just a gem. But very much worth a night or two, to chill, swim or surf. This can also be done as a day trip from most places on the south coast.
- In Sri Lanka you have the incredible opportunity to see the largest animal that has ever existed, the Blue Whale, year round. Unfortunately, this particular section of tourism has not been well legislated and we’ve heard many reports of overcrowded boats chasing pods. Please do your research and be very selective of your tour operator.
- If seeing an elephant in the wild is on your bucket list, then Uduwalawe National Park is the place to go. It can be done in a (long) day trip from Ahangama as it’s around a 3 hour transfer each way. For a more chilled tour there are many interesting choices of accommodation nearby and you can ensure you’re there for sunset, the best time to view them. As with tours to see the Blue Whales, please do your homework.
