TANGALLE, SRI LANKA
Sen Wellness Sanctuary
Ayurveda, Yoga and Healing Retreat
About Sen Wellness Sanctuary
Sen Wellness Sanctuary is a boutique Ayurveda and healing retreat in Tangalle on Sri Lanka's southern coast, set between the Indian Ocean and Rekawa Lagoon on the edge of a protected nature reserve. Founded by Sam Kankanamge — Founder and Medical Director — it is not a hotel but a living sanctuary shaped by community, nature and genuine human connection. The beach is two minutes away on foot, the lagoon visible from the eco-cabanas, and Rekawa Beach one of Sri Lanka's most important sea turtle nesting sites.
Every stay begins with a one-to-one consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor and a personalised programme built around that conversation — daily Ayurvedic treatments, sunrise and sunset yoga, meditation, breathwork and sound healing woven through a daily rhythm that follows the movement of the sun. Meals are shared at the communal table, prepared from seasonal local ingredients and served without alcohol or coffee. It is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where the retreat experience feels genuinely rooted in the place rather than imported into it.
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2.5 hrs
FROM COLOMBO AIRPORT
16
ROOMS & SUITES
2-3
DAILY AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS
16+
ADULTS ONLY
Wellness Programmes
Bespoke Retreat
3, 5, 7, 10 or 14 nights
from £695pp
A personalised healing journey combining Ayurveda, yoga and restorative nature-based practices
Who It's For
Sen Wellness Sanctuary suits guests looking for an authentic Ayurveda and healing retreat in Sri Lanka where personalised care, genuine community and a protected coastal setting come together in one of the most distinctive small retreats on the southern coast. It's particularly suited to:
01
Those seeking personalised Ayurvedic healing in a boutique setting
A resident Ayurvedic doctor, daily consultations and 2-3 personalised treatments each day in a 16-room sanctuary where individual care is central to the experience.
02
Guests wanting a complete healing immersion
Ayurveda alongside sunrise and sunset yoga, meditation led by visiting Buddhist monks, breathwork, gong baths, osteopathy and acupuncture.
03
Solo travellers drawn to community and connection
Communal dining, group ceremonies and shared practices in a small group setting — Sen has built a community of returning guests who describe the connections made here as part of the healing itself.
04
Those seeking nature immersion and digital detox
A protected nature reserve, Rekawa Lagoon, turtle nesting beach and mangrove ecosystem — with Wi-Fi limited to one hour morning and evening.
Hotel Facilities
Sen Wellness Sanctuary sits between the Indian Ocean and Rekawa Lagoon within a protected nature reserve, with the beach two minutes away on foot and the lagoon visible from the eco-cabanas. The Yoga Shala — an open-air space overlooking the forest treetops — hosts daily yoga, meditation, gong baths and group ceremonies. A saltwater plunge pool sits among the palm trees, and a lagoon-side deck and reading areas dotted around the sanctuary give space for quiet between treatments. Optional excursions include a lagoon catamaran ride, a visit to Mulkirigala Rock Temple, an Ayurvedic cooking class and turtle watching at Rekawa Beach — Sri Lanka's first protected marine turtle nesting sanctuary.
Wellness Facilities
Every stay begins with a one-to-one consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor, from which a personalised programme is built — 2-3 Ayurvedic treatments daily, herbal medicine and dietary guidance tailored to individual constitution and health goals. Sunrise and sunset yoga covers Kundalini, Vinyasa and Yin, with meditation sessions including pranayama, forest bathing and mantra practice led by the sanctuary's teachers and a visiting Buddhist monk. Breathwork, gong baths, osteopathy, cranial osteopathy and acupuncture are available throughout the stay, with Panchakarma — the Ayurvedic five-action detoxification programme — available for guests on longer retreats.
Dining
All meals are freshly prepared by the sanctuary's chef using seasonal local ingredients — predominantly plant-based and wheat-free Sri Lankan cuisine served at the communal table twice daily with a lighter evening meal. Fresh local fish is occasionally included, and no alcohol or coffee is served.
Good to Know
The current in front of the sanctuary is too strong for swimming, but a 25-minute walk along Rekawa Beach leads to a rock pool where it is safe to swim. The beach itself is a protected sea turtle nesting site — turtle watching peaks from January to July and tickets can be arranged through the sanctuary team.
Accommodation
Sen Wellness Sanctuary has 16 rooms, all furnished with sustainable materials and locally crafted items with yoga mats and meditation cushions throughout. The coastal position means a natural sea breeze runs through the grounds, and the buildings have been designed to maximise airflow — ceiling and standing fans are provided in all rooms, with air conditioning available in selected accommodation.
Location
Sen Wellness Sanctuary sits on Sri Lanka's southern coast between Rekawa Lagoon and the Indian Ocean, within a protected nature reserve near Tangalle — approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport by private transfer. Rekawa Beach, directly in front of the sanctuary, is Sri Lanka's first protected marine turtle nesting sanctuary. The surrounding area includes Mulkirigala Rock Temple, the wider southern coast wildlife corridors and the town of Tangalle a short tuk-tuk ride away.
Offers
We don't have any offers at the moment but watch this space!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sen Wellness Sanctuary and what makes it special?
Sen Wellness Sanctuary is a boutique Ayurveda, yoga and meditation retreat on Sri Lanka's southern coast, set between the Indian Ocean and Rekawa Lagoon within a protected nature reserve near Tangalle. Founded by Sam Kankanamge — Founder and Medical Director — it describes itself not as a hotel but as a living sanctuary shaped by community, nature and genuine human connection. With 16 rooms, a resident Ayurvedic doctor and a daily rhythm built around sunrise yoga, personalised treatments, communal dining and evening meditation, it offers one of the most intimate and authentic retreat experiences on the island.
What wellness treatments and programmes are available?
Every stay begins with a one-to-one consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor, from which a personalised programme is built — 2-3 Ayurvedic treatments daily, herbal medicine and dietary guidance tailored to individual constitution and health goals. Sunrise and sunset yoga covers Kundalini, Vinyasa and Yin, with meditation sessions including pranayama, forest bathing and mantra practice. Breathwork, gong baths, osteopathy, cranial osteopathy and acupuncture are available throughout the stay, with Panchakarma available for guests on longer retreats.
What is the daily rhythm like at Sen Wellness Sanctuary?
The day begins at 5:30am with herbal tea, followed by sunrise yoga at 6:00am, a king coconut and morning beach walk, breakfast at the communal table and personalised Ayurvedic treatments through the morning. Lunch is shared at 1:00pm, with afternoon treatments, rest or optional activities following. Evening yoga and meditation takes place at 5:00pm, with a light evening meal at 7:00pm and rest from 8:00pm.
What is the food like at Sen Wellness Sanctuary?
All meals are freshly prepared using seasonal local ingredients — predominantly plant-based and wheat-free Sri Lankan cuisine served at the communal table twice daily with a lighter evening meal. Fresh local fish is occasionally included. No alcohol or coffee is served. The approach is flexible rather than strictly prescriptive — designed to complement the treatment programme and be easily carried into daily life after leaving.
Is Sen Wellness Sanctuary suitable for solo travellers?
Sen Wellness Sanctuary suits solo travellers well — the communal table, group yoga and meditation sessions, shared ceremonies and small group size create genuine connection between guests. A significant number return year after year.
What is Rekawa Beach like and can I swim there?
Rekawa Beach is directly in front of the sanctuary and Sri Lanka's first protected marine turtle nesting sanctuary. The current in front of the sanctuary is too strong for swimming, but a 25-minute walk along the beach leads to a rock pool where it is safe to swim. Turtle watching peaks from January to July and tickets can be arranged through the sanctuary team.
