Ulpotha Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat

Ulpotha, Embogana, Sri Lanka - Explore & Book

"‘Paradise’ is the word guests most often use to describe this unique, mountain-ringed village in the very heart of Sri Lanka, about 2 hours north west of Kandy. At Ulpotha you live close to nature in simple but comfortable one-bedroom adobe huts dotted among the flowers and fruit trees of this beautiful 22-acre organic farm. You swim in a lake half-smothered in tiny water lilies and lounge on cushions like a Roman Emperor to eat delicious home-grown organic curries and sambals. Open to visitors about 20 weeks a year, Ulpotha is run as a warm, easy-going house party, combining both friends and 12-15 paying guests, and attracts an interesting mix of people in the arts, media and humanitarian professions, many of whom come alone. Most come for the yoga courses, but you can also come for a peaceful retreat (though the daily rate is the same). It's just as inviting for those who don't practice and the village is well placed for walking and visiting historic sights, though its profound sense of calm invites you to just relax and luxuriate in its gentle beauty. Highs You'll find tranquillity, beauty and luxurious simplicity: a perfect way to reset and reinvigorate in times of uncertainty or stressWe thought the yoga and Ayurvedic programmes were outstandingLiving so close to nature is a very calming experienceThe village combines a friendly, house-party atmosphere with opportunities for solitudeYou can forget about money during your stay – everything within Ulpotha is included in the price (and tipping isn’t allowed): the ultimate luxury! Lows Electric sockets are limited, and hot water is only available at the Ayurvedic centre (though rarely needed)Single guests share huts with other solo travellers, but it's a sociable kind of place and firm friendships are often forgedSounds can travel between huts - but they are generously spaced over 25 acres" - Moyra Bremner