YOGA RETREAT
Rising Woman Retreat
Sri Lanka
POSTPONED - NEW DATES TBC
with KAREN LANE & DEE GIBSON
Join us for 6 days of dedicated healing, reflection and community in a stunning tropical idyll on the South coast of Sri Lanka.
Nestled into a sleepy enclave, surrounded by golden rock and ancient trees Kalukanda House is a haven of tranquillity built by an award winning designer dedicated to creating spaces using emotional design as her approach. You will enter the gates and immediately drop into a state of deep peace, you will feel held and transported to an ethereal world of calm. Huge and ancient tropical trees create an arc in the upper gardens, monkeys swing and peacocks saunter through. Two shalas are available for our daily yoga practice and gatherings.
HERA’s Garden is the newly opened yoga shala in the extended gardens where we will start at 8 am with a Dynamic Yoga Practise, Breathwork and Voice Activation sessions. Karen's approach guides us through a Tantric lens, allowing us to invoke and cultivate the energies of a chosen Goddess daily. This is linked to a journey through the Chakras, using Mudra and Mantra to anchor and support us through each day.
Afternoons will close with a gentle restorative yoga practise including meditation and time for reflection. Karen interweaves voice, music, poetry and sound healing into each practise, so that you will feel deeply immersed and held in a safe and nurturing space. There is no greater gift to give yourself, than space for your own Rising Transformation. You feel it brewing and you might be unsure what this inner voice is calling you towards. You need a safe space to connect and to reclaim your creativity. This is it!
This is a space where you can be vulnerable and peel away illusions of perfectionism so that you may find your true essence again. Connect to your inner fire of sensual knowing and reignite your courage to live as your authentic self.
Each day will include a different wellness activity and local experience including: Massages, Gong Bath, Ayurvedic readings, Tea Ceremony, Cookery class with a chef, visit to the island’s only White Tea plantation, swimming with sea turtles, a bike ride through paddy fields, and a day trip to UNESCO Heritage Galle Fort. A visit to see elephants on safari can be arranged if participants are interested - daily activities can be guided by participants' interest.
This fully staffed villa has 4 bedrooms with super king 4-poster beds, ensuite shower rooms and air conditioning. A soaring double height lounge with comfortable seating and antiques throughout give us a space to fully relax and escape the pressures of daily life. A large pool and cabana nearby provide spots for lounging with books, taking a dip under the palms or simply looking at the endemic wildlife, creating in fragrant oxygenated air.
You are welcome to stay for a further two days (9th & 10th March - additional cost) and join us as Karen participates in a beautiful music festival being held in HERA’s Gardens with other talented musicians. You can use this time to soak up the benefits of the retreat and explore and relax at your leisure.
TEACHERS
KAREN LANE
Karen has always been a mover, studying dance from a young age. She returned to mindful movement as her main form of exercise to help her cope with grief, a fast-paced London life and bringing up three daughters. High powered workouts no longer provided the grounding and centering she needed and through Yoga she discovered a sense of calm and resilience. Karen credits her main teacher Tania Brown for inspiring her to delve deeper into the ancient traditions and become a teacher of Yoga. She trained initially (200hrs) in London with Yogahaven lead by Allie Hill and Amy MacDonald. As a professional singer and voice practitioner she has always known the importance of breath but as a yogi she has truly come to deeply understand the benefits to mind and body. Studying further training in Yogic breath work with Michael Bikyer YogaLap Jan 2021. Karen completed her 300Hr advanced training in 2021 studying with Sianna Sherman and Greta Hill – the Rasa Collective – a tantric based yoga practise which incorporates deep dives into mudra (healing hand gestures) mantra (chanting sacred Sanskrit) and is focused on welcoming the whole individual on this alchemical journey. Embracing ourselves, the light and the dark all emotions (Rasas) without judgement. Rasa Yoga has helped Karen to combine all her strengths and align fully with her Dharma using her voice as healing medium integrating chanting into her practice. Exploring the connection of breath, voice and body and utilising yoga as a form of mind body transformation for all.
DEE GIBSON
Dee is an award winning British Sri Lankan designer and Hotelier who splits her time between UK and Sri Lanka. She built Kalukanda House in 2017 to reconnect with her heritage and provide a home for herself and family. Dee has a vision to create space for women to use their voices. She believes that there is a wealth of talent and dynamism in Sri Lanka and that we can and should reframe the way we see our island. She runs events in London and Sri Lanka to inspire and empower female entrepreneurs.
PROGRAMME*
Saturday 2nd March is an arrival day, with our programme commencing on Sunday 3rd March.
The morning will begin with a 75 min dynamic Vinyasa Flow to energise you for the day ahead. In The Evening, we will have a more relaxed practice. Both classes take place in the onsite Shala in Hera's Garden, immersed in nature.
8:00 - 9:30 AM AWAKENING YOGA - A Dynamic Vinyasa Style practise (suited to all levels) including Pranayama (breath-work) and Voice Activation. Awaken the spine, entire body and voice. Build strength and explore your own boundaries and challenges. Includes learning Mudra and Mantra and journey through Chakras.
9:45 AM BREAKFAST
10:30 Free time to relax in the Villa and surroundings. Enjoy the swimming pool, read a book or indulge in a massage at the Villa. There are possibilities to venture further afield as a group or you could adventure solo with our guidance and support. A gentle walk to our local beach brings lovely sights, smiling locals and possible Turtle sightings just 100m away. An idyllic spot to hear the ebb and flow of the ocean and watch the sunset, in the evening as the light turns golden and the sun drops off the horizon.
1 - 2 PM LIGHT LUNCH
2.30 PM The afternoons are for Culture and You-time. You will be taken by the hosts on a local excursion to make sure you can sample some of the delights in this magical locale. From bike rides though paddy fields, cookery class, a trip to Galle Fort a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, or a demonstration with a local female entrepreneur on lace making or Batik, you will have time for guided exploration. These afternoon excursions will be offered to anybody wanting to participate. Alternatively, make the most of this stunning property and gardens and dive into the pool and your favourite book.
5.30- 6.30 PM YOGA - RESTORATIVE YOGA PRACTISE SOUND HEALING - This session will be more gentle and include some voice activation, chanting Mantra, Poetry and Meditation. Hera’s Garden is full of magical delights, plants and wildlife. Practise while watching the huge trees sway in the mesmerising breeze. With an auspicious Bodhi Tree above, it’s the kind of spot with a special feeling and an uplifting energy. Some people have mused that it’s a wonder they haven’t built a temple here.
7:00 PM DINNER
A full dinner will be followed by different evening offerings: a circle, reflection journaling, Cacao ceremony or candlelight stretch.
*Please note the programme is guideline and is subject to change
EXPLORE
From rainforest trekking, to safari, whale watching to lace making, cookery classes and Turtle Gazing. Every guest is different and so we will talk to you and your fellow travellers about what you want to see, eat and do during our free times.
Surfing in Sri Lanka is famous and the island caters to all experience levels. Weligama surfing is one of the best on the island, well known for wide stretches of azure blue peeling waves in beautiful clean, warm water.
Safaris in Sri Lanka are really popular and we are within easy reach of a few. The elephant transit centre at Udawalawe looks after wild baby elephants while Yala is well known for the elusive leopard.
ACCOMMODATION
Kalukanda House is a luxury villa in Sri Lanka offering soul nourishing, experiential stays. Your days will be filled with culture and magic while staying in the lap of luxury and enjoying the many delights of Serendipity. You will feel Sri Lanka in your mind and body here.
The villa was built in 2017 by a British - Sri Lankan female designer who has a passion for design and travel and their cumulative effect on our emotional wellbeing. Every thought was given to luxury accommodation seamlessly blended with 21st century convenience so you can relish every moment of your stay.
“It is beyond all expectations. The house is a beautiful tropical calm haven - absolutely everything is thought about and catered for. The staff and local people have nothing but would give you absolutely everything, they care about you. The chef cooked us the most wonderful food every day”
GETTING THERE
Our venue is just 2.5 hours from Colombo by car, you can be whisked to us easily along a speedy new highway.
TRANSFERS are not included but a taxi will be organised for you to deliver you to the villa. Thy are priced at £25pp shared or £50 for an individual transfer.
AIRLINES
We suggest booking flights EARLY for best prices - direct flights are currently priced around £890pp
Sri Lankan Airways fly direct with a flight time of 10-11 hours.
QATAR also has some reasonable options with a short stop in Doha. Emirates, British Airways and Etihad also offer indirect flights.
IDEALLY - Fly from the UK on the evening of Friday 1st March in order to arrive on Saturday 2nd March so you will be ready for the start of the retreat at 8am on Sunday 3rd March, and depart on Saturday 9th March. You can choose to add on additional nights to extend your trip and enjoy the music festival taking place in the gardens over the weekend.
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
DEPART Friday 1st March 2024
20:40 Heathrow (LHR) -> Arrive Sat 2nd March 12:35 +1 day Bandaranaike International (CMB)
RETURN Saturday 9th March 2024
Depart Colombo 12:55 Bandaranaike International (CMB) -> Arrive 19:10 London Heathrow (LHR)
MEALS
All meals are freshly prepared daily by the chef and plentiful portions are offered to all participants.
ROOMS
RETREAT BASE PRICE
£650pp for 6 days including all yoga and food
You will need to add on one of the accommodation options below to get a total price. The retreat size is 10-12 people, but we can accommodate a maximum of 8 people at the Villa. Others will need to book accommodation at a nearby hotel within walking proximity. See recommendations below.
ACCOMMODATION IN VILLA
£395pp shared super king bed or £850pp sole occupancy
The four double bedrooms have been beautifully designed to deliver delicious pure, restful sleep via deeply comfortable handmade 4 poster beds and en-suite bathrooms with European hot power showers as standard . The colonial architecture seamlessly includes modern conveniences such as international sockets, Wifi and efficient air conditioning. This is where historic old world charm and 21st Century life are interwoven to discretely offer all the facilities you expect from a luxury hotel.
A £30pp donation is automatically made by Kalukanda House to a local charity supporting a refuge for women and girls.
ACCOMMODATION NEARBY (WITHIN 5 MINUTES WALK)
From £300+pp
Here are two suggestions for accommodation outside of the Villa:
Highland Villas - just across the road from the Villa
Weligama Bay - a 5 minute tuk ride away
For those staying offsite - your retreat price includes all your meals onsite.
EXTRA NIGHTS
£95pp per night
You can add additional nights if you would prefer to depart on Sunday 10th or Monday 11th March so you can enjoy our music festival in the gardens over the weekend.
BOOK
COST INCLUDES
Two yoga classes daily (optional). 7 nights gorgeous accommodation (if villa accommodation booked) and all food from Sunday morning breakfast until Saturday morning breakfast. Snacks available throughout the day - or go further afield to explore local cuisine.
DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flights, transfers, alcohol, treatments (c.£35), excursions and extra activities NOT included in the price.
1. Click here to complete the booking form
2. Click here to process your deposit payment
Payment plans are available - please get in touch to set this up. Remaining payments by BACS or Credit Cards.
Final payments 2 months prior.
T&C’s
Click here to view the full terms & conditions
INFO
If you have any questions or would like any further information, please email karenlane@voicemindbody.co.uk
TESTIMONIAL
“Allow yourself to be enveloped by the beautiful voice and wonderful sequence provided by Karen in the most gorgeous setting, from the moment we got to the airport to the moment we left Karen couldn’t do more to make you feel comfortable and grant your every wish! From tailored excursions to arranging transportation and even making smoothies after a gorgeous practice! Karen also celebrated my birthday along with a fellow yogi and threw us a celebration, cakes and gifts, we felt so special! Karen encourages meaningful conversations and has so much knowledge around yoga, her incredibly unique teaching practice and voice will take you beyond the beautiful scenery. I highly recommend a retreat with Karen, I’ve made friends for life and it brought me back to myself”. - Bryony