You will enjoy twice daily yoga classes, each 90-minute-long which means 3 hours of yoga a day on a full retreat day (altogether 7 sessions x 90 mins). If you are new to the practice, let it not scare you! As important as yoga asana is, it is just one of a plethora of tools we will employ during our sessions to help you reconnect with your essence. Each class is infused with meditation, breath work, mantras and pranic healing. So even if your yoga journey is only at its outset, you will learn how to enjoy it, embrace the newness of the experience and get the most of it based on your personal needs and intentions.

For some many reasons! Sri Lanka, a culturally-rich island country in the Indian Ocean is one of the world’s last hidden gems. It features endless sandy beaches, ancient ruins, legendary Buddhist temples, verdant tea plantations, delicious (and nutritious!) cuisine, and dream-like train rides. Breathtaking nature nestles a culture over 2000 years old, and an oasis of peace for those in need of healing and mental repose.

After years of travel across four continents, I have come to believe that some places serve us better than others. On their surface, it’s their favourable climate, magical scenery and culture. Going deeper, it’s their unique energy that happens to connect more positively with us than other locations. Therefore, I select my places carefully. Sri Lanka is definitely worth a visit because of its stunning scenery, rich culture and the kindest people. More importantly, however, it has a unique energy which, combined with yoga and meditation, has a strong transformative power. It’s a perfect place to hold space for people seeking change, offering them a tranquil haven of serenity in a truly paradisiacal and energy-rich place. Join me to be dazzled by Sri Lanka’s beauty!

Fantastic! Travelling solo can be a very rewarding experience that will make your eyes open to so many new things. I’ve travelled extensively by myself and solo travelling has been one of my most profound teachers. Part of the reason retreats are getting increasingly popular is because people like connecting with each other and doing ‘the work’ in company. It’s an amazing opportunity to meet new humans from all over the world so why should you miss it just because you travel single? Although you may come alone, chances are you will leave the retreat with new friends.

We’ll let you decide! Here is an overview of options to give you more clarity. Currently, we offer three different accommodation options catering to the needs of both single participants, couples/family members/best friends and small groups. See the packages here.

The Private Space Single Package is ideal for participants who travel solo & prefer the privacy of their own room without sharing it with anyone. Although it includes a double bed, it is for single occupancy – you will enjoy a spacious queen-size bed in one of our double rooms with ensuite bathroom. If you want to share a room and bed with your partner (or family member/friend), you can opt for the Private Space Double Package. If you travel on your own and are open to sharing space with people, consider the most economical Shared Space Triple Package.

The Private Space Double Package is ideal for two people who are travelling together and want the intimacy of private space – typically a couple, or good friends/family members who are open to sharing bed as this package includes one queen-size bed per room. If you want a private room for single occupancy, you will opt for the Private Space Single Package. 

The Shared Space Triple Package is for anyone who is open to sharing a bedroom and bathroom with one or two other retreat participants who also travel on their own. Each participant will have their own single/double bed in our beautiful apartment-style White Queen Superior Suite. If you are travelling on your own and want to connect with other retreat participants, this may be the perfect package for you. You are not responsible for securing the bookings for the other 2 spots in the unit. 

No problem! We understand that your partner may not be into yoga and you still want to share the experience of travelling and exploring Sri Lanka with them. In this case you will go for the Private Space Double Package, the price of which will be reduced. You will share a double room with your partner. While you will enjoy the full package of yoga+meditation+massage+guiding session as well as other activities a per programme, your partner’s option will include bed&breakfast and welcome dinner. Of course they still have unlimited access to the infinity pool, garden & common areas and are welcome to use our spa and other facilities & services which will be charged separately.

Contact us directly to book the reduced double package.

Miannah retreat groups are small and intimate as our goal is to provide a quality environment for yoga practice, inner work and relaxation. You can expect between 3 and 8 persons in your retreat. Villa White Queen prides itself on providing a private and comfortable setting with 4 exclusive rooms offering a perfect space for energy restoration typically unavailable for big-size retreat groups.

We got you covered! All retreat packages come with delicious vegetarian breakfast each morning of the retreat incl. eggs (prepared your favourite way), grilled tomato, fresh veggie salad, fruit platter and tea or coffee.

Lunches and dinners are not included in the package as we want you to have freedom of choice as to the way of spending your ‘on your own time’ and not be limited by meals schedule. Sometimes you may want to have lunch at the beach looking at the ocean, while other time you will fancy late dinner at one of the many quaint restaurants of Fort Galle.

Having said that, you will definitely not starve with us if you decide to stay onsite! Nutritious lunch & dinner sets will be available at the Villa every day – you can order them beforehand or, as you go, on a given day – depending on your current needs/day plan. There will be a number of options to choose from. Both lunch and dinner sets include a vegetarian option and a freshly-caught local fish option. We also serve beverages and fresh fruit juices. Drinking water is free of charge for all retreat participants.

For the full listing, please see available packages, but to wrap up what’s included in the retreat price, here is an overview:

• Bed & breakfast as per selected option/package
• Daily morning & evening yoga sessions + journalling activities as per programme
• 30-minute one-on-one guiding session with me
• 60-minute full body massage treatment
• Drinking water, yoga mats & meditation cushions
• Unlimited access to the infinity pool, garden & common areas
• My support throughout the duration of the retreat.

The idea behind our retreat is to provide you with tools & supportive environment to relax and do the inner work, while giving you freedom of choice as to the way of spending your ‘on your own time’. Depending upon your situation and personal needs, you may add various options, thus creating your own unique experience!

Here is a list of things that are not included in the retreat price and need to be handled by the participant:

• Flights to & back from Sri Lanka
• Travel insurance (obligatory for all retreat participants)
• Sri Lankan visa fee

Here is a list of things that are not included in the retreat price but can be added to the package/purchased separately at the Villa:

• Transportation from Colombo Airport to the retreat location (you are welcome to book our private airport shuttle directly to the retreat location – price for retreat guests includes a 20% discount and is $55 one way)
• Lunches & dinners (nutritious lunch & dinner sets will be available at the Villa every day – you can order them beforehand or, as you go, on a given day)
• Additional attractions, excursions & activities beyond the retreat programme
• Additional massages & body treatments at onsite spa
• Additional workshops and individual sessions.

As the retreat is open to anyone in the world, it’s impossible to unify payment methods and currencies; therefore we offer one standard option – USD payment via WeTravel – a secure payment & booking platform either through direct transfer (for US participants only) or credit card. However, if you are interested in paying using a a different service (eg. PayPal) or with a different currency, please contact me directly.

The Miannah retreats are small and intimate and the non-refundable deposit is to secure the accommodation at Villa White Queen which provides a private retreat setting perfect for a quality holistic experience with its 4 exclusive rooms. The Private Space Single Package requires a $300 non-refundable deposit per person to secure your spot, the Shared Space Triple Package a $200, while to book the Private Space Double Package a $500 deposit (per couple/2 persons) is needed. The remaining amount is due 14 days before the start of the retreat.

The Villa is based in Galle, a coastal city located in the south of Sri Lanka, 150 km from the airport. Covering this distance can take from 3 up to 6 hours so allow ample time between your arrival in Sri Lanka and arrival at the Villa.

There are a number of ways to get here. A low-cost public transport option requires a few changes and can take up to 6 hours (airport bus + bus to Galle or airport bus + train to Galle). If you are arriving in Sri Lanka on the first day of the retreat and want to go economical, please don’t schedule your arrival at the Colombo Airport later than 9 AM to make sure you arrive at the retreat location no later than 4 PM.

If you want to enjoy our Villa facilities and arrive sooner or just travel in a more comfortable way, book our private airport shuttle directly to the retreat location. Price for retreat guests includes a 20% discount and is $55 one way ($70). If you are travelling with a partner, friend or a bigger group (up to 10 people), the same rate applies and is divided between all travellers as long as the pick-up time and place is the same for everyone.

The retreat starts with an opening circle at 5 PM followed by a guided meditation and a welcome dinner. Therefore it is important that you arrive at the Villa no later than 4 PM to settle in and get to know the premises. If you travel from outside of Sri Lanka on the first day of the retreat, please don’t schedule your arrival at the Colombo Airport later than 9 AM – the immigration and luggage formalities will take up to an hour and depending on your means of transportation to Galle it can take from 3 hours (private shuttle) up to 6 hours (public transportation) to get to Galle. 

The last retreat day will start with a usual 8 AM yoga + meditation session followed by a closing circle and breakfast. If you plan on travelling home on this last day, please schedule your departing flight after 6 PM to make sure you take part in all our last-day activities which are vital for the process.

If you need an airport pick-up or drop-off, you may book our private airport shuttle directly to/from the retreat location. Price for retreat guests includes a 20% discount and is $55 one way ($70).

There will be plenty of it and while we may give you some local tips, you get to decide what you do with it! The retreat programme has been designed to create an optimal and balanced combination of yoga practice & inner work with relaxation & exploration. Each full day of the retreat (2, 3, 4) you will have up to 7 hours (between 11 AM and 6 PM) for yourself to relax or explore the nearby areas. What are the options? If you are in a discovery mood, go to one of the local beaches, visit Galle Fort, explore one of the local tea plantations or Buddhist temples. If you are in need of recovery and relaxation, stay at the Villa and enjoy the pool with your favourite book or podcast, relax during a massage at our onsite spa or just take a nap – whatever your body, mind and soul need. Here are our free time tips.

If you, however, want to use some of this time to deepen your practice, gain new insight and expand your range of tools, join one of the optional Miannah workshops taking place on day 2, 3 and 4 between 4 PM and 5:30 PM or schedule an individual one-on-one guiding, chakra balancing or pranic healing session.

It will be my pleasure to guide you in this process! If you are a curious soul seeker who wants to use some of your free time to deepen your practice, gain new insight and expand your range of healing tools, we have a plethora of optional workshops (taking place on day 2, 3 and 4 between 4 PM and 5:30 PM) for you to choose from. Join Miannah Chakra Workshop, Crystal Healing Workshop or schedule an individual one-on-one guiding, chakra balancing or pranic healing session. Each of these activities will help you go deeper, expand your healing toolbox and increase your overall wellbeing.

As we are in the tropics, it can get quite hot in the morning and afternoon, so bring light summer clothes. For the yoga sessions you can wear whatever feels comfortable and will not limit your movements – simple loose clothes or yoga pants and a sports bra/t-shirt will be perfect. If you are planning on visiting local temples, do bring clothes to cover your arms and legs to respect the sacredness of these places. For day sightseeing you may need a head cover (a hut or cap) as the sun can be very intense in Sri Lanka. Do make sure you bring a high SPF sunscreen and a mosquito repellent. And finally, do not forget your swimsuit as you won’t be able to resist our stunning infinity pool!

In the shade of palm trees! Well, almost… Both our sunrise and sunset yoga sessions will be held in our newly built yoga shala located on the Villa’s premises (with actual palm trees growing inside!). It’s a type of an open-air yoga studio with a roof which provides a magical tropical garden setting and ample space to practise yoga and meditation. The shala will also be our classroom during optional workshops.

Yes, we provide yoga mats and meditation cushions but you are welcome to bring your own mat if that’s your wish. If you use blocks or straps during your practice, please bring them with you as we don’t provide props.

There is complementary WIFI in all the Villa rooms, as well as in common areas within the house.

No worries! All retreat packages include accommodation, daily breakfast as well as daily activities as per the programme. In addition, Villa White Queen offers a wealth of onsite amenities and facilities to make your stay comfortable and hassle-free.

Formalities you must consider are a valid passport, flight reservations, traveller’s insurance, visa and vaccinations.

Feel free to contact me with any further concerns you may have and I’ll be happy to help.

Sri Lanka is generally considered a safe country. It receives a lot of international tourism and safety is altogether not an issue; nevertheless, standard precautions should be maintained while travelling in any country. My personal experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve been in the country since November 2018 experiencing no hiccups or safety issues. Do keep in mind a good traveller’s insurance is highly advisable when travelling to any foreign country. For the retreat a travel insurance is obligatory.

Your safety is our highest priority and we’ll do our best to provide a safe and comfortable retreat environment for you and your co-participants. As much as we focus on avoiding any risks by taking the necessary precautions, there are things beyond our control and we want to make sure you are covered – be it when travelling in Sri Lanka or during a yoga session, beach or pool time, visit to a local temple or tea plantation. Therefore, we require all retreat participants to purchase a traveller’s insurance before starting their travels. If you are unsure of your local insurance options, the internationally-recognised WorldNomad offer is always a good option.

You will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka; it’s typically quite hassle-free though. You can get a short-stay visa online at the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) website. Tourist visas are usually issued for a maximum period of 30 days. While obtaining the online visa before departure is the most efficient way of entering Sri Lanka, it’s also possible to get a tourist visa on arrival; however, bear in mind that this can cause some delays, so allow additional time for the process. Make sure you have an onward ticket which you can present either in an electronic or printed form at the airport before departure. It’s not uncommon for airlines at check-in to refuse to board passengers without an onward ticket. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry to Sri Lanka.

WIFI is available in many establishments like hotels, restaurants and cafes across the country and is reasonably fast and reliable in the cities. In rural areas, WIFI may not be guaranteed. If you want to stay connected at all times, consider purchasing a local SIM card with one of the mobile providers. There are many data packages to choose from and the whole process is quite easy and inexpensive.

Varied – depending on the time of the year and region. Galle, located in the South-West part of the island, features a tropical rainforest climate and temperatures show little variation throughout the year, with average at around 26 degrees Celsius (80 Fahrenheit). The driest months are January and February; however other months don’t get overly wet in this part of the country. For more detailed information, see a month-by-month breakdown of temperature and rainfall in Galle. 

While the weather cannot be predicted at all times, the beauty of Galle and Villa White Queen is that we can practice yoga outside without it being uncomfortable as the temperatures are pleasant throughout the year. In addition, we are covered by the roof of the yoga shala which is a type of an open-air yoga studio.

If you want to combine your retreat with visiting other parts of the island, do check the weather when planning as the North, East and centre of the country feature a different climate and some places get considerably more rain in certain periods.

Sri Lanka has two types of electrical outlet plugs in use today: Type G (mainly used in the UK) and Type D (used in India). If you come from neither of these countries, you may want to bring an international plug converter to charge your phone and connect other electronic devices you will bring from home. The voltage is Sri Lanka is 220/240 volts.

The currency in Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). You can check the exchange rate for your currency using an online converter, eg. XE. Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments and ATMs are available in most towns and cities.

It really is a beautiful place and chances are that you will want to stay here longer – we’ll be happy to host you! If you already know that you want to extend your stay, contact me or the Villa directly (villawhitequeen@ceylonitinerary.com) to book a room before or after the retreat dates (please mention that you are a retreat participant). View the Villa website for current rates.