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Nature & Nurture Retreat, Sri Lanka

  • 11 - 22 October, 2024
Discover the magic of Sri Lanka with its extraordinary culture, people, food and wilderness...

Join me (Becs) for an unforgettable 10-day experience set in Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s East Coast.

This isn’t a yoga retreat. It’s a lifestyle retreat.

Relax and unwind with a small group of like-minded women. Swim or surf in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Venture into the jungle and dine under the stars. Experience wildlife in its natural habitat.

An entire experience involving nature, yoga, meditation, Ayurveda (yoga’s sister science), incredible food & tea, sun, sea, surf, adventures, good times, good people and local village life. With sunrise yoga, meditation and yoga nidra (guided relaxation) on offer daily. You can always decide if you want to join or if you want to skip a session to relax for the day.

There is Ayurvedic massage, Sri Lankan food, Sri Lankan tea tasting, temple walks and more. Or simply take time out for you to rest, relax and restore. Everything is optional so you get to move at a pace that works for you.

During this retreat, we will also focus on fundamental principles of Ayurveda, getting to know your body type (dosha) and the lifestyle practices to maintain vitality and health throughout the changing seasons and stages of life.

Nature & Nurture Retreat offers the perfect mix of fun, friendship, adventure and mental relaxation over 10 blissful days.

Plus; for an additional cost there is the option to extend your trip with a personalised itinerary to explore more of Sri Lanka. Thanks to Mondo Travel.

** Limited opportunities.

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What's included

  • Airport transfers to/from airport accommodation
  • Land transport to/from Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s East Coast
  • 11 x nights accommodation
  • 11 x breakfasts, 10 x lunches, 8 x dinners – all healthy and delicious meals made fresh and local daily (2 free evenings to explore)
  • Daily yoga, pranayama (breathwork), meditation and yoga nidra (guided relaxation) with Becs
  • 3 x excursions (Jungle BBQ, Kudumbigala Temple walk, Sustainable Waste tour and workshop)
  • 1 x traditional Ayurvedic Massage
  • 1 x Ayurvedic workshop
  • Sri Lankan tea tasting (couldn’t really visit Sri Lanka without a full tea tasting!)
  • Carefully curated gift bag of local treats and a few surprises
  • Help in arranging day trips
  • Fresh fruit daily
  • Filtered drinking water
  • Detailed retreat packing list and pre-arrival checklist
  • Pre-retreat support

What's not included:

  • Flights to/from Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. Contact Becs to discuss flight options as soon as your retreat booking has been confirmed
  • Travel Insurance – you must arrange your own BEFORE traveling
  • Tourist Visa – purchase your ETA Sri Lankan Visa here . The E-Visa Fee for Nationals of New Zealand is currently USD 50
  • Meals on day of your arrival and departure (inbound/outbound flight times will vary so lunches/dinners are only provided on full days in Sri Lanka – meals are available at airport accommodation at your request and are reasonably priced)
  • 2 x Dinners (you’re welcome to join Becs for dinner at one of the many eateries in Arugam Bay, or explore any of the nearby beach eateries yourself)
  • Donations and tips – tips are given at your own free will to staff, drivers or tuk tuk drivers
  • Surf Lessons & boards (available for hire)
  • Yoga mats. Please bring your own
  • Alcoholic beverages (this is an alcohol-free retreat. You are welcome to drink offsite in one of Arugam Bay’s many eateries)
  • Extra activities – if you want to explore the region – or try out local yoga classes – there is a lot to visit and do on your own (a morning or evening safari at Kumana National Park, just a short drive from Arugam Bay, is one of many places to visit)

I will be there to help and advise on places to go and eat, food can be cheap when you know where to go.

Wondering if this retreat is a good fit? Let’s chat! Register your interest to arrange a phone/Zoom/Messenger call with Becs. I’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

Investment:

  • Master Bedroom with King Bed & En Suite: Double Occupancy (SOLD OUT): NZD $2,990 per person. This option is ideal for two friends, same-sex couple, sisters, or mother/daughter duo; with a shared full, king  bed.
  • Twin Bedroom with En Suite: Twin share occupancy (ONE bed left!!): NZD $2,990 per person.
  • Master Bedroom with King Bed & En Suite: Single Occupancy (SOLD OUT): NZD $3,490 per person.
  • ** Traveling solo, but don’t want your own room? I’m happy to partner you up with a same-sex roommate.
  • The first 5 people to register get NZD $200 off.
  • To register a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required.
  • Partial refunds for cancelling fully-paid trips can be requested up until June 30, 2024. After this time, no refunds will be given.
  • The balance of monies is required before 30 June 2024. Payment plans available upon request.
  • Flights, travel visa and insurance not included in the price.

Passports for entry must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date into Sri Lanka.

Once your booking is confirmed please contact Becs to discuss payment options and flights: +64 (0) 21 913 318 or becs@heartspace.co.nz

 

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Basic schedule for retreat days:

Everything is optional so you get to move at a rhythm that works for you. You can decide if you want to join or if you want to skip a session to relax for the day:

Yoga & Meditation class: 7:00am - 8:15am
Breakfast: 8:30am - 9:30am
Free time: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Lunch & Free time: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
Yoga Nidra class: 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Excursion / Free time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Dinner: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

This schedule will vary on travel days and tour/workshop days with either the morning yoga class or Yoga Nidra available.

There will be plenty of free time to explore, relax and have your Auyurvedic massage.

3 x excursions are included (Jungle BBQ, Kudumbigala Temple walk, Sustainable Waste tour and workshop).

1 x Ayurvedic workshop is included.

1 x Sri Lankan tea tasting session is included.

1 x traditional Ayurvedic massage is included.

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka – Friday 11 October and transfer to airport accommodation (organised for you). Approx 15 min drive.

1 Night at Airport accommodation.

1 Day of land travel to Arugam Bay on Sat 12 October. Approx 8 hours including lunch en route.

9 Nights at Arugam Bay retreat.

1 Evening of land travel back to Airport accommodation on Mon 21 October. Approx 8 hours including dinner en route.

1 Day of rest (poolside) on Tues 22 October. OPTIONAL LOCAL TOURS: Negombo Fish Market, Dutch Canal Boat Ride, Negombo Lagoon Boat Trip (local tours not included in the retreat price).

Evening departure Tuesday 22 October; depart Bandaranaike International Airport and return home ♥

Important Travel Info, Cancellation Policy & Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance:

Travel Insurance is required for all international retreats with Heart Space. It is advised that passengers purchase their Travel Insurance at time of paying for flights.  Many policies will help cover theft, travel delays and evacuation should you need it. Please check that your policy will protect you in case of trip cancellation due to unforeseen events. If in doubt call your Travel Insurance provider.

 

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements:

For New Zealand Passport Holders

  • Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date into Sri Lanka.
  • You require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to allow you entry into Sri Lanka for 30 days.
  • Purchase your ETA Sri Lankan Visa here.  The E-Visa Fee for Nationals of New Zealand is currently USD 50.
  • You will need to provide proof to immigration officials of a valid round-trip ticket into Sri Lanka.
  • It’s best to give yourself plenty of time before you visit to apply for your ETA, but remember the ETA visa is only valid for 180 days from the date of application.
  • Nationals of New Zealand can also obtain a visa on arrival (however I recommend purchasing prior to your arrival).

If you’re traveling to Sri Lanka from outside New Zealand please consult with your local embassy.

Cancellation policy:

  • Heart Space will hold your space as soon as you put down your $1,000 deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, Heart Space will be unable to refund your deposit. If you can fill your space, your deposit may be transferred to another individual (subject to the individual being deemed as suitable by Becs).
  • The balance of monies is required before 30 June 2024.
  • Cancellations for fully-paid trips cannot be refunded after 30 June, 2024.
  • Cancellations for fully-paid trips made prior to 30 June, 2024 will receive a 50% refund, less the deposit and any bank fees.
  • Heart Space reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the retreat (due to insufficient numbers) up until 30 June, 2024. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by 30 June, 2024 and a full refund will be given.
  • If Heart Space must cancel the retreat due to illness, death, or extenuating circumstances 100% of money (minus bank fees) paid to Heart Space (Becs) will be refunded within 30 days of retreat cancellation.
  • In the case of a cancelled retreat, Heart Space is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip.
  • It is recommended that you book travel insurance for coverage of cancellations, including flights/accommodations, in case of a full retreat cancellation.
  • Trip cancellation due to COVID-19: A full refund will be issued if the retreat is cancelled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Book Now

 

Still wondering if this retreat is a good fit? Let’s chat! Register your interest to arrange a phone/Zoom/Messenger call with Becs. I’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.

You can also get to know me (Becs) and what I offer here .

What people say

  • Adele Holmes

    Yoga Teacher

    “Learning and now embedding the principles studied through Good Change has not only seen me start to build some great habits, they are now becoming symbiotic to both my personal yoga practice and my yoga teaching – bringing to life the ayurvedic theory we touched on in teachers Training). Becs is a fabulous coach, and has built a beautiful community of humans at all stages of life who come together to learn.”

  • Bridget Scully

    “Good Change has been life changing, but as my tutor says when describing how to make change… ‘in the most underwhelming way’. This course has been a great tool for my belt and works in beautifully with my mission to live more sustainably in ALL that I do. Not just the garden, or the food but equally my energy levels and the daily grind kinda stuff.”

  • Colleen Robinson

    “I feel more alive now, I am not tired all the time, more aware of how what I do affects the way I feel. Having some decent sleep is fantastic, and I feel more focused, and am completing tasks and projects that I had been procrastinating about. I am more in control of my life now and feel like I am achieving more.”

  • Jenny Bain

    “Learning about my body, hearing and trying to understand is the best gift I can receive. Becs has given me tools to grow and learn that you’re never too old to shift into a more easeful way of living. Good Change is a journey into oneself and not intrusive just one foot in front of the other!”

  • Kaz Jones

    DoTerra Ambassador

    “Prior to Good Change I had a never ending list and decreasing fuel to accomplish it with. I have learnt to “stop”, “breathe” and look after my body with the correct fuel and when to incorporate good habits throughout my hectic day. The result is a more nourished mind, body & soul to get through my day more effectively.”

  • Kylla Petersen

    “The impact of Good Change has been so obvious on me that even my husband is now participating in many of the habits. Becs is a great coach and has so much knowledge to share – in an absolute trusted and empathetic way, stepping you through the course. The outcome for me has been a deeper understanding of the “why” and the “how” to live a more relaxed, healthier and content version of my life.”

  • Michele Franks

    Pilates Teacher

    “I came in wanting some positive changes with my skin inflammation & to improve my mental state as I had feelings of depression & plenty of negative chatter. I wanted a better work/life balance. Participating in the 12 week Good Change program 3 times has changed my life. I have learned habits that are part of my lifestyle that give me more calm & ease.”

  • Marie Solier

    Osteopath & Yoga Teacher

    “Becs is a passionate teacher dedicated to yoga, her personal practice, and her students. I attended her 6-week meditation course, during which Becs thoroughly delivered practical tools whilst keeping theory & philosophy accessible. Each class was workshop quality. Becs has a gift with words. If you are lucky to attend one of her Yoga Nidra, this will feel like a nurturing treat you gift yourself.”

  • Lassara Hall

    Shiatsu practitioner & Yoga Teacher

    “Rebecca’s classes offer the student three traditions of yoga – pranayama (breath), asana (movement) and meditation. This combination raises the class from another type or form of exercise to a holistic therapy, which incorporates the entire wellbeing of the student.”

  • Shirley Keown

    “An opportunity to try something a little different and challenging, in a totally safe environment. Keep an open mind – give things a go – surrounded by like minded people – with no expectations – its ok if it doesn’t happen or resonate for you – or you don’t understand – you have permission to seek clarity if not in the group – individually – its ok to ask – its learning about yourself and others.”

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