Yoga retreat · 1 - 15 August 2027
Yin & Yang Awakening: Yoga Immersion with Esther Jones
Yoga guided by Esther Jones
‘Rise & Shine’ morning practices begin with Kriya (cleanse), Pranayama (breathwork), and Yin Yang Yoga, followed by Mantra and Mindfulness.
Yin Yang Yoga helps balance energy, flexibility, and strength. It blends two yoga styles into one practice, combining the benefits of passively holding poses with more dynamic sequences and standing postures. Yin and Yang are Taoist concepts which describe the two relative qualities present in everything. Yin is more internal, passive, cooling and downward. Yang is more external, dynamic, warming and upward.
Combining both elements in one class provides a balanced practice and can have a powerful effect on energy levels. The practice of yin/yang yoga helps us learn about stillness in movement and the flow in stillness
Evening sessions begin with a deep rest-and-digest, combining Yin and Restorative Yoga with guided breathwork, Stress Management, and Yoga Nidra.
During your practice, Esther will guide you to observe the breath and use it to focus on the present moment, allowing thoughts and feelings to arise while practising the art of sitting with them and watching them without getting ‘involved’ before letting them fade away. The ‘mind chatter’ or ‘monkey mind’ is lessened and the ‘volume’ is turned down on persistent and negative thought patterns.
The hope is that we develop mindfulness skills we can carry from the mat into everyday life. When we are stuck in worry or frustration, bring the same attention to body sensations and the workings of our mind, and stay with them for some time. It’s not about the strength of muscles; it’s about sitting with sensation and learning how to LET GO & SURRENDER!!!
In pictures
2 photos
Resident therapist
Dilani Kandegama
Dilani brings 24 years of massage therapy experience to Ulpotha, with professional qualifications in deep-tissue and relaxation massage, as well as foot reflexology. She works at a physiotherapy clinic in Colombo, where she delivers therapeutic massage and supports patient rehabilitation programmes.
Before that, she spent nine years as a sports centre therapist at Hilton Colombo Residencies, working with guests from across the world. She currently also provides prenatal and postnatal massage support and works as a personal therapist for diplomats based in Sri Lanka.
Dilani believes every body tells its own story. She takes time to understand what each guest needs before they get onto the table, and shapes every session around that.
Practicalities
What a stay includes
- Two weeks, Sunday to Sunday.
- One week is possible: pick your dates on the booking page.
- Your hut, daily yoga (usually two classes) and all meals are covered.
- Ayurveda and transfers are the only extras.