Plantation Villa

I wanted to say I had a wonderful stay at Plantation villa. I went due to serious back pain that I had been having for many many months that no dr. could tell me why and what was wrong. I decided to take some time off to rest and do some natural treatments and see how things went. The time there was so restful and full of the kindest people and very nice treatments. All the oil massages were great for my back pain. I learned a lot through discussions with Barnardo who manages the place, teaches yoga and also gives very interesting talks on so many different subjects. No idea where he gets his wisdom, but guessing its a gift. I was kind of down due to my back pain but he kept encouraging me that from all he could see and tell, I for sure would get better but it was going to take time. I just want to say at the time of writing this I am 100% better and so very happy and thankful to not be in pain! Thank you all there for all the care you showed me and all I learned and most of all for helping me on my healing journey. I know I benefited greatly from that time! Be blessed and THANK YOU!

This is the perfect place to get back to you, to be aware of yourself as a be-ing, to have time to reflect, value and recharge your batteries There is so much love around and within one (nature, all the staff, guest) and this place allows you to ground and transform if wishes. In ayurvedic terms: very sattvic place which can calm down your mind (manas, ahamakara) and senses (indryas) in a short time. Wonderful shodana and samama ayurvedic treatments combined with appropriate yoga practise (incl. meditation) and yummy ahara from the plantation

The Plantation Villa has a very special place in my heart! I first stayed for 9 days as a guest on the detox package at the beginning of September and I was delighted to be invited back for another 10 days to teach yoga there as a volunteer. Whether you are beginner in yoga and meditation or you are an experienced yoga practitioner, there is so much to learn there from the resident yoga teacher, Bernando. There are many great books to read on ayurveda, yoga, buddhism, the traditional yogic system as well as meditation. All of the local staff there are incredibly welcoming and instantly make you feel at home. The accomodation itself is really nice, clean and comfortable, the treatments are very nourishing and set in a peaceful environment, not to mention the food is to die for. I cannot recommend this place enough.

As newcomers to Ayurveda, this beautiful place was immersive, educational and blissful in equal measure! The staff all worked seamlessly and tirelessly to ensure our stay was precisely tailored to our health/wellbeing needs, and they each approach their role with such passion, care and attention. The treatment programme was the main focus of our visit and it was so restorative and entirely relaxing. The rest of the agenda also offered so much (without ever feeling rushed): twice-daily yoga, delicious healthful meals and cookery demonstrations (thank you, head cook Padma, who's recipe book we purchased and brought home!), nature walks, some excellent discussions with staff and lots of time spent conversing with the wonderful array of international guests we met.... and plenty of time for reading/relaxing by the glorious pool. This was a truly immersive experience in every way - and with the awe-inspiring sounds of the rainforest all around, we felt a million miles removed from the pressures of modern life. We were lucky enough to visit a nearby school and take part in their assembly, which gave us a brief snapshot into the lives of the local villagers. We didn't venture off-site very much during our 11-day stay, but it was easy to arrange a tuc-tuc or driver to explore local sites, and the airport transfers arranged directly with Plantation Villa made everything so effortless. This was the most restful of holidays and we came home feeling re-charged and inspired - but we are also dreaming of a longer visit in the future and the prospect of experiencing even more mind and body benefits! Thank you to the whole team for offering such a unique and life-changing experience! You have secured a special place in our hearts x

We stayed 3 weeks and had such a wonderful time. We already fantasize about our next stay there! The staff was super-friendly, supportive and always eager to help. The vegan meals (and the afternoon snacks) were delicious and nutritious. A lot of the ingredients are grown on the property. Padma, the chef, held regular cooking classes and gave us a tour of the garden. She cooked some meals right in front of us. Dr. Jalisha, the onsite Ayurveda expert, met with us on our first day to determine our treatment plan. In addition to a bi-weekly consultation, she stopped by every evening during dinner to check in with us and answer any questions. She also gave weekly talks on Ayurveda medicine. The twice-a-day Yoga sessions were well-balanced, relaxing and fun. There is so much more good to say, but we have to go now. Many thanks to the Plantation Villa team! Catherine & Holger

This is far more than a yoga retreat. It's a living, breathing, immersion into bringing you closer to nature's rhythm, reasoning and resonance. From the routine, diet, yoga and plant medicines to the talks, demonstrations, walks and books. Plantation Villa is a unique experience in tasting Ayruvedic practices whilst learning about this village's history and life. If you have more than a few days then I would recommend getting stuck in for several weeks as there are very few places like this.

It was my first solo trip-retreat, and I'm so glad to have chosen Plantation Villa. Everything from the moment I arrived to the time I left was perfect. I had four blissful days of fresh air, clean vegan meals surrounded by genuinely lovely people and constantly serenaded by an orchestra of nature sounds. I have come here seeking for knowledge and rejuvenation, and I left acquiring more than that. I brought home a restored body and mind, and a greater understanding of yoga, meditation and the Sri Lankan culture. The room was basic but clean and comfortable; I enjoyed sitting on the patio watching birds and seeing squirrels running about. If you're used to being in cooler climate, I'd suggest staying in the rooms with AC as it can get quite humid at times. And when it rains, it's lovely. The meals were vegan and healthy, different everyday and although I'm not a vegan, I felt fulfilled and didn't have a problem accepting/enjoying the food served. The yoga sessions conducted by Bernardo were different - slower yet spot on, incorporating the essence of meditation. They were light and certainly suitable for beginners, so don't let it hold you back from coming even if you've never done yoga before. Bernardo is very passionate about Plantation Villa and the village, was always keen to show us around and I have learned so much about Sri Lanka from him. Come with an open heart, curious mind and humble intentions, and you'll reap lots from the experience. The only thing I wanted differently was, I wished I have stayed longer! Next time, for sure! Best bucks I've ever invested on myself.

It was my first time to receive ayurvedic treatments, I read about it a lot and was very looking forward to it, but I tried to manage my expectations, afraid of being disappointed. But nothing could be further from the truth. It really has exceeded my expectations. The people of Plantation Villa (all of them!), the peace, the personalized treatments, the organic food which was really delicious, the healing yoga classes from Bernardo and Zuzanka, the beautiful birds, the lovely animals, the great nature around the villa, the meditation practices, the lovely room, the swimming pool 😉, everything seems to work together to get you (more than) happy and relaxed, both physically and mentally. To go to Plantation Villa was the best idea ever. It feels like a ‘reset’ in my life. I feel so much better, I feel rejuvenated and since my time at PV I do yoga and listen to mantras every morning. It has changed my life. I hope this feeling stays for a long time and if it flows away, I know where to go to get that feeling back. A special thanks to the yoga teacher Zuzanka, telling each other about our lives and experiences, she gave me a very special mantra and I’ve listened to it every morning since she shared it with me. It helps me to control my emotions and I cannot thank her enough. (I know she’s a regular at Plantation Villa, so if you are lucky, you’ll meet her.)

Just stayed for a week at the Plantation Villa. What an amazing experience! The whole team were so welcoming, kind and attentive. The plantation is beautiful, surrounded by diverse wildlife - birds, squirrels, peacocks, monkeys to name but a few. A stunning backdrop to relax and recharge. Rooms were lovely and cleaned to the highest standards. The massage treatments and steam baths so relaxing and blissful! Food delicious, home cooked with produce grown on the plantation. Yoga classes were fantastic! And talks given by Bernardo so insightful. Thank you to the whole team at Plantation Villa.