International Ashtanga Yoga Retreats
Ashtanga Lanka offers events in beautiful destinations including Sri Lanka, France and Morocco. Every location is unique and offers you a relaxing and restorative atmosphere. Beginners and experienced students are always welcome. If you join us you’ll have the chance to deepen your practice, recharge and nourish your soul and connect with yogis from around the world.
The gorgeous natural setting around each venue supports you to fully let go and rest on your yoga holiday.
Ashtanga Lanka started in 2004 as an annual Mysore shala on the south coast of Sri Lanka each winter. The tradition has continued every year since in Sri Lanka, but in 2026 we will be taking a year off. We will resume a winter retreat in Sri Lanka in early 2027. In the meantime, you can find us in France or Morocco.
French Pyrenees, Nov. 8 - 15, 2025
Join us, along with longtime practitioner and teacher Kathy Cooper, for an unforgettable retreat in the French Pyrenees. Magnificent mountain views, fresh air and plenty of room for your soul to wander make this a wonderful place to rest and recharge. Your reservation includes:
- 7 nights in a restored farmhouse in the village of Benque
- Morning Mysore practice next to the fireplace
- Afternoon hikes to explore the area
- A trip to Balnea spa.
- Afternoon workshops to support your learning
- Brunch, dinner and afternoon snacks
- Coffee & tea
- WiFi
Our goal is to create a nourishing and restorative experience, while sharing many of the gems of this special region. Everything is optional and there is no pressure to participate in every outing or class.
Saturday, November 8th is the arrival day and you can come after 3PM. We’ll have an opening gathering at 5:30 pm followed by dinner.
Questions? Email us at: yoga@ashtangalanka.com
We look forward to seeing you in November.
Ashtanga Yoga Caravan
March 30 to April 10, 2026
This retreat will take you to the Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert. We will spend 7 nights at Irocha, 3 nights camping in the Sahara and one night in Irocha afterwards.
Your investment includes:
- Morning Mysore practice
- Afternoon hikes to explore the area
- Afternoon workshops
- Daily meditation & pranayama
- Lodging and meals.
- Coffee & tea
- WiFi
Our goal is to create a nourishing and restorative experience, while showing you the beauty and magic of Morocco.
Questions? Email us: yoga@ashtangalanka.com
This winter we are teaching for two weeks at the magnificent Ashburnham Tea Estate in the hill country of Sri Lanka. This is a stunning location with gorgeous sunsets, a huge waterfall, panoramic mountain views and endless walking options.
Experienced practitioners and beginners are always welcome at Ashtanga Lanka. To support your learning we have morning practice six days per week. The morning class includes seated meditation and pranayama before the Mysore practice. We also have three afternoon workshops per week to support your learning. The workshops can explore a range of topics: the breath, the vinyasa, asana clinics, inversions, arm balances, Yin yoga and more.
At Ashtanga Lanka you’ll have plenty of time to rest and explore the local area. You can walk in the mountains, swim under a 15 meter waterfall, have an Ayurvedic massage, explore the tea fields and cultural sites or simply take a nap.
Our goal is for you to have a memorable and nourishing yoga holiday. We look forward to welcoming you and don’t hesitate to email us with any questions. The minimum stay is one week, but we highly recommend 2+ if possible. All classes are taught by Jacob Handwerker and Jana Wettich.
Perched on a mountain side with stunning views and glorious sunsets, Ashburnham is the perfect setting for a yoga retreat. You’ll have plenty of space to explore, solitude and experience life in a beautifully restored Tea Planters Bungalow.
Meals are served on the terrace overlooking the a green valley with mountains on the horizon. When there is a nice sunset we have the perfect view! From the house you can hear the river and you can walk to a 15 meter waterfall in ten minutes.
The retreat includes morning yoga six days a week, three afternoon workshops, a daily coconut, brunch, afternoon snacks, dinner, filtered water and Wifi. All the meals are prepared fresh and highlight the incredible variety of fruits and vegetables available in Sri Lanka. The meals are all vegan and gluten free with dairy options on the side.
All rooms have hot water, mosquito nets and an overhead fan. The climate in the hill country is fresh and the temperature is usually perfect for relaxing.
If we’re fully booked you can stay nearby and still participate in all the yoga classes and workshops and meals if you like.
Ashtanga Lanka is a drug and alcohol free retreat. If you smoke cigarettes there is a designated smoking area on the property.
Nestled into the center of Hiriketiya is Ashtanga Lanka. The beach is one minute away and you can hear the waves crashing.
Locally we are known as the “Breath House” and you’ll find a bright yoga shala, five rooms for rent, a large community kitchen and a balcony overlooking the garden.
Your stay includes the yoga classes and workshops, a daily coconut, a big Sri Lankan brunch, filtered water and Wifi. The brunch is homemade and includes fresh tropical fruits and many Sri Lankan specialties. All rooms have mosquito nets and an overhead fan.
Ashtanga Lanka is a smoke, drug, alcohol, and meat free property. There are many places nearby to enjoy a cocktail and cold beer if you choose.
Our house is by a small lagoon and you’ll see (and hear) birds, monkeys, turtles, monitor lizards, peacocks and more. The lagoon is a mix of salt and fresh water so the mosquitos are not bad. A dirt path alongside the lagoon leads directly to the center of Hiriketiya beach.
At the beach you’ll find many restaurants and lounge chairs and surf boards to rent. Beginners can play in the beach break and also take a lesson. Experienced surfers will enjoy the long left break at the point.
If we’re fully booked you can stay nearby and still participate in all the yoga classes and workshops.
*Brunch on Saturday morning and the dinners are not included. We regularly organize community meals, however, and you can join as you like. Sometimes we go to local restaurant as a group and other nights homemade rice and curry is delivered to the house.
Ashburnham is a real gem in the hill country and we’re confident you’ll enjoy the experience. This sunset photo was taken from the patio where all the meals are served. We have used Ashburnham for yoga retreats in the past and in 2025 we are excited to resume the tradition. If you have any questions please email. We look forward to welcoming you to Sri Lanka and supporting you on the yoga path.
Hiriketiya is a real gem on the south coast of Sri Lanka. The unique horseshoe shaped bay makes it a perfect place for swimming, surfing and relaxing on the beach. The busy coastal road (A2) is inland which gives this area a more peaceful and small village feeling.
There are many dining and lodging options within a short walk of Ashtanga Lanka. Choose from rice & curry, fresh fish, wood-fired pizza, poke bowls, jackfruit burgers, smoked meats, homemade coconut ice cream, tropical cocktails and much more.
