Wednesday August 20, 2025
Sri Lanka

A Day in the Life at Plantation Villa: What to Expect During Your Retreat

Whether you visit Plantation Villa’s original retreat in tropical Sri Lanka or its serene sister center in the English countryside, each day is thoughtfully designed to restore balance of body and mind through Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and mindful living.

Sunrise Simplicity

Sri Lanka: Mornings begin around 6:30 with an energizing yoga session to awaken the body and mind, followed by a nourishing Ayurvedic breakfast served until about 9:00. New arrivals often receive a short orientation to help them settle in.

UK (Herefordshire): The day typically starts with optional chanting at 7:00, then an 8:00–9:00 yoga class and a short guided meditation before a wholesome Ayurvedic breakfast at 9:30.

Ayurvedic Care and Reflection Time

After breakfast, both retreats offer spacious, unhurried late mornings for Ayurvedic doctor consultations, personalized treatments, or quiet personal time to enjoy the beautiful natural gardens and woodlands. 

In Sri Lanka, treatments such as herbal oil massages, steam baths, and shirodhara (warm oil poured over the forehead) are common or a dip in the outdoor pool – all set against the lush plantation backdrop.

In the UK, guests enjoy similar Ayurvedic therapies alongside opportunities for countryside walks or time by the fireplace with a book.

Nourishing Meals

Meals at both retreats are Ayurvedic, plant-based, and made with fresh ingredients- mostly from the kitchen garden. Meals are served at set times, while herbal teas and water are available throughout the day. The food is fresh, seasonal, and designed to support detoxification and rejuvenation.

Afternoons with Purpose

After lunch, both centres feature afternoon activities such as mindfulness talks, philosophy discussions, Ayurveda and nutrition workshops, cooking demonstrations or local walks. Evening yoga usually begins around 17:00, leading into guided meditation.

Evening Yoga and meditation is followed by a nourishing Ayurvedic dinner. The day ends with an evening activity consisting of a calming meditation, yoga nidra or a wisdom talk.

Unique Experiences by Location

Sri Lanka (Kalutara/Nehinna): Set on a 30-acre former plantation of rubber, coconut, cinnamon, and black pepper, now reforested into a wonderful woodland, the retreat offers nature walks through paddy fields, seasonal fruit and vegetable picking, and the chance to observe traditional harvesting methods.

UK (Herefordshire): Nestled at Ruxton Farm in the Wye Valley, this retreat blends Ayurvedic care with the charm of the British countryside. Guests enjoy guided hikes, sound healing evenings, and small-group discussions in a cozy farmhouse atmosphere.

Community and Education

Both retreats focus on experiential learning. You’ll find practical tools such as Ayurvedic cooking classes, talks on Buddhist philosophy, and group meditation sessions. These tools are designed to help you bring the retreat’s benefits back into your everyday life.

Sample Day – Sri Lanka

  • 06:30 Morning yoga
  • 08:00–09:00 Ayurvedic breakfast
  • 09:30 Doctor consultation/treatments/reflection time
  • 13:00 Ayurvedic lunch
  • 14:30 Afternoon tea
  • 15:00 Philosophy talk/mindfulness practice/excursion
  • 17:00 Evening yoga
  • 18:00 Meditation
  • 19:00 Ayurvedic dinner
  • 20:00 Evening meditation / wisdom talk 

Sample Day – UK

  • 07:00 Chanting (optional)
  • 08:00 Yoga
  • 09:00 Meditation
  • 09:30 Ayurvedic breakfast
  • 10:30 Reflection time/treatments/consultations
  • 13:00 Ayurvedic lunch
  • 15:30 Workshop/talk / cooking class/countryside walk
  • 17:00 Evening yoga
  • 18:00 Meditation
  • 19:00 Ayurvedic dinner
  • 20:00 Evening meditation / wisdom talk
     

The Overall Feel

Plantation Villa offers a calm, nourishing pace, balancing structure with freedom. Both locations emphasize personal attention, deep rest, and learning practices you can carry home. Whether you prefer the tropical warmth of Sri Lanka or the gentle beauty of the English countryside, you’ll find an environment designed to restore body, mind, and spirit.

 

In addition to being an award winning retreat centre, Plantation Villa offers healing from common illnesses ranging from minor conditions to acute and chronic conditions. Ayurvedic medicines and treatments are used along with a holistic lifestyle addressing healing the body and mind as whole. 


FAQ: Plantation Villa Daily Schedule & Retreat Experience

  1. What time does the day start at Plantation Villa?
    In Sri Lanka, mornings typically start around 6:30 with yoga. In the UK, the day begins at 7:00 with optional chanting, followed by yoga at 8:00.

  2. How many yoga sessions are there each day?
    Both locations usually offer two yoga classes per day—one in the morning and one in the evening—often paired with guided meditation.

  3. What kind of food is served?
    Meals are Ayurvedic and plant-forward.. Expect fresh, seasonal, and nourishing dishes that support detoxification, balance and rejuvenation.

  4. What is included in the Ayurvedic treatments?
    Treatments may include full-body massages with herbal oils, steam baths, shirodhara (warm oil poured over the forehead), and other therapies including panchakarma prescribed by an Ayurvedic doctor based on your individual needs.

  5. Are activities the same in Sri Lanka and the UK?
    The core schedule of yoga, meditation, and treatments is similar, but each location has unique activities. Sri Lanka offers nature walks through plantations and local excursions, while the UK retreat includes countryside hikes, sound healing, and cozy farmhouse gatherings.

  6. Can beginners join the retreat?
    Yes. Yoga and meditation classes are suitable for all levels, and Ayurvedic consultations are personalized for your health and comfort.

  7. What is the main difference between the Sri Lanka and UK locations?
    Sri Lanka offers a tropical setting with plantation and village life experiences, while the UK retreat provides a rural English countryside environment with seasonal walks and cozy indoor spaces.

  8. How much free time is there each day?
    You’ll have several hours of free time daily for treatments, rest, journaling, or personal reflection, allowing you to balance activity with relaxation.

  9. Are workshops and talks included?
    Yes. Both locations include educational sessions on Ayurveda, nutrition, and mindfulness practices, often with cooking demonstrations and group discussions.

  10. What should I pack for my stay?
    Bring comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation, light layers for relaxation, and walking shoes for nature activities. In Sri Lanka, lightweight tropical attire is best; in the UK, include warmer layers for cooler evenings.