Usually the cost is 600rs per class for group classes. Private classes cost between 3000rs and 5000rs per session please ask the teacher for more details.
• What is the price and timetable for the Retreat?
The timetable and cost of the each Retreat is individually priced, please see Retreat for details.
Best to email info@sanasuma.co.uk or raymond.fiona@gmail.com.
• How do I book onto the Retreat?
You need to fill in the Booking Form and email it to us as soon as possible.
• How soon do I need to book to be sure of a place?
The best advice is to book as soon as you know you would like to attend the Retreat, there are only a limited number of places.
• What is the cancellation deposit amount?
Please see Terms and Conditions for our cancellation policy at condition 6.
• I don't have a Master or Visa card, how can I book?
You may pay by cheque or by transferring the money into the account of Ms Fiona Raymond, Commercial Bank, Account Number:8106016270, Bambalapitya Branch, Colombo 4, if you are paying from Sri Lanka, if you are paying from UK or any other country please email for bank account details.
• Can I pay for the course in full by credit card?
Yes. But there is a 5% charge for all credit card payments. This is to cover the costs of the bank, the extra office work required, and the time taken before the money is transferred. You can also pay by Pay Pal a secure way to pay over the internet. Or you could transfer money directly into our account, please contact us for details.
• Can I book for my friend?
Yes. But please be aware, that you will be liable for the 'cancellation deposit' if they cancel. Also you need your friend’s written consent, please see Terms and Conditions.
Yes.
• I have a lot of experience in Yoga. Is this retreat suitable for me?
Our international teachers are able to further the practice of experienced yogis, but remember this retreat is not just about Asanas, it is a chance to take the lessons from the mat and incorporate them into your life, by learning pranayamas, bhandas, mantras, mudras and meditations. We hope the combination of all of these techniques will deepen your practice and enhance your wellbeing.
• What benefits does yoga bring?
Benefits include;
physical fitness
better health
better posture
improved breathing
improved flexibility
being able to relax better
more energy
For the mind
peace of mind
more enthusiasm for life
being more creative and open to new things
thinking clearly
emotional level
more balance
less likely to get angry or have outbursts
more optimistic
other benefits include
seeing the bigger picture
more empathy for others
getting to know oneself better
evolving ones motives and patterns
preparing for the future while living fully in the present
• Who can learn yoga?
Some people make the mistake of thinking that only young flexible people can take up yoga.
This is not true.
Yoga can be taken up by anybody. You just need an open flexible mind. You will be guided by our teachers to go into poses to your own comfortable personal level.
• I am unfit. Can I come?
Yes. Your yoga instructors will teach you to respect and work with your body in a very personalised way to your own level of fitness and ability so that you get the most out of each class.
Our retreats are held in various locations. The present one is being held near Galle, energetically a very special area in Sri Lanka. Tisara Villas(www.tisaravillas.com) are set in beautiful, natural, tropical gardens around a glorious pool. Wake up to find monkeys flying through the trees, and bird song bringing in the dawn.
• I have never been to a yoga retreat. What can I expect?
The atmosphere at Sanasuma Retreat is friendly, secure and supportive . When you arrive you will step into a different world, at one with nature and yourself. However all the Villas have fully air conditioned bedrooms with fans and net, luxurious bathrooms, where you can shower looking up at the stars.
• What’s the timetable for each day?
The timetable will have slight variances each day but is generally as follows:
The day always starts at dawn with early morning yoga and meditation (in a beautiful location)
Delicious tropical fruits and tea
Pranayama Session
Healthy ayurvedic brunch
Free time to swim, take a massage, reiki healing, cycle through the small villages,take a nap, rest and relax.
Afternoon tea and sweet treat.
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
Dinner and early bed for an early start
• I want to come on my own, will I feel awkward?
No, this Retreat is perfect if you want to come on your own. It is also great if you come with friends or as a couple but the overwhelming majority of our guests will come alone.
• I'm not sure that I fancy sharing with a stranger. Can I have a single room?
All the Villas at Sanasuma are allocated on a twin share basis. We will match you up as best as we can with another guest. However if you want a room on your own you will need to pay a single room supplement of 4000rs per day.
People are surprised to discover that the Villas are spacious and airy and that sharing with someone is actually very pleasant. The unusual tropical noises can be a bit strange and it can be quite reassuring to be sharing with a companion.
• What type of people come on the Retreat?
Most people will come on their own. The types of people who come to Sanasuma retreat will vary.
They may come from the U.K. , Europe , the Scandinavian countries, America , Canada or further afield.
Some may wish to deepen their understanding of yoga while others may wish to rest, rejuvenate and have a transformational experience that they can incorporate into their lives when they return home.
• Do I have to go to all the classes and all the activities?
All classes and activities are optional.
However, courses have been well planned to give a good balance between yoga, meditation in beautiful outdoor energetic settings.
You will be encouraged to follow all classes .
However, you are asked to let us know if you are skipping classes. This is important to ensure general safety, organisation and planning.
• Can I take free time to myself?
Yes, there will be plenty of time to yourself. There are many beautiful places to be alone and enjoy the peace and tranquility, to read a book, sunbathe or take a nap.
• Can my partner come too?
Yes . Why not treat yourself and your partner to this transformational Retreat.
• Can I bring my child or baby with me?
We do not think a child of under14 would really benefit from this retreat; therefore children under this age cannot attend.
The most important thing is that your child does not interfere with the peace and quiet of anyone else on the course.
• I need to talk to my children, or my office on my mobile phone. What should I do?
Many people 'think' that they must be contactable every minute of their lives.
We encourage guests to separate themselves from their normal lives to give themselves room to grow and develop in a new way.
There are designated areas with telephone reception (occasionally) where calls can be made. We ask that you respect the privacy of other guests at all times.
• Will I be bored?
There always seems something to do if you want to, yet many people discover that the magic of a Retreat is about finding enjoyment in simply being. Your day can be filled with three daily Yoga classes, treatments, excursions or walks to special sites. There are always many interesting people to chat to. However, if you want to be alone - it's easy to find a peaceful spot in the gardens to relax.
• Do you have internet facilities?
Yes.
• Is there clothes washing facilities at the Retreat?
Yes. Please ask when you get to the Retreat however you will be charged extra for this service.
• Can I smoke?
Yes. If you need to smoke please do so away from the Villas and communal areas. Please be considerate and respect those guests who do not smoke. Please dispose of the cigarette butts in the bins provided and not simply throw your butts on the ground.
If you are interested in changing this habit please approach one of our teachers who will be happy to provide you with a meditation to break addictions.
• Is there alcohol at the Retreat?
No, we don't serve alcohol on the Retreat.
• I have a special diet, how do I know you can cater for my needs?
The food at the Retreat is simply delicious and very healthy. It is almost entirely vegan, naturally sugar and wheat free, with an abundance of fresh vegetables mainly organic, red rice and tropical fruit freshly picked from local small holders gardens. A good opportunity to detoxify your system without fuss. Special diets cannot be catered for but it is fairly easy to pick and choose depending on your taste from the many dishes served at each meal. We would encourage you to spend time detoxing from the foods you usually consume so we do not encourage you to bring these foods with you.
The accommodation is 2 people sharing a four poster, king size antique bed, dressed with soft 100% cotton sheets and pillows. Each bed has a mosquito net. The rooms are tastefully decorated with cool terracotta tiles and a few antiques as furniture.
Each Villa has 2 bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, dining area and own private veranda and garden.
You shower under the trees and stars. All showers have hot water from solar power and clean towels are provided for both the bathroom and pool.
We only have double Villas
• Are the beds comfortable?
The double beds are really comfortable please see pictures, you are surrounded by a mosquito net so you will feel really secure .
• Is the yoga room, the accommodation and eating area all at the same location?
The yoga will be conducted in difference venues, the accommodation and eating will be done at the Villas, eating with take place in the gardens, under the trees by the pool.
http://www.tisaravillas.com/
• What are the surrounding areas like?
The immediate environs of Tisara abound with sites of historical and cultural interest as well as breathtaking beauty. The colonial Dutch Fort of Galle is 20mins away and the beaches are just 5mins away.
Colombo airport in Sri Lanka . Direct flights with Sri Lankan Airlines or Air Asia.
• How do I get to the Retreat?
We will arrange transport from Colombo to the Villas the night before the Retreat. We will arrange to meet at a common pick up points where we will all travel down to Galle together.
• Is Sri Lanka a safe country to travel to?
We advise that you check the travel information and advice section at the Foreign and Commonwealth website before traveling www.fco.gov.uk .
The conflict between the Tamil Tigers (LTTE) and Sri Lankan Government forces ended in May 2009. However the South Coast was never targeted by either side as it would have affected the tourist industry.
Very little! Once you are at the Retreat everything is included. Around $50 would be plenty for donations at temples and extras. Bring more if you intend on buying souvenirs and wish to have extra therapeutic treatments etc. Sri Lankan Rupees are best bought at Colombo airport and they are open at all times of the day and night.
• What medical precautions do I need to take?
We recommend that you contact your GP or travel centre for advice on vaccines and medication before you travel to Srilanka. We also recommend that you take homeopathic alternatives to harsh malaria medication, please contact the homeopathic pharmacy Helios for more details.
• Any more questions?
Please either email us or contact Fiona Raymond on (+94)0778011984, in Colombo.