It's no secret that Sri Lanka keeps appearing on travel platforms as a top destination for wellness and nature retreats.

Despite neighboring destinations having a saturated wellness scene, Sri Lanka remains a low-key destination with picturesque beaches, pristine mountain ranges, and sustainably built spaces to host world-class retreats without worrying about big crowds.\

This makes it the perfect place to run quiet and impactful retreats (more on this later). However, running a retreat in Sri Lanka can be overwhelming if you don’t plan for unexpected costs. If you’re thinking, 'but I can look on booking sites, check travel blogs for advice to learn more,' well, you’re not wrong.

However, sometimes we can get lost in what we call the 'paradise complex.' It's like watching the sunset through your favourite pair of Ray-Bans – you often miss the real picture. So, we invite you to take off those glasses just for a moment and read some tips that are going to help you save money, time, and plan a mindfully crafted retreat in Sri Lanka.

Tip 1 - Currency & Exchange rate fluctuations.

Sri Lanka may indeed appear to be the perfect destination to host a retreat now. However, as an island nation recovering from the economic aftermath of the pandemic, Sri Lanka faced a significant decline in its foreign currency reserves, reaching an all-time low.

Despite this setback, Sri Lanka has rebounded strongly and is now on a path of thriving, albeit with fluctuating exchange rates. To prepare for this, it's wise to establish contingency budgets.

For instance, if you receive quotes in USD or Euros for major expenses such as lodging, transportation, and activities, it's advisable to settle them as early as possible to secure a fixed rate.

Additionally, for all other expenses, we recommend maintaining a reserve of foreign USD or EUR. This allows you to monitor the daily exchange rates and decide whether to pay in local currency or foreign currency, depending on which option offers the more favorable rate at the time.

Another way to be on top of fluctuations is to work with local retreat hosts or organizers who understand the financial terrain of Sri Lanka.

Tip 2 - Travel & Transportation.

It may seem that travel is inexpensive in Sri Lanka compared to the West, but costs can accumulate—especially in tourist hubs where much of the community income relies on foreign travelers.

Taxi, tuk-tuks, and public transportation are unregulated, making it challenging to estimate costs. A helpful approach is to inquire with friends, travel organizers or other retreat hosts about standard prices or establish arrangements with a few regular drivers to transport you and your participants around during the retreat for a fixed rate. In certain cities, you can utilize third-party apps to compare prices with tourist rates.

Typically, taxi cars and vans charge around Rs. 115-140 per kilometer. This provides a straightforward method to determine whether you're receiving a fair price or not.

Tip 3 - Medicine & Hospitals.

Don't be deceived by the paradise; part of its charm lies in coexisting with nature.

It's not unusual to encounter street dogs, snakes, or scorpions. The island weather can be consistently sunny but extremely humid, which can sometimes complicate the healing process for minor cuts and wounds. With all these factors in mind, proper aftercare becomes paramount. We strongly recommend that you and your participants obtain vaccinations such as rabies and tetanus in advance. Additionally, it's advisable to research the costs of medical treatments, including vaccines and other necessary medications like antivenom and antibiotics, in Sri Lanka. If you wish to know more details about these hidden costs in Sri Lanka, you can set up a free call with our expert retreat team.

Tip 4 - Commission expenses.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry is deeply intertwined with commissions and incentives.

For example, when you book a guide, chauffeur, or driver to oversee retreat activities, it may seem straightforward. However, in many cases, guides operate on a commission basis, collaborating with eateries, excursion providers, and vendors.

They often prioritize promoting establishments that offer them commissions, sometimes at the expense of service quality or overall value.

To mitigate these costs, it's beneficial to invest time in researching standard rates for the activities you plan to include in the retreat. Alternatively, consider hiring guides and organizers who do not engage in the commission or mark-up system. This approach can lead to significant savings in the long run. Check out Mindfulretreats.lk to learn why as retreat organizers, we never charge mark-ups or commissions.

Tip 5 - Cost of ethics.

This is more of a purpose-driven perspective on costs. After all, if you’re planning to host a wellness retreat, being ethical is a prerequisite, don’t you think?

Traveling responsibly and ethically can not only be psychologically rewarding but can also help you save money in the long run. There are amazing locations in Sri Lanka dedicated to running wellness retreats amidst places that cater to all types of travelers.

Being mindful of where you host the retreat will ultimately reward you with less effort because you will be working with conscious people who understand how to cater to retreats. For instance, dedicated spaces often work with the community to showcase authentic practices, cook with locally sourced ingredients, and honor/preserve nature. This approach will save you time and effort in creating authenticity so you can focus on holding space for participants. It also creates stronger bond between you as a retreat host and communities in Sri Lanka. Check out our Socials @mindful.retreats to learn more about community-centric retreat practices.

Bonus Tip - Average cost breakdown of retreats in Sri Lanka for 2023-2024.

More and more retreaters are flocking to Sri Lanka to experience a unique brand of wellness. This surge in interest means there's a wealth of successful retreats to research, helping you determine the ideal pricing for your own retreat. Fortunately, we've crunched the numbers for you.

Most popular retreat destination: Southern province

The most desirable length of a retreat: 7 days
Average investment people make for a retreat: $2500 (based on shared accommodations for a 5 to 7-day retreat)
Average profit margins: 25-35%
The average cost for retreat spaces – 30% of the budget.
Famous destinations for retreats: Ahangama, Yala, Hikkaduwa, Ella, Arugam Bay, Kandy
Average retreat size: 10-15 people
Types of retreats: Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, breathwork, fitness, teacher training, empowerment coaching
Popular retreat time: November to March
Cost-effective period - June/July (especially for mountain venues).

We trust that these tips and insights provide you with a solid foundation for hosting your next retreat in Sri Lanka with confidence.

If you're in the process of planning your retreat and seeking to streamline the location selection while ensuring an ethical venue that's perfectly suited for your needs, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

We're here to assist you every step of the way, allowing you to relax, put on your sunglasses, and bask in the beauty of a paradise sunset, reassured that your retreat is in capable hands.