"There are moments in life that quietly invite us to return to ourselves."
A quieter way of meeting life.
Beyond the pace of modern living lies another possibility: to meet each moment with greater presence, clarity, and ease.
More than 2,500 years ago, the Buddha described a direct path for cultivating awareness. He called it Satipaṭṭhāna. More than a meditation technique, it is a practical way of meeting the body, feelings, the mind and everyday experience with clarity.
Held within the peaceful surroundings of Rekawa Nature Reserve, this Buddhist meditation retreat offers an opportunity to experience that ancient path through formal practice, nature and the quiet rhythm of mindful living.
What is Satipaṭṭhāna meditation?
Often translated as the “foundations of mindfulness,” Satipaṭṭhāna is central to Vipassanā, or insight meditation. The practice develops awareness through four foundations: the body, feelings, states of mind and mental phenomena.
At Rekawa, Venerable Nimala teaches the practice within Sri Lanka’s Theravāda Buddhist tradition. Guided Satipaṭṭhāna and Mettā meditation, Buddhist chanting and selected periods of noble silence form the heart of the retreat. Ayurveda, mindful movement, breathwork and sound practices are offered as complementary support for rest and integration.
Rooted in a living tradition.
Venerable Nimala is a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and meditation teacher rooted in the Theravāda tradition. He ordained under Most Venerable Dodampahala Chandasiri Mahānāyaka Thera and trained for five years at Gothama Thapovanaya Monastery, studying the Pāli Tipiṭaka, Abhidhamma, Satipaṭṭhāna meditation and monastic discipline.
He has taught meditation in retreat and wellness settings since 2017 and now serves as Chief Incumbent of the ancient Bisōgala Monastery. At Rekawa, his Buddhist teaching remains the core of the retreat, while mindful movement, breathwork, Ayurveda and sound practices provide complementary support.
- Five years of formal Theravāda monastic training
- Study of the Pāli Tipiṭaka, Abhidhamma and Satipaṭṭhāna meditation
- Meditation teacher and spiritual guide since 2017
- Chief Incumbent of the ancient Bisōgala Monastery
Set within the protected Rekawa Nature Reserve - where the retreat's rhythm flows the wild, southern coast.
What the retreat holds
What this Buddhist meditation retreat includes.
Daily practice
- Guided Satipaṭṭhāna meditation
- Mindful movement and pranayama breathwork
- Mettā (loving-kindness) meditation
- Mantra and traditional Buddhist chanting
- Noble silence — chosen periods of inner quiet
Healing & restoration
- Initial consultation with Venerable Nimala + continued personal guidance
- Ayurvedic consultation and personalised herbal therapies
- Sound healing and deep relaxation journeys
- Sacred opening and closing ceremonies
Sri Lanka's living tradition
- Excursion to an ancient Buddhist monastery
- Cave meditation at a historic site
- Mindful nature walks within the Rekawa Reserve
- Traditional fire ceremony and Sri Lankan blessing rituals
Who this Buddhist meditation retreat is for
For those longing to step away from the constant demands of daily life and rediscover the quiet clarity that already exists within.
For those curious to experience Satipaṭṭhāna not simply as meditation, but as a practical way of meeting every moment of life with awareness.
For those seeking authentic Buddhist guidance, the intimacy of a small group, and a journey that offers far more than relaxation — a journey toward lasting inner transformation.
Eventually, every retreat comes to an end. Satipaṭṭhāna does not.
Its true value isn't measured by the days spent here, but by the way awareness quietly begins to accompany everyday life. As presence becomes part of ordinary moments — walking, eating, listening, working and relating — we discover a steadiness that doesn't depend on circumstance. Long after you leave Rekawa, the practice continues, not because you're holding onto an experience, but because awareness has gently become part of the way you live.
Practical information about the retreat
This is a fixed-date, six-day Buddhist meditation retreat in Rekawa Nature Reserve near Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Places are limited and accommodation is arranged separately.
What Buddhist tradition does the retreat follow?
The retreat is rooted in Sri Lanka’s Theravāda tradition and the four foundations of mindfulness described in the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta. Satipaṭṭhāna is central to Vipassanā, or insight meditation, and is taught by Venerable Nimala alongside Mettā meditation, chanting and periods of noble silence.
Is this retreat suitable for beginners?
The structured programme is best suited to guests who already have some sitting practice or who are ready for focused meditation. If you are completely new to retreat practice, use the enquiry form to discuss whether this programme is the right starting point.
Is this a monastery stay?
No. It is a small-group residential retreat at Rekawa Wellness Resort, guided by a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk. Buddhist meditation forms the heart of the programme; Ayurveda, mindful movement, breathwork and sound practices are complementary supports.
What is included, and how is accommodation priced?
The retreat programme includes the scheduled sessions, consultations, treatments, ceremonies and excursions. Accommodation is arranged separately and includes full board, three Ayurvedic meals daily and an ensuite room from USD 128 per night. Please enquire for the current programme fee, availability and complete booking terms.
Where is Rekawa Wellness Resort?
Rekawa Wellness Resort is on Rekawa Road near Tangalle, inside the protected Rekawa Nature Reserve on Sri Lanka’s southern coast and a short walk from the turtle-nesting beach.
Does the retreat include noble silence?
Yes. Selected periods of noble silence are woven into the retreat to support sustained awareness and deeper practice. The complete daily timetable and practical guidance are shared with confirmed participants before arrival.