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Pilates in the Wild — Sri Lanka, 2027.
Daily pilates. Multiple destinations. From ancient cities to mountaintops. 7 nights 8 days, one unforgettable Sri Lanka pilates retreat. Departs 15 May & 3 Oct 2027.
7
nights
4
UNESCO Sites
multi city
trip
women
only
may/oct
departure dates
A women-only, multi-stop journey through Sri Lanka — five destinations, seven nights and a retreat that moves with you from ancient fortresses to misty mountains, tea country and the coast.
Is this your kind of escape?
You don't need another holiday where you come home needing a holiday.
You love movement, but you're not interested in punishing your body.
You want time to yourself without travelling completely alone.
You're someone who gets inspired by travel, who wants to see new places that stir something deep within you.
You want luxury, but not the kind that cuts you off from the world around you.
You're ready to put your phone down, breathe deeper and remember what it feels like to have nowhere you need to be.
If that sounds like you, you're in the right place.
a day in the wild
No two days look exactly the same — but here's a rough idea.
Early morning — Mat pilates, somewhere extraordinary.
Breakfast — Long and unhurried. Sri Lanka does mornings beautifully.
The day opens up — A UNESCO site, a wildlife safari, a spice garden, a highland train. Everything taken care of.
Lunch — Yours. Wander into a local café, eat somewhere unexpected.
Late afternoon — Swim, journal, nap, or a massage. Entirely yours.
Evening — Restore at your own pace or a yin practice with live sound on some evenings
Dinner — Together. Long tables, great food, the kind of conversation that happens when a small group of women has spent a full day doing extraordinary things.
Then you do it all again — somewhere completely different.
What a class actually feels like
Pilates for every body. Yes, yours too.
If the word Pilates makes you picture a sweaty studio, a shouty instructor and everyone holding a plank longer than you, this isn't that.
My classes are slow enough to feel and strong enough to matter. We always start with breath and give your body a moment to arrive. Then we build gently: core, hips, back, the deep stabilising work that makes you feel taller and stronger when you walk. Some mornings we turn the heat up and you'll definitely feel it. Other mornings are softer and more of a flow. I read the room and we move with what the group needs that day.
What you can expect:
An easier and a stronger option for every movement, so you choose what feels right
Clear, simple cueing. You'll never be left wondering what you're meant to be doing
Hands-on support if you'd like it, and none if you don't
A proper rest at the end of every class, always
My background is in yoga and nervous system work as much as Pilates. For me, getting stronger and learning to soften go hand in hand. Plenty of women on my retreats had never done Pilates before, and some came in nervous about it. They're often the ones who tell me on the last day that they want to keep going when they get home.
Come as you are. That really is enough.
Meet your host
Courtney Lanfranco
Founder, Holistic Escapes · Pilates & Yoga Teacher
Courtney's relationship with Sri Lanka started in 2019 on the back of a Royal Enfield motorbike, riding through the country with nothing but a rough route and a full heart. She's returned every year since. Before Holistic Escapes, she spent years as a flight attendant — seeing the world, but quietly burning out. Pilates and yoga brought her back to herself, and it's the thread running through everything she designs now.
She leads every session on Pilates in the Wild herself. Every single one.
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With 10+ years of immersion in yoga, pilates and holistic healing — and qualifications in Pilates Mat, 200hr and 300hr Yoga Teacher Training, Yin & Restorative Yoga, Breathwork and Somatic Mind-Body Healing — Courtney brings both depth of knowledge and a rare warmth to every session. Guests consistently say her classes exceed every expectation, that she explains things in a way that instantly makes your shoulders drop away from your ears, and that from the moment you land to the moment you leave, you feel completely taken care of.
Inclusions
✓ "The Wild Warm Up" pre-retreat training program
✓ 8 days, 7 nights in 5 handpicked luxury hotels
✓ Daily breakfast & dinner
✓ Daily movement led by mat Pilates, balanced with yoga flow and yin yoga with live sound
✓ Scenic hill country train journey
✓ 1 x signature spa experience from the menu
✓ All tours & entrance fees (including 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites)
✓ Local English-speaking guide
✓ Return airport transfers & all transport throughout
Not included:
× Flights
× Sri Lanka visa (ETA)
× Travel insurance
× Lunches & drinks
× Optional activities (cooking class, Ayurvedic consultations, extra spa treatments)
× Personal expenses
Your home for the week
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![98 acres resort ella pool]()
98 Acres, Ella
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![Pool aliya yoga retreat sri lanka]()
Aliya Resort & Spa
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![Day club at our hotel 98 acres]()
Ravana Pool Club
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![Jetwing lagoon wellness resort negombo retreat yoga pilates]()
Jetwing Lagoon Wellness Resort & Spa
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![2 Nights at Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya]()
Aliya Resort & Spa, Sigiriya
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![Spend 2 Nights at 98 Acres Resort & Spa]()
98 Acres Resort & Spa
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![1 Night at The Merchant, Galle Fort]()
The Merchant, Galle Fort
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![Misty mountain mornings at 98 Acres, Ella]()
98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella
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![Kandy Myst views]()
Kandy Myst Hotel
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Jetwing Lagoon Wellness
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Jetwing Lagoon Wellness
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98 Acres, Ella
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Jetwing Lagoon Wellness
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The Merchant, Galle Fort
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98 Acres, Ella
Booked independently, a trip like this runs $4,900+ USD. Pilates in the Wild starts from $2,899 — nearly $2,000 in savings, with everything planned and taken care of.
Dates & Pricing
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May 15–22 (early bird has closed, full price applies) 3 Rooms Left
October 3–10 (early bird open until December 1, 2026)Spaces are capped at 12 guests. Secure your place with a $500 USD deposit — balance due 90 days before departure. Flexible payment plans available.
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October 2027: $2,899 USD per person early bird until December 1, 2026 (then $3,199). May 2027: $3,199 USD per person.
Bring a friend or share a beautifully appointed room. We'll match you with a compatible roommate — it's how most solo travellers join us, and it's produced some of the strongest friendships this retreat has seen.
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October 2027: $3,799 USD early bird until December 1, 2026 (then $4,099). May 2027: $4,099 USD.
Your own private sanctuary at every stop. Limited availability — these go first.
Want to share but haven't found a match? Get in touch before booking and we'll pair you up.
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We get it. A retreat is a big yes, and it doesn't have to land all at once.
Secure your spot with a US$500 deposit. That's all it takes to lock in your place. Then choose what works for you:
Pay in full by 90 days before the retreat starts and you're all set.
Monthly payment plan. Split your balance into easy monthly payments between now and 90 days before. Pick this option in the booking form below and you’ll see your exact monthly amount. For example, an October twin share works out to around US$270 a month if you book now.
Custom plan. Got a payday rhythm or a budget that needs something different? Just ask. We're a small, personal business and we're always happy to work something out with you.
Booking early gives you the longest runway to spread payments out, so the sooner you secure your spot, the lighter each payment feels.
Have a question about payments? Message us here and Courtney will get back to you personally.
Not ready to pay in full? No problem.
Secure your space with a US$500 deposit today, then choose a monthly payment plan right in the booking form. You’ll see your exact monthly amount before you send anything.
Pilates in the Wild · Sri Lanka 2027
Secure your place
Tick your options below and your price updates as you go. It takes about a minute, and nothing is charged today.
*We do our best to match every request. If we can't find you a roommate, the single supplement of applies, and we'll always let you know before anything changes.
Your booking
Everything's taken care of
- 7 nights across 5 handpicked luxury hotels
- Jetwing Lagoon, Aliya Resort, 98 Acres & The Merchant, Galle Fort
- Daily Pilates, yoga flow & yin with live sound, all led by Courtney
- Daily breakfast & dinner
- Signature spa experience
- Scenic hill country train journey
- All tours & entry fees, incl. 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Airport transfers, all transport & a local guide
- "The Wild Warm Up" pre-retreat program
Your booking request is ready to send by Gmail, Outlook or your own email app (or just copy it). Courtney will personally confirm your spot and send your deposit details.
before you book…faq’s
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Yes, and most guests do. We're a small group of 12 women at most, so by the first dinner you'll already know everyone's name. If you'd like to share a room, I match roommates personally, based on things like sleep habits and whether you're a sunrise person or a night owl. Plenty of guests arrive as strangers and leave already planning their next trip together.
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There's nothing to keep up with. Everything is mat based, so no reformers or machines, and I teach every class with beginners in mind. I'll show you the setup, explain the why behind each move, and give you an easier and a stronger option all the way through. You'll also get my five pre-retreat classes as soon as you book, so by the time you land you'll already know my cues.
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Not at all. Mornings are a blend of mat Pilates with some yoga and mobility too. Some evenings we slow right down with yin and live sound. The rest of the day is for exploring, eating, swimming and resting. The movement is there to make you feel good in your body while you take in Sri Lanka, not to run the whole trip. If you’re curious about the classes - download the guide.
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You don't need to be fit to come. You only need to want to move. If you have an injury, a niggle or anything you're unsure about, let me know when you book and I'll adjust things for you. Resting, skipping a pose or sitting out a class is always completely fine. Nobody is watching or counting.
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No. Every session is there for you, never something you have to do. Some guests come to every one. Others skip the odd morning to sleep in or sit with their coffee looking at the view. Both are a good retreat.
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Definitely not. There are no early alarms with a whistle, no strict diet and no pressure. You'll eat beautifully, have a glass of wine if you want one, and get real downtime every afternoon. Most guests go home feeling stronger and calmer, not exhausted.
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Gently active. Some days include walking, stairs at the ancient sites (Sigiriya is a climb, but you take it at your own pace) and the scenic train. We travel a lot of ground during this retreat and you will have plenty of time to rest on the comfortable transfers also. If any day feels like too much, just tell me and we'll make it work for you.
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Life happens, I get it. Deposits aren't refundable, but if you can't make it I can usually transfer your deposit to another Holistic Escapes retreat within 12 months, subject to cancellation periods. I always recommend travel insurance as soon as you book so you're covered for the bigger things.
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Yes. A $500 USD deposit secures your spot. You can then spread the balance across monthly payments before departure, with everything paid 90 days before you travel. Just let me know after booking and I'll set it up.
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Yes, please bring your own travel mat. A lightweight, foldable one is perfect for packing and works for all our classes.
If you have favourite Pilates props, pop them in your bag too! Things like ankle weights can add a little extra to your practice. They're totally optional, so just bring whatever you love to move with.
Your Signature Experience:
Included in every package — choose one at the time of booking.
ABHYANGA & SHIRODHARA TREATMENT
Traditional Ayurvedic oil massage at AyurVie Spa, Aliya Resort
AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION & 30-MIN HERBAL OIL MASSAGE
Private session with the resident Ayurvedic doctor at Aliya Resort & 30 Minute herbal oil massage.
60-MINUTE SPA MASSAGE
Signature treatment at Aliya Resort & Spa or 98 Acres Resort & Spa
PRIVATE PILATES SESSION
60 minutes one-on-one with your host
The Wild begins the moment you say yes.
When your deposit lands, something else lands in your inbox: access to the Pre-Retreat Training Program — five pilates sessions, filmed exclusively for guests of this retreat, delivered one day at a time in the weeks before you travel.
I filmed them from the Maldives. Each class is 15–18 minutes — short enough to fit a real day, purposeful enough to genuinely prepare your body for what's ahead.
By the time you land in Colombo, you'll have already practiced with me. You'll know my cues, my pacing, what I mean when I say feel the ground before you move from it. You won't be warming up in Sri Lanka. You'll already be there.
WHAT'S WAITING IN YOUR INBOX
Class list:
Day 1 — Core Foundations · 15 min
Day 2 — Hips & the Lower Body · 16 min
Day 3 — Strength & Flow · 17 min
Day 4 — The session I'll ask you not to skip · 17 min
Day 5 — Arrive Strong · 18 min
This is how The Wild begins. Long before the plane.
Extend your journey
Add the Maldives
A Maldives Pilates & Yoga Retreat
A custom Maldives extension — 4, 5 or 7 nights following your Sri Lanka departure
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The Maldives extension begins the morning Sri Lanka ends — the transition is seamless. From Colombo (CMB) you'll fly directly to Malé (MLE), approximately 1.5 hours.
From Malé you'll transfer by speedboat directly to the resort. We recommend booking as a group so we can travel together — full flight guidance will be sent once your extension is confirmed.
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Your Maldives extension includes your villa for your chosen stay (4, 5 or 7 nights), all-inclusive dining with selected drinks, daily Pilates and flow yoga, evening restorative yoga and sunset sound healing, daily guided reef snorkelling, and return speedboat transfers from Malé. Full inclusions are confirmed in your personal quote.
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Mornings begin with pilates overlooking the Indian Ocean — open air, ocean breeze, that view.
As the day winds down, restorative yoga, breathwork and sound healing bring everything back to stillness.
Movement to reconnect you. All levels welcome. -
The Maldives is one of the most extraordinary marine environments on earth.
Your journey includes:
House reef snorkelling trip
Paddle board yoga classAnd plenty of time for swimming with (friendly) sharks, manta rays in some of the clearest water you've ever seen.
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Morning — Sunrise pilates or movement session · Breakfast overlooking the ocean
Daytime — This is yours. Snorkel the nearby reefs, paddleboard the lagoon — or find a hammock and your favourite book. You set the pace.
Afternoon — Optional movement or breathwork session · Spa treatments available
Evening — Sunset yoga or sound healing · Dinner under the stars
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Kandooma Resort sits on its own private island in the South Malé Atoll — one of the Maldives' premier dive destinations. White sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons, overwater bungalows and a world-class house reef right off the beach. This is not a generic resort — it's a destination in itself.
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This extension is for you if you want to keep going after Sri Lanka.
If you need a few more days before re-entering real life. If you love the ocean, want to move your body in extraordinary places, and want to arrive home genuinely restored. Many guests tell us the Maldives days are the ones they think about most. Choose 4 nights for a taste, 5 for the sweet spot, or 7 for the full reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (CMB). This is Sri Lanka's main international airport with direct and connecting flights from most major Australian cities. We'll send full flight guidance in your welcome pack once your space is confirmed.
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Sri Lanka is a welcoming and safe destination for women travelling solo. We have been running yoga and Pilates retreats in Sri Lanka for years and have never had a safety concern. You will be with a small group and guided by Courtney throughout — you are never navigating alone.
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Most foreign passport holders can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Sri Lanka online before departure — it's a straightforward online process. We'll include full visa guidance in your welcome pack. Always check the latest requirements with the official Sri Lanka immigration website before travelling.
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Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for all Holistic Escapes retreats. Please arrange cover including medical, cancellation and travel delay before your final payment is due. We strongly recommend doing this as soon as your space is confirmed.
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Both dates fall in shoulder season — Sri Lanka's sweet spot. May is warm with occasional afternoon showers in the south (Galle), while the north and centre (Sigiriya, Ella) remain mostly dry and clear. October is one of the most beautiful times to visit — lush, green and warm throughout. Pack light layers for Ella evenings (it gets cool at altitude) and sunscreen everywhere else. Full packing guidance is in your welcome pack.
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Deposits are non-refundable, but if your plans change we can usually transfer your deposit to another Holistic Escapes retreat within 12 months, subject to cancellation periods. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect against any changes to your plans. Full terms and conditions are available on our booking terms page.