INTO THE WILD

A Yoga & Adventure Retreat with
Sheranne Wong & Simone Topel


SRI LANKA
26 April – 2 May, 2027

Seven days in Sri Lanka. Yoga at sunrise, wild elephants, breathwork on a jungle lake, and nothing for you to plan.

Set on the shores of Koggala Lake, this retreat invites you to step out of your everyday and into something wilder. Wilder landscapes, yes, but also the parts of yourself that go quiet when life gets busy. Your curiosity. Your sense of wonder. The part of you that's been craving more than another full calendar.

Days move between practice and adventure. Vinyasa as the sun rises over the water. Breathwork that takes you somewhere words don't reach. Workshops where you'll find yourself upside down, laughing at what your body can do. A safari through Udawalawe National Park. A boat trip across the lake at dawn. An afternoon learning the ancient science of Ayurveda with an Ayurvedic doctor. And between it all, long unhurried meals of Sri Lankan cooking at its best: fragrant curries, fresh seafood, hoppers and sambols, tropical fruit that tastes nothing like it does at home.

You'll leave with a steadier connection to yourself, a group of new friends, and the aliveness that only comes from letting a new place change you a little.

// Simone & Sheranne

People walking on a grassy path surrounded by tall palm trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
People riding a boat through a dense mangrove forest with twisted roots and green foliage.
Three women practicing yoga or meditation indoors, raising their hands in a pose, as seen through a decorative cut-out wall.
A small indoor altar with a flower arrangement, surrounded by black yoga mats and pillows. The altar has candles and greenery, with soft natural light shining onto the floor.
A group of people in traditional attire standing outdoors in front of a white shrine with a lamp overhead, under a large tree with green leaves.

This retreat is for you if

  • You're craving a real adventure. Somewhere new, somewhere that shakes up your sense of what's possible.

  • Sri Lanka has been on your list for years and you've been waiting for the right reason to finally go!

  • Your days are full and your calendar is fuller, and you know it's time to step out of your environment and hear yourself think again.

  • You want to deepen your yoga practice with varied classes, playful workshops and personal guidance in a small group.

  • You're curious about the inner work: breathwork, philosophy, Ayurveda, and honest conversations that go beyond small talk.

  • You want awe. Elephants in the wild, a lake full of birdlife, sunrise from a boat, jungle in every direction.

  • You'd love every detail handled for you: the venue, the transfers, the excursions, the food. All you have to do is arrive.

Yes, this is for me!
A woman in a white shirt practicing yoga or stretching on a mat in a bright, natural room with large windows and greenery outside. A water bottle and bricks are on the floor nearby.

What’s Included

  • 6 nights’ accommodation at Kurulu Bay, an award-winning boutique resort on Koggala Lake

  • 3 daily meals, made fresh with organic, locally sourced ingredients

  • Opening and closing circles to ground the group and honour the journey

  • Daily yoga across a variety of styles: Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin and Yoga Nidra, taught in two beautiful shalas overlooking the lake

  • Breathwork sessions to quiet the mind and access what's underneath

  • Arm balance workshop (animal themed, naturally!)

  • Inversions workshop to play with turning your world upside down

  • Yoga philosophy workshop to bring depth and meaning to your practice

  • Guided Ayurveda workshop with an Ayurvedic doctor

  • Safari through Udawalawe National Park, home to hundreds of wild elephants

  • Sunrise boat trip on Koggala Lake, visiting a temple, cinnamon island and fish spa

  • Group airport transfers to and from the retreat

    *Flights are not included

Reserve My Spot
Group of elephants walking along a riverbank with lush green trees and hills in the background.

The Journey

A group of people in a boat near lush green trees with white birds perched on the branches, and some flying in the sky.

    • 2:00pm - Arrival, check-in and settle

    • 4:00pm - Welcome tea and property tour

    • 5:00pm - Movement practice and opening circle

    • 7:00pm - Welcome dinner

    • 9:00pm - Yoga Nidra (optional)

    • 8:00am - Vinyasa Yoga practice

    • 9:30am - Breakfast

    • 11:00am - Yoga Philosophy workshop

    • 1:00pm - Lunch

    • 2:00pm - Free Time

    • 5:00pm - Yin Yoga practice

    • 7:30pm - Dinner

    • 5:00am - Sunrise boat trip on Koggala Lake (island temple, cinnamon island, fish spa)

    • 11:30am - Brunch

    • 1:00pm - Free Time

    • 2:00pm - Afternoon Snack

    • 3:00pm - Arm Balance Workshop

    • 5:00pm - Free Time

    • 6:00pm - Breathwork

    • 8:00pm - Dinner

    • 8:00am - Hatha Yoga practice

    • 9:30am - Breakfast

    • 10:30am - Ayurveda Workshop with an Ayurvedic doctor

    • 12:30pm - Lunch, then a free afternoon (surf, spa, turtle rescue centre, day trip in Ahangama or Galle, or nothing at all - we can provide recommendations!)

    • 7:30pm - Dinner

    • 8:00am - Vinyasa Yoga practice

    • 9:30am - Breakfast

    • 12:00pm - Udawalawe National Park Safari

    • 8:30pm - Dinner

    • 8:00am - Breathwork

    • 10:00am - Breakfast

    • 11:00am - Free Time

    • 12:00pm - Inversions Workshop

    • 2:00pm - Lunch

    • 3:00pm - Free Time

    • 5:30pm - Integration and closing ceremony

    • 7:30pm - BBQ Dinner

    • 8:00am - Morning Movement practice

    • 9:30am - Breakfast

    • 11:00am - Departure transfers to the airport

    Please note that the schedule is subject to slight changes and we will always aim to honour & respond to the needs of the group.

Balcony with a view of a river and trees, with cushions on the floor and wooden roof structure.
View of a modern house with open wooden louvered doors, surrounded by lush tropical plants and a large palm tree, with a green lawn and shaded area in the foreground.
Modern house with large glass windows, surrounded by tall palm trees and lush greenery.
View of a river or lake with dense green trees on the opposite bank, framed by a natural opening in the foreground.

Welcome to Paradise

Your home for the week

Kurulu Bay is a private sanctuary on the edge of Koggala Lake, just inland from the beaches of Sri Lanka's south coast. Kurulu means "bird" in Sinhalese, and the name fits: the estate sits beside a bird sanctuary, wrapped in jungle, with monkeys in the treetops and the lake glittering through the trees. With just 14 suites and cottages across the grounds, it feels more like a beautifully designed home than a hotel. There are two pools, a spa, and two stunning yoga shalas overlooking the lake, fully equipped with Manduka and Rumi mats, bolsters, blocks and Tibetan sound bowls.

Kurulu Bay has been recognised by The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveller, National Geographic, AD Middle East and the Michelin Guide.

A lush garden with trees, grass, and a view of a body of water in the background. A small balcony is visible on the right side of the image.
A spacious room with short white cushions and yoga mats arranged on the floor, set up for meditation or yoga practice, with large sliding glass doors leading outside to a scenic view.
A modern house with wooden slats on the exterior walls, large glass sliding doors, and a flat concrete roof situated in a lush tropical garden with green grass, bushes, and palm trees.
Modern house with large glass windows surrounded by tall trees and greenery in a lush garden setting.

Your Investment

Secure your space with a $300 deposit. Flexible payment plans available.

We keep numbers intentionally small so every experience feels personal, and this retreat will have no more than 15 guests.
Early bird pricing is available until 26th October 2026 or until all spots are filled — whichever comes first!

Modern interior living space with wooden sliding doors, green plants, and a sitting area with a beige sofa and wooden furniture.
A pathway leading to a house surrounded by lush greenery and tall palm trees, with a tiled roof and large windows.
Interior of a room with open yellow shutters, a white armchair, a wooden side table with a bowl, a wooden bookshelf, and greenery visible outside through the windows and doors.
Patio area with two wooden chairs with gray cushions and a small coffee table, overlooking lush green jungle foliage outside a house with wooden shutters.
Bedroom with a four-poster bed draped with white canopy, white bedding, wooden side table with lamp, wooden vanity with mirror, and white sofa in the background.
A bedroom with a white bed topped with a canopy, two bedside lamps, a wooden chair and table, and large glass doors opening to a lush green outdoor area.
A bedroom with a white bed and a canopy with sheer white curtains, a nightstand with a white lamp, and a wooden sliding door.
A cozy bedroom with white wood-paneled walls and ceiling, a bed with white bedding, a round mirror above a wooden vanity, and a sliding wooden door separating the sleeping area from an adjacent space.
Balcony with wooden railing, outdoor chair, small side table, and lush green trees in the background under a white ceiling
Bedroom with white bed, white couch, mirror, wooden wall, and air conditioner in a cozy room.
A tropical garden with lush greenery and tall palm trees, featuring a modern wooden house in the background.
A backyard with a small swimming pool, surrounded by lush tropical plants and tall trees. There is a reclining lounge chair with a towel on it next to the pool, against a beige wall of a house with a brown roof.
Modern living room with a white tufted sofa, wooden coffee table with books, glass vase, large window with a wooden frame, and view of trees outside.
View of a modern living space with wooden paneling, sliding doors, a sofa, small dining table with chairs, and a bed in the background.
Interior view of a bedroom seen through a wooden louver door with greenery outside.
Bathroom with circular mirror above a white sink, wooden bench beside it, and sliding wooden door in a modern, minimalist style.
A bedroom with a bed draped in a white mosquito net, wooden floors, and large windows showing lush green plants outside.

Share the experience with a friend (or a soon-to-be one). Two beds, en suite bathroom, air conditioning and an overhead fan, plus your own outdoor seating area with garden or lake views.

Twin Suite
$2,885 // USD 2,685 early bird

Your own quiet corner of the jungle. A private en suite room with air conditioning and an overhead fan, and an outdoor seating area looking onto the garden or lake.

Private Suite
$3,497 // USD 3,297 early bird

The full sanctuary. Everything the private room offers but in a two-room villa, which hosts its own private pool with sun loungers, a kitchenette and a lounge area. For when you want somewhere beautiful to retreat to within the retreat.

Private Sanctuary Room
$3,699 // USD 3,499 early bird

The price includes everything you need upon arrival. Rooms are limited and allocated on a first come basis. Flights and additional extras are not included.

Any questions at all? We would love to hear from you at wsheranne@gmail.com

Reserve My Space

Meet Your Hosts

A woman standing outdoors in front of a body of water, with her arms raised above her head and facing upwards, surrounded by green trees and foliage.

  • Sheranne is a yoga and breathwork teacher who has been teaching for nearly ten years, shaped as much by her own practice as by the teachers who guided her along the way: Ganga Devi, S.N. Goenka, Tania Barton, Christina Sell, Patrick Creelman and Nicky Hadjithoma.

    Her work is about helping people slow down, turn inward and return home to their bodies. Not necessarily to find something new, but to remember what was always already there.

    Whether in a class, a retreat or a one-on-one session, Sheranne creates spaces where people feel held and safe enough to go quiet, and honest enough to meet themselves there.

    @sheranne

    https://www.sheranne.com/

A woman practicing yoga indoors, sitting cross-legged on a mat, with closed eyes and a calm expression, near a window with natural light.

  • Simone is the founder of Held Retreats and the thread that holds it all together. An ICF-certified coach, yoga teacher and speaker, she has spent years helping people rebuild confidence, reconnect with themselves and step into life more fully. Her yoga training spans over 650 hours across Rocket, Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa, with specialist training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Yoga for Depression. She has taught everywhere from the beaches of Barcelona to corporate offices at Meta and PwC.

    As a coach, Simone works with people on the things that actually matter: self-worth, identity, relationships, career and the quiet feeling that something needs to change. She has designed and led wellness programmes for global organisations including BMW and Moët Hennessy, and her retreats have consistently turned strangers into lifelong friends.

    What makes Simone different is not just what she knows. It is the way she shows up. Warm, direct, real. She creates a space where people feel genuinely seen, often for the first time in a long time.

    @simonetopel

    simonetopel.com

  • "This is my third retreat with Sheranne and the main reason I join her retreats time and again is because of the trust I have in her; to organise quality, wholesome retreats. Sri Lanka was beautiful and I take back with me great memories from this trip and the warm hospitality of the resort. Till next time! ❤️ "

    — Kalpana

  • This was my first yoga retreat with Sheranne. Totally new to her but positive word of mouth. I decided to give it try. She didn't just lead classes, she met everyone exactly where they were. Whether you are seasoned practitioner or a beginner, her classes were specially tailored for us. Mindful, encouraging and deeply restorative.

    — Joanie

  • “A yoga retreat like no other is an understatement ✨ Thoughtfully planned, yet beautifully open to the unknown, this retreat reminded us to trust the Universe, slow down, turn inward, and simply be. Thank you, Sheranne, for creating such a soulful and unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka ❤️🙏"

    — Bratski

  • "The whole experience of this retreat was amazing. From the very thought through yoga classes and workshops, to all the small details that really put the whole experience together. Loving myself for investing in this retreat."

    — Jennifer

  • "It was my first retreat with total strangers, so I didn't know what to expect. It turned out those strangers are the most accepting, caring people ever. I feel very emotional thinking about those days. It changed my life.”

    — Jo

Nourishment

Food is one of the things people remember most about our retreats, and Sri Lanka might just set a new bar.

The Kitchen at Kurulu Bay is a sea-to-table restaurant overlooking the lake, built around fresh seafood and organic, locally grown produce, all prepared in an open kitchen. Expect hoppers and tropical fruit in the mornings, and fragrant curries and grilled fish as the sun goes down. Simple, fresh and properly delicious.

Our retreat menu is pescatarian, with plenty of plant-based options throughout.

Mealtimes are where so much of the connection happens. Everyone sits down together, stories from the day get shared, and plates get passed around.

Let us know about any allergies or dietary needs when you book (you’ll see this on the booking form), and we'll have everything taken care of before you arrive.

Reserve My Spot
A bowl of cereal topped with sliced mango, strawberries, bananas, and edible flowers on a wooden table with a knife and fork nearby, sunlight casting shadows inside a cozy dining area.

Your Adventure is Waiting

You'll leave this retreat with more than photos of elephants (although you'll have plenty of those). You'll leave steadier, clearer and more awake to your own life. Stronger in your practice, closer to yourself, and carrying a week of moments you'll be telling people about for years.

If something in you has been asking for an adventure, this is your invitation. Come to Sri Lanka. Turn inward, look outward, and remember how big the world is.

Follow the link below to secure your spot with just a $300 deposit.

*EARLY BIRD pricing ends 30th September 2026*

As this is an intimate retreat, spaces are very limited and early booking is highly recommended. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at wsheranne@gmail.com - we’d love to hear from you!

Take me to Sri Lanka!
Silhouette of a person standing on a boat or shoreline watching a sunset over the ocean with clouds in the sky.
Aerial view of a backyard with lush green tropical plants and trees, a swimming pool, a lounge chair, and a small round table.

Book a call

Interested in attending, but want to chat through your questions with us first? Book a call to learn more about Into the Wild. 

Book a Call

FAQs

  • Not at all. All levels are welcome, and everything is designed to be accessible and empowering - whether you're brand new or more experienced. You’ll be supported every step of the way, and encouraged to move at a pace that feels right for you.

  • Yes and yes! Many of our guests come solo - and it's a beautiful way to meet like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space.

    Alternatively, if you’re coming with a friend, you can let us know through your booking form and provided availability, we will pair you together in the same room!Can I join solo? Can I share a room with someone?

    Yes and yes! Many of our guests come solo - and it's a beautiful way to meet like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space.

    Alternatively, if you’re coming with a friend, you can let us know through your booking form and provided availability, we will pair you together in the same room!

  • Absolutely! When you book your spot, you’ll be asked to share any dietary requirements or allergies. We’re happy to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets, and we’ll do our best to make sure everyone is well-fed and feels great throughout the retreat.

  • We recommend flying into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, around 2.5 hours from the retreat by car.

    Coming from Singapore? Sri Lanka is only a four-hour flight away, which makes this the perfect long escape without the long haul.

    • Group Transfers: We'll provide one group transfer from the airport to the retreat, and back again at the end of your stay. We'll take care of the logistics so you can arrive ready to unwind.

    • Extending your stay: Sri Lanka is made for exploring. Many guests choose to add a few days before or after the retreat for surfing, Galle, the hill country or the beaches of the south coast. We're happy to help you plan.

    Need help figuring out flights or connections? Just reach out. We've got you.

  • Check-in opens at 2:00pm on arrival day. If you're joining the group airport transfer, it will get you to the retreat by then. If you're making your own way there, aim to arrive around 2:00pm so you have time to settle in before our welcome tea and property tour at 4:00pm.

    On departure day, we'll share our final morning practice and breakfast together before the group transfer to the airport. We know flights out of Colombo leave at all sorts of times, so if yours doesn't line up neatly, let us know and we'll help you figure out the smoothest plan, whether that's a later checkout, a place to hang out in town while you wait, or a separate transfer.

  • Here’s what’s not included:
    ✈️ Flights to and from wherever you may be flying from
    💆 Additional spa treatments or excursions not included in the itinerary, such as massages (available to book on-site)
    🧳 Travel insurance (highly recommended for peace of mind)

  • When you book, you'll have the option to pay in full or spread the cost over a payment plan. It's all automated through our booking platform, so once you're set up, the payments take care of themselves. The full balance is due by 28 February 2027.

    If you have specific questions, just reach out to us at wsheranne@gmail.com and we'll support you to the best of our ability!

  • Most guests will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is quick to apply for online and currently free for travellers from the UK, US, EU, Switzerland, Singapore and many other countries. Apply through the official government portal before you fly, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

    Visa rules can change, so please check the official Sri Lanka ETA website closer to your departure to confirm the requirements for your nationality.

  • We keep this one simple so there are no surprises. All payments are non-refundable. If your plans change and you let us know at least 60 days before the retreat starts, you can transfer your booking to another retreat instead, so your spot (and your investment) isn't lost. Cancellations within 60 days of the start date, or leaving partway through the retreat, aren't eligible for a refund or transfer.

    We know life happens, which is exactly why we recommend booking travel insurance that covers trip cancellation. It's inexpensive and gives you a safety net we're not able to offer ourselves.

here to help!

Questions for us? We’d love to support you!

Fill out the adjacent form or contact us on:

Instagram @sheranne or by email at wsheranne@gmail.com