Sri Lanka (2 of 2 Posts)
The climate in Sri Lanka is always around a balmy 26 C (80 F). The water is perfect, clean and inviting with small waves perfect for body surfing.
The minimum you can book is one week, but once you are there it is hard to leave. Classes begin at 7.30 a.m., which leaves the whole day for either snorkeling, swimming or sightseeing. Rocky Point resort has its very own beach that is only a few steps from the rooms.
I had booked a bungalow, but there are also much cheaper options. The bungalow already was very reasonable, costing me only US$200 including breakfast and dinner for seven nights. Kathy's fees were separate, but just as reasonable at US$70. Rocky point at this stage has no hot water in the rooms, but after a sweaty yoga session, it seems no problem, especially if you dash down to the ocean for a swim. Included in all of this are also as many coconuts as you can drink and in Sri Lanka the 'King Coconut' is everywhere. It is much sweeter than the young green coconuts I was having in India.
Rocky Point offers a very unrestricted life style. Breakfast can be had at any time and only dinner is a set meal, ranging from fresh fish, that seems to fly straight from the ocean onto your plate, to fresh seasonal produce cooked in typical Sri Lankan style. During the day you can order smoothies or meals at any time, as the staff are most accommodating.
In the main dining area, an outdoor platform overlooking palm trees and the ocean, you can connect to wi-fi or play a game of mancala, which is a popular Sri Lankan board game. Sharath, Rocky Points dedicated Tuk Tuk driver is the champion at this game and when not driving guests about is more than happy to teach newcomers.
If you want to treat yourself to some luxury the Armanwella Resort, which is five minutes walk along the beach has a great spa. But be prepared to pay Western prices. Kathy recommended Matthew Gale, a Westerner who lives near Tangalle. Her report of his skills were so glowing that I could not resist.
Matthew lives about half an hours Tuk Tuk ride from Rocky Point on a fabulously deserted beach. There Matthew built a small retreat of only three beach cabanas offering unparalleled privacy and exclusivity. The main feature, in my mind, was the massage platform. It has to be the most perfect and ideal massage environment in the world. Matthew's skills as a masseur are exceptional. With the sound of the waves washing over me and the breeze gently flowing over my skin, Matthew stretched and massaged my body into absolute tranquility. If I was a billionaire, I would jet myself to Sri Lanka simply for this unique experience.
Another worthwhile trip to make is Galle, which is about two hours drive from Rocky Point. One of my main reasons for recommending Galle is shopping. In particular a U.K. designer with her label 'mimimango' has made Galle her home. Jo Eden creates the most beautiful clothing using natural fabrics such as silk, beads and sequins. Suffice it to say that I bought enough for the next few seasons. Another place I ended up spending far too much money at was at the jewellery store inside the Historical Mansion in the Dutch Forte area. Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful sapphires, especially star sapphires. Here you will deal with trustworthy people and I managed to barter a 30% discount. And after your shopping spree it is essential to have afternoon tea at the magnificent Amangalle, where they serve tea and scones.
So after two weeks of spirit enhancing yoga, fresh healthy food and tranquility I leave Sri Lanka bejewelled and more fashionable than when I arrived. Both Reuben and I are not ready to go back to 'civilisation' yet and we could easily stay on much longer. But home is a 12-hour plane ride away and I am looking forward to getting back to my Shala in Sydney. My practice has become so much stronger in the past four weeks and it is always a little exciting to 'show off' my new found strengths.
Namaste
The Traveling Ashtangi
Posted by The Traveling Ashtangi at 22 February 2010, 2:34 PM 
Categories: Sri Lanka
Tags: Yoga Centers Sri Lanka Yoga Yoga Centres Ashtangalanka
Categories: Sri Lanka
Tags: Yoga Centers Sri Lanka Yoga Yoga Centres Ashtangalanka
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