
Alchemy of Being
Jan 15-21, Sri Lanka
An illuminating 6-night immersion in the tropics of Sri Lanka.
〰️ Qigong
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Community & Connection
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Ayurveda & Yoga
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Somatics & Sound
〰️ Qigong 〰️ Community & Connection 〰️ Ayurveda & Yoga 〰️ Somatics & Sound
This new year, we invite you to find the spaciousness your soul craves to alchemise your experiences into wisdom.
In your private jungle sanctuary, you'll be embraced by nature's rhythms - where monkeys and geckos are your neighbors, and birdsong becomes your daily meditation.
Surrounded by Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry of culture and energy, you'll discover the deep integration that naturally occurs when you drop out of doing and into being. Through explorative practices of somatics, yoga and qigong, you’ll journey into the layers of self, uncovering portals to the harmony and wholeness that already dwell within you.
Join us in the sacred alchemy of being - where your inner wisdom becomes your greatest guide.










The Intention
This will be our second retreat in Sri Lanka, and Varsana’s fourth visit to this beautiful island. Over the years, this has become a place where we’ve grown meaningful roots and connections, and we couldn’t imagine a more aligned setting for this immersion.
Alchemy of Being offers you an intentional space to begin the year with a full tonic for body, mind, and heart.
Through yoga, somatics, qigong, and Ayurveda, we’ll move beneath the physical into your body’s subtle energetics, drawing on yogic, Buddhist, and Daoist wisdom to deepen your connection with nature’s rhythms.
With practices that honour your innate ability you already possess to transmute, transform, and integrate your experiences into embodied wisdom.
Thoughtful excursions with inspiring practitioners we know on the island will also allow you to fully soak up Sri Lanka’s rich culture and ancient traditions.
We hope the nourishment this experience provides lingers long after you return home, that its insights continue to guide you through the rest of your year, and that you begin to deepen your trust in your own inner wisdom — so you no longer need to seek it outside yourself, but instead, embody it.




Your Sanctuary in Sri Lanka
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Koggala Lake in southern Sri Lanka, Kurulu Bay becomes your home for this transformative week. A boutique jungle estate where time naturally slows and your soul finds space to breathe.
This secluded retreat setting is where minimalist aesthetic and lush greenery create an atmosphere of pure tranquility. Each of its 14 thoughtfully designed cottages and suites has its own character, spread throughout the grounds among flora and trees to offer privacy and connection with nature.
Spacious land and quiet corners offer quiet solitude, with two pools, a deck to watch the sunset over the lake and surrounding nature to explore.
Located just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away are golden beaches and Ahangama, where you’re free to explore in your downtime.
The Shala & Spa
Your practices will take place in the airy shala overlooking the lake and surrounded by fragrant frangipani treetops. Begin your day with views stretching out over the still waters of Koggala Lake, finish your evening sessions watching the deep red sun set over the waters and monkeys hop from treetops.
Just a short walk from the shala, you can enjoy the the hand-selected a range of treatments that blend Eastern and Western healing traditions and techniques. Therapists from around the world offer each session with intuitive care and attention to detail, creating space to rest, restore, and be held.
Our Indigenous Medicine for Women Workshop
By Sarana x Vedda Rituals
As part of the experience, we’ll join Dr. Mansha for an immersive exploration of Helawedakama — Sri Lanka’s ancient indigenous medicine system focused on women’s wellbeing.
Together, we’ll discover how traditional herbal wisdom can support your hormonal balance, menstrual health, and overall vitality. This workshop will guide you in preparing healing concoctions using time-honored ingredients and indigenous herbs known for their natural estrogenic properties.
You’ll also receive a complimentary follow-up 1:1 online consultation with Dr. Mansha to support you post retreat.
Travel & Tranfers
We know traveling to a new place—or even traveling solo—can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way and make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. When you book your spot, you’ll receive recommend flights, a detailed get-ready guide, and access to our group WhatsApp closer to the retreat date, so you can ask any questions and feel fully supported.
We’ll also organise one group transfer to and from the venue, but if that doesn’t work for you, no worries—we’re happy to help arrange a solo transfer instead. Everything you need to know about packing, preparations, visas and what to expect will be included in your get-ready guide.
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6 Nights Accommodation in our 5-star sanctuary
Daily Brunch, Afternoon Snack, and Dinner with fresh, plant-based, locally sourced meals
Full Access to the hotel’s pool and wellness amenities
Complimentary Tea, Coffee, and Water throughout your stay
Daily Guided Practices led by Emma Varsana and expert local facilitators
Sound Alchemy Session at Hoo Temple
Cacao Ceremony
Ayurvedic Workshop to explore ancient wellness traditions
Local cultural immersions with workshops and a temple visit
1:1 online consultation with Dr. Mansha
Welcome Goodie Bag filled with thoughtful treats
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Flights & Airport Transfers, Travel Insurance, Treatments.
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8:00 am: Morning Meditation
8:30 am: Morning Yoga/Movement
10:00 am: Breakfast
Time for the pool, relaxation, treatments
2:00 pm: Lunch
Time for the pool, relaxation, treatments
6:00 pm: Evening Practice
8:00 pm: Delicious Dinner
Schedule May Change Slightly
Meet the Team
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Hey, I’m Varsana. Honestly, I’m just so grateful you found your way here. I started Hartspaces because I believe in creating spaces that are about you reconnecting with your own wisdom, the rhythm of nature, and a community that truly sees you.
Our retreats are made with so much love and intention—to meet you exactly where you’re at in your journey. They’re a space to slow down and pour some love back into your life; to awaken to the body’s wisdom, the feeling of living from the heart, the warmth that comes from being in community, and the clarity that arrives through direct, embodied, lived experience.
I can’t wait to welcome you in, hold space for your unfolding, and witness the beautiful, unexpected things that arise when you give yourself space to peel back the layers and permission to just be.
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Emma is a qigong, mindfulness, and yoga teacher who believes that embodied practices are the antidote to the stresses of modern life. Passionate about sharing these tools, she guides others toward navigating the world with greater calm and ease. Growing up practicing qigong with her mother, Emma developed a deep connection to its meditative movements. Her classes blend Chinese philosophy, mindfulness, and somatic awareness, helping students connect with their inner wisdom of mind and body.
What You Loved Last Time
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What You Loved Last Time 〰️
Jordan, Sri Lanka 2025 ★★★★★
“Unbelievably grateful for the experience had and shared with our group in Sri Lanka. The retreat was beautifully curated from start to finish and offered a safe space to fully immerse, let go, and receive. The surroundings were unforgettable, and Varsana’s passion for creating a space for connection and relief is unmatched. It was truly an experience that will stay with me forever.”
Louise, Sri Lanka 2025 ★★★★★
“Wild Wonder was such a special experience. I feel very lucky to have been part of it with such a wonderful group of women. It was the perfect blend of different yoga practices, other modalities and local excursions. It felt more than just taking a yoga class each day but a chance to really reconnect with myself and others. A complete reset - thank you Varsana!!”
Rose, Sri Lanka 2025 ★★★★★
“I can’t even describe how truly special this experience was, Varsana has always inspired me as a teacher and as a person. The way she attracts such good energy within people to these retreats is a testimony of her own personality, she also curates the most amazing experiences and holds space so well it’s something that once you have felt it you understand. She’s grounded, kind funny and so much more and I’m so lucky to have experienced retreats with her, she has the best eye and feel for places to retreat. The connections I have made on retreats are for a lifetime which is so truly special. I appreciate her and what she does so much🩷”
Anonymous, Sri Lanka 2025 ★★★★★
“Attending Varsana’s yoga retreat at Lanka Yoga in Sri Lanka was a truly transformative experience. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth, wisdom, kindness and an energy that made me feel both grounded and uplifted. Varsana’s teaching is a perfect blend of deep grounded knowledge, gentle encouragement, and guidance—she created a space where all of us, regardless of level, could deepen their practice both physically and spiritually.
This retreat was not just about yoga—it was about self-discovery, growth, and community and delicious food. I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and deeply grateful for the experience. If you have the opportunity to go on retreat with Varsana, especially in a setting as beautiful as Lanka Yoga, take it—you won’t regret it!”
FAQ’S
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Our retreats take a holistic approach, so whether you’re new to yoga or meditation, if you are seeking to deepen your connection with yourself, nature, and community, you will be warmly welcomed here.
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Of course! Most people come solo, and it’s such a beautiful way to experience a retreat. Our spaces are welcoming and supportive, allowing you to enjoy both the connection of others and the freedom to take time for yourself.
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Yes, we offer payment plans for all of our retreats. Simply select the room you're interested in to view the available options. Please note that payment plans are available until three months before the retreat start date. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us at hello@hart-spaces.com.
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Our retreats are heart-centered experiences, each created with the intention of helping you deepen your connection to yourself, community, and nature. While all of our retreats share this intention, each one offers a unique experience, exploring different practices and tapping into the distinct energy of the different seasons and places we are in. If you're unsure which retreat aligns best with your needs, we’re here to support and guide you in choosing the experience that resonates most with your personal journey. Please email hello@hart-spaces.com