About Us
AshtangaLanka is an inspirational, unique, and transformative yoga retreat center. Yogis and yoginis from around the world come to expand and deepen their practices, rest, rejuvenate, and develop warm friendships.
We offer a daily Mysore program six days a week. Mysore-style classes provide individual instruction in a group setting. The teacher does not lead classes, rather, people do their own practice and are given individual guidance and adjustments.
For those new to Ashtanga Yoga, we start at the beginning and progress through the series. By the time you leave, you will have a practice you can do anywhere and anytime. We ask that new students commit to a minimum of 2 weeks to establish their practice.
Our goal is for all guests to feel comfortable and at home. We serve the freshest and healthiest food possible and work to create an atmosphere of wellness and abundance. AshtangaLanka is located on the shores of the Indian Ocean amidst a garden filled with tropical flowers, fruit trees, and coconut palms. A Sri Lankan family is an integral part of the staff and nurtures an authentic local experience.
Reasonable rates make it possible for extended stays. This creates a "home away from home," feeling at AshtangaLanka, and many guests return annually.
HISTORY:
The story of AshtangaLanka began in 1998. That year Fred Lewis was traveling through Sri Lanka and found himself on the southern coast near the town of Tangalle. One afternoon he came upon a non-functioning guest house called Rocky Point Beach Bungalows. As he sat on a bluff overlooking "Rocky Point" Fred suddenly had an inspiration that "this could be my place" and feels that Rocky Point "found him". The rest is history.
Fred has owned and operated other healing arts and workshop centers since 1975. He purchased the Rocky Point property in 1998 and ran it as a resort until 2004. Fred learned Ashtanga Yoga from Tim Miller in 1985 in Encinitas, California and has loved it ever since. AshtangaLanka was established at Rocky Point in 2005 and Tim Miller was the first instructor to offer a workshop.
From 2005 to 2008 Anthony Prem Carlisi was the resident Ashtanga instructor. Since the fall of 2008 Kathy Cooper has been the primary Ashtanga teacher. Michael Lear has launched and extended the past two Mysore seasons with his Alchemy of Ashtanga workshop series. Jacob Handwerker assists in the Mysore classes and offers weekly AcroYoga workshops.
TESTIMONIALS:
"Ashtanga Lanka was the best place I could have chosen to stay at before starting my new project in the Maldives and I'll be coming back for more whenever possible. The relaxed, casual and friendly atmosphere in combination with the vibrant yoga energy, the great food and the natural surroundings make it a fantastic home away from home. And boy, do I miss those fresh coconuts…"
Yaisa, Manager Dive & Water Sports Centre, Mudhdhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives
" It was the trip of my life, the best adventure ever... Ashtanga Lanka was the perfect mix of self discovery, cultural exploration and hard work on the mat. Your encouragement and compassion and motivation touched me in so many ways and it was an honor to be your student." Kristin, Lehighton, PA
"As a Yoga teacher running a busy studio I wanted a holiday that would allow me to dedicate some time to my own practice as well as give me quality time with my son. Being able to do Mysore practice in the mornings with excellent, intuitive teachers was wonderful and in an amazing location. Fantastic beaches and a safe,friendly environment. It was great to meet and spend time with Yogis from all over the world and my son couldn't get enough of Boogie Boarding. Ashtanga Lanka is a very special place and I'm looking forward to getting back there next year"
Nichi, UK
Ashtangalanka is my recharge resort of choice. The combination of outstanding yoga, natural beauty, great food, amazing students/staff/instructors, friendly locals and relaxed but high-consciousness vibes that permeate the atmosphere at Rocky Point make it a complete retreat for my body, heart, mind and spirit. I have visited here three times in three years...and have stayed longer and longer each time. An amazing experience in a magical place!
Jack Moore
Mt Shasta, CA
retired
