LIKE WATER is built around the idea that you, like water, are not meant to be fixed.

This week we will share practices, creative workshops, dining experiences, the ocean, a space. All of it is designed to return you to your inner nature.

The methodology gets explored naturally. Drawing from the tantric understanding of Apas, the water element, and the science and philosophy of impermanence.

The week moves you through it all.

Sri Lanka is intentional rather than incidental. You're on an island, surrounded by the exquisite Indian ocean, in a country shaped by monsoons and surf breaks. The location is part of the philosophy.

Why This Retreat?

Your Stay - Included in both packages:

6 nights in Boutique accommodation - bunk room or private room
Airport transfer from Colombo to Ahangama
6 x morning yoga practices
5 x evening yoga practices
Daily Breakfast - local, seasonal produce
4 x Dinners (2 nights we can head out as a group or explore by yourself!)
1 x Barista-made coffee or drink per day
Tea plantation tour
Sri Lankan mask storytelling and painting workshop
Welcome gifts
Introductory call to go over retreat details and requirements

PLUS:

Option 1:

Surf Package (SP)

5 x small group lessons with Rash and/or supporting instructors (maximum 3:1 students to instructor ratio)
Transport to surf spot
Board rental
2 x video analysis and deepening surf theory
All your videos from the week

Option 2:

Yoga Package (YP)

1 x Private yoga class with Rosie - personalised to your needs and level
6 x morning meditation & journaling practices
1 × 90 minute Massage
Jewellery making class

Who is this for?

This is for you if you:

Value personalised, high-quality guidance and depth for surf progression or your yoga practice
Are travelling solo, with friends or as a couple
Want individual focus and attention
Value immersive experiences over schedule autonomy
Want to maximise your time travelling/in Sri Lanka with depth and cultural experiences
You’re looking for an inclusive environment - our retreats are very welcoming to solo travellers, fostering a supportive, non-competitive environment both in the water and on the mat

This may not be right if you’re looking for:

High volume. high turnover surf camps
Party-focused stays
Budget accommodation

Typical day

6am: Light snack & off to Surf (SP)

6:30-8am: Group surf lesson (SP) OR 7:30-8am: Meditation, Pranayama & Journaling (YP)

9am: Breakfast & Coffee

11am: Morning Yoga practice

12:30-4pm: free time, jewellery making class (YP), mask painting workshop, Massage (YP), trip to tea plantation

4pm: Video analysis & theory class (SP)

5:30pm: Evening Yin Yoga practice

7pm: Dinner

Your Hosts

This home retreat is hosted by Rosie and Rash who live and work in Sri Lanka.

Rosie is a yoga teacher and retreat facilitator from England whose work is rooted in the Vedantic and Tantric lineages from the Himalayas, embodied practice, self-enquiry and nervous-system regulation. After years of teaching in London and fast-paced surf retreat environments, she felt called to curate something slower and more personal. A space where depth is prioritised and where guests and their needs are met as individuals.

Rash is a Sri Lankan surf instructor known on the South Coast for creating confident, independent free-surfers from beginners. His expert instruction supports guests in building confidence in the ocean through personalised, unhurried lessons that meet each person at their own level and fosters accelerated progression. Expect authentic local knowledge of the ocean.

Together, they host in a way that is welcoming, joyful and attentive rather than performative, offering guidance when needed, and space when it’s not.

This was my third yoga retreat with Rosie. They have all been different in what I got from them (but exactly what I needed every time). The Tulum retreat is my favourite so far though; she is thoughtful in her preparation, full of love in her execution. Absolute gold. I would wholeheartedly recommend. In fact I cannot wait for the next one. In the meantime, I’ll be using all the tools and reflections I took away from this experience

—Gaelle
I have been practicing yoga on and off for 30 years (yikes!) and have never experienced such a powerfully emotional and opening style. Rosie was exceptional, she balanced the physical part of the session is based on our energy levels, but also pushed us to find the edge of both our bodies and spirits.

— Retreat Guest, Sri Lanka
Rosie’s retreats are an incredible and unforgettable experience! I have travelled to Sri Lanka and Mexico with Rosie and I’ve met the most amazing people. Rosie puts so much care and time into ensuring the retreats have all that you may need from daily yoga classes, local activities, nourishing food and the time and space for you to reset and relax in the most beautiful location surrounded by nature and peace. Couldn’t recommend it enough!! ♥️

— Klaudia
This has to be definitely one of those life changing moments or a time when you actually begin to realize that we all need to re-set , take some time off and most importantly invest in self. I cant recommend Rosie enough as she takes care this whole experience ticks all the boxes accurately . This is definitely going to be a yearly ritual for myself and i look forward to more such retreats . A special shout to Rosie's dad who's food is for the soul. Hence Rosie's retreat bring together an environment that feeds both Mind and soul !!!

—Deepti
Some people are simply destined to do what they do, and Rosie is one of those people. She is truly the best yoga teacher I have ever come across. I’ve been practicing yoga for over six years and have never experienced a teacher with an energy like hers. She has such a calming, warm presence that instantly puts you at ease, and it stays with you long after the class has ended. Her classes are beautifully held, grounding and inspiring. Whether you attend a class or a retreat, you will leave feeling supported, centred and deeply nourished. I couldn’t recommend FCY more highly!

—Ella
I was searching for a private yoga class for my group of 18 coming to London for a weekend trip. Rosie’s class was the PERFECT way to start our weekend! The group could not stop talking about the class all weekend, how wonderful the location of the studio Rosie booked for us and just Rosie herself, we all LOVED her! We all agreed that Rosie was the best yoga teacher we have ever had! I can’t recommend Rosie enough! Just perfect!

—Helga
I have been on many Funky Cactus Retreats and i always come away feeling MAGIC, Rosie and her assistants make you feel completely looked after and nourished mentally and physically! Highly highly recommend. Will absolutely be booking onto the next

— Ronny

Rash is an amazing surf coach! He explained things clearly, gave me great feedback, and made the whole session fun and boosted my confidence. I caught more waves and learned a lot thanks to him. Highly recommend Rash to anyone wanting to improve their surfing or just have a great time out there!

—Valdita
I cannot recommend Rash enough for surf lessons in weligama! I went from never having been on a surf board to confidently catching waves in 3 lessons. He explains everything so clearly and simply that it feels so much more achievable. He’s also so knowledgable about the sea / surfing. I would recommend him to anyone and can’t wait for more lessons!!

— Leah
Rash is the best surf instructor! I went from not being able to confidently get in the water to being able to surf on my own within 10 lessons. He’s a patient teacher who will take the time to help you and get you to a confident state with surfing. Thank you Rash! Can’t wait for more surfing in December. 1

— Abby
Rash is hands down the best sports instructor we have ever had. He taught us proper technique and conveyed surf culture. Within 7 sessions, we progressed from learning how to pop up to catching shoulder-high waves on a reef break. Without ever pushing us or touching our boards. Being able to progress so quickly in such a difficult sport came as a surprise to us, fully shaping our vacation in Sri Lanka. We even ended up extending our stay near Weligama just to continue our coaching with Rash. Being in the lineup with him allowed us to catch wave after wave while receiving feedback on every mistake and pointers on what to focus on next. His explanations and corrections were always precise, easy to understand, and his dedication to teaching the sport properly is obvious. On top of all of that, he is the nicest, coolest, and most chill guy around. We cannot recommend Rash highly enough — a legend of a guy and teacher. We’ll definitely come back for more.

— Max
We had the best surf lessons with Rash! He never just pushed us into waves instead, he really took the time to teach us how to read the waves, position ourselves in the lineup, and understand how to catch waves on our own in the future. The video analysis sessions were super high quality and always right after the lesson, which made such a difference. We made so much progress during our time in Sri Lanka. Thank you Rash, I'll definitely come back to surf with you again! 🙌🫶🏼🌊

— Nana
I was searching for a private yoga class for my group of 18 coming to London for a weekend trip. Rosie’s class was the PERFECT way to start our weekend! The group could not stop talking about the class all weekend, how wonderful the location of the studio Rosie booked for us and just Rosie herself, we all LOVED her! We all agreed that Rosie was the best yoga teacher we have ever had! I can’t recommend Rosie enough! Just perfect!

—Helga
I have been on many Funky Cactus Retreats and i always come away feeling MAGIC, Rosie and her assistants make you feel completely looked after and nourished mentally and physically! Highly highly recommend. Will absolutely be booking onto the next

— Ronny

Optional add-ons for either package:

1:1 Private yoga class with Rosie (£85) - included in yoga package
1:1 Surf coaching with Rash (£85)
Group surf class (£45) - included in surf package
Jewellery making class (£40) - included in yoga package
60/90 minute Massage (£30) - included in yoga package
In-water surf photoshoot (price on request)
Surf drone shoot (price on request)
Yoga photoshoot (price on request)

Not included

Flights
Insurance
2 x dinners out
Return transfer from Weligama-Colombo

Pricing

*ONE REMAINING* £1100 EARLY BIRD [£1200 after 01.08] - Boutique Bunk Room sharing with one other
*SOLD OUT* £1400 EARLY BIRD [£1500 after 01.08] Private Double Room (One person)
*SOLD OUT* £2200 EARLY BIRD [£2400 after 01.08] - Private Double Room (Two people - couple/friends sharing)
NON-RESIDENTIAL £595 - Full retreat without accommodation & airport transfer. For those living in Sri Lanka or who find their own accommodation.

£350 non-refundable deposit required when booking

All rooms have air conditioning, fans and attached bathrooms with open showers.

Prices increasing for future retreats. This is the last time the Sri Lanka retreat will be offered at this rate.

Sri Lanka Retreat 6-12 February