Book a stay with us in Sri Lanka and you’re guaranteed a holiday PB: from beach bootcamps to curry nights, a week in the life at our fitness retreat is absolutely stacked with potential. Whether you book a Regular Package or stay for a scheduled Retreat Week, there’s never a dull moment at Makahiya.
Daily workouts are just the start. We’ve got a world-class gym, boutique rooms and an infinity pool with views to dive for. We run ice baths to kickstart your recovery and host PT consultations to upgrade your routine, before fuelling you with nutritious grub from our on-site restaurant.
And because rest days are the best days, we know how to hook you up with the south coast’s best excursions. Think swimming with turtles, learning to surf and touring picturesque paddy fields on two wheels. Our socials are top-notch, too: movie screenings, curry nights and team taco outings top the bill.
Too much to wrap your head around? No two weeks at Makahiya are the same, but we’ve created the sample itinerary below to give you an idea of what we usually get up. Here’s what to expect from seven days in fitness paradise.
Sunday
Day one normally starts with a transfer from Sri Lanka’s main international airport – something we can easily arrange. Two hours south via the scenic expressway and you’ll arrive at your new home on the Makahiya hill. Rehydrate with a fresh juice from the café, then settle in to your boutique digs – complete with private balcony and swanky en-suite.
Once your tropical wardrobe’s unpacked, we recommend a refreshing dip in our infinity pool, followed by a complimentary sports massage to ease any aches you’ve acquired en route. Then you’re ready to set the bar with a weighted sunset workout, led by one of our expert trainers – your official welcome to the Makahiya Massive. Refuel with a meal from our comprehensive menu, before hitting the hay for a good night’s R&R.
Monday
Well-rested and ready for your first full day in fitness paradise, kick off with a few stretches on your terrace, before sipping a coffee down at the café. Then it’s up to our workout area for Functional Fitness – a coached session of performance movements, often watched by monkeys. It’s the ideal way to earn a nourishing smoothie bowl, waiting down at Makahiya Eats when you’re done.
Fired up and well fed, now’s the perfect time to sit down for your complimentary consultation with one of our trainers. They’ll work with you to set a foundation and tailor your approach. Then you’re free to explore all that Sri Lanka’s sunny south coast has to offer. A Monday run is a personal favourite, with the turtles at nearby Dalawella beach as your destination. And if there’s anything left in your legs after climbing up the hill, our daily 5pm class awaits.
Tuesday
You’ll be firing on all cylinders after two nights at Makahiya. Sweat out the last of your jet lag by starting the day with a steady-state workout. Torch calories with fellow members of the Makahiya Massive, before channelling your inner Wim Hof with a poolside ice bath. Endorphins coursing, you’re set for adventure – but not before a breakfast burger, on the house for guests.
Take up our offer of a surf lesson at Kabalana – just a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride away – where you’ll find some of the island’s best breaks. And if board-riding’s high on your agenda, we’ve got a class designed to improve your confidence in sea situations. Get back to Makahiya and back in the water for subaquatic apnoea training – an underwater workout built around breath holds. Then it’s time to dry off and hit the town for a team taco night in bustling Unawatuna.
Wednesday
You’ll know the drill by Wednesday: get up and at the day with an 8am strength workout led by one of our experienced coaches, before rewarding your body with something nutritious and delicious from the Makahiya café. Breakfast is made for making plans, so chat to us about available activities over morning coffee. We’ll arrange a day plan worth writing home about.
That might mean a sightseeing trip to the cobbled streets of historic Galle Fort, a quick 20-minute ride up the road. Or it might mean a cycle tour through the scenic paddy fields, with route options to suit your pedalling level. If a plantation tour is your cup of tea, we can brew that up too. Whatever your schedule, head down to Unawatuna at 5pm for our weekly beach workout, followed by a local rice and curry night at Makahiya – with a generous helping of Massive chat.
Thursday
Stretch your way into Thursday with a mobility class up in our rooftop studio. Stay flexible as Sri Lanka’s tropical landscape provides the stunning backdrop. If you’re still feeling stiff, talk to the team about arranging another ice bath or sports massage. Or if your morning warm-up leaves you limber, it might be the right time to make use of our top-spec training room – unlimited access is included in every stay.
Supercharge your daily routine with booster shots at the café, then make the day your own. Arrange a follow-up PT session, ask us about another excursion or simply kick back by the infinity pool. You’re on holiday after all – and there are few better spots to top up your Vitamin D.
Friday
Get fired up for Friday. With workout sessions sandwiching your day, the filling is whatever you make it. Surf, run, lift, swim: you know the options by now, so go ahead and fill your boots. Our team is always on hand to help make your holiday plans happen. And with moreish meals punctuating your day, you’ll never be heading out hungry.
Working weeks look different here, but Friday’s always a vibe at Makahiya. With our inclusive crew assembled by the pool, grab a post-class sundowner and see where the evening takes you. From cocktail bars to DJ nights, you’ll find no shortage of vibrant nightlife along the south coast.
Saturday
Departure day is never the best, but there’s always time for one more workout. Blast into Saturday with a mega group bootcamp, followed by a final ice bath before reluctantly packing your bags. And brunch is still on the menu, if you’ve time before you go.
Not leaving until later? Pump up with the 5pm Power Hour, then fuel up for your journey. Then push back your departure when you hear we’re hosting a movie night. Then extend your stay by another few days when you realise you’ve found your happy place. That’s a week in the life at Makahiya.