Our top spot for yoga in Colombo – nothing beats gazing up at hand-painted wooden ceiling of the Mandala Studio as you move through your sun salutations!
– Saskia, visited in November 2019
Popular for yoga classes, holistic healing treatments and marvellous massages, Prana Lounge enjoys a fabulous location in a renovated hundred-year-old villa in leafy Cinnamon Gardens – also known as Colombo 7 – Colombo’s most exclusive neighbourhood.
The recent addition of five luxurious first-floor rooms has taken the Prana experience up a notch, inviting guests – whether eager yogis or simply mindful visitors keen to relax in well-appointed antique-filled bliss – to savour a truly special stay in the heart of the city.
Within easy reach of many of Colombo’s main sights, including Viharamahadevi Park, Gangarama Temple and plenty of hip cafés, galleries and boutiques, guests are perfectly poised to explore some of the best that Sri Lanka’s commercial capital has to offer.
Perfect for…
Boutique chic
Rooms
Clamber up the wooden staircase at Prana Lounge to snooze in style in the peaceful sanctuary of the centre’s five gorgeous renovated rooms. Built a century ago by local businessman Henry de Mel and named Elsemere after his wife, the house is bursting with character and retains many of its charming original features, including delicate latticework above the windows and doorways.
Spacious double rooms Dhyana and Mudra boast four-poster beds and small private balconies, ideal for whiling away an afternoon with a cup of herbal tea. Two twin rooms, Kriya and Yantra, and one triple, Mantra, make this a superb spot to stay with friends or family.
Bedrooms are tastefully furnished with striking antiques, soothing white-painted wooden floors and ceilings, while patterned throws, cushions and joyfully upholstered pieces add bright bursts of colour – such as the pink chaise longue in the Dhyana Double Room, where we spent a happy afternoon reading.
Spacious bathrooms are light and airy, with large showers and pretty tiled accents, which we loved. Nab Yantra, the cosy twin room under the eaves, for its indulgent free-standing tub to zen out after a restorative yoga class.
Drinking & dining
Recently opened Seed Café, on the ground floor of the house, offers cracking breakfasts, coffee and fresh juices. Sink into an elegant armchair and sip a glass of thambili water, or perch on the tiled terrace to soak up the tropical inside-outside vibe as you nibble your bagel and poached eggs. The café is open daily from 8am to 5.30pm.
There’s no shortage of nearby eateries to savour. Stroll to Black Cat, Milk & Honey or Café Kumbuk for brunch and smoothies, or grab a tasty dinner on buzzing Park Street Mews. Sunset drinks at Kava, overlooking Colombo Cricket Club, are not to be missed either – and there’s Tribe just downstairs, so you can dance the night away.
Facilities
Relax and reconnect with daily yoga classes – from ashtanga to hatha yin and vinyasa – in three sublime studios, where experienced local and international instructors offer sessions to suit all abilities. Healing treatments, from Reiki to physiotherapy, are also available on-site, in a comfortable private space just off the central courtyard.
Peruse the Prana shop for fabulous souvenirs from sustainable Sri Lankan and international brands. Linen clothing, incense, books, activewear and appealing accessories make wonderful presents. We’re big fans of our Booteek handloom yoga mat holders!
Activities
Beyond Prana Lounge itself lies Colombo’s leafiest neighbourhood. Nearby shops include PR, Urban Island and Paradise Road.
Art lovers can amble to the Saskia Fernando Gallery, the Lionel Wendt Art Centre (which also has a varied theatre programme) and the Saturday art exhibition on Green Path, alongside Viharamahadevi Park.
A Saturday visit to Good Market, an ethical pop-up at Colombo Racecourse, also comes highly recommended – from tasty snacks and plants to second-hand books, handmade jewellery and delicious natural preserves, this is a superb spot for finding souvenirs.
Things we love
• Guests are entitled to one free yoga class – zen out on the island of serendipity!
• Staying in a piece of history: the spaces here are beautiful, thoughtfully designed and calming.
• A strong sustainable & eco-conscious ethos, evident throughout the property and in the little onsite shop.
Things to note
• There is lots of building work happening in the area, so do be prepared for the possibility of hammering and drilling across the street.
• There’s no pool for cooling off, but between relaxing classes and soothing showers, you probably won’t need one!
When to visit
Colombo is a brilliant city to visit year-round, though the heat and humidity reach their peak in April and May. The monsoon season has shifted in recent years, but the worst weather generally comes between May–June and late September–October. Prepare yourself for the possibility of hiding inside galleries, cafés and restaurants when the rain pours!
Location & information
The journey from Bandaranaike International Airport to Prana Home takes around 1 hour by car.
We’ve found Uber to be both reliable and reasonable for trips between Colombo and the airport.
For more information about getting to and from the airport, check out our travel tips.
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60 Horton Place
Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
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