🎵 For the full experience, we invite you to press play as you read.

🌅 Sunrise
🌙 Sunset

↓ Read Assata's Letter

What a time to be aligned.

I remember when Sri Lanka was first presented to me. Someone referred to it as the Awakened Island. After spending nine months immersing my soul in this sacred country, I came to innerstand exactly why my yearning for the rawest expression of life led me here.

From its warm-hearted people and a culture that has remained deeply connected to its ancestral traditions, to nourishing foods grown from the earth, vibrant spices, breathtaking blue oceans, herbal healing practices, Vipassana, ancient temples, and children roaming freely: Sri Lanka is a place that reminds you that somewhere in the world, life still moves with simplicity, presence, and soul.

If you're someone like me who is always seeking experiences that are ahead of the curve, free from performance, excess, and manufactured healing, this retreat is for you.

Raw Love Retreat is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and experience Sri Lanka through the eyes of those who call it home. Together, we will gather in sisterhood, honor the wisdom of the land, support local practitioners and artisans, and immerse ourselves in experiences that nourish the body, mind, and spirit.

Whether you choose to come with a friend, a family member, or embark on this journey solo, my intention is that you leave feeling deeply nourished, inspired, connected, and free.

I am soul excited to welcome you to the island of Mama Sri Lanka!

Deep love,

Assata Jones
Founder, Raw Love Retreat

🇱🇰 Cultural Immersion

The Sri Lanka most travelers never see.

🌊 Ocean & Adventure

Saltwater, sunshine, and surrender.

🧘🏾‍♀️ Movement & Restoration

Returning to the wisdom of your body.

🍍 Nourishment

Fresh from the earth, shared from the heart.

🌀 Connection

To yourself. To one another. To the land.

🏡 A Place to Call Home

Where every day begins and ends

Assata Jones

Founder | Retreat Host

After spending nine months immersed in Sri Lanka, Assata created Raw Love Retreat to share the island that forever changed her life. An old soul with a deep love for ancestral wisdom, family, music, and cultures that have preserved their traditions, she's just as likely to be dancing barefoot with a room full of women as she is quietly watching the sunrise in solitude. Deeply connected to her inner child, Assata's greatest joy is creating spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, uplifted, and free enough to embrace the rawest expression of themselves.

@assatajones

Celeste Ivy

The Sri Lanka I fell in love with, shared with you.

Day 0 • Arrival & Initiation

Welcome home.

After a long journey across the world, we'll settle into the slower rhythm of Sri Lanka before gathering for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, ritual, music, and tradition. This is more than an opening ceremony. It's your first introduction to the soul of the island and the beginning of the Raw Love Collective.

Day 1 • Grounding & Restoration

Today is about giving your nervous system permission to exhale. There is nowhere to rush and nothing to accomplish. Ease through the day with nourishing meals, optional Ayurvedic massage treatments, gentle movement, quiet moments by the ocean, meaningful conversation, and a deeply restorative sunset sound healing journey. This is your invitation to unravel from travel, release the pace of everyday life, and simply be.

Day 2 • Village Life & Sacred Traditions

Journey into the Sri Lankan countryside on a guided bicycle ride through lush rice paddies, waving to village children as peacocks wander freely and water buffalo graze in the fields before visiting one of the region's oldest Buddhist temples. We'll then gather at one of my favorite hidden gems for a beautiful lunch, time by the pool, and the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka through the eyes of those who call it home.

Day 3 • Nourishment From the Inside Out

Begin your day with movement before sharing a traditional Sri Lankan cooking experience. Later, explore tranquil waterways lined with lush mangroves, then return home for an evening of sound healing as crystal bowls, sitar, and voice invite you into deep rest.

Day 4 • Courage, Play & Surrender

Breathe deeply. Step into the sauna. Embrace the cold. Trust your body. Hidden within the jungle, we'll begin the day with breathwork, sauna, and cold plunge before gathering for a vibrant vegetarian rice and curry lunch overlooking the ocean. Then trade challenge for play as the afternoon unfolds along Sri Lanka's breathtaking coastline with surfing, swimming, fresh king coconuts, and barefoot moments in the sand.

Day 5 • Expression & Creativity

There is something powerful about finding your voice in a place that encourages you to be fully yourself. Through voice liberation, creative exploration, and a traditional batik workshop led by local artisans, you'll reconnect with authentic expression before spending the evening immersed in the rhythms of Sri Lanka. Through live drumming and shared participation, you'll discover the deep cultural connection between Africa and Sri Lanka, where rhythm becomes a language that brings us all together.

Day 6 • Connection & Celebration

A day to soften, celebrate, and simply be. After a nourishing womb healing and yoga experience, spend the afternoon by the ocean with time to swim, wander, and enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka at your own pace. We end our final evening together with live music, shared food, dancing, and a joyful celebration of the connections we've created along the way.

Day 7 • Returning to Yourself

Our final full day unfolds slowly, creating space to gather everything this journey has awakened within you. Beneath the Full Moon, we'll enter a traditional Temazcal ceremony to release what no longer serves us and honor the woman returning home. We leave not with the feeling that we escaped life, but with the remembrance that the rawest, freest version of ourselves has been here all along.

Day 8 • A Heart Forever Changed

As the journey comes to a close, share one final breakfast together before returning home with lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a heart forever connected to the island that welcomed us so generously. Though your time in Sri Lanka has ended, the journey you've begun is only just unfolding.

✨ Limited to 15 women

🌿 A short application is required before booking.

💳 Flexible payment plans available.

If this retreat reaches capacity, qualified applicants may have the opportunity to join our second Sri Lanka retreat, tentatively scheduled for March 29–April 6, 2027.

Raw Love Retreat is for the woman who longs to experience life more deeply.

She values meaningful connection over performance, presence over perfection, and authentic experiences over curated moments. She believes that travel has the power to transform us, and that some of life's greatest lessons are found when we step beyond what is familiar.

This retreat may be for you if...

• You crave a slower pace and space to simply breathe.

• You're seeking a deeper relationship with yourself.

• You desire genuine sisterhood and meaningful connection.

• You appreciate culture, tradition, and supporting local communities.

• You're curious to experience Sri Lanka beyond the typical tourist path.

• You're open to being nourished through nature, movement, sound, and stillness.

• You're ready to unplug from constant doing and reconnect with simply being.

• You're willing to say yes to the unknown, trusting that exactly what you're meant to experience will meet you along the way.

Whether you're arriving with a friend or traveling solo, you'll be welcomed into a community of women who are choosing to slow down, grow together, and experience the beauty of Sri Lanka with open hearts.

Is Raw Love Retreat right for me?

Raw Love is for women seeking meaningful connection, cultural immersion, and space to reconnect with themselves. Whether you're traveling solo or with a friend, you'll be welcomed into a community that values authenticity, curiosity, and openness.

Who can attend?

Raw Love Retreat is open to women 21 years and older from all backgrounds and walks of life. Whether you're an experienced traveler or embarking on your first retreat, all that's required is an open heart and a willingness to embrace the journey.

Do I need to know anyone before I come?

Not at all. Many of our guests arrive on their own, and one of the most beautiful parts of Raw Love is witnessing strangers become lifelong friends. If you're coming solo, know that you'll be warmly welcomed from the moment you arrive.

What is the application process?

After submitting your application, we'll personally review it and reach out with next steps.

Because Raw Love is intentionally intimate and limited to just 15 women, we thoughtfully curate each retreat to foster meaningful connection and a supportive group dynamic.

We're not looking for perfection. We're looking for women who feel genuinely called to this experience and are open to slowing down, embracing Sri Lankan culture, connecting deeply, and fully surrendering to the journey.

Raw Love is more than another destination. It's an invitation to be fully present.

How long does it take to hear back after I apply?

We personally review every application with care. You can expect to hear from us within 7 business days regarding the next steps.

If your application is approved, you'll receive an invitation to book your place through WeTravel via email.

Because Raw Love is intentionally limited to 15 women, we take time to thoughtfully curate each group rather than accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

🌿 Raw Love Retreat Application
✨ Founding Raw Love Ambassador Application

When should I apply?

We encourage applying as soon as you feel called. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spaces are offered as applications are accepted. Once the retreat reaches capacity, additional qualified applicants may be invited to join the waitlist or be considered for a future retreat.

Can my application be declined?

Yes. Because Raw Love is intentionally curated, submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the retreat. Our goal is to create a group of women who are aligned with the values of openness, respect, kindness, and meaningful connection that define the Raw Love experience.

If we're unable to offer you a place in this retreat, you may be invited to join the waitlist or be considered for a future Raw Love experience.

Is this a sober retreat?

Yes. Raw Love is intentionally designed as a dry, alcohol-free retreat to support presence, meaningful connection, and full immersion in the experience.

Alcohol and recreational drugs are not permitted at any point during the retreat. We kindly ask all guests to honor this commitment as part of creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for everyone in the group.

While meals and celebrations are abundant, the focus of Raw Love is on experiencing the richness of Sri Lanka and ourselves with clarity and intention.

Do I need a passport?

Yes. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and meet all current entry requirements for Sri Lanka.

When should I book my flight?

We recommend waiting until you've received your official invitation and confirmed your place before purchasing airfare.

Once confirmed, we encourage booking your flights as early as possible to increase your chances of finding shorter layovers, more convenient routes, and the best available pricing.

What airport should I fly into?

Please book your flights into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Complimentary group airport transfers are included on the designated retreat arrival and departure days. After confirming your place, you'll receive detailed travel guidance, including our recommended arrival schedule and everything you need to coordinate your journey.

If you'd like to arrive in Sri Lanka before the retreat begins or extend your stay afterward, you're absolutely welcome to do so. While transportation outside of the scheduled retreat transfer days is not included, we're happy to share recommendations and helpful information to support your travel planning.

Is airport transportation included?

Yes. Complimentary group airport transfers are included on the designated arrival and departure days.

Will I have my own room?

We offer both shared and private room options, subject to availability.

What are the rooms like?

Our accommodations are peaceful, comfortable, and full of character. While they aren't ultra-luxury, every space has been thoughtfully selected to complement the spirit of the retreat.

The true luxury of Raw Love is found in the people, the experiences, and the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us throughout the week.

What kind of food will we eat?

Food is one of the highlights of the Raw Love experience.

Throughout the week you'll enjoy abundant tropical fruit, authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, fresh local ingredients, and thoughtfully curated dining experiences.

Whether you enjoy meat, follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, or have dietary restrictions, we'll do our best to ensure every meal is nourishing, abundant, and memorable. Please share any dietary needs before the retreat so we can accommodate you whenever possible.

Why Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is where the vision for Raw Love Retreat was born.

From its warm-hearted people and rich cultural traditions to its lush landscapes and breathtaking coastline, this island has a way of inviting you to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. Rather than simply visiting Sri Lanka, Raw Love invites you to experience it through the eyes of the people who call it home.

Is everything mandatory?

Raw Love is designed as a shared journey, and we encourage every guest to arrive with an open heart and a willingness to participate in the daily experiences.

While there may be moments when your body asks for rest or quiet reflection, we ask that you honor the rhythm of the retreat as much as possible.

If at any point you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply need extra support, our retreat leaders are here to help you feel safe, seen, and cared for every step of the way.

I've never surfed, practiced yoga, or attended a sound healing before. Is that okay?

Absolutely.

No previous experience is required. Raw Love welcomes beginners with open arms.

If an activity doesn't feel right for your body or comfort level, we'll always offer supportive alternatives so you can continue participating in a way that feels safe, enjoyable, and meaningful.

Is this a spiritual retreat?

Raw Love welcomes women from all backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences.

While many experiences encourage presence, reflection, and personal growth, there is no expectation that you subscribe to any particular spiritual or religious tradition.

As guests in Sri Lanka, we ask everyone to approach the local culture and its diverse religious communities with curiosity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination, ridicule, or disrespect toward any culture, religion, or way of life.

If honoring this spirit of openness and mutual respect doesn't feel aligned, Raw Love may not be the right retreat for you.

Will there be free time?

Yes.

While each day has been intentionally curated, we've also created spacious moments throughout the retreat to swim, journal, receive a massage, explore local shops, relax by the pool, or simply enjoy the slower rhythm of island life.

Will the retreat be photographed?

Yes. Portions of Raw Love will be professionally documented so you can remain fully present while leaving with beautiful memories to revisit. We always respect personal boundaries, and guests are welcome to let us know if they'd prefer not to appear in certain photos or videos.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes. Flexible payment plans are available through WeTravel, allowing you to spread your investment over time. Available payment options will be shared during the booking process after your invitation has been confirmed.

What is your cancellation policy?

Your retreat deposit is non-refundable and secures your place.

Because Raw Love is intentionally intimate and limited to just 15 women, all retreat payments are non-refundable. Each reservation is thoughtfully planned around a carefully curated group, and cancellations can significantly impact the experience for everyone involved.

If you're unable to attend, your reservation may be transferred to another eligible guest, subject to Raw Love's approval and provided sufficient notice is given before the retreat. Transfer requests must be submitted in writing and approved by our team.

We strongly encourage every guest to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect their investment in the event of illness, flight disruptions, force majeure, or other unforeseen circumstances.

I still have questions.

We'd love to hear from you.

Please reach out anytime at thisisrawlove@gmail.com, and we'll be happy to help.

A few thoughtful questions are the first step toward joining us in Sri Lanka.

Begin Your Journey

For women who naturally bring people together.

Apply as a Founding Ambassador

Your Raw Love journey begins long before you arrive in Sri Lanka.
Once your place is reserved, you'll receive access to our private WhatsApp community, a pre-departure gathering, travel resources, and everything you need to prepare for the experience ahead. Our intention is for you to feel informed, supported, and connected from the moment you join us.