FAQs
Ask us anything.
There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. Unless your question is, “can I stay for free because I have 1,000 followers.” In which case, the answer is no. For more frequently asked questions, have a look through the list below. If you have a different query, please get in touch, we’re a friendly bunch!
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No, we do not offer standard single drop-in passes or memberships. Instead, we offer an all-inclusive Day Experience designed to give you full immersion within our high-performance training and recovery environment.
Day Experience inclusions:
Two Expert-Led Group Classes
Open Gym & Training Grounds Access
Guided ice bath therapy session
Refreshing welcome drink
Access to the pool and restaurant (food and drinks are charged separately)
Towel service
Price: $95 per guest
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Makahiya Fitness is situated 10 minutes inland of Unawatuna, on the sunny south coast of Sri Lanka. Our retreat is 15 minutes east of Galle and 20 minutes west of Ahangama. Colombo, the capital city, is approximately 1.5 hours north on the expressway.
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We offer three types of package: Restore, Optimise and Transformation.
The Restore Package includes breakfast and lunch or dinner, unlimited classes, gym and pool access, 1 massage and 1 ice bath.
The Optimise Package includes unlimited access to fitness classes, gym facilities, workout spaces, and the pool, along with three nutritious meals per day. It also includes 2 ice baths, 1 personal coaching session, and 2 massages.
The Transformation Package is a highly personalised, goal-oriented, all-inclusive package tailored entirely to you and your needs. With expert coaching, nutrition guidance, and recovery support built around your goals, this option is designed for maximum results.
You can find out more on our Packages Page. -
Bandaranaike International Airport is situated just north of Colombo. Getting from the airport to Makahiya couldn’t be easier: the island’s main expressway runs all the way to Galle. The journey takes an easy 1.5-2 hours by car. We can help with arranging transfers, just let us know.
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Makahiya is open all year round. The traditional season for the south coast runs from December to April, when it’s hot and sunny with very little rain. Temperatures reach their peak in April. Monsoons normally fall in May-June and October-November, while July and August usually serve up sunshine between scattered showers. That said, we’re in the tropics, so anything can happen. It’s often beautiful even when it’s meant to be rainy, and sometimes we get brief spouts of rainfall during the season. Generally, when it rains, it’s fleeting and followed by clear skies and gorgeous weather. We train in every season, whatever the weather.
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Makahiya is the ultimate place to host a group fitness and wellbeing retreat in Sri Lanka. Whether you’re a travelling trainer or a fitness influencer, we’re open to hosting third-party retreats at our purpose-built site. Get in touch using this form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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Makahiya has everything you need for the ultimate fitness and wellbeing stay. Our air-conditioned gym and workout spaces are fully equipped with a range of resistance machines, free weights, functional training kit, rigs, racks and more. We also have resistance bands, rollers and percussive massage guns available. If you do have a physiological issue which requires specific kit to manage, please speak to us in advance.
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We provide balanced meals to nourish you through your stay, with meal inclusions varying depending on your package. Our restaurant is open every day from 7.30am to 8pm each day, and you can always order additional meals, snacks, sides, desserts, drinks, or anything from our menu.
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Whether you’re non-dairy, gluten-free or paleo, we do our best to accommodate every type of dietary requirement. You’ll find a range of meat, fish and vegetarian meals available in our restaurant – and most dishes have a vegan option, too (including our protein shakes). If you have more specific dietary needs, please speak to us before your stay and we’ll make sure we have the right items in stock for you.
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At Makahiya, fitness transcends age. From emerging talent to seasoned strength enthusiasts - including a recent guest in their eighties - our sanctuary welcomes fitness devotees from all walks of life. Our community thrives on un-compromised energy and collective ambition, where effort is measured by character rather than a birth year. Each session is meticulously engineered to challenge and elevate, custom-tailored by our expert trainers to match your individual prowess.
From Melbourne to Dubai, ambitious professionals regularly trade executive suites for tropical strength sessions. Leave pretension at the entrance, and you will discover a remarkably distinguished, like-minded collective waiting to welcome you.
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Absolutely - the majority of our guests arrive solo. Each of our accommodations is available for single or double occupancy, with bespoke packages tailored to your stay.
At the heart of the Makahiya experience lies a remarkably vibrant, like-minded global community. Beyond the gym floor, our collective spirit comes alive through shared downtime and effortless camaraderie. Whether you join us for a weekend or an extended residency, you will depart Makahiya with a lasting network of lifelong friends.
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Makahiya has 8 boutique rooms in total:
• 3x Classic Rooms
• 5x Premium Rooms -
We have several expert coaches on hand at Makahiya to help you reach your fitness goals. If you would feel more comfortable working with a female coach, we’ll make this happen.
Amongst our massage team, we also have female masseuses available. Just let us know and we can accommodate.
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Makahiya’s closest beach is Dalawella, where you’ll find a pool protected by coral reef and inhabited by turtles. The walk takes 20 minutes, passing through scenic paddy fields. It’s a lovely way to stretch your legs. Alternatively, we can help arrange a tuk-tuk ride or scooter rental.
Unawatuna beach, which is generally a busier beach with many shops and restaurants, is about a 10 minute drive away, while Dewata, our local beach for surfing, is about 10-15 minutes drive.
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Yes! Many of our workouts include runs on the infamous Makahiya hill, while the roads around us will lead you through stunning paddy fields and lush patches of jungle. We can recommend a range of routes to try.
Jump in a tuk tuk to Galle Fort for a stunning run around the ramparts. Alternatively, head to one of the many stretches of golden sand – nearby Habaraduwa is a favourite.
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There’s plenty to keep you busy between workouts.
Surfing lessons are available at nearby beaches to suit newbies and seasoned riders alike.
We can also organise a cycle ride through the paddy fields or a walking tour of our nearest tea plantation.
Safari is very accessible from Makahiya. It’s an early start, but you can be back by lunchtime after a stunning morning in nature.
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All of our accommodation is air-conditioned, as well as our gym – so you can chill out before, during and after your training. We also have big fans in the open-sided café area to keep the airflow moving.
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Yes we do! Drop off your workout wear and let us handle the rest. We’ll launder and refresh your essentials, returning them ready for your next pursuit. (Service fees apply).
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Makahiya is a plant which goes by many names: touch-me-not, shy plant, or nidhikumba in Sinhala. Touch its leaves and see them move.
There are so many growing on the Makahiya site and we love them!
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Our schedule does change from time to time, but our current class schedule looks like this:
MONDAY
08:00 Functional Fitness
17:00 Threshold
18:30 Rest & Reset YogaTUESDAY
08:00 Engine Zone 2
17:00 HYROX
18:30 BreathworkWEDNESDAY
08:00 Strong with Soph
17:00 The ChallengerTHURSDAY
08:00 Strength
10:30 Breathwork
17:00 BootcampFRIDAY
08:00 Rest & Reset Yoga
17:00 Strong with SophSATURDAY
08:00 Functional Fitness
09:30 Boxing
17:00 HYROXSUNDAY
07:30 Run For Coffee
17:00 Bootcamp -
We offer a full range of recovery options on-site to help you rest and restore:
Ice Baths: Guided cold-water immersion sessions available daily for post-workout recovery.
Massage Therapy: Customised treatments ranging from deep tissue and traditional Thai to gentle, relaxing massages.
Breathwork Classes: Guided sessions included on our regular weekly schedule.
Yoga Classes: Mobility and active recovery yoga sessions hosted throughout the week.
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You can dip in and out of the classes as you wish! All classes are included in our packages, but there is no requirement to do each one.
If you are on a bespoke package, we will recommend the classes we think you should do, based on your goals.
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Yes, we offer customised nutrition programming as an add-on service for an additional cost.
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Absolutely! When you book via our website, you have the option to add extras to your stay. Alternatively, added extras can be added to your tab when you are at Makahiya.