Reconnect With Your Body and Get in Shape at our Exceptional Sports Camp in Serene Sri Lanka!
Embark on a journey of self-discovery, where expert motor development specialist Simon guides you through rejuvenating workouts, mindful practices, and immersive cultural experiences, allowing you to recharge, unwind, and embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Join the Gym Break Camp in Roots Retreat.
DOES IT SOUND LIKE YOUR DREAM VACATION?
✓ Are you seeking a holistic approach to wellness that goes beyond traditional workouts?
✓ Are you aware of the importance of healthy eating, physical activity, and contact with nature, but struggling to incorporate these practices into your daily life?
✓ Are you looking for an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Sri Lanka, discovering new places, inspiring people, rich culture, and exquisite cuisine?
✓ Do you dream of a trip that combines effective training, mindfulness practices, engaging cultural experiences, and expert support to recharge your batteries and feel better in your own body?
Embark on a life-changing journey towards holistic wellness and personal growth.
We will not only help you take care of your health and well-being but also build new relationships, friendships, and create unforgettable memories.
Join our camp, explore the beauty of Sri Lanka, and experience the support of a group on the path to better health and personal development.
WHAT IS
Gym Break Camp
It is a week-long “not just sports” camp organized 5 times a year by Kate Kępka and Simon Gaś, the founders of Roots Retreat and owners of the training platform gymbreak.pl.
What to Expect:
FUNCTIONAL TRAINING
daily mobility sessions and motor training
The camp is designed to improve your sports performance, well-being, and help you optimize personal goals. Daily movement and training sessions will strengthen your body’s ability to move better and teach you how to train without the pain that often accompanies other training methods.
* You will be able to participate regardless of your fitness level!
INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS
Through individual sessions with Szymon (an internationally educated motor specialist with years of professional experience in the USA), each camp participant will receive valuable, personalized guidance and take away what is most needed for them from the camp.
SRI LANKAN CUISINE
Healthy, Ayurvedic, and organic food with an emphasis on plant-based cuisine, including daily breakfast and either lunch or dinner (depending on the day’s schedule).
The cuisine is excellent, with dishes prepared from fresh ingredients from our own garden and (upon request) seafood from local fishermen.
SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES
You will discover the power of meditation, Kundalini practices, and visit a Buddhist temple. Explore the magic of mindfulness, boost your energy, and delve into spirituality in the company of a monk in a magical, mystical setting.
EXPLORING CEYLON
One day will be spent in Ella, the mountainous region of Sri Lanka, where you will enjoy an easy hike to Little Adams Peak with breathtaking views from the top. We will also take a ride on the famous Nine Arches Bridge. Additionally, we will visit the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and Tangalle, which offers the most beautiful paradise beaches.
ADDITIONAL ATTRACTIONS
You will spend time in the ocean, swimming with turtles, and learning to surf on the nearby beach in Unawatuna. You will also find moments of peace and the beauty of Sri Lankan nature on the premises of Roots Retreat, which will be exclusively reserved for camp participants.
CLIENT LOVE
"Gym Break and Sri Lanka are my personal number 1
when it comes to the perfect and active ‘Self Care‘ and ‘Me Time‘ combined.
Diverse workouts with the best Trainer, all on a paradise island, with welcoming locals and delicious food.
Beautiful place, professionalism, and intimacy. I happily return regularly!”
– Joanna B.
What's Included in the Camp Package
CAMP PACKAGE:
✓ Accommodation for 7 nights in the beautiful new Roots Retreat in Unawatuna, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
✓ Two meals a day: breakfast and either lunch or dinner (depending on the day’s schedule), starting with dinner on the arrival day and ending with lunch on the departure day.
✓ Daily mobility sessions and workouts with Gym Break (approximately 2 sessions per day).
✓ Individual consultation (body fitness assessment) with Szymon Gaś.
✓ Trip to Ella (Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arches Bridge, train ride).
✓ Surfing lesson.
✓ Cooking class.
✓ Evening trip to Galle Fort.
✓ Trip to Tangalle with lunch on a paradise beach.
✓ Meditation, Kundalini yoga session, and visit to a Buddhist temple.
✓ Swimming with turtles on Thalpe Beach.
ON YOUR OWN:
Airfare (to Colombo or Mattala airport).
Airport transfer (we will assist in organizing transportation and group arrangements to minimize the cost).
Tourist visa ($50).
Travel insurance (including coverage for surfing).
Additional meals during excursions days.
Payment options:
1 PERSON
$1300
accommodation in a twin-sharing room with another camp participant
1 PERSON
$1600
accommodation in a single occupancy twin room
2 PEOPLE
$2400
book for two accommodation for two people in a twin room
Gym Break Camp dates for the 2024/2025 season
FROM NOVEMBER 2024 TO MAY 2025
November 2024
22.11 – 29.11
January 2025
19.01 – 26.01
February
1.02 – 08.02
15.02 – 22.02
April
5.04 – 12.04
IF YOU DON'T SEE A DATE THAT SUITS YOU BUT STILL WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH KATE AND SIMON, YOU HAVE A FEW OPTIONS:
Firstly
Throughout the season, you can join one of our Roots retreats at any convenient time.
It will be less intensive, but you will still work on your body, surf, relax, and recharge with us.
Ask for more information.
Secondly
You can visit us at any time by booking a room at Roots Retreat. You can book personal training sessions with Simon.
We can also help you organize other activities (surfing, massages, Ayurvedic treatments, trips).
Thirdly
If you have a group of 5-12 people (friends, clients, students, a coaching group), we can tailor a Gym Break Camp (or any other form of stay) just for you.
Just let us know what you need the most, and we will send you our proposal.
GYM BREAK
Get to know Kate
Embark on a journey of transformation with Kate Kępka, a former polish TV presenter, as she unveils a path to wellness at our serene retreat in Sri Lanka.
Kate’s story is one of inspiration and empowerment. Once a well-known TV presenter, she embarked on a transformative journey towards wellness and found her calling as a passionate advocate for healthy living.
Partnering with Simon Gaś, Katarzyna co-founded the revolutionary Gym Break project, which has since evolved into gymbreak.pl, a celebrated fitness platform. Together, they introduced intelligent functional training, enhancing physical form, mobility, and overall well-being.
As a certified chinese medicine nutritionist and dedicated student of fitotherapy Katarzyna’s expertise goes beyond fitness. Her profound understanding of the mind-body connection highlights the importance of mental health in achieving holistic well-being.
In their quest to promote sustainable living, nature appreciation, and nourishing food, Katarzyna and Simon now invite you to their serene retreat in Sri Lanka. Nestled in nature’s embrace, this haven of wellness is where you can embark on your own transformative journey, embracing a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
GYM BREAK
Get to know Simon
Meet Simon Gaś, a highly regarded motor development specialist and personal trainer trusted by Polish celebrities.
With a focus on optimizing athletic performance, Szymon’s expertise lies in healthy and effective functional training methods, encompassing natural human movements.
His philosophy of “Attitude & Effort” drives individuals to achieve success both in sports and in life.
As the co-creator of Gym Break, a revolutionary project emphasizing functional training through workout DVDs, online fitness platform, and books, Szymon is at the forefront of promoting holistic fitness. He is also the founder of Gym Break Center, the first professional functional training facility in Poland, working with pro athletes, sports enthusiasts, and media personalities.
With a background in competitive tennis and a degree in Exercise Science from Grand Canyon University, Szymon Gaś is an expert in explosive dynamic training, utilizing plyometrics to enhance power and energy. He firmly believes that daily training is essential for an active lifestyle, regardless of age.
Szymon’s success extends to training athletes for world-class events in various disciplines. Now, with his wife, he embarks on an exciting new venture, opening a wellness hotel and retreat in serene Sri Lanka. Their goal is to create a haven for guests seeking rejuvenation, transformation, and a holistic approach to health and fitness.
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FAQs
We offer flexible payment methods, including bank transfer, cash, and cryptocurrencies. For specific details regarding transfers, please contact us through the form.
If you’re attending a camp or retreat, we will ask you to pay a deposit of $200 to secure your spot. We will provide all the payment details in response to your registration request for the camp.
Yes, you will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can obtain it through the official website of the Sri Lankan government at
Please use the provided link, as it is a safe and reliable source, the only official website run by the Sri Lankan government, with no additional fees or hidden charges.
Your destination airport will be Colombo (Katunayake) or Mattalla. To ensure a safe and cost-effective journey from the airport to Unawatuna, we can arrange for our driver to meet you at the arrivals hall. The journey to Roots Retreat typically takes about 2.5 hours. Let us know, and we will assist you with the logistics.
Pack exercise clothes, comfortable and breathable clothing, a swimsuit, or if you have a surfing suit, and lightweight, preferably light-colored clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (required for visiting temples).
Experience shows that children do well during our camps and make good campmates. However, please note that children will not have supervision during training sessions, so they must have a guardian or be able to occupy themselves politely without disturbing others or disrupting the activities. It’s best to contact us regarding this matter, and we will discuss the best approach.
Yes, at Roots Retreat, we offer fast internet connectivity.
If you also want internet access outside the facility, we suggest purchasing a SIM card (Dialog or Mobitel) with an additional data package. You can buy a SIM card at the airport upon arrival or in dedicated stores in Unawatuna and Galle. Please note that you will need your passport to purchase a SIM card.
The nearest beach is just a 7-minute bike or tuk-tuk ride away. Jungle Beach, a beautiful and peaceful beach, is closest to Roots Retreat. Surfing spots in Unawatuna are also within a similar distance, and Thalpe’s paradise beaches, where you can swim with turtles, are just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?
The national currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
The national currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
It is best to bring US dollars or euros. You can safely exchange foreign currency for rupees at currency exchange offices in Fort Galle or at any jewelry store. Remember to check the current exchange rate before making any transactions.
There are many ATMs in the area, and the service fee is typically around 400 LKR (1.5 USD).
Most places accept popular card systems such as Visa or Mastercard. However, please note that smaller shops or tuk-tuks may not accept card payments.
Lankan private healthcare is of high quality and very affordable. If you need quick medical assistance, there are several reputable hospitals and private medical clinics in Galle. It takes about 10 minutes to get there. These private facilities offer world-class equipment and services, and their operations are typically covered by standard travel insurance, which is always worth arranging before your trip. If you prefer natural medicine, our friend Dr. Chandramali practices in Talpe (10 minutes from Roots). She is the best doctor specializing in Ayurvedic medicine on the southern coast.
Yes, travel health insurance is essential for all tourists. Ensure it also covers surfing.
Temperatures in Sri Lanka are quite stable, ranging between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius. During the high season (from November to April) in the south, you can expect temperatures in the range of 28-32 degrees.
Yes, the rooms are equipped with air conditioners as well as fans to help maintain a comfortable room temperature for you.
Ceylon is an all-year-round island; however, the best season for surfing and enjoying the ocean when the water is perfect, and rainfall is minimal, is in the south from November to the end of April. From May to October, there is a so-called off-season with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees, and occasional incredible tropical rains during the day or night. Nevertheless, this doesn’t hinder exploring the island, working on your body, and soaking up the sun. It’s magical here at any time of the year, and there’s always something to do.
