OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide a peaceful sanctuary where people from all walks of life can experience the transformative power of authentic yoga and meditation.
Our purpose is to nurture the soul and open the heart to healing and growth by offering a peaceful, nature-filled sanctuary where the ancient wisdom of yoga is shared with authenticity and passion
OUR PURPOSE
OUR JOURNEY
Jan, the founder of Gaia Ella was born and raised in the Czech Republic. Jan’s love for travel led him to the U.S in his early 20’s where he began a career in construction. A former athlete, Jan had spent much of his life immersed in sports—hockey, basketball, and athletics. By 2010, his body had paid the price for years of intense physical activity. That’s when he discovered yoga, a practice that not only served him physically but opened his heart to a deeper way of living and a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit.
Jan’s passion for adventure took him on many hiking journeys across Europe and America, but in 2023, during a trek in the Indian Himalayas, he felt a pull towards warmer climates. Intrigued by Sri Lanka, he arrived and immediately connected with the island’s energy, its people, and its landscapes. In the town of Ella, he found a sense of peace and belonging unlike anywhere else.
It was here he met Bhagya, a strong and kind woman who ran a small homestay with her son, Baba. Her husband, Chandana, who worked in the military, would only return home for brief visits every few months. Bhagya shared her dream of expanding the homestay, and both her and Chandana asked if Jan would be interested in joining them in this endeavor. Moved by their resilience, Jan saw an opportunity to combine his love for yoga with his desire to help others. Though Jan was initially hesitant, he later felt a deep calling to return to Ella. Something in his heart told him that this was the path he was meant to follow. And so, GAIA Ella Eco Lodge came to be.
The vision was clear: a space that honored nature, mindfulness, and the healing power of yoga. They made a promise to each other to build sustainably, ensuring that no trees would be cut down during construction. The lodge was designed to blend seamlessly with the stunning landscape, with a viewing deck facing the sunrise—a tribute to the practice of Surya Namaskar.
Today, GAIA Ella Eco Lodge stands as a sanctuary for travelers seeking peace, connection, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Jan is proud of what he, Bhagya and Chandana have created—it’s not just a place to stay, it’s a living reminder of nature’s healing energy, the power of yoga, and the importance of living in harmony with the world around us.