Take a look at Welikande Yoga Retreat’s website, and the Tab Checkout Flow widget in action here!

About Welikande Yoga Retreat

Nestled in the lush hills of Sri Lanka, Welikande Yoga Retreat is a haven for travelers seeking peace, meditation, and connection. For over a decade, the retreat has welcomed guests—primarily solo female travellers from Europe—who come for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere. But while guests left glowing reviews and raved about their experience, Founder Michael wanted a way to take direct bookings on his website without relying on third-party platforms. That’s where Tab’s Checkout Flow came in.

What was the problem with taking online payments?

Michael had always encouraged guests to book directly, but taking payments was a mess. There was no simple way for travellers to pay online. Guests had to navigate clunky bank transfers, which could take days to process, or use PayPal, which often charged up to 20% in fees.

“Before Tab, we couldn’t take credit card payments directly on our website,” Michael says. “Guests had to pay deposits via bank transfer or PayPal, which was inconvenient and expensive. PayPal charged up to 20% in fees, and bank transfers were slow. It wasn’t a great experience for our guests or for us.”

Without a proper online payment system, many guests hesitated to book directly. “A lot of our guests are solo travellers, and they want to feel secure when making a booking,” he explains. “Not having a seamless payment process meant we lost potential bookings.” The ripple effect was clear: more no-shows, more last-minute cancellations, and fewer direct bookings.

How did Checkout Flow help?

Michael recently discovered Tab’s Checkout Flow. The widget allows guests to book and pay directly on the retreat’s website. “It was easy to set up, and now guests can pay a deposit instantly when they book,” he says. “No more back-and-forth emails or complicated payment instructions.”

The impact was clear:

- 80% of payments now come through Welikande’s website instead of OTAs
- Tab’s 2.9% fee replaced the 20% commission from other platforms
- A 15% deposit upfront drastically reduced no-shows
- Guests had a smoother, more secure booking experience—giving them confidence to commit

For Michael, switching to Tab wasn’t just about saving money—it was about giving guests a better experience from the moment they decide to book.

"If you run a tourism business and want to take direct bookings, Tab makes it effortless. Guests feel secure, the process is smooth, and you keep more revenue in your pocket. I only wish I’d found it sooner."