What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda, which means ‘knowledge of life’ in Sanskrit, is a holistic medical system developed in India over 5,000 years ago. It is known as the world’s oldest accepted traditional medical system and is often called the ‘Mother of All Healing’. More than just the mere absence of disease, Ayurveda views health as a state of vibrant well-being, one of complete balance between body, mind and spirit. The Ayurvedic cure aims to balance the body’s vital energies, known as doshas, through individualised therapies such as herbal medicines, treatments, diets, yoga and meditation.
What is an Ayurveda Hotel?
An Ayurveda hotel integrates the ancient healing practices of Ayurveda into its services to promote general wellness, relaxation and rejuvenation while still providing luxurious accommodation and high-end hospitality. Often equipped with upscale wellness and spa facilities, these hotels offer a menu of different herbal massages and therapies that guests can select from and a schedule of classes in meditation, breathwork and yoga. The treatments and services integrate seamlessly into a typical daily schedule to accommodate the diverse clientele that visit Ayurvedic hotels – whether you are travelling, working or simply taking time away. They are distinguished from typical hotels in that they embody a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, often through their wholesome meals, accommodation that blends harmoniously with nature, and the nurturing environment that promotes balance of mind, body and spirit.
Difference between an Ayurveda Hotel and an Ayurveda Retreat
With a rise in interest in holistic wellness and traditional healing, there has been a surge in establishments offering Ayurvedic treatments and experiences. Among these are Ayurveda hotels and retreats, which both cater to those seeking to immerse themselves in the wisdom of Ayurveda. However, they differ in the level of immersion, treatment intensity, and duration of stay. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial to selecting the experience that best aligns with your wellness goals and needs.
Treatment Programme
An authentic Ayurveda retreat typically offers a more immersive and intensive experience centred around health and wellness, with personalised treatment programmes prescribed by an Ayurveda physician tailored to the individual’s constitution and wellness goals. This will include treatments/ treatment protocols such as panchakarma, abhyanga, vasthi and shirodhara. This way, the therapies are more targeted to specific illnesses or health conditions. They are often supported by herbal medicines and guidance on lifestyle and dietary changes for long-term care. Retreat centres are suited for those seeking a deeply healing and transformative wellness journey.
In comparison, an Ayurveda hotel often provides a variety of non-specific Ayurvedic massage and therapies that are often offered as optional add-ons to the guest’s stay. The treatments are administered by a therapist and designed to promote relaxation and restoration rather than the treatment of specific ailments. These establishments often resemble upscale resorts and boutique hotels, with lavish spa facilities and treatments incorporating Ayurvedic wellness elements.
Spiritual Programme
Ayurveda retreats approach health holistically, addressing physical ailments and emotional and spiritual imbalances. An important component of the Ayurveda experience is yoga, meditation and breathwork, which most retreats offer as part of the daily routine. The programme may also feature more esoteric healing modalities, ceremonial activities that unite the community, and educational workshops to guide your spiritual practice.
While a spiritual programme may not be the focus of an Ayurvedic hotel’s services, many offer optional classes of yoga, meditation and breathwork to fit around your schedule – an excellent option for those seeking a moment of stillness or an introduction to spiritual practices.
Dietary Programme
Both Ayurvedic retreats and hotels offer highly nutritious meals that adhere to the principles of Ayurveda – some may follow the strict traditional dosha-specific diet while others may follow the broader guidance on plant-based, seasonal and organic nourishment.
A key difference, however, is that retreats have certain dietary restrictions, including abstinence from alcohol, coffee, and processed foods, to promote the body’s natural detoxing capacities. Meals are also enjoyed at a fixed time each day to restore the body’s digestive rhythm. Hotels, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and often serve a diverse culinary experience with the option to experience the Ayurvedic diet.
Daily schedule and flexibility
Those joining Ayurvedic retreats often commit to longer stays, ranging from a few weeks to several months, to fully immerse in the experience and feel lasting benefits. Days are structured in a way that aligns with nature’s cycles, rising with the sun and falling asleep as night falls, with scheduled programmes during the day that incorporate therapies, yoga, meditation, and educational workshops.
Guests may frequent Ayurvedic hotels for shorter durations, perhaps a one-night stay, weekend getaway or week-long vacation. Such establishments offer guests a lot of flexibility – with no fixed daily routines, you can engage in treatments and activities to suit your schedule, which is ideal for those seeking a blend of relaxation and exploration.
Environment
According to Ayurveda, the elements that combine to form the doshas that govern an individual’s physical and mental characteristics are the same elements of nature. Therefore, a state of optimum health is only achieved through harmony and balance with nature. Retreat centres are often located in secluded and tranquil settings, such as nature reserves, by the coast or in forest landscapes, allowing guests to immerse in the healing of Mother Nature, ground, reflect and disconnect from the typical routine and demands. While some Ayurveda hotels may be set in the heart of nature, such hotels can also be found in the city, close to cultural sites with convenient access to transport.
Ayurveda Hotels and Retreats in Sri Lanka – Top 5
Sri Lanka is a land steeped in the wisdom of Ayurveda and is home to many Sri Lankan Ayurvedic hotels and retreat centres. Below are the top 5:
Sen Wellness Sanctuary is a 16-room boutique retreat centre that offers the authentic Ayurveda experience. More than a hotel, a spa resort, or a yoga centre, Sen Wellness is a commitment to ‘well-being’ in the fullest sense of the word. Here, you begin your healing journey, drawing on the wisdom of Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and nourishing food in the heart of nature.
Amangalla is a 29-guest room boutique hotel located within the UNESCO-protected Galle Fort. It is the perfect base to uncover Sri Lanka’s cultural riches from the city, coast and countryside. Guests can relax in the Aman Spa with Ayurveda treatments and hydrotherapy suites.
Located in Tangalle, within walking distance of Goyambokka Beach, Anantara Peace Haven is a luxury resort within a 42-acre coconut plantation. Take day trips to iconic cultural sites and national parks, or find refuge in the Anantara Spa, which offers beauty treatments, Ayurveda, and reflexology.
Water Garden Sigiriya overlooks the ancient rock fortress in Sigiriya, one of the eight World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. With 30 free-standing villas set among waterways, streams, and lush green meadows, it offers modern comforts while surrounded by nature and a selection of treatments, including Balinese massages.
Nestled in Weligama along the southern coast is Cape Weligama, a collection of 39 Suites and Villas surrounded by tropical gardens. The spa offers a selection of treatments that harness the medicinal plants of Sri Lanka.
Sen Wellness Sanctuary - An Authentic Ayurvedic Retreat
Nestled within the serene Rekawa nature reserve in Southern Sri Lanka, Sen Wellness Sanctuary is an authentic Ayurveda retreat centre. Surrounded by a tropical mangrove ecosystem, a tranquil lagoon, and a pristine turtle-nesting beach, it offers a peaceful haven for healing and rejuvenation. With retreats available year-round, we offer treatments to enhance general wellbeing and more specialised treatment programmes focusing on detox, weight management, breathwork and long-covid relief.
One of the best ayurveda retreats in Sri Lanka, we have been featured as ‘One of 20 Best Yoga Retreats in the World’ by The Times, ‘10 Yoga Retreats in Beautiful Destinations Around the World’ by Travel + Leisure and ‘Best or a Great Deal’ by Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guide, to share a few examples.
