Dubai Times – Sen Wellness Sanctuary, Sri Lanka

POSTED September 14, 2023

Sen Wellness Sanctuary, Sri Lanka:

The daily grind, endless notifications and ceaseless distractions of the digital age often leave us seeking an idyllic escape. Somewhere we can unplug, breathe, and perhaps rediscover our inner equilibrium. It’s a tall order, but the Sen Wellness Sanctuary in Sri Lanka offers precisely that – a perfect detox for the modern soul, draped in nature’s most evocative tapestry.

The Founder: A Visionary Healing Artist

You can’t begin to understand Sen Wellness Sanctuary without delving into the spiritual underpinnings laid by its founder, Sam Kankanamge – a man whose passion for holistic healing is only outshone by his encyclopedic knowledge of it. With a background in osteopathy and years of traveling the world to explore different healing methods, Sam has shaped the sanctuary as an ode to the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Every architectural choice and therapeutic practice here feels like a well-penned stanza in a poem about well-being.

Where Nature and Architecture Converse:

From the moment you arrive, you’re swept into a world apart. Picture this: a seamless blend of modern architecture, positioned lovingly amidst the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka’s wilderness. And yes, there are little monkeys – adorable native dwellers who greet you as if welcoming you into their hidden abode. The resort seems to whisper in your ear that it’s okay to unwind, that you’re safe in the nurturing cradle of Mother Earth.

A Well-Curated Day: From Dawn to Dusk

One of the most remarkable aspects of the sanctuary is its well-orchestrated daily rhythm. Your day begins softly with early morning yoga sessions as the sun peeks through lush greenery. The rejuvinating yoga session is followed by a sumptuous and nourishing breakfast. As the day unfolds, there are opportunities for bespoke therapies or guided meditations, interspersed with moments for reflection or a leisurely walk. Nothing feels rushed, yet time doesn’t drag its feet either. It’s a balanced tempo that teaches your body to align and slow down to the pace of nature, gently undoing the frenetic rhythms ingrained by modern-day living.

Evening’s Sublime Charm

As the sky adorns itself in hues of gold and purple, evenings take on a mystical allure. Among the array of curated activities, the mangroves boat ride stands out as an ethereal experience. Floating gently through winding waterways, flanked by towering mangroves, the surrounding stillness seems to soak up every worry, every taut muscle in your body loosening as if surrendering to the calming embrace of the water. It’s not just an activity; it’s an orchestration of the elements designed to harmonize your spirit.

Digital Detox: An Overdue Reclamation of Self

Perhaps one of the most compelling draws of Sen Wellness Sanctuary is its offering of a thorough detox from the digital maelstrom that defines our age. Here, you don’t just disconnect from Wi-Fi; you reconnect with yourself. And the sanctuary makes it so easy, presenting myriad avenues for mindfulness – whether it’s sipping on a cup of herbal tea by the pond or engaging in a heart-to-heart with holistic wellness experts. The serenity is not just around you; it’s in you.

The Verdict

Sen Wellness Sanctuary transcends the conventional definitions of a wellness retreat. It’s not merely a place; it’s a finely crafted experience. An experience sculpted by the hands of a passionate founder, carried out by a dedicated team, and set against an unparalleled natural backdrop. It’s where your body, mind, and soul learn the lost art of harmonious living – away from the clamour, and in tune with the world.

So go ahead, book that ticket, pack your bags lightly but your expectations highly, and prepare to be transformed. This is not just travel; it’s a journey within a journey – a voyage you owe your harried, beautiful, 21st-century soul.

Amenities:

Luxury Cabanas
Swimming Pool
Walled Garden
Dedicated Yoga Shala
Lockable Safe

How to get there:

Sen Wellness Sanctuary is situated in Tangalle, South Sri Lanka. By car it takes approximately 3 hours to reach the sanctuary from Colombo Airport. Private transfers from the airport can also be arranged upon request.

See the original article here.

Matilda Lucas

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Mithi Thaya

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Heaven on earth. A must-visit if you wish to disconnect and self-connect.

Elaine Lynskey

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The most nourishing, relaxing and healing week I have ever experienced in the most beautiful setting!! 7-day Ayurvedic and Yoga retreat left me feeling like a new person. I will definitely be returning.

Jill Long

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My two trips to the Sanctuary were equally special. Both were in January, one in 2016 and then again in 2020. It was a perfect way to start the year. The sheer beauty of this part of Sri Lanka is restorative in itself, but when coupled with the luxury and care of the Sanctuary, it becomes a deeply healing experience. I will go back again as soon as I can.

Di Sherlock

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I arrived exhausted and frazzled from a flight that had lost my bag in transit with the clothes I left London in and raging sinuses from the plane's insanely fierce aircon. Within days the sinus infection was healed with Ayurveda. This was the start of a 10 day healing journey that was pure magic. I stayed in an eco cabana - bed super comfy! - waking up to amazing birdsong. The nature here is lush (bring your mozzie spray!) , the complex open and airy, the food delicious (mainly veggie). Everyone on the team - from the Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners, the amazing manager, the chef and his crew, the yoga teachers to the boys who do the cleaning know what they're doing and radiate positive energy. Days are structured but the vibe is relaxed, open and easy. The Cacao ceremony was amazing. The Fire ceremony also. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Emma Chadwick

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I came to the sanctuary at a difficult time for me personally. I came home feeling mentally and physically restored. It was just the tonic for me.The sanctuary is set in a beautiful and peaceful location, a stone’s throw from the sea and never-ending empty beaches.I loved the daily yoga sessions - I had a brilliant teacher the week I was there - which has an open front so we often saw monkeys swinging by.But it were the Ayurvedic treatments and meals, made with fresh local produce, that were out of this world.The communal dining is such a great idea, particularly if you come on your own like I did. And the sanctuary is run by a fantastic and caring team who went out of their way to make my experience truly unforgettable.I really do hope to return again one day.

Stephanie Urbanetz

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Sen Wellness is really a Sanctuary where you can really connect back to you, your body and nature. The 10 days Spring Retreat was so fantastic, the breathing, moving and the food was always great. The location is far off from everything and you pretty much have the beach to yourself. All the animals like baby turtles, monkeys, squirrels, peacocks combined with nature was just magical. Also all the staff took great care of everyone induvidually. I will definitly be back!!

Lara Y

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My husband and I stayed at Sen Wellness Retreat for 11 days in February 2023. We highly recommend Sen Wellness. It is not a resort, it’s a true retreat. Our stay was an absolute dream come true. From the moment we passed through the gate, took our shoes off, and set our feet on the grounds, we found ourselves in a serene atmosphere that washed away all the stress and worries of everyday life. It was an absolute peaceful heaven with calming sounds of the ocean and nature. We stayed in eco-cabana. The blend of natural materials and elements with simple but modern amenities created a perfect balance between rustic charm and contemporary luxury. The room was daily cleaned and had everything we needed for our stay. After meeting with doctor on the first day, our Ayurvedic treatments were tailored to our individual needs, and they were the best part of the experience. Our yoga teacher Thilini was local and made our yoga sessions very meaningful, connecting our body and mind. We still do yoga with her over Zoom ever since we returned home. In a week, we had a new teacher Megan coming. She wasn’t local but she had an extensive knowledge about Ayurveda, local culture and she was great too. The people we had a pleasure of meeting during stay were from all over the world and truly exceptional. The best part was having all meals together around the table and having conversations. Every meal was a delightful journey of flavors and nourishment. The food had many varieties and left us both satisfied and intrigued to try more. Thilini explained to us each food ingredients and shared many stories and information about the local culture. She even took us to the beach late at night for stars gazing and listening to the sounds of the ocean. The staff was very caring, attentive, and tried to provide the best service. By the time we had to leave, we felt so much genuine care and felt like a part of a close-knit community. After returning home, I had a question about medicine for the doctor. Davia sent my question to Dr. Harnika and she replied to me. We left retreat feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, deeply relaxed, and with determination to change our lifestyle.

Rahela Rajh

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My time at SEN Wellness Sanctuary for the Ayurvedic retreat was an incredibly relaxing experience. The immersion in pure nature, the sights and sounds of flora and fauna wildlife, and the rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments made it a standout wellness sanctuary worldwide. Daily yoga and meditation sessions, as well as a meeting with a monk, added a spiritual dimension. The wholesome meals were a delight, and the romantic boat ride they arranged for our wedding anniversary was unforgettable. The staff's warmth and dedication created a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere that truly fostered a deep connection with nature. The private beach felt like a personal paradise, offering an exclusive bond with the ocean and sand. My stay at SEN Wellness Sanctuary was truly transformative.

Ghurair Shaikh

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Our time at SEN Wellness Sanctuary was like discovering a whole new world during the Ayurvedic retreat. Every second felt like a soothing melody of relaxation and refreshment for both of us. Being surrounded by untouched nature was like a dream, with all sorts of plants and animals creating a calming atmosphere. The Ayurvedic treatments were like magic, making this place stand out as one of the best wellness spots globally.Each day, we got to do calming yoga and meditation. We even met a monk, which was pretty cool and added a special vibe to our days. The food was delicious and healthy, giving us energy and making us smile. The cherry on top was a romantic boat ride on our anniversary, showing how much they cared about our happiness.The staff was incredibly friendly and worked hard to make the place feel like a peaceful escape. It was like they understood how much we needed to connect with nature. The private beach felt like our own little paradise, where the waves and sand seemed to give us their full attention.And guess what? We're already planning our next visit to SEN Wellness Sanctuary. Our stay changed us in a big way. It felt like we were woven into a beautiful story that mixed nature's beauty, calming activities, and friendly vibes. This experience is something we'll always remember and it inspires us to bring more harmony and renewal into our lives.

Kristine Servando

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I was looking to fill my cup with good energy and that’s exactly what I got from Sen Wellness. Highlights for me were the delicious healthy food, the setting surrounded by nature and a protected nesting-turtle beach, the soothing Ayurvedic treatments and the daily yoga/ meditation sessions in peaceful settings or gentle dips in the seaside pool. The staff are superb, treating you like family in their lovely home. The cabanas were super comfortable and had everything I needed. Bring lots of insect repellent, camera storage for all the baby turtles you might witness, and a positive attitude and you’re golden. Worth the three-hour trip from Colombo!