Best Ayurveda Retreat in Sri Lanka - 10 Best Tips for an Ayurvedic Retreat
There is no better place to enjoy an Ayurveda Retreat than the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. With its lush tropical weather, warm open-hearted people, unspoiled sandy beaches, ancient forests, lush tea estates, timeless ruins, colourful history, amazing wildlife, and distinctive cuisine, no wonder it’s known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. If you are interested in enjoying an authentic Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka, continue reading for more information.
Over millennia, Sri Lanka has developed its authentic school of Ayurveda that builds upon the Indian school of Ayurveda based on the use of locally grown herbs and other practices. Many travel to Sri Lanka each year to enjoy authentic Ayurveda treatments such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara and Panchakarma (Ayurveda cleanse) for detoxification, rejuvenation and weight loss. Like neighbouring India, Sri Lanka boasts a longstanding history of Ayurvedic and Yoga practice. Originating in India more than 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is considered by many to be the world’s oldest healing science. In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “The Science of Life” and is often called the “Mother of All Healing”. This ancient healing modality emphasises the promotion of vitality and understands that health is not merely the absence of disease. Health is maintained by preserving the delicate balance between mind, body and spirit through paying close attention to one’s thoughts, lifestyle, and diet.
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How to choose the best Luxury Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka?
Steeped in rich Buddhist history, Sri Lanka is one of the best places to enjoy an authentic Ayurveda retreat. While Ayurveda existed long before the arrival of Buddhism, the contribution of Buddhist thought to this ancient healing modality has been invaluable. The Buddha was also called Maha Bhishak (Great physician), focusing his teachings on the issue of existential suffering in the mind and how to alleviate it through meditation. The science of Ayurveda primarily focuses more on the wellbeing of the body. When these two powerful modalities are combined, they act synergistically, helping one achieve inner balance and sustainable benefits long after the end of a retreat.
There are many Ayurveda retreat centres located in stunning locations across this beautiful island, each offering unique healing packages and Complimentary services catering to different clientele and budgets. The best retreat centres offer a unique package where individuals can experience the benefits of Ayurveda treatments in conjunction with Yoga and Meditation.
10 Tips to Consider when considering an Ayurveda Program
Here is an expanded list of considerations when researching for an authentic Ayurveda retreat experience in Sri Lanka:
- Do they offer consultations with the Ayurvedic Doctor and give Personalised Treatments?
- Do they offer Authentic Ayurveda Medication and Treatments (eg. Panchakarma, Abhyanga, Shirodhara, etc.)?
- Can you get an Ayurveda Herbal Bath?
- Do they advise on the Ayurveda Diet?
- Is there Yoga Classes offered?
- Do they advise on the Ayurveda Diet?
- Do they offer Sound Healing?
- What are the Natural Surroundings like?
- Are there any Cultural and Natural Excursions?
- Do they have a reputation for Warm Hospitality?
- What Packages do they offer for Different Budgets?
What Treatments can I expect in an Ayurveda retreat?
Ayurvedic treatment begins with an in-depth consultation, where an Ayurvedic Doctor learns more about your current health status, discomforts and areas that you would like to address. To determine your Dosha, your pulse is taken and questions are asked about your digestion and outlook on life. This initial consultation provides the Ayurveda Doctor with information to begin your treatment protocol.
Ayurvedic treatment is informed by the understanding that everything in the universe is composed of five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth. These elements combine in the human body to form three life forces (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) known as Doshas, which determine the functioning of the human body. Each individual inherits a unique mix of these three Doshas, with one usually being predominant, and it is believed that health issues are experienced due to an imbalance of the Doshas.
A treatment plan will be specially designed for you, taking into consideration your unique mental, emotional, and physical make-up, and the balance between your Doshas.
Types of Ayurveda Treatments
Panchakarma
Abhyanga
Vasthi
Ayurvedic Herbal Baths
Shirodhara
Ayurvedic Diet
Top 3 Benefits of an Ayurveda Retreat
1. Offers a holistic approach to health
Ayurveda emphasises the cultivation of optimum health and empowers individuals with the information and tools to stay healthy. Unlike conventional Western medicine, it does not treat symptoms in isolation but instead looks at the wider picture to understand how mental, emotional, and physical imbalances can lead to symptoms of ill health such as lethargy, anxiety, and other more chronic ailments such as high blood pressure. Equipped with these tools, individuals can live within timeless principles and enjoy a life filled with health and vitality.
2. Complete Philosophy
Ayurveda is an ancient science with more than 5,000 years of history. It is informed by an ancient philosophy that reminds us that we are more than skin deep and that our thoughts and emotions have a palpable impact on our physical health and wellbeing. Coupled with Yoga and Meditation, Ayurveda provides individuals with all the tools they need to live a healthy, balanced life.
3. Greater sense of Wellbeing
Ayurvedic philosophy tells us that we are all unique and on our journeys. It encourages us to find love within ourselves instead of comparing ourselves with others. By encouraging us to approach our individual lives in the most personalised way possible, it encourages us to discover our individual needs and work with our bodies with patience and loving-kindness.
Sen Wellness Sanctuary - Award-Winning Ayurveda Retreat in Sri Lanka
Sen Wellness Sanctuary is one of the best places to enjoy a luxury Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka. We are a multi-award winning wellness centre, having 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, ‘Best or a Great Deal’ by Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guide, and were honoured to grace the cover of TASCHEN magazine’s ‘Great Escapes Yoga: The Retreat Book’, just to share a few examples.
Founded by Sam Kankanamge, an exceptional, world-renowned healthcare professional based in London’s prestigious Harley Street Medical District with over 30 years of experience in transforming patients’ health and who has been called ‘the best back specialist in the country’ by The Times (2014), the Sanctuary is the result of Sam’s dream to support people in an even deeper way. Combining his experience working in the West with his Sri Lankan heritage, rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, Sam’s sensitive understanding of these different cultures, mindsets, challenges and needs is reflected in our authentic offerings at the Sanctuary.
Booking Enquiry
Ayurveda at Sen Wellness - Bespoke and Signature Retreats
At the Sanctuary, guests have the choice between Bespoke and Signature Retreats. Both Bespoke and Signature retreats are tailored to your constitution with the difference being that Signature Retreats incorporate group ceremonies and transformational healing workshops for those looking to immerse themselves on a deeper healing journey with an intimate group of like-minded individuals.
Bespoke Retreats
Bespoke Retreats are available all year round and are inclusive of daily sunrise and sunset yoga sessions with our experienced yoga teachers, Ayurvedically balanced meals and treatments, as well as meditation, gong baths, and spiritual concierge sessions with our visiting Buddhist Monk.
Packages range from shorter stays such as 1 to 7 days, up to 2 weeks, and we are also able to curate longer retreats for individuals looking for a deeper time of contemplation and renewal.
Upon arrival, you will receive a one-on-one consultation with our Resident Ayurvedic Doctor who will take your full case history and understand your health and wellness goals for coming on retreat. During your time with us, your meals, medication, and daily Ayurvedic treatments will help you get closer to your goals so that you leave us feeling restored and rejuvenated.
Based on decades of experience working with western constitutions, our expert team has curated our own updated and modified version of Panchakarma treatments to suit a modern lifestyle and that integrate with other holistic treatment modalities to help you gain the greatest results.
You will also be able to enjoy Ayurvedic herbal baths, Shirodhara, Abhyanga, Vasthi, and other authentic treatments during your stay at the Sanctuary.
Signature Retreats
Signature Retreats are the highlight of our calendar at the Sanctuary and take place four times a year, in harmony with the natural flow of the seasons. Limited to 16 participants, these transformational journeys are hosted by our Founder and renowned healer, Sam Kankanamge, and include personal treatment sessions with him as well as potent group ceremonies and rituals that harness the power of the collective.
Daily sunrise and sunset yoga led by an experienced yoga teacher, sacred cacao ceremonies, breathwork, group healings, and fire rituals are just some of the experiences you can expect during our Signature Retreats. Alongside group sessions, you will also enjoy personalised Ayurvedic treatments following a one-on-one consultation with our Resident Ayurvedic doctor.
Gathering a group of special souls for a ten-day journey together, we believe that no group comes together by accident, and that there is always a deeper purpose and intention. Some of the deepest healing can occur when we allow others to be a mirror for ourselves. The group naturally evolves during the retreat; strong connections are made and lasting friendships are formed.
Located near the pristine Rekawa Nature Reserve in the Southern province of Sri Lanka, Sen Wellness Sanctuary is the perfect Indian Ocean destination to enjoy Ayurvedic treatments and immerse yourself in the healing benefits of nature. Designed and built with sensitivity to our natural surroundings and land, our cabanas are reached by a raised wooden walkway to allow for the natural flows of animal migration, and offers glimpses of a rich array of birds and wildlife among the trees. Encounters with the wild are a daily occurrence, with wild monkeys, peacocks, and turtles all nearby.
The Rekawa Nature Reserve is one of the few places in the world where you can observe marine turtles in their natural habitat. Five out of seven of the world’s marine turtle species, many of which are now endangered, are found in Sri Lanka and return to their natal beach here each year to lay their eggs. These include the leatherback, green loggerhead, olive ridley, and hawksbill turtles. Previous guests have witnessed this spectacular moment where the cycle of life renews itself, and many count it amongst their more magical moments.
During your stay, you can also enjoy free canoe excursions on Rekawa Lagoon, flanked by majestic emerald mangroves that are rich in wildlife.
At Sen Wellness Sanctuary, we truly care about the environment and support our local communities. In November 2019, we launched an exciting initiative to plant 10,000 mangrove trees within Rekawa Nature Reserve.
Mangroves are particularly effective when it comes to carbon off-setting because they absorb three times as much CO2 from the atmosphere compared to most other trees. They also play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity, offering an ideal habitat and food source for a wide variety of species, from shrimps and fish to water monitors and birds.
In addition to their role in combating climate change and promoting biodiversity, this project also supports 50 local families who depend on the rich supply of fish and shellfish in the mangroves for a large part of their livelihoods.
This project is also a collaboration with our local community; Rekawa villagers are paid to run tree nurseries where the young mangroves can be prepared and looked after until they are ready to be planted. After the planting, local farmers look after the trees, helping them to reach maturity.
People come from all over the world to visit Sri Lanka and we have a responsibility to balance our carbon footprint. We hope that our project will become a model to inspire other small businesses like ours to set up tree planting initiatives in their communities.
The Final Word
In the enchanting island nation of Sri Lanka, you’ll find the perfect blend of ancient wisdom and modern luxury in the form of Ayurveda retreats. These wellness sanctuaries offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in the time-honored practices of authentic Ayurveda treatment, a holistic healing science rooted in ayurvedic texts that aims to restore the body, mind, and spirit to optimum health. With a myriad of picturesque retreats nestled amid sandy beaches, timeless ruins, and verdant tea estates, Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful destinations for a rejuvenating wellness experience.
The Ayurveda Panchakarma program, a cornerstone of Ayurvedic treatment, is a popular choice at these retreats, encompassing detoxification, rejuvenation, and healing techniques such as Shirodhara and Abhyanga. Many Ayurveda retreats in Sri Lanka, including Amuna and Talalla, also offer 10 yoga classes, meditation sessions, and picturesque nature reserves to further enhance your wellness journey.
One of the first Ayurveda retreats in Sri Lanka, Surya Lanka also prides itself on its authentic Ayurvedic cuisine. Prepared by skilled kitchen staff and tailored to each guest’s dosha, or body type, these nourishing meals are an integral part of the detoxification process. Guests can enjoy their meals in the serene al-fresco dining area, surrounded by the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
While the focus is on Ayurvedic healing, these luxury Ayurveda retreats provide ample time for leisure, allowing guests to explore the island’s treasures, from sandy beaches to tea estates and nature reserves. For those seeking a less intensive Ayurveda treatment, Ayurveda ‘healing’ and Ayurveda ‘light’ programs offer shorter, more flexible options.
No matter which Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka you choose, you can expect a blend of authentic Ayurveda practices, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional hospitality, all in the service of your health and wellbeing. Whether you are looking for the perfect rejuvenation getaway or a transformative experience to address specific health concerns, an Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and inspired. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing as you enjoy the best of Ayurveda in the enchanting paradise of Sri Lanka.
There are many Ayurveda retreats in Sri Lanka to choose from, and a lot to consider depending on time and budgetary constraints. However, if you are looking for an authentic Ayurveda experience set within stunning natural surroundings, with an established reputation for excellence, then one retreat stands out from the rest; Sen Wellness Sanctuary. To find out more or to get a tailored treatment plan for what you need, contact Sen Wellness Sanctuary by clicking here.
Condé Nast wrote of Sen Wellness Sanctuary, “Highly sought-after London-based osteopath Sam Kankanamge has brought the success of his practice home to Sri Lanka. The result is a one-of-a-kind Ayurvedic immersion on the south coast of the island. Guests come here, to the mangrove forest of the Rekawa Reserve sandwiched between a pristine beach and lagoon, to disconnect, take stock of their lives and embrace the healing power of nature. Weight loss, depression, skin disorders, insomnia, stuck in a rut? Nothing is too much or too little for Dr Harshi Anuradha, who diagnoses your dosha after you’ve given her the lowdown on your life. “
