Weight Loss Retreat in Sri Lanka - 5 Essentials

When researching weight-loss retreats, it can get a little overwhelming trying to decide which one is best suited for you. How do you differentiate between them all and how do you know which one will be the best fit? Perhaps a weight loss retreat in Sri Lanka is the answer? Many weight-loss programmes are based on extreme methods that promote restrictions and push you to your physical limits. Most have little concern for your medical or emotional health, promising to help you lose weight but not supporting you in keeping the weight off.

This article aims to provide a little more information on weight loss retreats in Sri Lanka and offer a deeper insight into how to choose a programme best suited to you, your constitution and your medical profile.

How an Ayurvedic diet can normalise your ideal weight

Many weight-loss programmes just focus on the end goal rather than tackling the root cause of weight gain and unhealthy diets. However, when weight is lost dramatically, it will be regained even faster and so the cycle begins again, further adding to the mental frustrations of the process. In our fast-paced, modern Western world, it is often a stressful lifestyle combined with deeper psychological roots that can affect our relationship with food, health and body weight.

“At Sen Wellness Sanctuary, we believe that weight-loss programmes should not be putting you through painful or extreme conditions. Instead, we believe that the most effective weight loss can be achieved through a personalised Ayurvedic treatment programme that is tailored to your constitution.
It has been continuously proven that short-term, intense strategies are not sustainable for effective weight loss. Moreover, people are often not medically viable for most of these programmes nor are they emotionally supported during them. Our approach is simple and easy to maintain.

As hunter-gathers, humans could only provide one meal a day since we were natural grazers and could only eat what we could find from the land. We would eat fruit, nuts, berries, seeds and on very rare occasions meat or fish. Our bodies have not evolved to eat 3 meals a day, full of sugar, dairy, complex carbohydrates and additives. Our recommendation is to eat 2 meals a day of equal proportion that give space and time for your metabolism and digestive system to re-align and regenerate itself naturally. Intermittent fasting has become a popular, known method that supports this notion. At Sen Wellness Sanctuary we combine intermittent fasting and juice fasting in our detox and weight-loss programmes under very careful observation from our Ayurvedic doctors. This will be supported by our Panchakarma programme, to help cleanse the intestines and digestive system.”

– Sam Kankanamge, Founder of Sen Wellness

What you can expect from a Weight Loss Retreat?

A weight loss retreat can vastly reduce stress levels and activate the parasympathetic nervous, allowing the body to enter ‘rest and digest’ mode. The ‘rest and digest’ state is achieved through a balanced combination of great quality nutrition, a calm nurturing environment and engaging in various healing or cleansing practices such as Ayurvedic medicine, yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound healing and massage. All of these practices are known to calm the nervous system, boost immunity and enhance wellbeing. A light, clean diet that combines fresh juice and herbal medicines can lighten your digestion, clear the liver and raise the metabolic rate all contributing to effective weight loss whilst keeping the body concentrated on healing. Maintaining a light exercise routine with a healthy diet will also lighten the energetic body and restore energy levels.

We understand that it can be intimidating and a big commitment to come to a detox and weight loss retreat. However, here are 5 things that you can expect from a weight loss retreat:

The 5 Essentials Needed on a Weight Loss Retreat

Support

Whilst on retreat, it is common to meet people who are on the same journey as you. Whether you are bonding over homesickness, the experience of change, the challenge to adapt to routine changes or simply over body aches from daily yoga there is an abundance of support from our therapists, Sanctuary staff and other guests.

Movement

At Sen Wellness we don’t believe in strenuous, intense, physical exercise. This is not a boot camp or a yoga retreat! Instead, our retreat programmes teach you how to align with your body in a way that is accessible to you. We utilise movement as a way to show you how to develop your own strength at your own pace.

Education

We aim to educate and empower you so that you can create positive changes to your dietary habits and cultivate a conscious relationship with food. This will allow you to continue your weight loss journey upon returning home and ensure long-term change.

Freedom

Freedom to clear your mind from the stresses of your normal life and routine, free from judgement or fear so that you can get back to just being you. At the Sanctuary we encourage you to be free, curious and adventurous. You are even free to be nervous, vulnerable and scared. This experience is unique to you.

Ayurvedic Diet

We believe healthy nourishment involves restoring our natural connection with food. We recommend locally sourced ingredients and organic, natural and home-cooked meals with no additives or chemicals. Wheat-free and plat-based recipes are recommended with the addition of fresh fish on occasion.

Best places to go for a weight loss retreat in Sri Lanka?

There is an infinite selection to choose from in countries such as New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States when it comes to certain weight loss programmes. While many encourage a specific focus to lose weight, most should also promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Many programmes include workshops that tackle a wide range of topics such as healthy eating, exercise routines, recipe planning and other tricks and tips for everyday life. However, if you are truly ready to commit to a weight loss programme that will empower you, teach you and most of all keep the weight off then Sri Lanka is the ideal destination. Sri Lanka is the perfect place to reverse your weight gain as you can be immersed in a beautiful, tranquil place finding space to relax and learn about healthy living in paradise.

At Sen Wellness you can enjoy a luxurious retreat that combines yoga, meditation, nature immersion, sound healing, and group healing sessions all year round. Our world-class therapists and teachers ensure that our weight loss retreats and detox retreats stand out. Their special approach is infused with a wide range of holistic treatments and ancient Ayurvedic teachings that respond to a Western lifestyle and each person’s constitution.

Excellent

Sen Wellness Sanctuary

4.7

Based on 165 reviews

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Janine van der M.

Situated between two bodies of water, a tranquil lagoon on the one side, and the powerful Indian ocean on the other, Sen Wellness Sanctuary is an oasis of tranquility, a place to slow down and connect with nature and yourself. I spent three weeks in this beautiful hideaway and thoroughly enjoyed my stay, including morning and evening meditation and breath work, daily yoga practice, personalised ayurvedic treatments and delicious, freshly prepared meals. I am immensely grateful to the friendly, dedicated and highly professional staff as well as all the beautiful people I was fortunate enough to meet during my time at the retreat. Deep nourishment of body, mind and spirit and a truly unforgettable experience.

Hima A.

Spent 7 days in this beautiful Sanctuary, and highly recommend. Dr Udari is incredible and the treatments truly made a difference. All the staff are so helpful, kind and responsive, from the manager Antonio, Francis and Tseyang and the therapists SenWellness is a true Ayurvedic retreat.

Eugene P.

One of the best vacations I ever had.I’ve been just meditating, doing yoga, breathwork and Ayurvedic treatments without touching my phone for a week.The sanctuary is a collection of very well thought out spaces: huts, main lounge, yoga room, pool, beach…Beach is in the natural preserve, where sea turtles come to lay eggs. No one around. Don’t swim in the ocean though, undercurrents are very dangerous here.The vibe is amazing, staff and service are superb and second to none.Definitely going to come back again.

pia

What a wonderful discovery! The retreat was so much more than we expected - on so many levels. Great yoga, excellent ayurvedic therapy and treatments, really good food - and amazing company. What a wealth of experiences we have taken home with us. Sam and his team were very kind and attentive and the other participants were all so special and warm hearted. We recommend this sanctuary to anyone who wants to enrich their lives and move forward.

cindy F.

A uniquely magical experience. From the moment you leave your shoes by the lotus pool to receive the warm welcome of a garland and king coconut, a sense of kindness and care envelops you.This is heartfelt. Every dish you eat is prepared with a knowledge of what will nourish your body and soul. Every treatment is administered by skilled practitioners who have taken the trouble to understand your individual physical and emotional state and to restore balance and harmony from the inside out.The sounds of this stunning enclave, hidden away down a winding track where peacocks strut and monkeys gambol, are those that evoke both stillness and awe. The sea declares its majesty and power on a peerless beach that nesting turtles call home. The constant and gentle swish of the lagoon and rustle of the trees that bound this space in natural seclusion, soothe and transport you to a deep place of calm.This is one of nature’s sacred spaces.Respect and honour for this is the ethos that guides life in this beautiful oasis which shines from the hearts of the remarkable team. Skilled in so many arts from Ayurvedic medicine and therapy, yoga, reiki, sound healing and, with simplicity and grace, a level of hospitality and care that is humbling.The mishap or the unusual request is met with unruffled efficiency. (My glasses broke and instead of facing a week in a blur and the prospect of navigating an airport when scarcely able to read a sign, an impeccably restored pair of spectacles was returned to me in the shortest possible time - leaving me to wonder if an optician had been spirited out of a ring or a lamp!)My experience at Sen Wellness will be an abiding memory. I will carry away in my heart the echo of the sea, the voices and faces of beautiful people who made such a soulful sojourn possible with huge gratitude to everyone of them for all the skill, knowledge, compassion and care that were the key ingredients of this delightful interlude.(And on the subject of ingredients, I will also carry away the tantalising Sen Wellness cookbook, so the adventure continues…)

Sarah S.

Sen Wellness Centre is a truly magical place. I came here in need of healing and I found it. The staff are incredible. The treatments are incredible. The food is incredible. The rooms are incredible.

Chithrananda De A.

Me and my wife spent three nights at the Sen Welness sanctuaryWell managed place , both Ayurvedic doctors and therapists are excellentExcellent food and service by all teams who involvedExcellent hospitality and great support by the manager TonyBoth yoga teachers Sandya and Anna are excellent , we both enjoyed all sessions from beginning until end.We both enjoyed though out our stay,Food , yoga , excellent Ayurvedic treatment (best compare to what we had in the past in many other places and countries ) We will come backSarah and Chithrananda De Alwis

Nerea C.

Arrive to the Sen Wellness Sanctuary is like to get into a piece of heaven. It’s much more than a place to relax, it’s a truly and deep journey. It awakes your feelings, heals your emotions and takes care of you nourishing from the amazing treatments to the delicious food.Surrounded by the purest nature, you will find calm and joy in this place. The yoga classes and the meditations were such an experience, all the activities were part of the learning and all the staff is the best you can imagine: kind, warm and with such a good energy.Sometimes you have to slap yourself to check that you are not dreaming. It’s such a magical place that you won’t leave never. It’s just possible to be grateful and hope to come back again.

abrar “Abrar” M.

Had the pleasure spending 10 days golden summer retreat , i cam all the way from Saudi arabia with open heart , However, the experience exceed my expectation.The resort well decorated full with love , peace and care .Antonio with his hospitality and his smile takes the experience to another level.Sam and Frances no word can describe the love and passion they have 🦋.The treatment team and the Doctor gave us all the attention and treatment team was amazing.Many thanks for all people who work at the kitchen and especially for the chef the food was delicious and healthyThank you Sam for this beautiful place and community.Definitely i will come back again and again to recharge my self and soul with love and peace 💓🦋

Adel H.

Had the pleasure spending two weeks at Sen Wellness. My wife and I had the best of time there with all starting from Sam, Frances, Antonio and the whole team. The treatment team the doctors gave us all the attention and treatment team were great. Rasanga was extra fantastic. Will come back again.

Angmo A.

I visited last year December in the end of my second trimester and it was probably the best decision I took . The retreat and personalised treatments were exactly what my body needed after working non stop through the year.The staff was very professional and the therapists were knowledgeable and prolly the best Iv experienced in my extensive travels across the world. The food was nutritious and flavoursome. The space was like a sanctuary for us like minded souls who had all gathered there to heal our bodies and minds.The rooms were beautifully and very thoughtfully done up. We absolutely loved our little cabana and loved walking on the private stretch of beach every day. All in all everything was top notch and we hope to be able to return someday again. Special mention to Dr Sam and Sudheera for arranging everything so seamlessly .

Sifra S.

I stayed at Sen for a 10 day signature retreat at the end of April/beginning of May and it was an absolutely life changing experience for me. If you are contemplating this and if you are able to go, I would definitely highly recommend just booking and going for it! It's the best gift you can give yourself.I set the expectations bar quite low since I was in deep grief after losing my partner 2 years earlier. I was heartbroken, traumatised, depressed and just completely worn out and in dire need of a shift. I booked this trip as some sort of last resort and was hoping to come away with at least some more energy.And boy, did it deliver. The location, the place itself, all members of the staff, and the immersion in nature are simply amazing. The treatments are great, the food is awesome and the vibe is oh so relaxed. The communal table was filled with laughter and lovely chatter at each delicious meal. The attention to detail and just the care of everyone working at Sen is truly amazing and very healing.You feel carried while you are there, not having to worry about what you'll prepare for dinner or booking a treatment, everything is arranged for you. You just have to decide what you'll wear to yoga and then you simply show up to yourself and to nature.I felt very much at ease being there on my own. Everyone lets each other be so if you want to spend time alone you absolutely can, but you can always join others at the pool or for an excursion if you feel like it. It never felt off or weird, it al just flowed naturally for everyone who was there.After a few days I started feeling a shift and really properly started feeling relaxed and at ease for the first time in ages. The excellent massages, my wonderful cabana room, the food, watching turtles hatching on the beach, the care of the doctors, resort manager and waiting staff, it was all heart warming and oh so powerful.When you are there everything is taken care of for you but thankfully I left with many tools on how to take things forward. Being able to sample various yoga and meditation styles and rituals gave me the bearings to integrate this more in my busy day to day Western life. I left with a new mindset, wonderful memories and more energy than I had in years. I'm now, two months later, still committed to following the Ayurvedic lifestyle guidelines as I feel a lot more relaxed, energetic and at ease in general.Thank you, Sen! I'm looking forward to coming back sometime soon to freshen up and rebalance again.Sifra

Rebecca T.

An experience that changed me forever!I can't even begin to thank Sen Wellness enough. I came to this retreat with the will to change, and it is here that I learned to inhale what's good for me, exhale all the toxins and past traumas, and let my body breathe and be free. Living in a nature reserve helped me reconnect with nature and overcome my fear of animals and insects. In this place, I found the link between my body and mind and reconnected on all levels.The treatments and medicines definitely aided in the healing process, and the food was nourishing for both the body and soul. The staff were phenomenal, and I can't thank them enough. Special thanks to Francis, who listened and took care of every detail, Irina, who made me fall in love with yoga, and all the professional therapists, especially Tini, whose smile brightened my day and whose positive energy boosted me into becoming a happier person.So much love for this place.Rebecca

Ute K.

My recent stay at the Sen Wellness Sanctuary in Sri Lanka was an extraordinary experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warm smiles and exceptional service by the friendly staff, who went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable and memorable.The Sanctuary is nestled in a beautiful natural setting, with lush greenery and a stunning beach just a stone's throw away. Each morning, I woke up to the soothing sounds of nature, feeling completely rejuvenated and at peace.The cuisine at Sen Wellness Sanctuary was a highlight of my stay. The delicious local dishes, prepared with fresh, organic ingredients, were a true delight for the senses. Every meal was a culinary adventure, showcasing the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine.The personalized Ayurveda treatments were simply outstanding. The expert practitioners took the time to understand my individual needs and tailored the treatments to promote healing and wellness. The therapies were not only incredibly relaxing but also highly effective, leaving me feeling revitalized and balanced.Adding to the holistic experience were the blissful meditation sessions and professional yoga classes. The meditation sessions provided a deep sense of tranquility, helping me to connect with my inner self and achieve a state of complete relaxation. The yoga sessions, led by a highly skilled instructor, were both invigorating and restorative, accommodating all levels of experience and enhancing my overall well-being.Overall, my time at Sen Wellness Sanctuary was a perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and holistic healing. I highly recommend this sanctuary to anyone seeking a transformative and blissful retreat in Sri Lanka. I can't wait to return!

Marylyn W.

I visited Sen Wellness for the spring awakening retreat in early April this year.The retreat was very rejuvenating and I got to meet amazing women who had joined the retreat.It is my second time to visit the Sanctuary and I can't begin to explain how peaceful, rejuvenating the surroundings are.The diet follows Ayurvedic principles, mainly vegan, and vegetarian lots of herbs and indigenous vegetables. Good for the digestive system. You can immediately feel the difference.The spa treatments are very good too, I specially enjoyed the herbal steam bath.A very special thank you for the manager Sanath. He was very quick to solve any problems issues that arose and always followed up to ensure that the guests were satisfied and happy.The staff in general are extremely polite, attentive and very kind. As a solo traveller, this Sanctuary will make you feel at home.Hope to be back soon.!

Sen Wellness Sanctuary - Award-Winning Wellness Retreat in Sri Lanka

Our approach to weight loss differentiates us from many other wellness retreats and weight-loss programmes. We do not use intense methods that promote strenuous exercise or starvation. Instead, we aim to understand the root cause of weight gain and unhealthy eating habits in every individual who comes to our Sanctuary. We recognise that the Western lifestyle contributes to so much stress and demands on the nervous system, therefore we combine a range of healing modalities to calm the nervous system whilst introducing a light exercise routine, Ayurvedic food, medicine and traditional Panchakarma.

The Final Word

A weight loss retreat in Sri Lanka can be life-changing as you begin to discover more energy, a better sleep pattern, brighter eyes and clearer skin. You will leave feeling like all the vitality and vibrancy has been restored throughout your entire body. Contact us below if you would like to register interest in joining a retreat.