Weight Loss Retreat in Sri Lanka - 5 Essentials

When researching for 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 really know which one will be the best fit? Perhaps a weight loss retreat in Sri Lanka is the answer? Many weight-loss programs are based on extreme methods that reduce consumption, promote starvation 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 will aim to provide a little more enlightenment 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.

Table of Contents

How an Ayurvedic diet can normalise your ideal weight

weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 Essentials
Ayurvedic Diet

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.

Sam Kankanamge, the founder of Sen Wellness, has over 30 years of experience with extensive research working with hundreds of people all around the world in both retreat and clinical environments. His experience working with people from all over the World means that he notices how in a 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 with a beautifully crafted and tailor-made Ayurvedic treatment that can be curated to suit 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, easy to maintain and adapt to.

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.

Our Panchakarma method is designed to be less intensive than traditional Panchakarma. We integrate it with other holistic treatment modalities. We do not offer enemas or intense colonic cleansing but instead offer a deep purge, supported by herbs, alongside detox and fasting, to help cleanse the intestines and digestive system.”

weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 Essentials
Sam Kankanamge

What you can expect from a Weight Loss Retreat?

A weight loss retreat in Sri Lanka can vastly reduce stress levels and support the body to enter ‘rest and digest’ mode. This state is when the parasympathetic nervous system dominates instead of the sympathetic nervous system, which affects our ‘fight, flight or freeze’ state. 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 fitness 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. Here, you meet on even ground and everyone is equally committed to improving themselves despite their differences or backgrounds. 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 still an abundance of support from our therapists, retreat hosts, Sanctuary staff and other guests to keep you motivated.

Movement

At Sen Wellness we don’t believe in strenuous, intense, physical exercise. This is not a boot camp or solely a yoga retreat! Instead, our retreat programmes teach you how to align with your body in a way that is accessible to you, allowing you to attune with what you are already naturally capable of. Movement through Yoga, Pranayama and Qi Gong shows you how to develop your own strength, at your own capability. It is empowering to learn how to move and utilise your own innate strength.

Education

After 30 years of experience, our approach at Sen Wellness Sanctuary is to educate our guests so that they can create positive changes to their eating habits. Through education, the individual guest is able to adjust their own lifestyle and feel self-empowered in doing so. The experience of receiving knowledge and applying it to make lifestyle changes ensures that guests’ lost weight is not re-gained once they return home.

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, to be curious, adventurous and playful. You are even free to be nervous, vulnerable and scared. This experience is unique to you and your journey in a totally raw and authentic way.

Ayurvedic Diet

We believe a healthy diet that encompasses a more ancient and natural connection with food and sourced locally (not from the supermarket) is the key point to successful weight loss. We recommend organic, natural and home-cooked meals with no additives or chemicals. Gluten and wheat free recipes, minimal dairy and meat products are mostly 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.

Santani Wellness Resort or Barberyn Beach Ayurveda are both very popular retreat centres for detox and weight loss in Sri Lanka. However, for a more authentic Ayurvedic experience, at Sen Wellness you can enjoy a luxurious retreat that combines Yoga, Movement, meditation, nature immersion, sound healing, group healing sessions and spiritual ceremonies 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. 

weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 Essentials
Excellent4.8Based on 153 reviews from weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsRoberta G1686133352 ★★★★★ My experience at the sanctuary was out of this world - I booked online & I didn’t know how my husband and I would have found it, but the experience definitely outweighed my expectations. It is a dream location with Km’s of secluded beach and fabulous cabins. The food is all vegan and honestly outstanding and very varied. We did not miss having meat at all, they even had fish twice but only because it was a fresh catch. The treatments are also fantastic. I was on the verge of a burnout when I went to Sen Wellness and honestly came back feeling like a human again. So much so that I still think about the little moments and my husband and I have decided to go again next year. We can’t imagine our March trip to be the last one to this magical place.weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsLozzy E.1682569521 ★★★★★ Fantastic retreat, I loved the personalized approach a lot of other retreats do not provide this you really do feel part of a family. The staff were so attentive and relaxed even the way they cleaned around you was relaxing! I enjoyed all the treatments I would just warn that you will be asked to remove underwear for some massages and steam baths for me I felt a little uncomfortable being massaged naked and couldn’t fully relax. You can tell this to the doctor prior to them scheduling treatments. The food was so delicious I enjoyed everything I ate in the 5 days I was there. There were yoga sessions twice daily however I would say they are definitely meditation/breathing workshops. It would have been nice to do some active yoga to get the body moving but still enjoyed the breathing and gong baths. I would advise if you struggle with the heat to upgrade to a cabana with AC as the rooms were so so hot! I did so much research on retreats in Sri Lanka and I’m 100% certain this is the best for a wellness retreat/spa. It showed me a new way of looking after my body with sleep and nourishing food Thank you!!!weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsChant Breathe D.1681728031 ★★★★★ This is a rare jewel of a place. Nestling in forest, beside a sacred stretch of protected ocean, where endangered turtles ay their eggs and give birth. Just to witness this alone is a life changing experience. Everything about Sen gently lulls you into your heart, tensions melt away, with incredible organic food, camaraderie of other like minded souls there to relax and heal, and a smiling staff who genuinely care about your well-being. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the co founders, even the story of how this stunning yet simple structure came into being, exudes love, heart and above e all vision and bravery. In a corporate, unfeeling world gone mad, intent on destroying all life on our planet, this place offers a glimpse of hope. Where kindness is the currency and healing and transformation the aim above all else. World class yoga, breathing, Ayurveda, and if you are lucky enough a treatment or tow with sam the co founder. This is something not to be missed. Just go there and see for yourself how it revitalises and offers a new perspective on life. now that is something that money cannot buy.weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 Essentialsshanto M.1676691662 ★★★★★ I recently stayed at San Wellness Sanctuary in Sri Lanka for nine days to treat my long COVID brain fog and shortness of breath. Overall, my experience at the sanctuary was excellent. The staff and people there were incredibly welcoming and made me feel at home right away. The food was also fantastic - I looked forward to every meal.While I didn't see much improvement in my long COVID symptoms after the treatments, I still greatly appreciate the care and attention I received. The treatments themselves were great, and I felt like the practitioners really knew what they were doing.Overall, I would highly recommend San Wellness Sanctuary to anyone looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat. The location is beautiful, the facilities are top-notch, and the staff is truly exceptional. Thank you for a wonderful stay.weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsAnkur K.1675708913 ★★★★★ Having known Sam for a few years, I finally made my way to the Sen Wellness Sanctuary in Sri Lanka in Jan 2023. And what an experience it has been. Words (and pictures) will never do justice to the care, warmth, generosity, expertise and the beauty of the 9 days I spent at the Sanctuary.Whether it was the morning wake up with a gentle and persistent "Good morning, Sir" at 5.30 and a hot cup of cardamom tea being held outside my room (till one got out of bed and opened the door), the morning yoga sessions (for the first time I was able to drop into that practice), the pre-breakfast walk to (a good little work out too!) and dip in the rock pool or a gentle raft-ride along the mangrove lagoon, the Ayurvedic doctor customising a daily treatment plan which included 3+ treatments a day, the early evening meditation (or sound healing or Breathwork) sessions, the ceremonies, an opportunity to be with the Reverend Monk or the little mini-excursions they organised, was all really special. Add to this the delicious and locally sourced food, the incredible team, the small community where we ate and checked-in together and the beautiful sanctuary itself and their cabanas. All that one needed was to be embedded in nature, and on the luscious beach, a protected turtle sanctuary (with an opportunity to see the turtle come out and lay eggs!) - which I enjoyed too.I have come back refreshed, rejuvenated and excited to enjoy what 2023 has in store. I will certainly be heading back - perhaps this time also to their sister Forest Retreat center in addition to the Sanctuary. Thank you Sam, Sudheera and the kind, generous and capable team at Sen Wellness.PS: Their selection of reading materials while lazily lounging waiting for the "next" treatment, was a treat and Sam's clinic in London, has been a real blessing and gift too!weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsAnn1674755619 ★★★★★ Staying at the Sen Wellness Retreat in Sri Lanka was one of my best experiences from the moment I entered the retreat I was enveloped in all the warmth and love you could possibly wish for. The delicious food, Ayurvedic treatments, relaxing on the comfortable furnishings in the common areas and the well appointed bedrooms. The thrill of enjoying the sunrise while doing kundalini yoga on the golden sand where the turtles had struggled up the beach the night before to lay their eggs. Sunset yoga, meditation and sitting around the fire chatting to my new family is unforgettable - I am planning on returning in November!! A pool would be lovely - Sam had best start digging!!!!weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsChristina B.1673532599 ★★★★★ Thanks to Sen Wellness I'm starting my year completely refreshed from the inside out. It's the most beautiful, serene, welcoming place located between the sea and a lagoon. The team has gone over and beyond looking after every single guest with individual treatment plans and always being around to support. Not to mention the amazing food.. I've only stayed 6 days and would have loved to have some extra days. Can only recommend it and hope to be back again!weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsArjuna D.1669316730 ★★★★★ Whether you are looking to take a break from the busyness of life, a complete overhaul of the mind, body and soul or just a place to completely relax and get a good sleep, look no further. You have the ability and opportunity to completely unplug here with no outside distractions. Completely rest and rejuvenate at this very private location with super comfortable beds, nutritious food, amazing daily Ayurvedic therapies and supportive staff. It is called a sanctuary for a reason. The only distraction may be your minds addictive behaviors, for most the rabbit hole of the internet. With the limited wifi, you can turn off your phone for your entire stay or limit it to an hour a day. Then you may get to discover what truly makes you happy from within.My partner, Jamie, and I worked here for 3 months as therapists, yoga teachers and hosts. We fell in love with the place and the staff, we now call friends, that we would often here laughing while they worked. Something that we have discovered working at other retreat centers was not the case.We also noticed the pure synchronicity and harmony of the individual guests who showed up. Most of them became, not only friends with each other, but the perfect support persons in their transformative processes and I'm sure many will stay in touch for years to come.Please consider staying here to not only find your light but to turn it up so bright so you can be a lighthouse onto everyone around you. This world needs more light-bearers.Last but not least when considering how long to stay we noticed guests who stayed for less than 7 days felt their time was cut short and were only starting to get into a rhythm. Those who stayed for 2 weeks or longer were completely transformed and were literally floating by the time they left.Jamie and I look forward to coming back, for our own wellness and to support others in finding theirs. OM.weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsLamees A.1669015832 ★★★★☆ My sister and I went to Sen Wellness Santuary in November 2022. The experience was far more than we expected. The Ayuverdic treatments were so rejuvenating, the food was delicious, plant basic and organic, the morning breathing, meditation and yoga were just what we needed to kick start the day with the right intention and mindset. Also, the community connection is better than any other wellness place I have been to. The location of the sanctuary is between a forest, a lake, and the ocean, so you get the best of the 2 worlds. Highly recommended should you want to slow down from your busy schedule, connect with yourself and renergise 😀weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsJonathan Z. L.1666709855 ★★★★★ What an incredible, transformative week at Sen Wellness. A beautiful coccoon for the soul, in such a beautiful location. It's hard to describe what happens here, with the great yoga sessions, personalized Ayurvedic treatments, workshops, meditations, ceremonies, and mindful diet...it just all works together to provide a healing experience, one which expands the mind and heart, and gives the soul room to breathe. Stress lines and wrinkles noticeably vanished from everyone's faces over a few days, bodies began to unfold and stand strong once more, and smiles continued to grow day after day. Everyone at the center was incredibly kind and attentive, and it was a joy every morning to greet them. Madhu at the main desk was a ray of sunshine, Dr Harnika radiated peace and warmth, and all the therapists and kitchen staff took such good care of us. A very special thank you to our yoga teacher (and SO much more) Jamie, who helped to create a safe and nurturing space while helping us to free our bodies and minds. She is an exceptional guide, and a powerful beam of light, helping strangers from all over the world turn into a supportive community. And such deep gratitude for Arjuna who has what can only be described as the most healing hands, who helped me work through my chronic pain of 10+ years in such an intuitive manner - I'm still speechless!!Thank you so much Sen for helping so many people in deeply personal ways. 🙏weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsManuela C.1666709641 ★★★★★ Thank you Sen Wellness for providing an outstanding stay for Jon and myself. It really felt like a warm cocoon, a safe space to be guided towards our essence, to feel nurtured, grounded, healthy, and to be allowed to just be. The yoga was very integrative to all levels, and Jamie helped us understand and integrate the true meaning of yoga beyond the classes. The ceremonies led by Jamie and Arjuna were so great and genuine heart openers for people from all walks of life. Arjuna’s massages were out of this world, and with a lot of love.Beyond this, the whole staff was incredibly friendly - every single one of them.Madhu’s smile simply unforgettable. Best wishes and we will hopefully be back very soon!!weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsPaula Alves S.1666266161 ★★★★★ I did not write a comment immediately after my retreat because I was looking for the perfect words to describe the beautiful and deep experience I lived at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. You might choose this place because you feel in a certain way but independently of the cause that might bring you there the truth is that you will leave with a clear, light and peaceful body and soul. At Sen Wellness Sanctuary I felt that everyone works towards making that space a home away from your home. The kindness and perfectionism that the staff provides is rare to find. By investing in Sen Wellness Sanctuary you are also investing in the community. The owner's philosophy of making the staff a priority really made the difference for me.The beautiful classes and ceremonies provided by Jamie Sol are undoubtedly memorable. I felt an immediate connection with the teachers and there are lessons that I for sure won't forget. Starting from the interior to the exterior, all Ayurvedic treatments brought me the feeling of floating. I felt many times that I was reborn over and over again. And I can not end this review without mentioning the unity created in the space between its architecture and nature to really create a unity between the all. I left with a tight heart because I really felt at home. The morning tee watching the sunrise from the cabana, the long walks between the empty beach and the immense lagoon, yoga while the sun goes up, the delicious (really delicious) food, the laughs, the sound of birds and monkeys playing around, the chat and meditation with the monk, the sky filled with stars, the reading by the pool, the long conversations, the sunbath by the stairs while waiting for treatments. The many many smiles. Oh I could go back in a glimpse.weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsBożena T.1666107938 ★★★★★ I had a wonderful stay at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. I was traveling solo and honestly this retreat was more than I thought I ever needed. Everything - from facilities, food, treatments was just great. You can feel this amazing hospitality from the moment you step through their gates.What is important to mention - I am on a strict gluten free diet and the kitchen staff took every effort to accommodate my dietary requirements. They even made a special GF cake for my birthday!Big shoutout to Jamie and Arjuna - such a lovely teachers and mentors - I have learned so much from them about yoga, meditation, energy healing and more.To the whole staff (and especially the ones I was not able to say goodbye to) - thank you from the bottom of my heart. People are the ones who make places special and you were all so incredible and kind. I received so much love and care when celebrating my birthday there - something I will cherish forever.Everything was organized with lots of care. My transfer from and to the airport was very smooth. The area is very safe and honestly I can't recommend the retreat enough.weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsGerti van L.1665931293 ★★★★★ My retreat at Sen Wellness Sanctuary was exactly what I needed after 2,5 years Covid with full time home working. I was tired, both mentally and physically. As I wanted to completely disconnect from my day to day life, I chose for the 14 day package. It was the best thing I did to recover from these 2,5 years.The staff at Sen Wellness is very friendly and welcoming, from yoga teachers to the kitchen staff and therapists. I had an excellent yoga teacher Jamie, who also guided the ceremonies. We did a fire ceremony, water ceremony and a new moon ceremony. The new moon ceremony was very special. It was like Jamie sensed what I needed. Movement, dance, energy, joy, life! Perfect!The food was excellent, every meal a great variety of dishes. Even the few days that I had the luxury to be the only guest, I had at least 7 dishes for lunch and dinner.I loved the treatments, my favorite was the shirodhara. This oil treatment you have to experience. Words cannot express this experience, you float, lose track of time and space. And let's not forget the joint treatment, loosening your whole body.The yoga classes went beyond the physical postures. There was a lot of attention for both body and soul, with breathing exercises and meditation. And let’s not forget joy. The last day we went at sun rise to the beach to take pictures of my achievement. It was not about the achievement, it was about the joy of life we shared together.A retreat at Sen Wellness is a treat and transformation for body and soul.weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 EssentialsSonia C.1662920418 ★★★★★ I attended to summer retreat and this center offered me so much more than I expected. First of all, I was not sure at all of travelling to Sri Lanka from Canada, but all is good, you can travel with no fear, it was a perfect experience, from beginning to end.I have been taking care of from the most caring, knowledgeable, open hearted, and wonderful people that have made my journey at the center a exceptionnel experience.You can trust, that this center will bring you what you need, at the perfect timing in your life.weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 Essentials

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.

weight loss retreat in sri lanka, Weight Loss Retreat Sri Lanka – 5 Essentials
Natural Surrounding at Sen Wellness

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.