As travel restrictions around the world are starting to ease, and with a tentative date for UK travel ban lift in sight, it’s time to start planning that long-overdue wellness break. We welcome the recent news from Sri Lanka which is now welcoming back tourists from the UK.
This teardrop-shaped island located off the South East coast of India has become a tourist’s dream.
Known as the “pearl of the Indian Ocean”, Sri Lanka has long been acclaimed for its dreamy beaches, vibrant culture, historical ruins, incredible wildlife and gentle people, but for many savvy wellness travellers, it has also been their go-to place for brilliant Ayurveda and knock out Yoga.
What’s more, summer is the perfect time to visit Sri Lanka for an Ayurveda experience. During the monsoon season its benefits are greater than ever.
The monsoon season brings cooler temperatures and fresher air. It’s also more affordable so you can get more for your money.
Voted one of the top 20 best yoga retreats in the world by The Times, the sanctuary provides a nurturing, healing experience and personalised support for all its guests.
It seeks to help visitors self-realise and reach their full inner potential, precipitating wellness and happiness for all.
Knowing nature is the biggest healer, you will quickly feel the calming and invigorating effects of the surrounding nature reserve.
The property specialises in personalised retreats that combine guiding yoga with world-class osteopathic treatments, local therapists, exceptional chefs and expert Ayurvedic doctors.
Prices: from £550 pp for a 3 day full board stay in low season
In no time at all Santani has sealed its reputation as one of the best spas in Sri Lanka by providing a personalised, top-drawer experience for their guests.
Specialising in Detox, Anti-Ageing and Weight Loss, each retreat begins with a consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor who then creates a programme designed to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
A personalised fitness plan is also implemented throughout your stay with optional outdoor activities available, including mountain biking, trekking and kayaking in the Hulu River.
A peaceful wellness haven enveloped by an abundance of natural beauty, Santani is a place to re-connect, slow the pace and gain perspective.
Prices: from £619 pp for a 3 day full board stay in low season
This property has been famed for its comprehensive, classical panchakarma cure, legendary care and generous hospitality.
Located directly on the beach, the resort is surrounded by a large tropical garden and has a very peaceful atmosphere which is essential for a successful Ayurveda Cure and a perfect place to relax in between treatments.
Their Panchakarma programme was designed with the input of two of India’s most prominent Ayurveda physicians – Professor Asok and Doctor Athul Thombare – 21 years ago and has remained true to its principles in the years since.
Their staff are highly experienced with most having been at the resort for over 10 years. Surya is also a relatively small resort which allows for a more personal atmosphere where guests are able to experience a highly individualised cure.
Prices: from £770 pp for a full board 7 night stay in low season
At the heart of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is its Spa, where you can experience trusted ancient therapies from Sri Lanka and across Asia, as well as popular western spa treatments that use herbs and spices that are indigenous to the island.
There are also all-encompassing multi-day programmes that begin with a consultation with the resort’s resident Ayurvedic Doctor and combine exercise, nutrition and Ayurvedic treatments to help restore body and mind.
Prices: from £1975 for a full board 5 night stay in low season
Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort
One of Sri Lanka’s warmest and most hospitable family-run wellness retreats, Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, lies in Weligama, a coastal village at the southern tip of Sri Lanka. It features simple but elegant rooms which have no televisions or radios making it the ideal destination for a digital detox.
Apart from its serene coastal setting, what really draws people to Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort again and again is its Ayurvedic Health Centre, which is considered one of the best in Sri Lanka.
Following a detailed consultation with one of their resident Ayurvedic doctors, a personalised programme which includes Ayurvedic food, herbal medications, Yoga, meditation and a variety of treatments and therapies, including head and face massages, synchronised body massages and herbal steam baths will be put together for you to help balance your mind, body and soul.
Prices: from £1865 pp for a full board 14 night stay with Ayurveda in low season.