Top 4 Wellness Retreats in Sri Lanka

Truly great Spa destinations that offer a large variety of wellness options, with something for everyone are rare, and Sri Lanka is that great exception. It’s the place to go to enhance your vitality through Yoga, fitness, detox, weight loss and wellness, with offers to suit every budget.

It has long been acclaimed for its palm-fringed dreamy beaches, perfect for surfing, swimming and snorkelling over coral reefs, but it also boasts a lush, emerald-green interior with mountains, waterfalls and tea plantations. It has vibrant culture, historical ruins and gentle people, but for those in the know it’s also been their go-to place for brilliant Ayurveda, knock-out Yoga, and an ‘India-light’ wellness experience that is much less in-your-face than its noisier neighbour. We have put together our top four wellness retreats for this breathtaking destination.

Santani Wellness Kandy

Tucked away in the hills, Santani Wellness Kandy is a mere one hour away from the sacred and historic city of Kandy, the spiritual centre of Sri Lanka and home to one of the most sacred relics in Buddhist culture. The simple, rustic buildings (modelled after 16th-century architecture in the Tampita Vihara style) have been designed with nature in mind and give homage to traditional Sri Lankan homes with large pillars, exposed columns and polished hardwood floors throughout.  Named for the Sanskrit word meaning “in harmony with,” Santani Wellness Kandy stands by the sincere belief that sustainable wellness begins by bringing oneself into balance with nature and by allowing ourselves to receive nurture from ourselves as well as from others. Specialising in Detox, Anti-Ageing and Weight Loss, each retreat begins with a consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor who will then create a bespoke programme designed to maximise the benefits of each individual's stay. 

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.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Indian Ocean on the southern coast of Sri Lanka is Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, a luxurious wellness hideaway surrounded by 21 acres of tropical gardens and fronted by a secluded beach. 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.

Surya Lanka

Since opening in 1995, Surya Lanka 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.