On this 2 week wellness break you will experience a carefully curated programme, designed to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul featuring bespoke, traditional Sri Lankan Ayurveda practices and relaxing yoga & meditation sessions.
During this yoga and wellness retreat, you will also explore the ancient stronghold of Sigiriya where King Kashyappa built pleasure palaces and water gardens; visit a cave temple over 2,000 years old with innumerable religious treasures; stay in a city so spiritual, it will inevitably fill your soul with peace and contentment; and indulge in golden sunshine on soft sandy beaches! But all of this plays second fiddle to the true purpose of your holiday – a wellness break.
Read MoreAt each major destination a doctor will assess you and prescribe custom designed treatments to suit your Dosha (ailments), which will be attended to by qualified wellness specialists. From daily spa treatments to yoga & meditation sessions; discussions on lifestyle & healthy living to saunas and steam rooms; and gourmet meals prepared with the freshest of local ingredients, this wellbeing holiday is completely focussed on rejuvenating your mind, body and soul.
Your accommodation will consist of handpicked hotels, designed to minimise time spent in travel, so that you can have the maximum time to focus on your wellness holiday and enjoy your hotel, destinations, and the amazing cuisine in the area.
Ideal for:
Anyone who would want to experience the wellness practices in Sri Lanka. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Small groups of friends or family.
Highlights at glance
- Rejuvenate your body & mind with diverse Ayurvedic treatment methods that best suit your Dosha (ailments).
- Encounter ancient engineering marvels and breathtaking panoramas at the 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Witness age-old Buddhist rituals and experience the traditional craft of making Sesath (an elaborate sunshade) in Kandy.
- Visit the historic caves in the Dambulla Cave Temple, which contain paintings, statues and relics accumulated over a period of 2,000 years.
- Go on a Boat Safari to see the largest mammal on earth, the Blue Whale*.
- Explore the eclectic streets of the Galle Dutch Fort, a Unesco World Heritage site, one of the last few living forts in the world
1st Night - Kotugoda
Ayubowan! Welcome to your wellness holiday in Sri Lanka. The first night of your private tour begins in the quaint village of Kotugoda. We’ve picked this village in particular, because it’s a quiet getaway location that’s situated just a short ride away from the airport, making it the ideal place for you to rest and acclimatise after your long flight. Feel free to explore the locality and experience the attractions in the area. From cigar factories to the Muthurajawela Wetlands (a National Sanctuary), there is much to see here, and you could even head over to the coastal fishing town of Negombo later in the day to experience the vibrant nightlife and cuisine.
You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to your hotel in Kotugoda. The agenda on the first day of your wellness retreat in Sri Lanka is left open, so that it can be enjoyed at your own pace. If you arrive during the day, you can explore the village, visit a cigar factory, go on a boat ride in the Muthurajawela Wetlands which is famed for its extensive birdlife, or visit Negombo town to see all of its fantastic attractions. Your personal chauffeur will be there to assist you in all of these activities.
2nd & 3rd Nights - Sigiriya
Your next destination is Sigiriya, home of the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The complex water features, landscaped gardens, and palaces built on top of the rock are marvels themselves, but considering this was all done over 1,500 years ago and within a short span of 18 years, the feat is quite mind boggling. Against this impressive backdrop and history is where we begin your body holiday. A variety of Ayurvedic spa treatments, peaceful and cosy lodging, and amazing cuisine await you here.
Your journey to Sigiriya will begin after a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast. After checking in to the hotel, the resident doctor will meet with you to assess your wellness needs. Thereafter, you could choose to indulge in a spa treatment as part of your wellness break or just relax and explore your surroundings. In the afternoon, your chauffeur will take you to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where you will explore the grounds before beginning the climb to the top for an amazing panoramic view. The climb is timed so that you arrive just in time for an amazing sunset.
The next day is all about indulgence in treatments. Based on the doctor’s assessment, you are free to choose from a variety of spa treatments and detox programmes that are on offer. There is no rigid programme for this day, as it is meant to ease you into a wellness holiday, which often requires a break in certain long term habits. Consult the doctor if you need help in choosing any treatments. Although no excursions are planned for this day, you are free to go exploring if you feel the wanderlust calling.
4th to 7th Nights - Kandy
On the way to Kandy, a short distance from Sigiriya, is the town of Dambulla. Although it is an innocuous looking town, it has enormous economic and religious significance, so there is much to see here. The 2,000 year-old Dambulla Cave Temple, and the massive fresh produce trading hub, are a couple of the major highlights in this area. The city of Kandy is steeped in history and religious significance too. It was the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka and has been the home of the Sacred Tooth of Lord Buddha for several centuries. Kandy and its surroundings always seem to be wrapped in a serene aura, which lends itself quite well to any wellness retreats.
Your first stop after breakfast will be at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre, a massive trading hub for fresh produce from many parts of the island. Here, you will sample and learn about various types of fruits & vegetables grown all over Sri Lanka. After this you will head to the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is full of cave paintings, statues and relics accumulated over a period of 2,000 years. At the end of these excursions, you will set off for Kandy and arrive just in time for a glorious sunset at your hotel.
Your spa and wellness holiday programme in Kandy will begin after a body analysis and consultation session with the resident doctor. During these 3 days, you will experience daily spa treatments, yoga and meditation sessions, and guided group walks along with discussions on lifestyle and healthy living. You will also have access to a steam room, sauna and thermal saltwater pool, to be used at any time as part of your wellness retreat. Food is a crucial part of your wellness journey too and you will be treated to gourmet meals made with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and some truly delicious non-alcoholic beverages.
Your yoga and wellness retreat is interspersed with excursions and experiences too. This will include a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where the sacred relic of a tooth belonging to Lord Buddha is kept. You will be able to witness a daily sacred ritual known as Thewawa, during your visit to this temple. Another excursion will take you to a community that makes Sesath, a device used as a fan and sunshade, that dates back to ancient times. Kandy and its surroundings are replete with many places of cultural and religious significance. You are encouraged to visit as many of them as you can, in a manner where it does not interfere with your overall wellness holiday.
8th to 14th Nights - Weligama
Your next stop in your wellness holiday in Asia, is the coastal town of Galle, all the way down on the sunny South Coast. Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of this town is the culture-rich Galle Fort which was built by the Portuguese colonists, and modified by the Dutch and British, during their respective colonisations. Today, it is a beautifully eclectic mix of cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines, intriguing stores, quirky hotels, and art galleries.
Nestled by the beach in Weligama at your final wellness retreat, with the gentle sound of waves in the background, you will experience a holistic approach to wellness with first-class consultation, soothing massages and fantastic cuisine based on an Ayurvedic diet.
After breakfast your wellness trip will take you on a scenic drive to the Galle Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you will be taken on a walking tour to discover the history, mysteries and eclectic culture of this living Fort. There is much to see and experience here, so at the end of the walking tour you are free to explore the Fort at your own pace. After you spend a few hours here, you will head to your final wellness retreat in Sri Lanka, Weligama, which is a short drive further down the South Coast.
At your wellness retreat in Weligama, the resident Ayurveda Doctor will analyse your Doshas and recommend a treatment plan which will start immediately after the consultation. Your treatment plan includes spa treatments, yoga & meditation, and meals based on the special dietary plan curated for you by the doctor. The flavourful meals will be pure vegetarian in order to meet Ayurvedic recommendations, and will be made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. As part of your detox holiday, the same Ayurvedic recommendations apply to the exquisite herbal drinks and fresh fruit juices too, with no artificial ingredients in sight.
If your travel dates fall between November and March, you will be able to include a Whale Watching excursion to your list of activities on your wellness holiday. This private boat excursion takes places in the seas off the town of Mirisssa, which is a short distance away from Weligama. It is a highly recommended experience, as you will have sightings of many Blue Whales and hundreds of Dolphins on this excursion.
*The Whale Watching excursion is a seasonal activity and will be possible only from November to March.
At the end of your body holiday, refreshed & rejuvenated, it is time to depart. Your chauffeur will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to Colombo Airport in time to catch your departure flight, bringing to a close your 14-night, curated wellness retreat in Sri Lanka.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts (organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules).
- A boat ride in the Muthurajawela Wetlands or along the Dutch Canal in Negombo
- Nighttime Loris observation trail in Sigiriya.
- Additional nights in any of the locations.
- A private boat charter for a Whale Watching boat ride in the seas off Mirissa.
- Additional nights in Weligama or Mirissa (beach stay).
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 0
1-2 persons
$ 0
3-4 persons
$ 0
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 8,122
1-2 persons
$ 7,710
3-4 persons
$ 7,582
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Ayurvie Sigiriya Retreat
Ayurvie Sigiriya is a Sri Lankan retreat that celebrates the beauty of its natural surroundings.
Santani Wellness Resort & Spa
Featured by Time Magazine as one of the World's 100 Greatest Places, Santani Wellness Resort & Spa is perhaps the best luxury ayurveda resort...
Ayurvie Weligama Retreat
Ayurvie Weligama, a member of the Ayurvie Retreats run by Theme Resorts & Spas, provides this serene holistic retreat on Sri Lanka's southern coast.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 0
1-2 persons
$ 0
3-4 persons
$ 0
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- Accommodation for 14 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis at all hotels, except at the resorts in Kandy (4th to 7th nights) and in the South (8th to 14th Nights) which are on Full-Board basis. All accommodation is on a Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation via air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour, including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- Cost of Ayurvedic treatments and yoga & meditation sessions at all resorts as per the itinerary.
- Entry permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early check-in or late check-out charges at hotels.
- Cost of optional activities / sites.
- Tips to the staff.
- Any mandatory supplement by the Government.
- Any expenses of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.).
- Any other expense, other than those mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
2 - 3 Hours
Galle Fort with a Storyteller
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
Bentota & West Coast
5 - 6 Hours
Whale Watching Mirissa
Experience the kiss of salty air as you journey into the Indian Ocean, to one of the world’s best whale hotspots. See it all...
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast