Hit the pause button, for it is time to stop living in the hustle and bustle of your daily life. Make it a point to unwind, relax and rejuvenate in your next travel trip. If you have set your sights on visiting beautiful Sri Lanka, here are four retreats and centres that offer a selection of wholesome travel activities perfect for your wellness vacation:
Ayurveda Retreat at Barberyn Resorts, Beruwala & Weligama
Hailed by Time Out magazine as one of Asia’s best yoga retreats, Barberyn Resorts serves as the ideal vacation spot for travellers keen on participating in Ayurveda retreats and holistic treatments.
Visitors will find a wealth of Ayurveda therapies available at the resort. A combination of therapies, such as body massages, herbal baths, medicated oil patches, decoctions and Ayurvedic nutrition are commonly used in the treatment of a particular condition. Immerse yourself in the retreat experience by joining other wellness activities such as chanting sessions, Buddhist Dharma classes, yoga classes and meditation sessions.
Meditation at Nilambe Meditation Centre, Hill Country
Vacation makers in search of a peace of mind may find their answer in a meditation retreat at Nilambe Meditation Centre.
Located in the Hill Country, visitors can participate in a five day retreat at this renowned centre. Participants adhere to a strict schedule during their stay here. The day starts with a resounding gong, as visitors are woken up in the wee hours of the early morning. A series of meditation sessions follow throughout the rest of the day, intercepted by various tea and meal breaks. The evening ends on a contemplative note, as visitors may attend group discussions, chanting and group meditation sessions.
Yoga Retreat at Ulpotha, Dambulla
When your frenzied mind, frazzled nerves and tense body urges you for a break, heed your instincts and give yourself a well-deserved vacation. Venture to Dambulla and soak up the zen and serene atmosphere at Ulpotha. Set in a scenic environment, the grounds of Ulpotha contains a picturesque lake and lush, emerald greenery.
A yoga retreat at Ulpotha is a holistic experience encompassing other wellness aspects such as food, nutrition and Ayurveda treatments. During the retreat, participants will undertake two yoga sessions each day, go for a one-on-one consultation with the resident Ayurveda doctor, venture out for full-day excursions and attend a massage therapy session once per week.
Spend your days in a carefree manner at Ulpotha. In between yoga classes and activities included in the program, visitors are free to lounge about languorously in the lush environs of the retreat. Go for a boat ride, relax against a daybed, head out for a guided walk or settle down in a hidden spot for a session of quiet contemplation and meditation. When it is time to satiate your rumbling tummy, make your way gleefully to the dining pavilion, for meal times are a pleasure here. Mindful eating is key, for it is a worthwhile experience to slowly savour your meals of hearty and delicious vegetarian fare.
