Today I Learned: Sri Lanka Is Home to Luxurious Ayurvedic Retreats
"Ayurveda teaches you about life," Dr. Hansika Clooray, Chief Ayurveda Doctor at Ayurvie Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, tells Esquire Philippines in a short interview.
Ayurveda has been practiced for thousands of years in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This holistic approach to health and well-being is rooted in the belief that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected. Ayurveda seeks to maintain balance within these elements to promote health and prevent disease. This traditional practice is gaining renewed interest in today's world, where people are increasingly seeking natural and integrative approaches to health care.
Ayurvie Sigiriya is an Ayurveda hotel in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, nestled near Sigiriya Rock.
Sri Lanka has emerged as a sanctuary for this ancient medicine system, especially for those seeking a harmonious blend of wellness and luxury. Ayurvedic retreats in the country not only offer therapeutic treatments but also boast idyllic settings. Nestled amid verdant hills, serene beaches, or tranquil forests, these resorts provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. Guests can indulge in yoga sessions at sunrise, meditate by the ocean, or simply unwind in the natural beauty that surrounds them.
An example of this is Ayurvie Sigiriya, named after the ancient Sigiriya Rock, which serves as its backdrop.
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The first thing that happens when you check in at Ayurvie Sigiriya is a consultation with a certified Ayurvedic doctor.
Ayurvedic Treatment Plans at Ayurvie Sigiriya
"Our property is a very special and unique place for Ayurvedic lovers. This is the ideal place if you want to relax, have some stress-releasing medicine, or have any medical concerns," adds Clooray.
They recommend long-term stays, which last for more than three nights, to reap the benefits of Ayurveda. They even have treatment plans for seven days, 14 days, and so on.
One of the traditional Ayurvedic massage techniques is marma points therapy, which targets vital points in the body to unlock blocked energy.
An Ayurvedic body scrub is part of Ayurvie Sigiriya's seven-night Harmony Retreat.
Clooray explained that they have a series of treatments called panchakarma, which is a comprehensive approach that involves massage treatments, yoga sessions, a vegetarian menu, and herbal drinks. Guests also get diagnoses from Ayurveda doctors, who customize the treatment plans.
Some of the key treatments include a herbal oil body treatment (Sarvanga Abhyanga), an herbal oil head treatment (Muka Abhyanga), an herbal steam bath (Vashpa Sweda), and foot reflexology (Pada Abhyanga). Pouring of oil onto the forehead is also a significant practice in Ayurveda.Â
Treatment hall at Ayurvie Sigiriya
Saltwater infinity pool
Yoga pavilion with a view
"If you want to lose weight, this is the ideal place. If you want to become more beautiful, this is the ideal place. If you want to gain weight, this is also an ideal place for this. And if you want to have a very calm, relaxing surrounding and to take Sri Lankan hospitality with the village life, this is the ideal place. And we do offer some excursions to see the nearby villages as well," Clooray says.
Sigiriya (a.k.a. Lion Rock) is a 180-meter massive column of granite that can be climbed through paved steps and steel staircases. It was once inhabited by Buddhist monks between the third century BC and the first century AD, then turned into a citadel and palace of King Kashyapa I in the fifth century. In 1982, the Ancient City of Sigiriya was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ayurvie Sigirya has an organic garden and farm where food, herbal oils, and other essentials are sourced.
Experiences and Other Facilities
Aside from the treatments, the sprawling Ayurvie Sigiriya also has a range of curated activities that are a welcome diversion from the busy 9-to-6.
They have a Paper Recycle Center, which guests can visit to participate in crafting elephant papier-mâché. The facility emphasizes Ayurvie Sigiriya's as well as Ayurveda's respect for nature through reducing waste and recycling.
Another immersive experience is pottery making, where guests are not only taught how to make pots but also exercise patience.
Paper Recycle Center
Pottery Making
Glass and Bottle Recycling
Bird-watching trails, night trails, and guided e-bike rides to Sigiriya or a nearby village are also available.
Accommodation is limited to 10 deluxe rooms, each without television. WiFi is also a bit spotty, so guests can really focus on getting well. Detox, for them, doesn't only mean getting rid of toxins in the body but also getting rid of all the negativity on social media. The structure also follows Sri Lanka's traditional clay houses, with the age-old material providing both insulation and cooling. Recycled bags filled with moist subsoil have also been used as an alternative to bricks and cement.
Deluxe Room
Ayurvie Sigiriya serves Ayurvedic cuisine, which is strictly vegetarian and features organic whole foods.
"When you come for this kind of Ayurvedic retreat, we want to improve your lifestyle by giving the teachings of life," Clooray concludes.
Sri Lanka's Ayurveda retreats, like Ayurvie Sigiriya, offer a unique blend of luxury and authenticity. The island's rich cultural heritage, combined with its commitment to wellness, creates an unparalleled experience that appeals to both seasoned wellness enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Ayurvie Sigiriya is in Avudangawa, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. All-inclusive rates start at U.S. $233.
