Sri Lanka is a breathtakingly beautiful country that is diverse in landscape while finding itself completely saturated in an assortment of bright colors and friendly people. As of recent, the country has experienced a peak in tourism after the ending of its 26-year long civil war back in 2009, showcasing to the world its peaceful and prosperous country. Ever since, Sri Lanka has become home to new, up-and-coming lavish wellness retreats, luxury safari camps and an array of beautiful high-end boutique hotels. And with Sri Lanka’s ever-changing views at almost every turn, one will find themselves exploring the country in complete awe at the shear magnificence that this South Asian island has to offer.
In the southern coast of Sri Lanka lies Sen Wellness Sanctuary, a unique retreat hidden amid the unspoiled beaches of Tangalle. This heavenly oasis offers guests bespoke retreats that focus on the practices of Ayurvedic medicine; one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems that was developed more than 3,000 years ago. Based off the belief that one’s health and wellness solely depends on the balance between the mind, body and spirit, the sanctuary works hard to create a special space for guests to slow down, unwind and heal. The sanctuary was originally founded by Sri Lankan osteopath Dr. Sam Kankanmge, who is known to be one of London’s best spinal experts. Dr. Kankanmge specifically created the project to be located among the secluded jungles of Sri Lanka surrounded by pristine beaches with the hopes of providing a ravishing setting for those looking to attend a retreat that combined luxury with a holistic approach.
The sanctuary is home to eight elegantly crafted cabanas designed in the shape of a conch shell with the belief that this shape helps bring up natural healing energies from the earth. Time spent here is secured by a daily routine that includes waking up at 5:30 in the morning for tea, followed by yoga on the beach at 6:00 a.m., then straight into your treatment plans that are assigned to you by Sen Wellness’ very own on-site Ayurvedic doctor. Everything from chronic pain, trauma, anxiety, weight loss to stress relief is all covered here. Luxurious massages are a part of the treatment plans, but it’s the more intense, alternative treatments such as osteopathy, cleanses, herbal baths, shirodhara and acupuncture that are designed to have a life-changing and long-lasting approach to one’s healing.
In-between treatments, you’ll find yourself resting in the sanctuary’s inviting communal area which was designed for daytime lounging flanked by warm esthetics, all while creating a peaceful bliss. Excursions to nearby temples and markets are planned on a weekly basis, allowing guests to explore outside the grounds and to get a feel of local life. Meals are based off an Ayurvedic food chart, with each meal containing six specific flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, astringent and pungent. The food is meticulously prepared while being served communal style where you’ll quickly come across people from all different walks of life. From young, 20-something-year-olds eager to find their purpose in life, to older individuals seeking ways to release deep held emotions and let go of past wounds, you’ll find them all here.
With all that being said, it’s truly the staff at Sen Wellness Sanctuary that really makes this place special. Within the very moments of walking into the sanctuary, you can immediately feel the personal investment that each staff member has for your personal journey and reasons for being there. The entire team holds a deep desire to take care of each and every guest through their nurturing nature and the time they spend paying close attention to specific details.
It is truly hard to say what the best part of this place is. From the staff, to the esthetics, to the specialized treatments, each notable part of Sen Wellness contributes to the flawless creation of a true sanctuary for one to find solace, relax and to heal; all while providing guests a sense of timelessness, tranquility and a reboot to life.
