Sri Lanka has always been sought after for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, Ayurvedic retreats and natural wonders. The common denominator in all of this is the opportunity to connect with Mother Nature, to be in oneness with the world we call home. Be it walking barefoot on the soft sandy soil or feeding orphaned elephants to living life as a recluse. Sri Lanka does not need to rebrand itself as a wellness destination because the distinction is clear. The country has natural and traditional endowments that are used to foster a sustainable wellness tourism value chain that is deeply rooted in local communities and traditions. Most tourists who have been to Sri Lanka once are sure to recommend or return because it satisfies them in a way no other holiday destination does.
Two subsets of wellness tourism are especially relevant to Sri Lanka:
- Holistic tourism is based around alternative and complementary health and healing treatments and therapies aimed to balance body, mind and spirit.
- Spiritual tourism focuses on the search for higher meaning and transcendence and the connection to oneself and the universe.
This can involve visits to spiritual sites, landscapes or retreats, as well as activities like yoga and meditation.
Sri Lanka has many wellness tourism retreats located all around the country. Many hotels and resorts also offer spa facilities, yoga and meditation centers and Ayurvedic treatment facilities. The list of approved spas and wellness centers in Sri Lanka can be found at http://www.srilanka.travel/spa-and-wellness-centers