Stella’s Review of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort in Sri Lanka

Ayurveda in Sri Lanka 

During my visit, I learned that although India is known as the home of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka has a superior biodiversity of the herbs and plants available to make the Ayurvedic medicines. 

Ayurveda is a way of life and a serious medical practice over here. Such a holistic way of healing sits beautifully alongside the Buddhist culture, and the practice of mindfulness that seems to be inherent in the people. 

It takes six years to become an Ayurvedic Doctor and many of them have also studied Western medicine. In Sri Lanka, there are recognised 'Ayurvedic families,' who've passed down their knowledge and expertise from generation to generation alongside their medical training and endless study of the subject.  

One of these families is the Hettigodas, who own the Ayurvedic retreat of Siddhalepa. The retreat is an extension of their other business, which is making Ayurvedic medicine, running Ayurvedic hospitals and training therapists. In short, this family knows a thing or two about Ayurveda! 

First impressions 

The location of Siddhalepa is beautifully peaceful, and set alongside a stunning beach with swaying palm trees that is so typical in Sri Lanka. The resort is well maintained with lovely gardens and a good pool and the rooms are comfortable and clean. I arrived in the early evening and the views of the sunset from the restaurant at dinner were outstanding.   

The treatments

My programme started with a  consultation with the Ayurvedic Doctor, and we went through an in-depth questionnaire about my current state of health. She confirmed my dominant dosha (body constitution) and that I also needed to detox, and calm my fiery Pitta dosha with cooling foods and specific treatments. 

I was then assigned my therapist. Her English was almost non existent but somehow we got by and I would seek the doctor out if I had any questions. I felt cared for and looked after, and had the best Ayurvedic treatments throughout my stay in Sri Lanka. From four-hands luxurious long-stroke rhythmic massages to my favourite Shirodhara to calm my mind and put me in a state of deep relaxation. I also had an interesting detox bath with buckets of detoxifying green leaves emptied into the water. This was the real deal – extremely authentic. I had the same therapist every day and I developed an affection for her. She was like a lovely Aunty with lots of warm smiles and flowers to put in my hair. I felt a bit like a pampered princess and realised that this is partly what it was all about.  Sitting back and allowing someone to look after me and truly relax. 

Other activities 

There is yoga twice a day around the pool, in the morning before breakfast and later in the evening with more meditation. This was a lovely way to top and tail the day and the yoga is traditional Hatha. 

I also had an Ayurvedic cooking class and cooked up some tasty dishes which were surprisingly easy and that I have used since at home. 

They hold twice-weekly lectures on the science of Ayurveda, plus outings to the medicine factory. This was fascinating for me, learning about the many herbs and plants that are used and the quality control measures around them and the process. There are also regular visits to the local temple.

Who should go 

Siddhalepa is an authentic Ayurvedic retreat and in my view could be a great-value holiday for different needs: 

• If you want to step away from daily life and mentally relax this is a great place to do a digital detox. There is no Wi-Fi in the rooms (purposely) to help you switch off, although it is available in reception. 
• Those wanting a general pampering and healthy break in a tropical dreamy location by the sea. This retreat allows you to deeply relax with healthy food and two and half hours worth of treatments each day. 
• If you have a health issue that you want to address holistically and with Ayurveda. There were a number of German visitors who use Ayurveda for more serious health issues, such as auto-immune diseases, chronic fatigue  and even as a way to detox after cancer treatments. You will have the highly qualified doctors to prescribe your daily treatments, food and Ayurvedic medicine.

Top tip

Travel in the summer months (May to October) as the rates are so much lower, but there is not that much difference with the weather conditions. 

Want to experience Siddhalepa's authentic Ayurveda healing and tropical location for yourself? Click here to find out more and browse all the wellness programmes on offer.