set the scene
This authentic Ayurvedic spa on Sri Lanka’s beach-side south coast is no-frills but packs a punch. It is not about spoiling Ayurveda. Instead, a large jungle retreat in the fishing town of Weligama takes an old-fashioned medical approach. A series of treatments is very effective and is complemented by daily homemade medicines. There’s also delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, adventures to local towns, and a pool surrounded by palm groves.
What’s the backstory?
Barberin’s spas may not be as shiny, but this family-run group remains legendary. His first outpost, established in 1968 by entrepreneur Sudana Rodrigo, consisted of just 12 cabanas in Beruwala, one of the first tourist resorts on the south coast of Sri Lanka. did. In 1984, Sudhana decided that his guests needed more than sunshine, so he added his Center for Ayurvedic Health and launched his Ayurvedic Resort tourism concept. Currently, Sudhana’s son Manik and his daughter Geetha run the spa. Barberine Beach his Ayurveda resort opened in Weligama in 2003 and Barberine Sands his Ayurveda resort opened in Bentota in 2017. And most recently, Waves by Barberyn opened his July 2023 location all on the South Coast. Pioneering botanical research is underway at Barberine’s Institute of Ayurvedic Alternative Medicine. They currently grow around 1,300 varieties of native medicinal plants and have partnered with Kew Gardens.
What is the wellness concept?
Pure Ayurveda. This 5,000-year-old ancient practice focuses on both curing disease (rather than suppressing symptoms) and maintaining health. There are two fundamental Ayurvedic principles that form the backbone of Barberine’s approach. Shodhana (purification) is the first process, during which toxins are expelled from the body (possibly by sweating, massage, or enemas, tried from all angles). Next comes Shamana. A soothing treatment using a rich variety of plants, herbs and minerals to rejuvenate and realign the body.
What is the distinctive treatment method?
A long-time Barberine expert, Dr. Pushpa will diagnose your dosha before creating a personalized program that will be run through your daily treatment cycle. A battalion of women in traditional blue-and-white nursing attire will provide you with a strong, well-kneaded oil massage before you’re taken downstairs to sweat it out in a wooden steam bath room. Then, sit in front of a garden filled with medicinal plants and slather your body with herbal paste. Finish off in the bathhouse, where you wash everything off with a delicious, sweet-smelling herbal scrub. Communal treatment rooms offer treatments that feel more like a sanitarium than a luxury spa. At first you’re in shock, but you quickly calm down and surrender to the goal at hand. Prescription drugs, ranging from powdered remedies to unidentified brown liquids in stoppered bottles, are handed out based on a doctor’s orders.
What’s the difference?
Many hotels and spas offer Ayurvedic treatments, but they are either diluted or extravagant. Here, effectiveness takes precedence over 5-star luxury. But this regime seriously works, and by the end of the week you find yourself enjoying its simplicity.
What else does it offer?
The food is Sri Lankan, pescatarian and most importantly in line with the Ayurvedic balance of the six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. We offer a wide selection of fresh tropical fruits, red brown rice, local fish, and delicious curries. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style (certain doshas are clearly labeled “do not touch”), and dinner is table service. Group trips are organized daily to local hotspots, from the historic Galle Fort to cinnamon plantations and the tranquil Lake Koggala. Don’t miss a fascinating tour of the spa’s herb garden. The level of botanical knowledge here is amazing. Start your day with some gentle outdoor yoga as you enjoy the sun rising over the ocean. End your afternoon next to a saltwater pool in a coconut grove, watching the famous stilt fishermen fish for their catch on the beach. There is also a library fully stocked with books.
where to stay?
Designed by Sri Lankan artist Laki Senanayake (a close friend of architectural genius Geoffrey Bawa), the landscape is complete with a beautiful pond, low-hanging branches, and sculptures, all perfectly suited to the soothing atmosphere. The mustard yellow complex has 65 generously sized rooms. Each room features a large bed covered in netting, colorful interiors and locally handcrafted furniture made in-house by Barberin’s team of carpenters. All rooms have large balconies with ocean views and panoramic views of lush greenery, with peacocks chirping and monkeys swaying in the trees.
The last word
Barberine’s approach takes some getting used to (especially for reserved Brits), but the change from a healthy-looking pink tongue to a more buoyant scale is clear. You leave with a month’s worth of medication to continue reviewing your health at home.
Healing Holidays (healingholidays.com/condenast; 020 7843 3592) can arrange a 14-night Ayurveda program from £2,319.00 per person, including transfers, full board accommodation and program content.
