Sri Lanka is a stunning island that attracts visitors from all around the world with its beautiful nature, rich culture, and fascinating history. This picturesque country, located in South Asia, is known for its breathtaking beaches, lush tea plantations, majestic Buddhist temples, and diverse animal and plant life. Sri Lanka offers visitors an incredible range of experiences, from adventure in national parks and mountaineering on world-renowned peaks to relaxation on idyllic beaches and the exploration of mysterious ancient ruins.
When traveling in Sri Lanka, you will not be disappointed by the diversity of the country's cultural heritage. Sri Lanka is home to a rich history that is reflected in magnificent ancient monuments, such as impressive Buddhist temples, royal cities, and historical fortresses. Sri Lanka is also known for its traditional dances, colorful festivals, and vibrant markets, which offer unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Spring Journey of Participants in the Ayurvedic Retreat with Holos
The Siddhalepa Ayurveda Center in Sri Lanka brought an unforgettable healing and relaxation retreat to our clients at Holos Center. The participants of this retreat set out with the goal of rejuvenating and healing their bodies and souls through the ancient practice of Ayurvedic medicine, which is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). During the 16 days spent on this tropical island, they underwent daily Ayurvedic procedures aimed at balancing their body energies and harmonizing their overall health. Siddhalepa is a renowned center with a rich tradition and experience in the field of Ayurvedic healing, so the participants could expect the highest quality of care and the use of traditional herbal preparations. They experienced the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine firsthand.
During their stay in Sri Lanka, the participants of the Ayurvedic program not only received treatments and relaxed but also discovered the beauty of this tropical island. The beaches with white sand, azure sea, lush greenery, and exotic fauna and flora created a fascinating backdrop for their adventures. They enjoyed walks through picturesque villages, learned about the local culture and traditions, tasted traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, and explored historical sites and temples full of history. This journey allowed them not only to heal their bodies and souls but also to experience unforgettable moments and create memories for a lifetime.
A very specific aspect of the retreat in Sri Lanka was the Grof® Breathwork guided by Dr. Milan Hrabánek. This therapeutic technique followed the Ayurvedic procedures that the participants underwent during their stay. The combination of these two healing approaches brought a unique experience and deep connection with their inner selves. Grof® Breathwork, conducted within the framework of Ayurvedic medicine, provided participants with the opportunity to access even deeper layers of inner healing and transformation. The integration of these two wisdom traditions brought holistic and revitalizing experiences that the participants will remember for a long time.
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort Wadduwa – Accommodation
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort and Spa is a healing facility in Sri Lanka that specializes in Ayurvedic medicine and wellness. It is located in a picturesque setting spread over seven hectares of Ayurvedic botanical garden, home to tropical trees, medicinal plants, and indigenous flora. This resort offers a wide range of authentic healing packages based on the millennia-old wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine, designed to promote the health and well-being of guests.
At Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort and Spa, emphasis is placed on the quality and safety of the treatment procedures. Local physicians, visiting consultants, and trained therapists provide individualized care and cater to the needs of each guest. The Ayurvedic herbal preparations used here are manufactured in Siddhalepa's own pharmaceutical factory, certified with ISO standards, ensuring their quality and effectiveness. Guests also have the opportunity to visit this factory and gain a deeper understanding of the production process of these natural remedies.
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort and Spa not only offers excellent treatment and rejuvenation opportunities but also provides an experience of staying on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Indian Ocean, walks in the green surroundings of the botanical garden, and explore the local culture and traditions. This resort is a true haven for those seeking harmony between body, mind, and soul and yearning for a unique and refreshing experience in an environment that brings tranquility and revitalization.
How a trip to Sri Lanka looked from the perspective of one participant
In this section, I would like to apologize in advance to all readers, as written words cannot express the amount of emotions and experiences that I perceived during the interview with the participant. After a two-hour conversation, I left the café with a feeling as if I had been to Sri Lanka myself, while also realizing that capturing these experiences, which often held great personal and spiritual value, would be an almost superhuman task.
One of the participant's first experiences was the ease with which the entire trip was arranged. We all know what it's like before any journey – lots of arrangements, packing, and stress. And that's what made traveling to Sri Lanka with Holos so interesting. After purchasing the plane ticket, which came with an interesting story (she managed to buy the last seat in economy class), nothing happened. No stress, no crazy arrangements. The participant mentioned that such perfectly organized travel was something incredible, and everyone who went on this "little trip" had a minimum of worries about the arrangements. I won't go into detail about unexpected situations where participants met at a rest stop without prior agreement – again, these are such interesting moments that words cannot capture. Right after arriving in Sri Lanka, they were greeted by a car from the resort, and everyone received a welcome drink in a coconut shell, and their Ayurvedic stay could begin.
After a full day of travel, the Ayurvedic doctors immediately took care of everyone and the procedures began. Procedures in Sri Lanka are completely different from what we are used to, and they are tailored to each participant. Doctors first determine the dominant element in a person (genetically and for the specific day) through pulse diagnosis, as well as observation of the eyes and tongue. Then, based on the participant's health issues, the procedures begin. In addition to oil massages, there are also special procedures such as pouring different oils into the eyes and nose, pouring coconut milk on the body, or drinking special potions. When I asked the participant if it was unpleasant, she replied that it was not – rather unusual. Each person has a doctor and therapist available to them at all times during their stay. Balanced meals were also provided, and each participant used herbal supplements recommended specifically for them by the doctors. The daily schedule included yoga twice a day, walks around the resort, participant sharing, and various interesting local activities (Ayurvedic cooking, celebrating Buddha's birth, meditation, religious rituals, or tea breathing). The participant described so many interesting, unique, and often inexplicable coincidences and experiences – and I believe that every participant could tell their own story.
During the first week, the participants spent their time solely at the resort to acclimate and focus primarily on their bodies, souls, and minds. Although the resort has been in existence for some time, which can be seen in the interior design, the environment is clean and simply enchanting. Visitors stay in separate bungalows (various accommodation options), ensuring sufficient privacy, and the rooms are without Wi-Fi connection, which could disrupt the charm of the entire stay - the participant confirmed that it was a wise decision. The resort also includes a Zen garden where you can encounter amazing inhabitants such as monkeys, colorful birds, monitor lizards, and turtles. The willingness of the staff is exceptional as well. I must mention an incident involving the participant: One day, the gentleman responsible for cleaning in the resort praised our participant, who was staying in a separate room, for having a beautifully clean room. Later, a beautiful flower awaited her in the room, perfectly complementing its decor. When she thanked the gentleman in the following days, he was so happy that he immediately ran to the gardens to find another flower – the participant observed him and noticed how carefully he selected and sought the most perfect one. Such a moment is truly unique.
During the second week, the participants ventured on excursions outside the resort. They experienced many interesting events – walking elephants, feeding monkeys, visiting the most significant city in Sri Lanka, Kandy, where the Temple of the Tooth is located, visiting Ayurvedic gardens, and taking a trip to the colonial city of Galle.
When asked what the participant would highlight about the entire stay, I received a very pleasant response. Once again, emphasis was placed on the organizational ease with which the entire stay and its planning took place. The participant also highly praised Dr. Milan Hrabánek, who made her feel safe, and mentioned that Dr. Hrabánek was often willing to forgo greater personal comfort just to be available to the participants. Overall, the intensity of the experience (both physical and psychological/spiritual) was described as "something that completely exceeds my previous experiences." And when I asked during the last sips of coffee what she would like to convey to potential participants, she promptly replied – don't hesitate! If you are considering the stay, definitely allow yourself to do it, don't let anything discourage you! You will definitely experience something incredible that cannot be experienced here in our country.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka itself is a magical place where you can experience many unforgettable moments. However, an Ayurvedic retreat brings deep regeneration, self-discovery, and healing. We are delighted that the participants enjoyed this retreat and look forward to sharing their experiences. We would also like to thank the Holos team, who organized the retreat, and especially Dr. Milan Hrabánek for his valuable participation in this year's trip and his willingness to help and be constantly available to all participants. Would you like to visit Sri Lanka and experience an Ayurvedic retreat? If everything goes according to plan, you can join us next year! Feel free to contact us with any questions.
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