SPURRED by the growth in the global spa economy that is estimated to be over Dh917.5 billion, according to a report unveiled at the 2008 Global Spa Summit, Sri Lanka is gearing up to receive more spa tourists in the months ahead.
“Sri Lanka has as many as 6,500 registered Ayurveda practitioners, many of whom have undergone a seven year course followed by two years in a conventional hospitals and are now catering to the spa needs of an increasing numbers of tourists to Sri Lanka,” said Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).
In addition to the Ayurveda clinics, many luxurious hotels and beach resorts have a spa or massage centre within the premises. “The principles and techniques of this ancient medical approach are still being used to promote a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation, as part of a pleasurable holiday,” Al Mansoori said.
Among the newest to offer in-house Ayurvedic therapy for visitors is Ayurveda Pavilions in Negombo. The first health holiday resort to be established on the west coast of the country, it provides preventive and curative treatment with the help of a team of highly qualified Ayurveda practitioners.
Accommodation is in small villas with modern facilities. Outdoor baths in a small courtyard in each villa allows visitors to enjoy herbal baths in the privacy of their own pavilions.