- Pricing is indicative and is not valid over public or religious holiday periods
- Christmas Eve and New Year supplements apply to stays falling on 24 December and 31 December. Applicable supplements will be advised at the time of booking.
- If your stay in Kandy coincides with the Kandy Pageant, a compulsory supplement will apply for stays between 25 July and 3 August. The applicable supplement will be advised at the time of booking.
Private Holiday
10 days ex Colombo
Departs: Daily
Negombo (1) | Sigiriya (2) | Kandy (4) | Bentota (2)
Whether you are seeking to reset your body, quiet your mind, or simply slow down, Sri Lanka offers a landscape built for healing. This 10-day private journey blends immersive holistic wellness with the island’s rich cultural heritage, guiding you through ancient landscapes, mountain sanctuaries, and oceanfront sanctuaries. From the golden beaches of Negombo and the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the tranquil mountains of Kandy and the palm-fringed shores of Bentota, this itinerary balances cultural discovery with time to relax and rejuvenate.
Stay at three distinctive wellness properties, including Ayurvie Retreat Sigiriya and award-winning Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, with daily yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, nourishing cuisine and opportunities to connect with Sri Lanka's natural surroundings. This sanctuary-focused itinerary balances rich cultural discoveries, with meaningful rest and deep personal renewal.
Highlights:
- 24/7 service and full local backup throughout Sri Lanka
- Relax on the golden beaches of Negombo
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Two nights at Ayurvie Retreat with Ayurveda treatments, yoga and wellness experiences
- Three nights at award-winning Santani Wellness Resort & Spa
- Daily wellness treatments and Hatha yoga at Santani
- Guided nature walks and access to Santani's spa facilities
- Optional tea-making, temple, village and birdwatching experiences
- Relax on the tropical beaches of Bentota
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Colombo – Negombo
Ayubowan! (May you live long.) Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be greeted by your chauffeur guide and transferred by private vehiclee to Negombo, a peaceful coastal town known for its golden beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Check in to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, settling into the tropical surroundings.
Day 2: Negombo – Sigiriya (BD)
After breakfast, travel inland through rural villages, lush countryside and scenic reservoirs towards Sigiriya.
Check in to Ayurvie Retreat Sigiriya, a tranquil wellness retreat surrounded by nature. Later, visit the extraordinary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the ancient 5th-century citadel of King Kasyapa and one of Sri Lanka's most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Climb through the famous Lion Paws and discover the ancient royal gardens, frescoes, ramparts and moats surrounding this remarkable rock citadel. Return to the retreat and spend the evening at leisure.
Day 3: Sigiriya (BLD)
Today is dedicated to wellness at Ayurvie Retreat Sigiriya. Begin with a nourishing vegetarian breakfast followed by morning yoga and a consultation with the resident Ayurveda doctor. Enjoy your daily Ayurveda treatments, with up to two hours of treatments included.
There is also an opportunity to participate in a cookery demonstration and pottery experience before an evening yoga session.
Ayurveda programme includes:
• Vegetarian meals
• Herbal drinks, fruit juices, water and herbal tea
• Morning and evening yoga
• Consultation and diagnosis with the resident Ayurveda doctor
• Up to two hours of Ayurveda treatments daily
• Cookery demonstration and pottery experience once during the stay
Day 4: Sigiriya - Kandy (BD)
After breakfast, depart for Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural capital and gateway to the central highlands.
Arrive at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, an award-winning retreat set amid the mountains. Begin your Introduction to Wellness programme with a consultation and body-type analysis with the resident doctor. The programme combines wellness treatments, yoga, nourishing cuisine and time in nature, providing the perfect opportunity to slow the pace and reconnect.
Santani Introduction to Wellness programme includes:
• Garden View Chalet accommodation
• Personalised gourmet wellness cuisine
• Wellness consultation and body-type analysis
• 90-minute wellness treatment daily
• Morning and evening Hatha yoga
• Healthy cooking discussion with the chef
• Sauna, steam room and thermal saltwater bath
• Guided nature walks
• Unlimited fresh juices and herbal tea
• Lifestyle and healthy living guidance
• Laundry service
Day 5: Kandy (BLD)
Continue your Introduction to Wellness programme at Santani. Begin the day with breakfast overlooking the mountains before your daily wellness treatment and Hatha yoga session. There is time to relax in the sauna, steam room and thermal saltwater bath or join a guided nature walk through the surrounding countryside. The remainder of the day is yours to relax at your own pace.
Day 6: Kandy (BLD)
Another day to embrace the tranquillity of Santani and continue your wellness programme.
With daily treatments, yoga, healthy cuisine and access to the resort's wellness facilities, this is an opportunity to completely slow down and recharge in the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Day 7: Kandy (BLD)
After breakfast, spend a relaxed day at Santani with the option to join an excursion arranged through the resort. Choose from experiences that provide a closer connection with the surrounding countryside and local culture.
Choose one included experience from the following:
Tea Experiences
Learn the traditional art of tea-making using freshly harvested leaves and create your own green, black, silver tip or white tea, followed by a guided tasting.
Narampanawa Temple Walk
Walk through scenic countryside and paddy fields to a historic temple, where local monks introduce you to its paintings, statues and Buddhist traditions.
Werapitiya Hanging Bridge
Walk through a rural village, across a picturesque hanging bridge and past paddy fields, spice gardens and traditional homes. The walk concludes with the opportunity for a refreshing river bath.
Bird Watching Around Santani
Join a naturalist on an early morning walk to discover Sri Lanka's colourful resident and endemic birdlife.
Day 8: Kandy - Bentota (B)
After breakfast, travel to the coastal town of Bentota. Check in to Cinnamon Bentota Beach, located beside the Indian Ocean. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Relax beside the pool, unwind on the beach or choose an optional wellness treatment at the resort.
Optional treatments available (supplements apply): massages, body scrubs, body wraps and signature treatments.
Day 9: Bentota (B)
Spend the day at leisure on the southern coast, with time to relax at the resort.
Choose one included experience from the following:
Madampe River Boat Excursion
Cruise through mangroves and waterways surrounded by lush vegetation and birdlife. Discover local traditions including coir making, cinnamon processing and traditional fishing, with the opportunity to visit small islands and experience a meal on an island or floating restaurant.
Traditional Arts & Crafts
Visit a traditional mask gallery in Ambalangoda and learn about Sri Lanka's mask-making heritage before creating and decorating your own mask.
Lunuganga Estate
Visit the former country home and gardens of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, whose experimental garden became the inspiration for his architectural career.
Day 10: Bentota - Colombo Airport (B)
After breakfast, check out and transfer north towards Bandaranaike International Airport. Travel along the scenic coastline, passing fishing villages, palm-fringed beaches and local communities.
Arrive at the airport in time for your onward flight, concluding your Sri Lankan wellness escape.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 back up throughout Sri Lanka
- 10 nights’ accommodation
- Breakfasts daily
- Transported by private air-conditioned vehicle
- English speaking driver/guide
- Entrance fees Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Wellness treatments specified in the itinerary
- Daily yoga sessions at the wellness retreats
- Access to Santani spa facilities
- Guided nature walks at Santani
- Cookery demonstration and pottery experience at Ayurvie Retreat
- Sri Lanka Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International Airfares
- Transfers
- Optional tours and excursions
- Drinks during meals
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the following (or similar):
Negombo
Deluxe Class: Sentido Heritance Negombo - Deluxe Room (5-Star Beach Resort)
Sigiriya
Deluxe Class: Ayurvie Retreat Sigiriya - Deluxe Room (4-Star Eco/Ayurvedic Retreat)
Kandy
Deluxe Class: Santani Wellness Resort & Spa - Garden View Chalet (5-Star Luxury Wellness Resort)
Bentota
Delluxe Class: Cinnamon Bentota Beach - Premium Terrace (5-Star Luxury Beach Resort)
Dress Code
Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage is deeply influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and its colonial past. When visiting temples, it’s important to dress modestly — covering shoulders and knees — and to remove shoes and hats before entering sacred areas.
Holiday Periods & Cultural Observances in Sri Lanka
Please note: Rates are not valid during public or religious holidays. Availability of services may be limited during these periods. When planning your visit to Sri Lanka, it’s important to be aware of local holidays and cultural practices that may affect travel plans, business hours, and services.
• Dry Days: Sri Lanka observes several religious holidays throughout the year, including Poya Days (full moon days), which are recognized as Public, Bank, and Mercantile Holidays. These are referred to as “dry days”, during which the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in shops, hotels, and restaurants and wine stores, taverns, and bars are closed.
• Poya Days: Occur monthly on the full moon. Many shops and businesses close, and public services may be limited.
• Hindu & Buddhist Festivals: Dates are determined by local astronomical observations, making them difficult to predict in advance. These festivals may affect local transport, business hours, and access to certain sites.
• Muslim Festivals: Dates are based on local moon sightings and may vary. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night. While business hours may be affected, Sri Lanka’s predominantly non-Muslim population means disruptions for travellers are generally minimal.
Sightseeing
All sightseeing normally requires a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. A good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit.
Social Conventions
Sri Lanka’s genuine hospitality to tourists is renowned. Take care to avoid religious offence, however. Respect the Buddhist faith: do not touch a monk, do not pose for photographs on religious statues, be mindful not to turn your back on Buddha statues when taking photos and avoid touching religious artifacts. Always seek permission before photographing individuals, especially monks, as a gesture of respect.
