Top 7 wellness experiences to try with Teardrop Hotels

1. Yoga & Meditation

One of the most powerful tools for achieving inner peace and mental clarity is mindful meditation. Regular meditation has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote emotional well-being. Yoga offers myriad benefits, including increased flexibility, enhanced strength, improved posture, and reduced anxiety. Whether in a studio or the serenity of the gardens of Lunuganga, Wallawwa or Kumu Beach, a yoga class or meditation session can be booked on request.

2. Birdwatching & Wildlife

There are approximately 500 species of birds found in the country, of which 33 are endemic to the island, while 216 are migrant birds that visit every winter. The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is home to many of these birds, some of which are only found in the Hill Country, making Nuwara Eliya a special place for birdwatching. The gardens of Camellia Hills, Goatfell, and Nine Skies are inhabited by over a dozen species of birds, who are frequent visitors. You’ll enjoy many mornings waking up to the sound of them, and if you’re interested in identifying them, we have bird guiding books available in the living rooms of each tea bungalow. Other opportunities to experience wildlife include taking a whale-watching trip while in the south of Sri Lanka or heading into any of the island’s stunning national parks for a more varied wildlife experience.

3. Nature Walks & Horton Plains National Park

Spending time in nature has a profound impact on our well-being. The hills of Sri Lanka offer some of the most memorable walks in nature, and each of our tea bungalows located in Dickoya, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella offer easy access to the stunning Pekoe Trails as well as their own unique routes for a grounding nature walk among tea estates, hikes to Ella Rock, Adam’s Peak, rainforest treks and walk to waterfalls.

The Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by wild montane grasslands and interspersed with patches of thick cloud forest, rocky outcrops, filigree waterfalls and misty lakes. It can be easily accessed when staying in Nuwara Eliya. Horton Plains offers amazing hikes amongst the shadows of Sri Lanka’s second and third-highest mountains; Kirigalpotta (2,388m) and Thotupola Kanda (2,357m), each of which rear up from the edges of the plateau. The recommended and most popular hike is a 7.2km loop that takes you past Baker’s Falls, a stunning 20 metre waterfall named after British explorer, Sir Samuel Baker, and is located on a tributary of the Belihul Oya (river) that flows through the park.

4. Canoe Rides

Getting out on the water is a tranquil way to take in Sri Lanka’s stunning natural scenery and Teardrop Hotels has several variations of canoe rides across different locations. The experience involves a traditional dugout canoe, which allows you to gently explore the lakes, reservoirs, and canals with a local fisherman. Boat rides are slow and peaceful. You could enjoy a short circuit or a longer one, as you travel almost silently, across the still waters of the lake. A traditional canoe also presents a more sustainable way of experiencing the reservoir, than a motorboat and by partaking in this, you are directly supporting the livelihoods of local fishermen and their families.

The canoe rides available take place at Castlereagh, Madu Ganga in Bentota, Canal Boat rides in Negombo, and along the Deduwa Lake which borders Lunuganga.

5. Spa Treatments

Three of our hotels, Fort Bazaar, Kumu Beach, and Wallawwa each have acclaimed spas with skilled masseurs and a range of western and Asian treatments, steams and wraps, which focuses on releasing tension, relieving headaches, and rejuvenating mind, body, and soul.

6. Arts & Cultural Experiences

Engaging in creative activities and immersing yourself in cultural experiences is a powerful way to nourish the soul and unleash our inner creativity. The south of Sri Lanka is home to fascinating arts, which range from traditional, ancient dance forms to puppetry and mask carving. Traditional masks are thought to have healing and protective powers and have been crafted for centuries in Sri Lanka, originating from villages as part of ancient ceremonies and spirit-cleansing rituals. One of our favourite experiences in masks is a mask carving workshop that takes place at Sithuvili, a boutique arts and crafts gallery in the Fort. Other cultural experiences we recommend include exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site Galle Fort, and temple visits which can be organised in any part of the island.

7. Mindful Eating

Wellness isn’t just about physical activities; it’s also about nurturing our bodies with wholesome and nutritious food. Mindful eating involves paying attention to the entire process of eating, from choosing ingredients consciously to eating at a slower pace, appreciating flavours and textures, and being aware of our body’s hunger and fullness cues, we can develop a healthier relationship with food, increase our enjoyment of meals, and promote overall well-being. Traveling through Sri Lanka you’ll notice an abundance of easily accessible fresh produce and our island cuisine includes several vegetarian and vegan-based dishes. Wallawwa, Goatfell, and Nine Skies each have fascinating home gardens which grow a fair number of herbs, vegetables, and fruit, free of chemicals. Our chefs would be delighted to take you on a garden tour and show you the ropes of cooking healthy Sri Lankan curries in a local cooking demonstration.

*Note: Wellness experiences mentioned above can be arranged on request and in some instances require advance notice to book.