Women's Wellness Week: Traditional Chinese Medicine & Ayurveda in Sri Lanka

Each morning starts with pranayama and breathwork on the lakeside deck, followed by breakfast — fresh fruit, smoothies, porridge, sourdough toast with avocado, eggs cooked however you like. Two mornings include yin yoga with the resident teacher. The rest of your days are shaped around your bespoke program: a 60-minute Ayurvedic consultation and treatment at the spa, one or two TCM consultations with Marina, and either a 110-minute signature session or additional acupuncture work.

The signature treatment — called East & West Essence — is worth understanding. Marina starts with a TCM diagnosis, then combines Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), Swedish and deep tissue work, Tuina, Shiatsu, reflexology, and Indian head massage, adjusting pressure and oils to what you need. Depending on her findings, she may add acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, or auriculotherapy. The aim is to get energy moving, release tension, and address whatever you came with — whether that's digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, chronic pain, or just being wound too tight.

Marina also runs two workshops during the week — topics vary but draw on her integrative background. Afternoons are yours: you might walk the grounds, swim in the pool, or join one of the group excursions. The Koggala Lake boat tour takes you through mangroves to a small island; the Yatagala temple visit is a short drive to a 2,000-year-old Buddhist site; the tea plantation trip gives you a look at how Ceylon tea is grown and processed; and Galle Fort is a UNESCO-listed 17th-century Dutch fortification with cafes, shops, and ramparts to walk.

Dinners are three-course affairs highlighting Sri Lankan cuisine — curries, sambols, fresh seafood, tropical fruit — served with views over the lake. Afternoon snacks (king coconut, energy balls, soups) are included, so you won't go hungry between meals.

The group is small — this is a women-only gathering with limited spots — which means Marina can give real attention to each person's health concerns. Reviews consistently mention her follow-up and the noticeable shifts after even one session.

What's included

- 6 nights ensuite accommodation at Kurulu Bay - Airport pickup and drop-off transfers - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, three-course dinner) - Afternoon snacks throughout the day - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout - Daily pranayama classes - Daily breathwork sessions - Two yin yoga sessions with resident teacher - Ayurvedic consultation plus 60-minute spa treatment - Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation with Marina - One 110-minute bespoke treatment OR two 60-minute TCM consultations - Two curated workshops with Marina - Group Koggala Lake boat tour - Group visit to Yatagala Buddhist Temple - Group tea plantation visit - Group visit to Galle Fort - Transportation during the retreat - Pre and post retreat support from the team

What's not included

- International flights to Colombo - Travel insurance - Sri Lanka visa fee - Alcoholic drinks - Optional surf lessons - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Personal expenses and gratuities