A Message from Our Founder & Director, Charith Fernando

For me, Ayurveda has never been just a treatment—it has always been a way of life.

Some of my earliest childhood memories are of visiting an Ayurvedic doctor with my parents. Unlike what many people imagine today, it was not a clinical setting or a place that felt like a hospital.

I remember walking into the doctor’s home. It was warm, welcoming, and filled with the gentle aromas of herbs, oils, and freshly brewed herbal teas. There were no intimidating machines or sterile environments. Instead, there was kindness, comfort, and genuine care.The doctor knew every patient personally. As a child, I never felt fear or anxiety when visiting. Looking back, I realise that the atmosphere itself was part of the healing process. The sense of trust, comfort, and human connection was often just as important as the treatment.

The remedies were entirely natural—carefully prepared blends of roots, leaves, herbs, oils, and spices. Ayurveda was never about simply treating symptoms. It was about caring for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.As I grew older, my appreciation for Ayurveda deepened. I came to understand its timeless philosophy—prevention over cure, balance over intervention, and nature over chemicals.At the same time, I began to notice a growing challenge. In Sri Lanka and around the world, this ancient wisdom was increasingly being overshadowed by modern quick fixes. Many people seek immediate results and temporary relief rather than long-term healing and sustainable wellbeing.

This realisation strengthened my commitment to Ayurveda and inspired me to become an advocate for its true value.I believe it is not enough to simply offer Ayurvedic treatments. We must also build awareness and help people understand the profound long-term benefits of this holistic system of healing. Too often, Ayurveda is seen as something to explore only after other options have failed, when in reality it should be embraced as an ongoing approach to maintaining health, vitality, and balance.

Although Ayurveda is deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s heritage, the wellness tourism sector is still evolving. Millions of travellers visit our island every year, and wellness tourism continues to grow globally, yet only a small percentage actively seek authentic Ayurvedic experiences.To me, this highlights a tremendous opportunity. Ayurveda should not be viewed as an alternative option—it should be recognised as a premium, trusted wellness experience that is perfectly suited to modern lifestyles.

This vision became the foundation for Ayuwaters Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat and Villa Velmarie.Rather than creating a hospital or a conventional hotel, I wanted to recreate the same feeling I experienced as a child—a place built on trust, comfort, personalised care, and a deep connection with nature.A villa setting allows us to offer something truly special. Here, guests are not treated as patients or simply hotel visitors. They are individuals on a personal journey towards better health and wellbeing.

The intimate atmosphere provides greater privacy, comfort, and personalised attention—qualities that many discerning travellers seek today.Many of our returning guests, including professionals, entrepreneurs, and wellness travellers, tell us that their stay at Ayuwaters has become an important part of their personal wellness routine. It is no longer just a holiday or retreat; it is an opportunity to pause, reset, and reconnect with themselves.

Beyond treatment, our goal is to promote preventive wellness. We often welcome guests who arrive feeling stressed, fatigued, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves.Through personalised Ayurvedic programmes, peaceful surroundings, mindful practices, and compassionate care, they leave with renewed energy, greater clarity, and a deeper understanding of how Ayurveda can support their lives long after they return home.

At Ayuwaters, nature itself becomes part of the healing journey. Our waterfront setting, tropical gardens, and peaceful surroundings offer a welcome contrast to the noise and demands of modern life. Here, the mind becomes calmer, the body begins to restore itself, and the spirit reconnects with what truly matters.

For me, this is the true purpose behind Ayuwaters Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat and Villa Velmarie.It is not simply about offering treatments. It is about creating an experience rooted in trust, nature, authenticity, and personal care.It is about helping people rediscover what genuine wellbeing feels like.As awareness of Ayurveda continues to grow around the world, I remain committed to ensuring that this ancient wisdom is embraced not only for what it can heal, but also for the lasting vitality, balance, and quality of life it can create.

– Charith Fernando
Founder & Director
Ayuwaters Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat & Villa Velmarie