A message from our founder and director, Charith Fernando
Ayurveda was never just a treatment for me – it was always a way of life.
My earliest childhood memories include visits to an Ayurvedic doctor with my parents.
Unlike many people imagine today, it was not a clinical environment and not a place that
felt like a hospital.
I remember walking into the doctor’s home: warm, welcoming and filled with a gentle scent
of herbs, oils and freshly brewed herbal tea. There were no intimidating gadgets and no
sterile atmosphere, but friendliness, a sense of security and genuine care. The doctor knew everyone
People personally. As a child I never had the fear. Looking back I know: Even the atmosphere was part
of the healing process. Trust, security and human warmth were often just as important as the
Treatment.
The remedies were completely natural: carefully prepared mixtures of roots, leaves, herbs,
oils and spices. Ayurveda never meant just treating symptoms, but treating the whole person
accompany – body, mind and soul. Over the years, my appreciation for this timeless
Philosophy: prevention over cure, balance over intervention and nature over chemicals.
At the same time, I recognised a growing challenge: in Sri Lanka and worldwide, this ancient knowledge
increasingly displaced by fast modern solutions. Many people look for immediate results and
short-term relief instead of sustainable healing and lasting wellbeing.
This insight has strengthened my connection with Ayurveda and moved me to [stand] for its true value
to stand up for it. It is not enough simply to offer Ayurveda treatments. We must raise awareness and
Introducing people to the profound, long-term benefits of this holistic healing approach.
Too often Ayurveda is only considered when other paths have failed. Yet it should be regarded as
be understood as a continuous path towards health, vitality and balance.
Although Ayurveda is deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s heritage, wellness tourism continues to grow.
Millions of travellers visit our island annually, and wellness travel is growing worldwide – yet only a small
Teil is specifically looking for authentic Ayurveda experiences.
I see this as a great opportunity: Ayurveda should not be regarded as an alternative, but as a high-quality,
trusted wellness experience that fits brilliantly into modern life.
The vision behind Ayuwaters Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat & Villa Velmarie
This vision became the basis for Ayuwaters yoga and Ayurveda retreat and Villa Velmarie. Instead of a
hospital or ordinary hotel concept, I wanted to revive the feeling of my childhood:
a place built on trust, security, personal care and a deep connection to nature.
A villa allows us something very special. Here, guests are neither patients nor mere hotel visitors,
but people on their personal journey to better health and well-being.
The intimate atmosphere offers greater privacy, comfort and individual attention – qualities that
many discerning wellness guests today are looking for.
Many returning guests, including professionals, entrepreneurs and wellness travellers, tell us that their
staying at Ayuwaters has become an important part of her personal health routine. It is not
more than just a holiday or retreat, but an opportunity to pause, realign and reconnect
to find oneself.
Our goal
Our goal goes beyond treatments. We want to promote preventive well-being. Often we welcome guests
Welcome, who have arrived stressed, exhausted, overwhelmed or alienated from yourselves.
travel through individual Ayurveda programmes, peaceful surroundings, mindful practice and attentive guidance
her with new energy, greater clarity and a deeper understanding of how Ayurveda can also [her life]
can continue wearing at home.
The connection of nature and healing
At Ayuwaters, nature itself becomes part of the healing journey. Our waterside location, tropical gardens and
The quiet surroundings form a soothing contrast to the noise and demands of modern life.
Here the mind comes to rest, the body begins to regenerate and the soul reconnects
with what really matters.
The true meaning of Ayuwaters
That is where the true meaning of Ayuwaters yoga and Ayurveda retreat and Villa Velmarie lies for me. It is not about
solely to offer treatments, but to create an experience rooted in trust, nature,
is rooted in authenticity and personal care.
It is about helping people rediscover true well-being. Whilst awareness of
As Ayurveda grows worldwide, I remain committed to ensuring that this ancient wisdom is not only valued for its healing power
to be appreciated, but also for the ongoing vitality, balance and quality of life that it can provide.
– Charith Fernando
Founder & Director, Ayuwaters Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat & Villa Velmarie