My Ayurvedic Awakening in Sri Lanka’s Secret Sanctuary by Sarah Keates
Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, temples, and tropical beaches, but I arrived seeking something more profound: Ayurveda, the ancient Indian wellness system known as the “science of life.” Ayurveda takes a holistic approach to health, aiming to balance mind, body, and spirit. At its heart are the three fundamental energies, or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. In simple terms, these doshas are like elemental personality types. Vata (air and ether) is the energy of movement – think creativity and spontaneity, but also restlessness. Pitta (fire and water) is the force of transformation – passionate and driven, though prone to intensity. Kapha (earth and water) embodies stability – caring and calm, but sometimes complacent. Each of us is born with a unique mix of these doshas, and if they fall out of balance, Ayurveda says our well-being suffers.
My journey led me to a boutique wellness retreat in southern Sri Lanka, where I hoped to discover which dosha dominated my being – and how to bring my life into harmony. Little did I know I’d be balancing sun, sand, and centuries-old wisdom on this trip.
My quest for balance began at Christell Wellness, an Ayurvedic spa tucked within the luxurious Aditya Boutique Hotel near Galle. On arrival, I was greeted with a warm smile and a cup of herbal tea. Soon I met Dr. D, the in-house Ayurvedic doctor, who had trained for seven years in Ayurvedic medicine – the same length of training as a conventional, Western doctor. The consultation was unlike any standard check-up – more personal, more compassionate. Dr. D first took my pulse, gently pressing three fingers to my wrist. She closed her eyes in concentration, feeling the rhythm of my blood. This ancient pulse-reading technique felt oddly familiar; traditional Chinese medicine uses a similar method to glean insights into one’s health. Much like a TCM practitioner, Dr. D was not just looking for symptoms, but aiming to understand my constitution. She examined my tongue and eyes, observed my posture and skin, and asked detailed questions about my diet, sleep, and stress. The holistic, individualised approach seemed to focus on the whole person rather than looking for disease or isolated symptoms.
After this thorough once-over, the verdict was in: I am a classic Vata-Pitta type – a blend of two doshas. This didn’t surprise me. I’ve always had a (relatively) light build and racing mind (hallmarks of Vata), yet I’m also intensely goal-oriented and warm-natured (very Pitta). Dr. D smiled knowingly as she described my tendencies: “You love new experiences and travel,” she said – true – “but you push yourself hard and can overheat – physically and mentally.” Also true. It was like having my personality read back to me in ancient poetic terms.
What came next was not a bottle of pills, but personalised life-long, life-hacks for my Vata-Pitta balance. Dr. D’s recommendations were refreshingly down-to-earth – basically, lots of “cool” tropical fruits and chill, less espresso and frantic living. She advised me to incorporate more cooling, hydrating foods into my days: think crisp cucumber salads, juicy watermelon, and plenty of king coconut water (Sri Lanka’s ubiquitous orange coconut, loved for its electrolytes and cooling effect in Ayurveda). I was to avoid chilies and sour foods (noooo!), as well as cut down on coffee, black tea, alcohol, and other stimulants, since all of these crank up the heat and dryness in a Vata-Pitta person.
Instead of my usual spicy curry obsession, I should favour meals that are creamy, sweet, or bland to soothe my doshas – foods like whole grains, ghee (clarified butter), leafy greens, and sweet ripe fruits. To my relief, being healthy didn’t mean starving: “Eat regular, warm, moist meals,” the doctor emphasised. In fact, regularity is medicine for someone like me who is often on the go – a steady routine helps calm flighty Vata (no more skipping meals). Healthy fats like ghee are pacifying for both Vata and Pitta, keeping my body nourished and cool.
As I scribbled notes, I couldn’t help noticing how much of this advice resonated with good old common sense and even with Western health trends: stay hydrated, eat fresh whole foods, don’t drink alcohol, don’t over-caffeinate. It also echoed tips I’d heard from a TCM nutritionist – for instance, both Ayurveda and Chinese medicine warn that too much coffee or alcohol can aggravate heat and agitation. Dr. D was effectively blending ancient wisdom with practical health coaching. The mystique of the pulse reading gave way to a very pragmatic wellness plan – one I was eager to try out during the rest of my stay.
Side note, I am over a month into applying the doctor’s advice and here’s what happened. The first week was hard as I cut caffeine, spice, and alcohol. Week two was easy and I felt more rested, energetic and focused. I used to feel exhausted in the afternoon and would often need a nap. After two weeks, I was waking around 6am to have an active, full day and then sleep well from 10pm, no naps needed! My stomach stopped feeling bloated, my problematic periods (so far) seem calmer. My skin is glowing, my eyes bright. I feel well.
Discover your Dosha
Over a soothing cup of gotu kola herbal tea, I learned more about the other doshas and how anyone can recognise and rebalance their own.
Vata – The Airy Creative: Vata people tend to be slim, energetic, and imaginative. They often talk fast, think fast, and walk fast. When balanced, Vatas are lively and enthusiastic. When imbalanced, they may feel anxious, spacey, or suffer insomnia. How to spot one? Cold hands and feet, variable appetite, a love of travel or movement. Balance tips: Keep warm and on a routine; favour warm, soft foods like soups, stews, cooked fruits and grains. Vatas thrive on moist, nourishing meals – think oatmeal with ghee, hearty root veggies – and should avoid cold, raw, or dried foods (like salads, crackers, or ice cream) that aggravate their naturally dry, airy nature.
Pitta – The Fiery Achiever: Pitta types have a medium, athletic build and sharp intellect. They’re natural leaders – organised, driven, and competitive – but can get irritable or “hot-headed” under stress. How to spot one? Warm body temperature, strong appetite, and a tendency to flush or get red when upset or after a spicy meal. Balance tips: Think cool and calm. Pittas feel best when they chill out (literally and figuratively). They should favour cooling foods and drinks – plenty of fresh water, coconut water, sweet fruits, cucumbers, and leafy greens. Meals should be less spicy and oily, more light and refreshing: imagine a watermelon salad or a bowl of coconut rice. It’s wise for Pittas to avoid excess chili, hot spices, vinegar, red meat, alcohol and coffee, as these inflame the inner fire.
Kapha – The Earthy Nurturer: Kapha folks are solidly built with a calm, easy-going demeanour. They’re the reliable, loving types that everyone leans on. Balanced Kaphas are patient, strong, and sweet-natured. Out of balance, Kapha can turn to lethargy, weight gain, or melancholy. How to spot one? Sturdy frame, slow but graceful movement, and they rarely get flustered. Balance tips: Invigorate and lighten up. Kaphas benefit from spicy, warming foods and lively activity. They should reach for fruits and veggies of all colours, lean proteins, and use warming spices (ginger, turmeric, black pepper) liberally. Light meals like steamed greens with ginger, or a spicy lentil soup, are great. Kaphas should moderate heavy, fatty, or super-sweet foods – think twice on that cheesy dessert – as those can increase sluggishness. A strong cup of ginger tea is Kapha’s best friend.
Most of us are a mix of doshas, and identifying your dominant one(s) is empowering. The Ayurvedic bottom line: to stay healthy, increase the qualities that balance you and reduce the ones that throw you off-kilter. It’s elegantly simple and highly personalised – one reason this 5,000-year-old system is still around.
Aditya – the affordable 5-star resort in southern Sri Lanka
Armed with my new self-knowledge, I felt ready to embrace the next part of my journey: living the good life at a stunning beach retreat that merges luxury with wellness.
Aditya Boutique Hotel is located in Rathgama, on Sri Lanka’s south coast, about a 25-minute drive from Galle Fort. From Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, plan on a 3–4 hour drive by car (the new highway can shorten the trip to around 2.5 hours). It’s best to book a private car or Uber through the hotel for a smooth and scenic transfer. It’s really a beautiful drive – so green and colourful. We slept for an hour and then enjoyed the gorgeous scenery for the rest of the drive. Our driver was super friendly and professional, and we felt safe.
Flights from London to Colombo start at around £400 return with a stopover, or direct via SriLankan Airlines. From Hong Kong, expect routes via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore or direct with some airlines.
Rates at Aditya start from around £150 per night (approximately HKD 1500), which includes a huge, sprawling suite with plunge pool, thoughtful service, and personalised attention you won’t find elsewhere. If you’re a Hong Konger, this bang for your buck will not disappoint. This hotel is curated, quiet, calm, and elegant. No crowds. No fuss. Just you, the ocean, and the scent of frangipani in the air.
To book: https://aditya-resort.com/ | https://www.christellskin.com/
