By Pascal Languillon, CEO Luxe Wellness Club
At Luxe Wellness Club, we often visit renowned wellness institutions whose reputations precede them globally. Yet sometimes we discover lesser-known gems—addresses almost secret in their refinement. Haritha Villas + Spa is one such treasure: sincere, elegantly quiet, and distinguished by the exceptional quality of its wellness programme. Nestled amid lush vegetation just a few kilometres from Galle, this boutique resort offers a complete Ayurvedic experience in an intimate setting. I stayed here for several days, and it ranks as one of my most memorable retreats in Sri Lanka.
Haritha is a 9-key boutique hotel in a privileged location on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Just 20 kilometers from Galle, it’s within easy reach of the famous Dutch fort, the beaches of the south coast or the surrounding mangroves, all in absolute peace and quiet. The hillside location, surrounded by lush vegetation, provides a sense of tranquility. The only sounds are those of birds, sometimes monkeys in the trees, and leaves rustling in the breeze. The south coast also offers magnificent beaches for swimming and surfing.
The entire hotel reflects a profound respect for the environment. No trees were cut down to construct the buildings, and the architecture was designed to fit in with the hillside. The materials used, the volumes and the views of nature create a sense of harmony. Nothing seems forced. The place was built in dialogue with its environment, not against it.
Luxury accommodation
My stay began in one of the flagship contemporary villas. The design is minimalist yet warm, with expansive bay windows opening directly onto jungle greenery, and the sense of living both indoors and outdoors simultaneously is immediate. A private swimming pool extends the living space and invites relaxation at any time of day. The bathroom is spacious, light-filled, and opens to the natural surroundings, reinforcing the sense of immersion. This is luxury that speaks softly.
For the second part of my visit I moved into the one-bedroom Colonial Villa—a genuine coup de cœur. This beautifully restored historic house covers approximately 462 m² and opens onto a private estate including an 86 m² infinity pool. The architecture retains heritage character—the generous volumes, prominent use of wood and subtle colonial charm—while offering every modern amenity.
The interior combines contemporary sobriety and heritage ambience: the king-size bed, 600-thread-count cotton linen, selection of “100% natural Ophir” items and high-end touches (Wi-Fi, portable Bose speaker, iPad…) support an atmosphere of great luxury.
The outdoor space is remarkable: the terrace immerses you in the tropical vegetation, the pool mirrors the sky and trees, and the two beautifully designed outdoor bathrooms with bathtubs invite a rare intimacy with the garden.
The dedicated butler service reinforces the sense of exclusivity: always present, never intrusive, coordinating your stay with finesse. It is in this villa that I felt most fully at home.
A genuine philosophy of well-being
Wellness is at the heart of Haritha’s philosophy. This is not a resort that simply offers a few spa treatments; it is a retreat built around Ayurveda.
Every morning, a yoga class is held in an outdoor pavilion located below the water, on the edge of a pond lined with water lilies. The simple walk to the pavilion at sunrise is a pleasure. The light reflects on the water, a few dragonflies glide silently by… pure bliss.
Yoga is accessible to all. The teacher guides gently, and the practice, adapted to Ayurveda, encourages fluid movement and breathing. It’s a great way to start the day: the body stretches, the mind opens, and the rest of the program is made easier.
Each wellness program begins with an in-depth consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor. The conversation is long, detailed and caring. Health history, eating habits, digestion, sleep cycles and stress levels are discussed. At the end of this interview, the doctor defines a personalized protocol that determines the daily treatments, the oils used, the dietary recommendations and the rhythm to be followed.
One of the most evocative treatments is the Shirodhara: lying still while a steady stream of warm oil drips over the forehead, at the “third eye” point. It induces an extraordinary state of calm—very few treatments I have experienced deliver so deeply.
The Abhyanga oil massage, full-body and often performed by two or four therapists, is equally superb: precise, generous, synchronised, leaving the body feeling refreshed, the mind clear.
The combination of these treatments, received daily, creates a soothing, coherent rhythm. You soon feel an inner transformation: your mind becomes clearer, your body regains energy and you sleep more soundly.
The wellness protocol further includes a traditional herbal steam bath in a timber cabin, followed by sauna or hammam as desired, and a herbal bath in a dedicated tub. A rare Vichy shower is also available—jets of warm water that work deeply into the muscles, offering another layer of relaxation. The daily rhythm of treatments gently re-shapes your sense of time: you begin to sleep more soundly, move more freely, and feel an inner clarity emerging.
The spa building itself deserves special mention: large treatment rooms open onto jungle views, light filtered through foliage, nature present at every glance. One never feels enclosed; quite the opposite: every moment of wellness feels connected to the outside world.
Delicious cuisine
Cuisine and dining follow the same philosophy of refinement. At breakfast, exotic fruits—mango glazed by the sun, fragrant pineapple, papaya still warm from the morning air—arrive with freshly squeezed juice and a young coconut opened just for you. Traditional hoppers, Sri Lankan bowl-shaped pancakes, appear alongside sambol and dhal subtly spiced. The cappuccino is remarkably well executed—on par with some of the best cafés in Europe—attesting to the level of detail on offer.
The morning breakfast immediately sets the tone: simple in appearance, but executed with great finesse. Exotic fruits – sun-kissed mango, fragrant pineapple, papaya still warm from the sun – are brought in first, accompanied by freshly squeezed juice and fresh young coconut. We continue with traditional hoppers, Sri Lankan pancakes in the shape of a bowl, served with delicately spiced sambol and dhal. The cappuccino is of surprisingly high quality, easily rivaling those of the best European restaurants, proof that the hotel pays attention to every detail.
At lunch or dinner, I particularly remember a seafood platter composed of fish and shellfish sourced fresh from the morning market, served with a glass of New Zealand Chardonnay. The combination of ocean-fresh flavours, wine finesse and the soft evening light made the meal unforgettable. On another evening, a perfectly cooked lobster—almost pearly in texture—arrived, adorned with a few local herb accents. It is cuisine that honours location, season and product without compromise.
Our feeling
Haritha is a little gem. Deeply rooted in nature and Ayurvedic tradition, it’s a
luxury boutique hotel where you’ll feel right at home. An invitation to calm, to listen to oneself, to take it slow. A real favourite, and we recommend it to anyone looking for a superb experience in Sri Lanka.
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Rates : From around 500 USD per night.
Exclusive Luxe Wellness Club benefits : Special rates, free daily yoga class, and a floating breakfast.
Contact us by phone to discuss your holiday plans:
- from France on + 33 1 85 73 22 14
- from Switzerland: +41 22 501 75 16
- from the Emirates: +971 54 583 1623
- from the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652
- from the UK: +44 20 4577 3258
