The Ayurveda Pavilions

It was 15 years ago that I was at the Pavilions for thirty days.  I was at the Pavilions the past fortnight following a consultation with Dr. Dinesh Edirisinghe, Consultant Ayurvedic Specialist at the Pavilions, who suggested that a two week stay at the Pavilions would be best for him to sort out the issues I had. This visit had nothing to do with a weight loss programme as I knew that I would not be able to walk on the colourful strip or the wide beach in Negombo; walking wearing a face mask I cannot do. I could walk around the property checking out all the medicinal herbs and trees growing in plenty and at most times someone would be around to explain the use of such plants for ayurveda treatments.

Sri Lankan Ayurveda is completely different to Indian even though it originated in India.  The secrets of Ayurveda were brought to Sri Lank by Sage Pulastya in 247 BC during the reign of  King Devanampiyatissa. Together with this knowledge and of our own remedies of ancient Sri Lankan natural medicines, our very own Ayurveda was founded. Quality of the mind as well as loving yourself (and not being egoistic) is the basic principle whilst purifying one’s mind and soul. Ayurveda is associated with Buddhist philosophy, yoga, meditation, astrology, gem therapy (colour therapy), healthy meals, external body treatments, internal oral natural medicines and music therapy.  Most importantly having a positive attitude and not being negative.

There is so much to learn on this subject. Dr Dinesh had set up a 14-day programme, which included a daily massage for two and a half hours; inhalations and steam room;  oral herbal medication and a diet according to one’s body type. All meals were vegetarian which were delicious.  As the days went by and I being quite the carnivore did miss my eggs, fish meat etc. Owing to this I drove Chef Rohan round the bend requesting for a variety in my meals whilst sticking to what I was supposed to have. Chef Rohan very kindly obliged. My friend Manomi flew down from the USA when she learned that I was checking into the Pavilions. It was a delightful to have her for company albeit we met mostly at mealtimes. Surprisingly, we were in bed before nine at night and woke up early and followed our scheduled daily routines.

It was a completely relaxed and fulfilling two weeks.  I will recommend it to most people who feel the need a change in lifestyle or to get to the root of some internal issues in the body and do whatever is needed. I know many cannot put up with the aroma of the oils but at the Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions once you shower after the treatments for the day there are no lingering smells.  The plus factor is that the villa you are in is also pristine clean.
Daily yoga classes are available at six each morning. Music therapy, water exercises plus weekly cookery demonstrations are also part of the package. I recommend the normal vegetarian menu curated by Chef Rohan to anyone visiting Negombo since you do not need to be a guest to enjoy the food.

Both Manomi and I enjoyed our two weeks. The General Manager, Mr Aruna Ekanayaka and the entire team at the Pavilions were more than willing to accommodate all our whims and fancies. The masseurs were very professional and well trained. There was a smile on everyone’s faces in the usual Jetwing manner.

Finally, the both of us were very taken up by the Consultant Dr Dinesh Edirisinghe and recommend him highly to anyone who wishes to get any form of treatment at the Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions.