Luxurious Indulgence at the Island Spa

The Island Spa at Jetwing Vil Uyana in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka is a close to five-hour drive from Bentota and three-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital city of Colombo. Set amidst lush paddy fields, marshlands, forest, and a stunning lake, this distinctive eco-luxury resort aims to be the perfect getaway tucked amidst the goodness of nature.

Accessible via a boarded wood pathway, flanked by a water body whose calming sounds instantly put one at ease, the spa is spread over 28 acres of lush greenery and water networks. Vil Uyana refers to a Garden of Lakes, a fitting tribute to the agrarian ancestors of the Sigiriya region.

Design Philosophy

The Island spa is situated in a secluded area within the property and is surrounded by a stunning manmade lake with lotus strewn waters. Adorning a tropical themed design, the spa is accentuated with the natural setting, water body and lush vegetation. Anne Dias, Resident Manager, Jetwing Vil Uyana says, “Our wellness sanctuary is designed with sublime purity to offer guests holistic revitalisation during their stay with us. The Island Spa, with mud painted walls and high-rise coconut thatched roofs helps keep the temperature cool, promoting natural air circulation. As an added extension of our hospitality, connected few steps away from the spa, we also offer a modern gym to compliment your active lifestyle, along with an inviting jacuzzi that serves as a refreshing respite here.”

The Staff and Training

Inspired by Balinese healing traditions, the Island Spa offers services performed by professional therapists from Bali, offering the best of care with calming sounds of birds chirping in the background. Anne reveals, “All associates at the Balinese spa should have an experience of at least six months. Initially, they undergo a one year course with practical training.

The curriculum covers a number of techniques such as massage, acupressure and aromatherapy, reflexology, deep tissue massage using a blend of aromatherapy oils to enhance deep relaxation and soothe aching muscles with a combination of different techniques such as long strokes, kneading and pressure, benefiting the body by assisting in circulation of the blood, unblocking the body’s natural flow or chi, and therapeutic pressure point activation.”

Additionally, experts are given one to two weeks training prior to being assigned to a new property. This course covers health and safety guidelines, anatomy, and physiology, traditional Balinese body massage, traditional soft exfoliation treatments, face massage and facials, warm healing pack treatments, foot massage techniques, head, neck and shoulder massage, body wraps and masks.
The Spa uses professional facial products such as the cleanser, toner, rose water, face mask and moisturizing cream from Viva Cosmetics, Bali, and Sri Lankan brand Prevense Skincare’s cleanser, scrub, toner, face mask and moisturizing cream. All the body scrub products (Chocolate scrub, Tea scrub, Himalaya Scrub) are sourced from Bali and only natural oil products are used in the spa – lotus oil, jasmine oil, and coconut oil.

The Treatment

At the Island Spa, I tried the Balinese massage, a full body massage that uses palm pressure and long gentle strokes while applying a unique blend of natural essential oils. “This combination stimulates the blood circulation, improves energy flow and drains tension away,” says therapist Dara from Bali. Using a combination of gentle stretches, reflexology, and aromatherapy, this massage stimulates the flow of oxygen and energy, bringing a sense of wellbeing, calm and deep relaxation. Dara then uses deep tissue treatment with techniques like skin rolling, kneading, and stroking, and pressure-point stimulation, combined with the aroma of pure jasmine oil, that sends me into a deep state of relaxation. After an hour, I feel energised and my muscles feel relaxed and refreshed. As I sip my warm cup of tea and look out at the water body, I see a beautiful white throated kingfisher fly which reminds me that being amidst nature is arguably the best way to heal.

Fact File

Name: The Island Spa
Established: 2006
Founders: Hiran Cooray
Architect: Sunela Jayawardene
Area/Size: 3984 sqft (Per Room -240 sq ft)
Treatment rooms: 4 (2 Double and 2 Single)
Number of estheticians: 2
Signature Treatment: Signature Massage is a relaxing combination of four massages, that has 30 minutes of long strokes and deep skin massage, 10 minutes’ shiatsu and 20 minutes’ warm stone massage on your back, shoulders, neck, and arms to release the tension of your stressed muscles. It ends with a 30-minute reflexology to relax and gives you a feeling of overall comfort.
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Contact: +94662286000
Address: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Website: https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingviluyana