Bogenvillya Ayurveda Guesthouse & Resort

First Class

Bogenvillya, on Sri Lanka’s west coast south of Colombo, is no ordinary resort: it is part of the One World Foundation. Alongside its particularly spacious and thoughtfully designed grounds and its individual, comfortable accommodation, a distinctive feature is the long-standing personal commitment of its Austrian owner. A warm, family atmosphere and individual care are central here. Rather than feeling as though you are staying in a tourist resort, you are welcomed as a guest of a large family, where newcomers are always warmly received.

Guests who choose Bogenvillya not only support their own health and wellbeing, but also contribute to the One World Foundation’s school project in Ahungalla. The school provides free English, computer and sewing lessons to over 1,000 children, young people and adults, and is funded through donations and income from the Ayurveda resort. The One World Foundation promotes sustainable, low-impact tourism that places both the traveller and the host country at its heart. The foundation’s philosophy is based on fair exchange: guests can enjoy Bogenvillya’s comfortable facilities and discover another culture, while the income from the Ayurveda resort goes to the foundation to help fund its education projects. The founder’s close connection with Sri Lankan culture gives guests a unique opportunity to experience it. The staff provide personal, unobtrusive service; they are approachable and always happy to offer interested guests informal lessons in local life, culture and language. This encourages cultural exchange and gives guests a unique insight into Sri Lankan culture.

Meals are served on the covered terrace, where guests gather around a shared table. The team follows the doctor’s dietary recommendations when preparing the carefully balanced cuisine.

The Ayurveda centre is led by an experienced Ayurveda doctor. A well-trained team of six therapists supports her and accompanies you throughout your individually tailored Ayurveda programme at Bogenvillya. This includes regular medical consultations (with translation into German on request) and Ayurvedic treatments prescribed by the doctor. Acupuncture is also available on site for an additional charge. Yoga is offered alongside the programme. In fine weather, sessions take place on a purpose-built yoga platform directly beside the lagoon; if needed, they can be moved to the open-sided hall on the neighbouring property.

The spacious, well-kept garden, with its pool and outdoor seating areas, offers plenty of room to unwind. Lush vegetation, the lagoon and palm groves create a paradise-like atmosphere. The garden has direct access to a seemingly endless, unspoilt sandy beach. If there is time after treatments and plenty of relaxation, the staff will be happy to help arrange excursions. Options include visiting Buddhist temples, taking a boat trip on the Madu Ganga River or travelling to Galle. You can also visit the school run by the One World Foundation. The lively children, of all ages, are always pleased to welcome regular visitors from the West and are happy to show off their English skills.