In the old days, people were aware that lifestyle played an essential role in health and beauty which is the reason why ancient Royalty used Ayurveda as personal care to real beauty and radiance.

According to the Ayurvedic practice, which is one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world, the mind and body form an

A customer checks out scented soap at a Spa Ceylon outlet. Pix by Susantha Liyanawatte

indivisible unity. Even the care of the skin and hair is dealt with in a complete and holistic manner.

The term “Ayurveda” combines the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). At the time great value was placed on the naturalness of the materials used, and in the old days they realised that our senses, the gateways to consciousness, can be woken up to greater inner orderliness and clarity by means of sounds, massages, colours and forms, diet according to constitutional type, and balancing scents.

Romance of old Ceylon

Many centuries later, a Sri Lankan company – Spa Ceylon has reopened the door to the very origin of life, to the source of all order and harmony and thereby also to natural beauty. Settling down to a discussion this week – at their office at Mount Lavinia – on the ethos of Spa Ceylon, Shalin Balasuriya and Shiwantha Dias, both directors of the company, noted that the Spa Ceylon brand was launched in May 2009, with a boutique at Crescat.

Shalin says that Spa Ceylon, a family-owned company, combines the romance of old Ceylon with ancient Ayurveda wisdom in their extensive range of all-natural high performance products for skin, hair, body and wellness.

“The perception of Ayurveda was ‘very grunge’ with mud huts and oils, etc.,” Shalin says. It’s gone beyond a brand to home fragrances, soothing music, he says, adding that now it’s not just luxury they are aiming at, but a lifestyle.

Shalin Balasuriya

hile retaining the brilliant history we had on this science,” Shiwantha explains. The uniquely designed bottles inscribed with Sinhala text and natural formulae enriched with local herbs and essential oils, give these luxury Ayurveda products a true Sri Lankan identity.
He explains that what Spa Ceylon did was to introduce easier to use, contemporary packaging with a Sri Lankan identity and elevate it into a luxury brand. This is amply evident in the Ebony hued gift boxes adorned with the royal insignia from the Kandyan courts of ancient Ceylon that add classic Ceylonese character to the Spa Ceylon gift collection.

Every detail of each Spa Ceylon product has been thoughtfully designed and detailed to ensure guests receive a totally fulfilling and relaxing experience, Shiwantha says. “From organic cotton and Ayurveda herb filled cushions and pillows, to old fashioned wooden foot baths laden with pebbles, jasmine, wild lime and garden mint, to exotic massage balms richly blended with Ceylonese spices, virgin coconut and aromatic ginger, as well as refreshing organic herbal tea, accompanied by traditional palm sweeteners, served in custom designed hand made Spa Ceylon stoneware, to highly precise signature massage movements by the Spa therapists; every element is detailed and designed to complement each other; thus making the luxurious Spa Ceylon experience one that is uniquely different,” he adds.

He also adds that the company has spent a lot of time in research and development to bring about all their products. “It’s detailed from the product quality and the authenticity of a local brand. He explains: “There’s a balm to help combat depression. The aroma is derived from essential oils.” The investment in the brand is Rs. 500 million.

All their products are manufactured in-house, at a modern 75,000 sq.ft. facility at Pinwatte, Panadura and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified to the latest EU manufacturing standards, with a licensed Ayurveda manufacturing laboratory, registered under the Department of Ayurveda. The capacity is some 40,000 units a month. Prices are targeted at the upper middle class.

Shiwantha Dias

Success story

Shalin says that a big part of their success story was referrals. Things had progressed for them faster than what was predicted on the back of the peace dividend, Shiwantha says, observing that peace is inextricably linked to their business. “More than 50 per cent of our clientele are tourists and expatriates,” he stresses, noting that Spa Ceylon is also a big gift brand. This is also a catalyst for their meteoric popularity in other countries.

“The influx of tourists has helped us grow internationally,” Shalin adds, noting that many are also lining up to partner with their brand internationally. While there are more than two such requests daily, the company is cautious in entertaining them. “We are selective in whom we partner with as we want these partnerships to be with the right party – particularly as we have spent so much effort in building this brand,” Shiwantha observes, adding that in this respect, the company is going to four locations in India – Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Delhi with a joint venture partner. He says that they will be opening up to 10 stores in India and will be eyeing malls and high – end spaces in India to open these stores.

This inimitably Sri Lankan brand which is just under five years old has become extremely popular beyond Sri Lanka seeing a tremendous increase in their online sales along with growing export interest in Russia, South Africa and the Asian region.

“Our Istanbul (Turkey) store is running for the past month and by next year we’ll be expanding to Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and South Africa,” he said noting that their Japan operation will be a franchise venture similar to what they operate in Istanbul.
Spa Ceylon currently operates Signature Spas at the Dutch Hospital Arcade Colombo, Park Street Mews Colombo, Avani Kalutara and Citrus Hikkaduwa; with Spa Boutiques at Crescat Boulevard, Odel Ward Place and LUV SL, Queens Hotel Kandy.