June 27 (Citizen News) – Sri Lanka has been ranked as the world’s leading trending wellness destination for 2026, according to the latest State of Retreats 2026 report published by BookRetreats.com.
The report places Sri Lanka at the top of the fastest-growing global wellness travel destinations, recording a 100% year-on-year rise in interest through the platform. Nepal and Thailand also appear in the top 10, ranking sixth and seventh respectively.
Based on a survey of 1,040 travellers in the United States, the report found that 49% plan to spend on a wellness retreat in 2026. This reflects a clear global shift toward travel experiences focused on physical, mental, and emotional well-being rather than traditional leisure holidays.
Sri Lanka’s long-established Ayurvedic heritage, spanning more than 2,000 years, is highlighted as a key driver of this growth. The island is widely recognised for its authentic, doctor-led Ayurvedic treatments, yoga programmes, and holistic healing retreats, offering visitors high-quality wellness experiences at relatively affordable prices. According to BookRetreats.com, wellness retreats in Sri Lanka typically start from around US$372 for three to four days.
The report also notes that recent tourism-friendly policy changes have strengthened Sri Lanka’s appeal. From May 25, 2026, the government waived visa fees for travellers from 40 countries, making the destination more accessible to international visitors.
It further highlights Sri Lanka’s year-round beach tourism potential due to its two monsoon seasons, meaning one coastline is usually sunny at any time of the year. The island also offers rich wildlife experiences, including elephants and blue whales, adding variety to wellness-focused travel.
The global wellness tourism sector continues to expand rapidly, with the Global Wellness Institute projecting it will reach a value of US$1.4 trillion by 2027.
Top Trending Wellness Destinations for 2026:
- Sri Lanka (+100%)
- Australia (+85%)
- Morocco (+83%)
- England (+82%)
- Spain (+80%)
- Nepal (+52%)
- Thailand (+48%)
- Mexico (+44%)
- Costa Rica (+42%)
- Canada (+36%)
Sri Lanka’s top ranking is expected to further strengthen its position as a leading global wellness tourism hub and support efforts to attract high-value international travellers. - adaderana
