Sri Lanka has been recognised as the world's top trending wellness destination for 2026, according to the latest State of Retreats 2026 Report published by BookRetreats.com.
The report ranked Sri Lanka first among the world's fastest-growing wellness travel destinations, recording a remarkable 100 percent year-on-year increase in traveller interest through the platform.
Nepal and Thailand also secured places in the global top 10, ranking sixth and seventh respectively.
The findings are based on a survey of 1,040 travellers in the United States, which revealed that 49 percent plan to spend on a wellness retreat in 2026. This reflects a growing global shift towards holidays focused on physical, mental and emotional well-being rather than conventional leisure travel.
Sri Lanka's long-standing Ayurvedic heritage, which dates back more than 2,000 years, has been identified as a key factor driving the country's popularity. The island is renowned for its doctor-led Ayurvedic treatments, yoga retreats and holistic healing experiences, offering visitors authentic wellness programmes at competitive prices. According to BookRetreats.com, three- to four-day wellness retreats in Sri Lanka begin at approximately US$372.
The report also notes that Sri Lanka's recent tourism-friendly policies have strengthened its appeal. From May 25, 2026, the Government waived visa fees for tourists from 40 countries, making the destination more affordable for international visitors.
“Beyond the price tag, Sri Lanka also offers year-round beach potential thanks to its two monsoon seasons, meaning one coast is usually sunny whatever the time of year. The island is also home to wild elephants and offshore blue whales, which gives wellness travellers plenty to do between yoga mats and herbal treatment”, it said.
BookRetreats.com highlighted that the global wellness tourism industry is experiencing rapid growth. The Global Wellness Institute forecasts the sector will reach a value of US$1.4 trillion by 2027, reflecting increasing demand for travel experiences centred on health and well-being.
The report listed the world's top trending wellness destinations for 2026 as follows:
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 wellness tourism destination and support ongoing efforts to attract high-value international travellers.
Source: Time Out Asia / BookRetreats.com
--Agencies
