‘Wellness Weekend’ at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa… in full swing!

On 10 June, Global Wellness Day, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa held an entirely not-for-profit social project dedicated to living well, under the theme ‘One Day Can Change Your Whole Life’. First celebrated in 2012, Global Wellness Day was officially celebrated in 73 countries in 2015, reflecting its success.

The activities planned at the resort embodied the true meaning of Global Wellness Day – the need to pause and value our lives, to be free from everyday stress and bad habits, and above all to make peace with ourselves,

Arriving at the resort, I realised it was a weekend full of activity… The Mercedes Benz Sri Lanka Country Finals Golf Tournament was underway. Over 50 seasoned golfers took to the beautifully-laid-out 18-hole golf course. The tournament spearheaded the first year anniversary celebrations at the resort, with the launch of its Golf Membership, and a lucky winner walked away with an annual membership. The unique experience of golfing in the resort, with its awe-inspiring views of the ocean and tropical garden, truly creates an everlasting impression.

Global Wellness Day started off perfectly with an energising and fun fitness routine with instructor Sasha. Sasha varied her routine to include exercises for a boost of energy and greater flexibility too. As one ardent golfer who took some time off to participate in the wellness proceedings said: “Golf is a wonderful way to be out in nature and it has incredible wellness benefits. Yet Sasha was amazing… it gave me an appetite and I certainly felt very great after.” As for me, I made my way to the resort’s Chi Ayurveda Spa after for a blissful massage! 

The afternoon’s program included a fabulous talk by Sri Lanka’s much-loved mountaineering duo, Jayanthi Kuru-Uthumpala and Johann Peries. As they shared their incredible tale of intense training, trials and tribulations, and ultimate victory, they had the audience spellbound. The most memorable quote for me was when Jayanthi said: “You need to value your life so much when conquering oneself.” A friend of mine in the audience shared her emotions by saying: “Honouring Global Wellness Day with creativity and an integrative power-packed program bringing together wellness, inspiring stories and a sense of comradeship is a true celebration of wellness.”  The resort also promoted its outdoor recreation with trapeze sessions with trapeze artist Rodrigo and his team, as participants faced and conquered their fears. Over a quick catch up with Charith, the resort’s Recreation Manager, he shared his thoughts with me. 

“We knew GWD would align very closely with our mission at the resort – wellness coupled with fun activities for the whole family. Kids’ yoga, making your own health smoothie, sunset yoga sessions, junior golf discovery, are a few more of the activities we had over the day.”

The passionate team of the resort made Global Wellness Day an absolute success. For me personally it was just W.O.W – Wonders of Wellness … fun and inspirational activities, bumping into old friends, meeting new people who love wellness and more. Yes, the resort really inspired my sense of a true wellness getaway.

– An ardent enthusiast