Reviewed · BENTOTA TOURS
Two Hour Package
Bentota’s Ayurveda centers offer a welcome change from the beach routine, and this two-hour treatment packs several therapies into one private appointment. You begin with head, foot, face, back, and full-body massage, then finish with herbal inhalation and either shirodhara or a steam bath.
I like the clear, generous treatment list, and I like that the session ends with Ayurvedic herbal tea rather than simply sending you back into the heat. The center is near public transportation, and the private format suits couples, families, or anyone who wants quiet time without a crowded spa room.
The main drawback is that the $85 price does not include lunch, and the final treatment is a choice rather than both shirodhara and the steam bath. Ask which option is available and best suited to you before the oils come out.
Key points to know before booking

- A full two-hour treatment: The package includes head, foot, face, back, and body massage, plus inhalation.
- Choose your finale: You receive either shirodhara or a steam bath, not both.
- Private appointment: Only your group participates, which makes the session calmer and more personal.
- A strong start to a holiday: The treatment is well suited to easing tension after a long flight or a busy day.
- Local names to note: Lakmal is associated with lymphatic drainage treatments, while Chintanager is singled out for careful work on pressure points.
- Simple logistics: Meet at Bentota Ayurveda Center on Pitaramba Road at 9:00 am, and finish at the same location.
What the $85 Bentota Ayurveda package actually includes

At $85, this is not a quick back rub followed by a hurried goodbye. The appointment lasts about two hours and combines several treatments that are often sold separately at spas.
You receive a head massage, foot massage, back massage, face massage, and body massage. Herbal inhalation is also included, followed by your choice of shirodhara or a steam bath. Herbal tea completes the visit.
That list gives the package good value if you want a broad introduction to Ayurvedic treatments rather than one long, single-style massage. The trade-off is that each massage area receives part of the two-hour window. If you want an especially long back massage or a focused therapeutic session, explain that when you arrive.
The treatment is described as traditional Ayurvedic care, with an emphasis on relaxation, cleansing, and restoring balance. Keep your expectations sensible: this is a wellness session, not a medical consultation or a substitute for treatment from your doctor.
A few more Bentota trips to weigh up
- 2h Bentota River Safari: Crocodiles, Monkeys, Mangrove & more
★ 5.0 · 128 reviews
Arriving at 9:00 am on Pitaramba Road
The appointment begins at 9:00 am at Bentota Ayurveda Center, Pitaramba Road, Bentota 80500. The listed meeting point is also the end point, so you return to the same place after the session.
The center is near public transportation, which is useful if you are staying in Bentota and prefer not to arrange a private car. The available information does not promise hotel pickup, so do not assume transportation is included. One account describes Lakmal picking up and returning a client, but treat that as an individual arrangement rather than part of the standard package.
A morning start can work well. You can have the treatment before the day becomes hot, then enjoy breakfast or lunch afterward. Since lunch is not included, plan your meal separately. If you are fitting this around a flight, train, or other fixed appointment, leave plenty of time after the massage. Oils, steam, and the relaxed pace may make you want a quiet break rather than an immediate dash across town.
The massage begins with several small treatments

The session moves through several parts of the body. That variety is one of its strongest features, especially if you are curious about Ayurveda but do not want to commit to a longer multi-day program.
A head massage can help settle you at the beginning. It is a useful first step after travel, when your mind is still busy with hotel check-in, transport, and plans. The foot massage follows naturally for anyone who has spent a day walking, standing, or sitting in transit.
The back and body massage provide the main physical work. The back treatment is likely to appeal most if you carry tension in your shoulders or lower back, though the exact pressure can vary by practitioner. Tell the therapist if you prefer a light, medium, or firm touch. This is especially important because the package is designed for a broad audience, not only for people seeking strong therapeutic pressure.
The face massage adds a gentler change of pace. It may be welcome after the firmer work on your back and body, though anyone with skin sensitivities should mention them before oils are applied.
The treatment list also includes herbal inhalation. This is a short sensory element rather than a separate long massage, and it helps mark the shift from hands-on treatment to the closing therapies. If you have asthma, allergies, or sensitivity to scents, say so in advance and ask what is being used.
Shirodhara or steam bath: know the difference
The final choice is between shirodhara and a steam bath. These are not interchangeable treatments, so your choice affects the feel of the appointment.
Shirodhara is an oil treatment in which oil is traditionally poured in a steady stream over the forehead. The experience is quiet and still, and it fits the package’s aim of easing mental strain. One account describes the combination of full-body massage, oil shirodhara, and herbal inhalation as deeply calming, with the person feeling almost weightless afterward.
If you choose shirodhara, expect oil in your hair. That is part of the treatment, not an accident. Plan your clothing and later activities accordingly. You may want time afterward to wash or simply rest. The information provided does not specify shower facilities, so ask the center what is available before booking.
The steam bath offers a warmer, more enclosed finish. It may suit you better if you enjoy heat and want to end with a more physical sense of cleansing. It is not necessarily the better choice for everyone. If you dislike high temperatures or have a condition affected by heat, ask the staff before choosing it.
The package wording makes clear that you receive one option, not both. Confirm the choice at the start so the schedule is clear.
Same island, a completely different kind of day:
- Bentota River Safari with Mangrove and Wildlife Encounter
★ 4.9 · 182 reviews - Ayurveda Day Package
★ 5.0 · 106 reviews - Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa
★ 5.0 · 77 reviews - Galle Day Trip with River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen
★ 5.0 · 64 reviews
Skilled hands and a personal approach
Several practitioners are named in connection with particular treatments. Chintanager is praised for working carefully with pressure points, which may appeal if you want more than a light, flowing massage.
Lakmal is associated with lymphatic drainage work and advice for people with lipoedema. That is a useful detail, but do not assume lymphatic drainage is part of this exact two-hour package. The listed inclusions are the head, foot, face, back, and body massages, inhalation, shirodhara or steam bath, and tea.
If lymphatic drainage is your main reason for booking, contact the center first and ask whether Lakmal is available and whether that treatment can be substituted or added. The treatment requires specific technique, and the standard package should not be treated as a guaranteed lymphatic drainage appointment.
The personal attention is helped by the private format. Only your group participates, so you do not share the session with a large class or an open room full of unrelated appointments. That makes this a good pick for a couple, a family, or a solo visitor who prefers a quieter setting.
What the treatment feels like as a holiday break
The best use of this appointment is as a reset. After a long flight, a full-body massage and quiet closing treatment can help you shift out of travel mode. During a beach holiday, it offers a slower counterpoint to sun, swimming, and sightseeing.
I would avoid scheduling it immediately before a demanding excursion. The combination of massage, oil, inhalation, and steam or shirodhara is intended to relax you. You may feel sleepy afterward, especially if you select the oil treatment.
The herbal tea is a small but worthwhile finish. It gives you a few minutes to sit, drink, and come back to the day gradually. Do not expect a full meal or a long cultural lecture. The Ayurveda background is part of the setting and treatment, but the practical focus is on being cared for rather than attending a formal class.
The center presents Ayurvedic medicine as a long-standing Sri Lankan tradition. That context adds meaning to the session, but the value is found mainly in the treatment itself: the pace, the oils, the sequence of massage, and the chance to pause.
How the private format affects value
An $85 price is reasonable if you use the full two hours and want several treatment types in one visit. Five massage areas, inhalation, a closing treatment, and herbal tea make this more than a basic one-hour massage.
The private setup adds value for people who dislike shared spa spaces. You can discuss pressure, comfort, and your preferred finale directly with the staff. It also makes the appointment easier to book for a small group, since your party stays together.
The value is less clear if you only want one specific treatment. If your goal is a long back massage, the package may feel spread out. If you want both shirodhara and a steam bath, this package will not provide both. Ask about other options before paying.
There is no lunch, so factor in the cost of your next meal. That is not a major issue in Bentota, but it matters if you expect an all-inclusive spa outing.
Who should book this two-hour session
I would consider this package a good match for:
- A first-time Ayurveda visitor who wants to sample several treatments.
- Someone arriving in Bentota after a tiring flight.
- A couple or family seeking a private appointment.
- Anyone who prefers a broad treatment sequence instead of one long massage.
- People who want a morning wellness activity near the center of Bentota.
- Visitors interested in asking about pressure points or lymphatic drainage before booking.
You may want a different appointment if you need a medical treatment, a guaranteed lymphatic drainage session, or a longer consultation about a specific health concern. The package is built for relaxation and general wellness.
The high recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 93 recorded ratings indicate strong satisfaction, but ratings cannot tell you whether the pressure, heat, or oil treatment will suit your body. Your best protection is to explain your needs clearly and ask questions before the session starts.
Practical advice for a comfortable visit
Wear or bring clothing that you do not mind getting oily if you select shirodhara. Ask about changing and washing arrangements because those details are not specified.
Tell the practitioner about any injuries, sensitive areas, allergies, or discomfort with pressure. This is common sense for any massage, and it matters even more when one appointment covers the feet, face, back, head, and whole body.
If heat is a concern, ask about the steam bath before choosing it. If you are unsure, shirodhara may provide a calmer finish, but it involves oil and may not suit everyone.
The experience is listed as suitable for most people, and it is near public transportation. It is also a private activity. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the standard start time is 9:00 am.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The experience requires good weather, and if poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.
Should you book the Bentota Ayurveda Center treatment?
Book it if you want a well-rounded two-hour Ayurveda session with several massage areas, a private setting, herbal inhalation, and a choice of shirodhara or steam bath. It is especially useful at the start of a Sri Lankan holiday, when a quiet morning can help you recover from travel.
Before booking, contact the center if you specifically want Lakmal, lymphatic drainage, hotel pickup, both closing treatments, or shower facilities. Those details are not guaranteed in the standard package.
For $85, the appointment offers solid value when you want variety and personal attention. It is less suitable if you want a narrowly focused medical treatment or a long, single-style massage. Know that distinction, choose your final treatment carefully, and this can be a restorative pause in Bentota rather than just another item on your sightseeing schedule.
FAQ
Where does the Ayurveda treatment begin?
It begins at Bentota Ayurveda Center, Pitaramba Road, Bentota 80500, Sri Lanka.
What time does the treatment start?
The listed start time is 9:00 am.
How long does the package last?
The package lasts approximately two hours.
Is the activity private?
Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.
What massages are included?
The package includes head, foot, back, face, and body massage.
Is herbal inhalation included?
Yes. Herbal inhalation is included in the two-hour treatment.
Do I receive both shirodhara and a steam bath?
No. You receive a choice of shirodhara or a steam bath.
Is herbal tea included?
Yes. Ayurvedic herbal tea is included.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch is not included in the package.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.
Just added around Bentota
- Bentota beach, River Mangroves lagoon, Wildlife Tour★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Bentota: River Safari with Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off★ 4.8 · 22 reviews
- Bentota: Yala National Park Safari Jeep Tour in a 4×4★ 4.6 · 7 reviews
- Bentota River Safari: Discover Wildlife & Mangroves by Boat★ 4.9 · 41 reviews
- Bentota River Safari -Ahungalla/Bentota/Aluthgama/Kosgoda★ 4.0 · 3 reviews
- Arugam Bay: Yala Safari & DropOff in Ella – Safari + Transit★ 5.0 · 6 reviews
- Yala 4h Jeep Safari: Guided Wildlife Experience (All Inclusive)★ 5.0 · 16 reviews
- Yala National Park: All Inclusive Private Safari Day Trip★ 4.1 · 39 reviews
Bentota Tours, compared.

Bentota River Safari with Mangrove and Wildlife Encounter
Read our review →
Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa
Read our review →
Galle Day Trip with River Safari, Sea Turtle & Stilt Fishermen
Read our review →
Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive
Read our review →
Yala Safari Day Trip from Bentota/ Kalutara/ Ahungalla/ Hikkaduwa
Read our review →
Bentota River Safari: Discover Wildlife & Mangroves by Boat
Read our review →
Yala National Park: All Inclusive Private Safari Day Trip
Read our review →
VALUE PACK! One Day Safari Tour to Yala and Udawalawa Parks
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in
