Sri Lanka has been ranked the world’s fastest-growing wellness tourism destination for 2026, according to the latest State of Retreats 2026 report released by BookRetreats.com.
The report states that Sri Lanka recorded a remarkable 100 percent increase in traveller interest compared to the previous year, placing the island at the top of the global wellness tourism rankings.
Among Asian countries, Nepal ranked sixth and Thailand seventh in the global top 10 list.
The findings are based on a survey conducted among 1,040 travellers in the United States, which revealed that 49 percent of respondents plan to spend money on a wellness retreat in 2026.
According to the report, the results reflect a growing global trend towards travel experiences that focus on physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, rather than traditional leisure tourism.
Sri Lanka’s centuries-old Ayurvedic tradition, which dates back more than 2,000 years, has been identified as one of the country’s key attractions for wellness travellers. Visitors can access Ayurvedic treatments, yoga programmes, and holistic wellness experiences supervised by qualified practitioners at competitive prices.
BookRetreats.com noted that a three- to four-day wellness retreat in Sri Lanka starts from approximately US$372, making the country an affordable option for international visitors.
The report also highlighted Sri Lanka’s recently introduced tourism-friendly policies, including the government’s decision to grant visa-free entry to citizens of 40 countries from May 25, 2026, as a major factor contributing to the country’s growing popularity.
In addition to wellness experiences, the report praised Sri Lanka’s diverse natural attractions, noting that its two monsoon seasons ensure sunny beaches somewhere on the island throughout the year. It also highlighted opportunities to experience wildlife, including Asian elephants and blue whales, as key attractions for visitors.
According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness tourism industry is projected to reach a value of US$1.4 trillion by 2027, underscoring the sector’s rapid growth.
The report ranked the world’s top wellness tourism destinations for 2026 as follows:
- Sri Lanka
- Australia
- Morocco
- England
- Spain
- Nepal
- Thailand
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Canada
Sri Lanka’s top ranking is expected to further strengthen the country’s wellness tourism industry and support efforts to attract higher-spending international visitors while promoting the island as a leading destination for health, wellness, and sustainable tourism.
