Sri Lanka has been named the world’s top trending wellness destination for 2026, according to the latest State of Retreats 2026 Report released by BookRetreats.com.
The report ranked Sri Lanka first after recording a 100% year-on-year increase in search interest on the platform, ahead of Australia (85%), Morocco (83%), England (82%) and Spain (80%).
BookRetreats.com attributed Sri Lanka’s rise to its long-standing Ayurvedic tradition, affordability and natural attractions. It noted that wellness retreats in Kandy start from around US$373, making them significantly cheaper than similar experiences in Europe.
The report also highlighted Sri Lanka’s recent decision to waive tourist visa fees for visitors from 40 countries, saying the move has made wellness holidays on the island even more attractive.
In addition to wellness offerings, the report cited Sri Lanka’s wildlife, including the world’s largest gathering of wild elephants and opportunities to spot blue whales, as well as its year-round beach destinations, as key attractions for travellers.
The rankings are based on year-on-year increases in unique page views for destinations on BookRetreats.com, while the broader report includes findings from a survey of 1,040 U.S. travellers conducted between December 2025 and January 2026. (Newswire)
