The Secret Ingredient is ‘Love’

I spent 72 hours in Jetwing Lagoon in Negombo and can confirm that it is a haven for wellness and holistic development.

As I waited in the long queue at the check-in counter of Indira Gandhi International Airport, I couldn’t help but think, “This trip is my much-needed pause button.” Life had been a whirlwind, and I was ready to escape the noise and reconnect with myself. Isn’t that the script we’ve all been fed by those cheesy classics where a magical trip fixes everything from heartbreak to existential crises? Soul searching, picturesque scenery, and, of course, unexpected friendships are on offer in the movies I grew up watching, and that is exactly what I found on my trip to Sri Lanka’s Jetwing Lagoon in Negombo. Three days surrounded by wellness, nature and the warmest people urged me to relax, reflect, and rediscover the joy of simply being.

Arriving at the hotel, the grandeur of the bold entrance pavilion with its soaring ceilings instantly captivated me, and in no time, I was whisked away to one of the 55 rooms and suites, ready to shake off the exhaustion of travel. Stepping into my Lagoon Suite felt like stepping into a haven of wellness. The design is thoughtful, with two sprawling living areas that exude utter comfort. The spacious balcony steals the show, offering breathtaking views of the tranquil lagoon. The next morning, after a restful sleep, I find myself at the entrance of The Ayurvedic Spa for a wellness consultation with the in-house senior Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Gayathri Nissanka. Placing two fingers against my wrist, she took my pulse and, with the most vibrant smile plastered on her lips, she said, “Your pulse tells me that you are tired and stressed. What’s wrong?”. Her ability to read so much from just my pulse left me momentarily stunned. After a detailed discussion about my lifestyle, she crafted a personalised Stress Management Plan that included treatments and dietary plans that I would be following over the course of 3 days.

Next on my itinerary was the 90-minute De-stress and Energise treatment. My therapist began with the application of warm, traditional oils and the rhythmic massage strokes seemed to work magic, releasing knots of tension I did not even know I had. The treatment concluded with a rejuvenating herbal steam. With my mind at peace and my body fully relaxed, it was not long before my appetite came calling and I made my way to Blue Lagoon, the resort’s restaurant, aptly named for its breathtaking views of the Negombo Lagoon. I opted for a Caesar Salad with nuts and smoked chicken, Spicy Seafood Fried Rice for the main course and a Honey coconut cake for dessert. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I was being fed fresh and nutritional food. The dishes are made from locally sourced pulses, vegetables, rice, and coconuts and infused with Sri Lanka’s rich spice palette—cinnamon, cumin, pandan, and curry leaves.

Before heading back to my room, I took a small detour towards the hotel’s stunning 100-meter swimming pool—one of the longest in Sri Lanka—and settled into a seat near the Poolside Bar. Across the road next to the rocky beach, the hotel has another 25-metre pool. In the evening, I was greeted by a pleasant rainfall, and the open interiors of the hotel seemed to come alive with the soothing rhythm of nature. Savouring my third cup of what might just be the best coffee I have ever had, I learn that Jetwing Negombo was the first hotel designed by the celebrated architect Geoffrey Bawa and later revamped by Vinod Jayasinghe, one of Geoffrey Bawa's students.

The second day began with a visit to the lively Lellama fish market. It felt like stepping into a kaleidoscope of sights, smells, and sounds—fishermen haggling, vendors shouting, and locals bartering with practiced ease. I joined in the bustle, carefully choosing a fresh catch to cook Sri Lankan fish curry with Chef Kaushalya. He shared how the resort’s wellness menu is designed with both health and flavour in mind. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he also added, “However, the secret ingredient for every dish here is love!” At first, I laughed, but as I took in the warmth of the people and the soothing atmosphere, it all made sense.

After a leisurely lunch where I savoured my own creation, a 90-minute aromatherapy session awaited me—a soothing blend of oils and expert hands that left me feeling like I was floating. By the time I emerged, Prabhat, the Guest Relations Manager, was ready to take me on a tour of Negombo, known as the Little Rome of Sri Lanka. With his patient and friendly demeanor, he took me around the stunning St. Mary’s Church, the historic Negombo Dutch Fort, and the 300-year-old Angurukaramulla Temple. The small town is a delightful mix of coastal charm and vibrant culture, and with Prabhat’s insider tips, it felt like I was experiencing the heart of the place, not just the postcard version. Back at Jetwing, where wellness permeates every corner, I was booked for a sound therapy session in the evening at the Geoffrey’s Pavilion. After mantra chanting and meditation, I felt like a completely new person and could literally feel the weight lifting off my shoulders.

The thrill of adventure filled the air as I set off for an early morning of birdwatching on the third day. Hopping onto a motorboat, I glided toward the lush mangroves of Muthurajawela. As we navigated the winding waterways, I spotted purple herons, egrets and several other Sri Lankan birds. Just when I thought the day could not get better, I was greeted by Prabhat with snacks and refreshments and an exciting day trip to Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital! Our first stop was Independence Square and as we arrived, I was struck by the grandeur of the monument. I wandered through the beautifully landscaped gardens, enjoying the peaceful ambiance while the towering stone buildings that encircled the square. Next, we ventured to the Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s most iconic temples. As I entered, the rich blend of architecture immediately caught my eye—the traditional Sri Lankan styles fused with Thai, Indian, and Chinese influences truly made it a unique space. Our final stop was Viharamahadevi Park, a serene escape in the heart of Colombo.

As the evening rain began to fall, I found myself drawn to the cosy ambiance of Blue Lagoon, my favourite spot for a warm cup of coffee. But hunger won over, and I decided to indulge in one last healthy meal before I head back to India. Opting for a seat near the garden, I scanned the detox menu, which was extensive and thoughtfully crafted in consultation with Ayurvedic doctors to ensure maximum nutritional benefits, and chose a hearty Sri Lankan set meal with fresh prawns, Dhal, sambols made from coconut, chillies, and shallots, along with vegetable chow mein, Kottu Paratha, leaf porridge, and string hoppers and ended the meal with a comforting local dessert, known as Wattalapam.

As I sit back on my final night, watching the tranquil lagoon reflect the stars above, I could not help but realise that through mindful meals, rejuvenating therapies, and the soothing embrace of nature, Jetwing Lagoon gave me a sense of connection—to myself, to nature, and to the beautiful people I met along the way. Happy and content, as I stood in line at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka, I came to the conclusion that the secret ingredient to life is indeed love—love for the journey, love for the people, and most importantly, love for oneself.