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From a humble pantry laboratory in Sri Lanka to a global empire spanning over 140+ locations, Spa Ceylon has played its role in the growth of modern wellness. As the brand officially marks the UAE as its 32nd international market, Co-Founder and Group CEO Shalin Balasuriya opens up about the intersection of 5,000-year-old wisdom and high-end luxury.
Delna Mistry Anand: Take us back to the beginning. How did the story of Spa Ceylon start, and when did your love for Ayurveda begin?
Shalin Balasuriya: Our story is deeply rooted in family. The foundation was laid decades prior by our mother, who was a huge influence for us, and a true pioneer who established Sri Lanka’s first beauty brand and school. Growing up, my brother Shiwantha and I watched her formulate products at home. And what’s more important is that we saw firsthand that beauty wasn't about vanity at all, it was about that inner sense of confidence. And for the women she worked with, it meant financial independence, which was so important. This I would say, is the true foundation on which we built the brand.
Historically, Ayurveda is often presented in a very organic and rustic way. How did you bridge the gap to luxury, way back in 2009.
After completing our education, my brother and I saw a clear gap for "accessible luxury". We wanted to elevate these ancient rituals into a refined, sensorial experience. By blending traditional wisdom with modern skin science and "royal-inspired" aesthetics, we proved that heritage and high-end luxury could coexist beautifully.
The packaging is so striking and has great brand recall. Tell us about the design inspiration.
Every jar and bottle is a tribute to the "teardrop isle" of Ceylon. The packaging is inspired by the royal insignia of ancient Ceylonese palaces. We use motifs that tell a story; our turmeric ranges feature turmeric blossoms, and our rice collections reflect intricate grain patterns. Even our stores use custom-composed music that blends Sri Lankan instruments with nature sounds to create total immersion.
Sustainability is central to your identity. How do you translate that into practice?
Ayurveda teaches reciprocity with nature. We support rainforest replanting, coral reef restoration, and elephant conservation in Sri Lanka. We also work with coastal communities to cultivate aloe vera, purchasing approximately 1.5 tons per month to provide income for local women while reducing harmful fishing practices. Furthermore, we are completely cruelty-free; we do not test on animals, even in markets where it is standard practice.
What is next for Spa Ceylon?
We are expanding globally while deepening experiential wellness. The UAE is a key part of our global expansion strategy. The region has shown us immense love over the years, and we are excited to finally bring the full Spa Ceylon experience directly to the UAE.
For the Dubai launch, we are introducing two new collections inspired by the environment: ForestVeda and SeaVeda.
Beyond product, we are integrating sound healing, yoga, and mindfulness into our brand ecosystem. Our goal remains consistent: to combine ancient wisdom with contemporary luxury, and to grow in a way that honours both people and planet.
