3 Answers from travellers
Ayurvedic physician here. Real vs spa: (1) Does the property have a resident SLMC-registered Ayurvedic doctor (not a therapist - a doctor)? Ask to see credentials. (2) Do they do intake consultation before treatments (dosha assessment, pulse reading)? (3) Are treatments customized to your constitution or is everyone getting the same 'signature massage'? (4) Are herbal medicines prescribed (bringing a bag of pills at check-in)? Real Ayurveda centers: Barberyn Reef, Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort, Ulpotha. Spa Ayurveda: pretty much every beach resort with 'Ayurveda' in the marketing.
^ this is the answer. Also: real Ayurveda has DIETARY restrictions during your stay (no alcohol, no meat sometimes, no coffee, specific meal timings). Spa Ayurveda serves you cocktails and burgers. If the 'Ayurveda retreat' has a full bar, it's not real Ayurveda.
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