Here are five top wellness / spa / Ayurveda retreats near Yala (Sri Lanka), with what they’re best for and how close they are to Yala National Park:

• Uga Chena Huts — best for luxury, private safari-style villas + an excellent on-site spa. Very close to the Palatupana / Yala gates (the lodge sits on the park edge and is frequently described as one of the closest luxury properties to Yala). (ugaescapes.com)

• Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Resplendent Ceylon) — best if you want a dramatic “jungle-meets-ocean” setting with a strong wellness focus (Sanctuary Spa treatments using local ingredients, plus yoga and large pool). Good choice for combining beach, spa and game drives. (resplendentceylon.com)

• Jetwing Yala — resort-style wellness with a Balinese Ayu Spa, a wide spa menu (massages, body & beauty treatments and packaged rituals) and full resort facilities — convenient for families and travelers who want reliable, varied spa services near Yala. (jetwinghotels.com)

• Thaulle Pure Ayurveda Resort (Tissamaharama) — best for authentic Ayurvedic programmes (Panchakarma-style options, tailored meals and longer therapeutic stays). Located in Tissamaharama, roughly a short drive (around 10–15 minutes / ~10–15 km depending on gate) from Yala, so it’s ideal if you want focused Ayurvedic treatments plus safari excursions. (booking.com)

• Cinnamon Wild Yala — good mid-to-upscale option that mixes jungle/beach atmosphere with a spa and straightforward access to Yala (often cited as ~5–10 minutes’ drive to park gates). A solid family-friendly choice with spa and safari packages. (cinnamonhotels.com)

Quick planning tips

• Best time to combine wellness and reliable wildlife viewing: the dry / peak safari months (roughly February–July / May–August) are generally best for leopard and large-animal sightings; note that Yala often has a seasonal closure/maintenance period (typically around September–mid October in many years). If you plan a safari + retreat trip, check current park opening dates before booking. (yalalk.com)
• Book spa treatments and Ayurveda programmes in advance (particularly during peak months) — many properties reserve therapists and bespoke packages ahead of arrival. (jetwinghotels.com)
• Combine a morning game drive (early AM) with an afternoon spa/Ayurveda session — that’s a common itinerary these hotels recommend and it maximizes wildlife-viewing windows while giving you downtime afterward. (ugaescapes.com)

If you want, I can:

• Compare prices and availability for specific dates, or
• Narrow choices by budget, type of programme (Ayurveda vs. spa vs. yoga), or distance to a particular Yala entrance.

(If you’d like any of those, tell me your travel dates or preferences and I’ll look up current availability and rates.)