Why a Buddhist Monk Chose Herefordshire as the UK's Spiritual Hub

Herefordshire: The UK's Hidden Sanctuary for Mind, Body, and Spirit

A respected Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka has made a striking declaration about a quiet English county — calling Herefordshire the ideal place in the United Kingdom for anyone seeking spiritual growth, inner peace, and lasting happiness.

Venerable Dhammaloka, a senior figure within the Buddhist tradition, says he can physically sense a rare "state of balance" in the region — one that makes it uniquely suited to those on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

The Right Environment for Human Flourishing

"For a person to be happy, they need the right environment," Dhammaloka explained. "The nature, the air — everything in Herefordshire allows for that."

His belief in the county's restorative qualities was so strong that he directed his mentee, Ishara De Silva, to establish her wellness centre there — even though neither of them had ever set foot in Herefordshire before making the decision.

De Silva, who originally founded Plantation Villa in Sri Lanka, followed her mentor's counsel and launched a UK outpost of the centre in Kings Caple, Herefordshire, in 2022.

"I had studied and worked in London for 19 years, but when we discussed helping people across the UK, he pointed to Hereford," De Silva recalled. "He told me it was the finest place in the country for developing the human mind."

She added that Dhammaloka also referenced the region's historical significance, noting that much of England's early work in physical health, mental wellbeing, and ancient medicinal practices centred around Herefordshire.

Ayurveda Meets the English Countryside

At its core, Plantation Villa operates on the principles of Ayurveda — an ancient healing system rooted in South Asian tradition and refined over thousands of years. This holistic approach to health considers the full spectrum of human wellness, from diet and daily routine to mental clarity and emotional balance.

Visitors to the centre can immerse themselves in ayurvedic retreats, yoga sessions, and transformative sound healing workshops — all set against the serene backdrop of the Herefordshire countryside.

Sound Healing: Science Meets Serenity

Laura Leverington, a yoga teacher and sound healing facilitator at the centre, discovered her passion for Ayurveda through personal experience and has since made it her professional calling.

"Sound healing is a practice designed for deep relaxation — for both the body and the mind," she explained. "Science has already proven, and continues to prove, that sound can serve as a powerful tool for stress relief and enhanced meditation."

Through her workshops, participants learn practical techniques to quiet mental chatter and achieve genuine stillness. "We explore how to slow the mind down and, ultimately, how to switch it off entirely through sound," she said.

A Blueprint for a Balanced Life

For Leverington, Ayurveda extends far beyond the treatment room — it represents a comprehensive philosophy for everyday living.

"It really focuses on balancing the body in every sense," she said. "From choosing the right foods to something as simple as how you begin your morning — Ayurveda is essentially a guide to living a happy and fulfilling life."

Why Herefordshire Matters

The story of Plantation Villa raises an intriguing question about place and purpose. That a monk from Sri Lanka — guided by intuition and ancient wisdom rather than travel guides or wellness rankings — would pinpoint a rural English county as a spiritual epicentre speaks volumes about Herefordshire's quiet, often overlooked power.

For those feeling overwhelmed by urban pressures or disconnected from their own wellbeing, Dhammaloka's message is a compelling invitation: sometimes, the most profound healing happens far from the spotlight — in rolling hills, clean air, and communities quietly committed to something deeper.