Santani Wellness Resort

Floor to ceiling windows, timber flooring and cement walls offer a deliberately minimal style to each of the 20 guest chalets, 16 of which are elevated, overlooking endless mountain vistas, with private balconies and all essential comforts, but purposefully, nothing more. Wi-Fi is available on demand, although this is not a place for screen time. A true celebration of nature and simplicity, the location embodies rest and relaxation. The remaining four chalets lie a short tuk-tuk ride away, two of which interconnect via a central living space, designed for families or small groups. The minimum age is 12 years and although teens are welcome, we strongly feel this is a retreat better suited to couples or solo travellers, in search of uninterrupted peace.

The Santani family promote a sustainable approach to wellness, encouraging guests to indulge in the rich expertise on offer, especially when it comes to the culinary offering. Whether you choose to book a wellness package or not, your menu will be personalised, with each meal drawing on the concept of rasa haya (six tastes); an intelligent eating concept designed to balance and solve any food cravings. To most, this brings new meaning to indulgence, one which is ultimately designed to make you feel the best version of you, instilling healthy habits to take beyond the hotel walls. All dietary requirements and restrictions can be catered for, with individual nutritional insight. All guests stay on a full board basis which includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and non-alcoholic drinks.

The tri-level spa at Santani is the largest in Sri Lanka, offering the island’s first complete hydrotherapy facility, with a steam room, sauna, and stunning indoor/outdoor salt pool. Every guest undergoes a comprehensive diagnostic process led by Ayurvedic physicians to create a bespoke program integrating Ayurveda, yoga, nutrition, and mental training, designed specifically to meet their unique constitution and life context. Free yoga and meditation classes are on offer to all guests twice daily. The spa getaway package (minimum three-night stays only) also includes a daily spa treatment. Beyond the spa and peace of the resort itself, lie endless trails and mountainscapes to explore, as well as the rushing Hulu River which runs through the valley below and an abundance of day trips, too.

Air-con and heating systems aren’t needed at Santani due to the natural air flow generated from the buildings elevated position and ingenious design, reducing energy consumption by 70%. The spa is also naturally cooled by its underground location. Wood is the primary building material throughout, both structurally and aesthetically, 80% of which is recycled and locally made.