Santani
Kandy

Perched high in the misty mountains near Kandy in central Sri Lanka, Santani is a dedicated wellness sanctuary where every element, from the architecture to the Ayurvedic cuisine, is designed to promote peace, purity and profound rest. Tucked into 48 acres of former tea estate, the retreat was carefully chosen for its natural energy and sense of seclusion, surrounded by lush forest and overlooking the majestic Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO-listed natural reserve. Though just 30km from Kandy, it feels like a world away, utterly removed from the distractions of modern life.

Minimalist yet warm, the design at Santani is striking in its simplicity. Inspired by monastic architecture, the open-plan layout uses flowing indoor-outdoor spaces to dissolve the barrier between guest and landscape. The 16 standalone Mountain View Chalets, each perched on stilts, feature polished concrete floors, soft neutral linens and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame uninterrupted views of forest and sky. Two chalets are interconnected, ideal for small groups or families travelling together, though the atmosphere is largely adult and meditative. There are no televisions and Wi-Fi is limited by design, creating space for digital detox and deep presence.

At the heart of the experience is Santani’s award-winning spa and wellness programme. Rooted in Ayurveda, yoga and holistic healing, guests begin their experience with a personal consultation, and customised wellness packages are developed by the resident doctor, from detoxifying cleanses to stress management, immunity boosting and weight loss. The spa itself is built into the hillside and includes a cedar wood sauna with panoramic mountain views, a thermal salt soak pool, steam cavern and tranquil treatment rooms that blend into the forest canopy. Guests may also enjoy daily group Hatha yoga sessions, meditation classes and guided nature walks.

Dining here is an integral part of the experience, and the kitchen serves seasonal, nutritionally-balanced meals tailored to individual wellness plans. Much of the produce is grown organically onsite or sourced from the surrounding area, with an emphasis on clean, contemporary Sri Lankan and vegetarian cuisine. Guests can also take part in interactive cooking sessions, learning the fundamentals of Ayurvedic nutrition and plant-based preparation.

Days at Santani move slowly and intentionally, and there are endless ways to be still or to explore. Hike one of the many scenic trails, swim in the resort’s pristine natural river pools or take in the view from the 25m infinity pool. The elevated restaurant, lounge pavilion and evening campfires offer convivial gathering points for those looking to connect with fellow guests.

Santani has earned international recognition as one of Asia’s leading wellness retreats, winning World’s Best Wellness Retreat at the Boutique Hotel Awards, and receiving accolades from Condé Nast Traveller, Wallpaper Magazine* and The New York Times, which praised its “intelligent luxury and spiritual calm.” It has been listed among the Top 100 Hotels in the World by Travel+Leisure and featured in Tatler’s Best Spas for its commitment to holistic healing.

True to its name, Santani means ‘in harmony’ in Sanskrit, this is a place of clarity, balance and restoration. A stay here is more than a retreat, it is a reawakening of body and mind, a reset for the senses and a rare opportunity to be still in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful places.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson