Santani
Kandy

Perched in the luscious mountains near the city of Kandy in Central Sri Lanka, Santani is a dedicated wellness retreat whose every detail is crafted to nurture well-being and serenity. The site was carefully chosen to provide a sense of seclusion, tranquillity and closeness to nature, whilst not being too far from the hustle and bustle of Kandy. This makes Santani a convenient stop on a tour while giving a sense of disconnection from the outside world. The hill-top location offers stunning mountain views, a refreshing breeze, and endless skies so that guests here can take a breath and soak in the surroundings of Sri Lanka's beautiful inner island landscape.

Santani is the epitome of minimalist luxury, based on an architectural concept of open spaces inspiring freedom of the mind - the design limits outside distraction so that one can focus on slowing down and meditation. Comprising of 16 Mountain View Chalets, these stand-alone units come with balconies and there are two interconnecting units which would suit groups well. The accommodation is elevated on elegant stilts with timber flooring, whitewashed walls and floor to ceiling windows. The positioning and design of the chalets are about maximising on the unencumbered views of the rugged surroundings, and they are simply stunning.

Naturally the resort features an impressive spa and wellness centre, also formed with Santani’s signature minimalist and natural style. Using Ayurveda practises they provide various packages for their guests including a personal wellness consultation with their resident doctor, a tailored diet of raw and vegetarian food for total cleanse and detox, and group Hatha yoga sessions. The spa is impressive with hydrotherapy facilities - a steam room, cedar wood sauna with glass wall looking onto the Knuckles mountain range, and an open-air thermal salt soak pool - and an extensive range of treatments and activities, including fitness, meditation, cooking classes and excursions, to name a few.

In commitment to Santani’s ideology of detox from life’s modern stresses, there is no TV available in guest rooms and Wi-Fi is only available on request, there is also a communal media room with internet facilities and theatre. But this does not result in a lack of things to do. You can relax in stillness or in activity, with hiking trails, natural river swimming pools, tea plantations and an infinity lap pool. There is also an elevated restaurant, main pavilion lounge and outdoor sitting lounge with campfires, offering an assortment of breathtakingly beautiful locations for a quiet moment alone or to socialise with other guests.

True to its name, meaning ‘harmony’ in Sanskrit, Santani is the embodiment of harmony with nature and the perfect haven in which to achieve harmony in mind, body and soul.

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