GlobalSpa
12-Apr-2025
Santani Wellness, Sri Lanka’s first purpose-built wellness retreat, invites you to restore balance.
Lush greenery, gently undulating hills, and whooshing rivers – this is what greets you as you arrive at Santani Wellness Resort, Sri Lanka’s first purpose-built wellness retreat. Perched at a comfortable altitude of 2,800 feet above sea level in the small village settlement of Werapitiya, the sanctuary strongly believes that humans nurture the best in nature. It offers naturally healing landscapes, holistic architecture, nutritious food and deep knowledge of health and wellness.
Every element at Santani has been designed with intention. The chalets are minimalist yet warm and are constructed using eco-friendly materials, designed to harmonise with the environment. You begin your wellness journey with daily yoga and meditation sessions and a consultation that helps tailor a personalised programme based on your individual goals, whether it is detoxification, better sleep, stress relief, or simply slowing down. You can also opt for natural excursions like mountain hiking, jungle gyms and swimming in natural pools.
The tri-level spa tucked into the hillside’s natural contours is a wellness haven. You enter on the ground level to the consultation rooms and then descend to the hydrotherapy level, which features a steam room, the cedar wood sauna, and the open-air thermal salt soak pool. Deeper into nature, the lowest level divides into four treatment rooms, all of which are exposed to the lush tropical surroundings. Revel in the signature spa therapies, rooted in ancient Ayurvedic traditions, which include customised massages, herbal remedies, and detox rituals.
Dining at Santani is a quiet revelation. Meals are tailored to your dosha (body type) and goals, following the Ayurvedic principle of Rasa Haya — the idea that all six tastes must be present in a meal for it to nourish completely. Ingredients are hyper-local, with many grown on the resort’s own organic farm.
While the resort offers ample reason to stay in, Santani also encourages exploration. Guided treks into the Knuckles Mountain Range, wild swims in the Hulu River, and meditative walks through ancient forest trails are all on offer. You can also visit sacred spots like the Bambaragala Cave Temple or wander through the colonial charm of nearby Kandy, rich with culture and history.
Santani is a working model of sustainable luxury. It runs on renewable energy, recycles its water, and operates with minimal environmental impact.