Santani - Take a walk on the wellness side.

The “New Year-New me” resolution has never really lasted long, and for most of us, this year’s epic list of resolutions really did not quite go according to plan. If it involved “traveling the world”… Well, you may as well wave it goodbye for the moment. But, before you wallow in self-defeat, you can always tweak those travel plans by narrowing down a few stunning locations here in Sri Lanka. Santani has been one of our favourite places and it really is the epitome of a luxurious wellness getaway amidst misty mountains.

Photo credits: www.santani.lk

The award winning wellness resort is nestled on a remote 48-acre former tea plantation. While the rooms at Santani offer minimalistic luxury, its 16 Mountain View and 4 garden view chalets have been designed to bring your stress levels to zero. With unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains from your room, Santani is all about slowing down and enjoying the splendours of life. How can you not? I mean, fresh air, pristine scenery, emerald green paddy fields and thick forests- What more can you ask for?

View from our chalet on a misty morning

At Santani, “harmony” guides everything. While the architecture pays homage to elegance and simplicity, the resort is designed according to the highest sustainability and eco-standards.

Dining area overlooking nothing but lush greenery

Mornings at Santani are blissful. Rise to the sounds of birds singing outside your chalet and breathe in the fresh air while jaw-dropping views of the misty mountains guarantees a restorative experience. Salute the sun and join a sunrise yoga session and improve your breathing, meditation and yoga skills. The wellness programmes range from Ayurveda to personal detoxification plans and treatments done with Ayurveda practices.

Yoga in the mountains

The tri-level Spa is sheer heaven. Secluded and is the largest in Sri Lanka. With an open-air thermal salt bath, cedar wood sauna and steam room, the lowest level offers four treatment rooms opening out to the emerald paddy fields. Reflect and recoup in the evenings with a massage or follow a tailor made programme rooted in Ayurvedic treatment for a longer stay. If you prefer an idyllic walk or a bit of adventure, explore the surrounding forests by foot or simply enjoy the views from the hotel’s outdoor pool. I cannot recall the last time I experienced such a relaxing massage!

Gorgeous pool

The food is unsurprisingly fantastic. No printed menus to nourish your soul. It’s all about a personalised approach to gourmet wellness cuisine. Internationally trained chefs create and coordinate the perfect meal plan for you. From citrus and beetroot cured pink salmon to Grilled Australian grass fed beef tenderloin steak or even a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, the cuisine really is to “dine for”!

Executive Chef Wajira Gamage. Photo credits www.santani.lk

Santani is a world-class resort with a swag of rewards and it’s no surprise that it was voted the Best wellness retreat in the world by the Vogue magazine in 2018 and one of the Greatest places in the world by the TIME magazine just two years ago.

Expect to leave this place with an open mind and a revitalised soul. It really is a place of relaxation and simplicity. The 4.5 hour drive from Colombo is absolutely worth it.

All-inclusive resident offers starting at just Rs. 48,000 for two can be booked by contacting the hotel directly via reservations@santani.lk or visiting www.santani.lk