桑塔尼健康度假村及水療中心

My husband and I stayed in the Mountain View Chalet at Santani for one night during our journey from Ella to Colombo. In hindsight, I would strongly recommend at least two nights—three if you have the time—to fully experience what Santani has to offer. Kandy was our penultimate stop during our 10-night Sri Lanka itinerary, and Santani promised the perfect respite we needed at this stage. While the setting and aesthetic were truly breathtaking, our experience was marred by a series of frustrating inconsistencies and service failures. Unfortunately, our 06:37 am train from Ella was cancelled, forcing us onto a later train, which delayed our schedule and caused us to miss the lunch service at Santani. Although we provided a heads-up about our ETA, we were informed that only sandwiches and fruit could be offered for lunch upon arrival. I pleaded for a hot meal after a 6-hour journey but was met with a firm no. While I understand the need for structure around meal times, the lack of flexibility felt unnecessarily rigid, especially given that lunch was included in our package. It was a bitter start to an otherwise promising stay. For each meal, we were offered two menu options: Western or Sri Lankan. A chef consultation was arranged to tailor the menu to our dietary requirements—my husband is gluten-free and does not eat red meat. The concept of personalisation sounded wonderful in theory, but the delivery fell far short. At dinner, the meals differed from what we discussed earlier, and when we questioned this, we were told certain items contained gluten. My husband’s dessert, for example, was swapped from Sri Lankan pancakes to a makeshift fruit salad—hardly the bespoke experience promised. At breakfast, they served granola containing gluten and suggested my husband “just eat a little,” as if his dietary restriction were a mere preference. This was not only disappointing but also felt deeply unprofessional. Additionally, previously requested items like a Sri Lankan omelette and mixed fruit smoothie were either forgotten or met with bizarre responses like “eat this first, and we’ll bring another.” The grounds and chalet were stunning, and the views from our Mountain View Chalet, for which we paid an additional $40 upgrade, were well worth it. The serenity and natural beauty are Santani’s greatest strengths. We also had 90-minute Ayurvedic treatments, which were very relaxing. However, there was inconsistency here too—my husband received the promised consultation with the doctor before his treatment, while mine skipped the consultation entirely. The lack of uniformity was frustrating and detracted from the wellness experience. Finally, as we were checking out at 12 noon and couldn’t stay for lunch (which begins at 12), we requested a packed meal. I specifically asked for a salad alongside my sandwich, but we were instead given fruit—again, an instance of Santani failing to meet basic expectations. Individually, these lapses in service might not see

I have just returned from the most incredible, faultless stay at Santani Wellness Resort in Sri Lanka. Nestled in the serene hills, this sanctuary redefines what it means to truly unwind. Every detail was carefully crafted to provide an experience that’s both rejuvenating and transformative. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped in a sense of calm and tranquility, unlike anywhere else. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness made me feel genuinely cared for nothing was too much trouble, yet their approach was gentle, never intrusive. The accommodations are stunning, blending minimalist luxury with sustainable design that lets nature shine through every window. Each morning, I woke up to breathtaking views of misty mountains, immersing me deeper into a sense of peace. Santani’s wellness programs are holistic and meticulously personalised, combining ancient Ayurvedic practices with modern wellness techniques. The therapists and practitioners are truly exceptional, tailoring treatments to my needs with such precision and empathy. And the cuisine! Every meal was nourishing, creative, and delicious, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that left me feeling light and energised. If you’re seeking a place to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself, Santani is a haven like no other. I left feeling rejuvenated, rebalanced, and inspired. I can’t recommend it highly enough it’s an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

From the moment you arrive at Santani Wellness, a profound sense of peace envelops you. The views are unparalleled—you can easily lose yourself watching how a cloud slowly drapes over a mountain, transforming the landscape within minutes. The attention to detail is exquisite, and the food follows an Ayurvedic principle known as 'Rasa Haya,' which translates to six tastes, ensuring your body receives nutrition tailored to its specific needs. I stayed on a leisure basis for several days, but Santani also offers a range of wellness packages designed to meet individual goals, such as weight loss, better sleep, or detoxification. There are numerous activities to enjoy in the surrounding nature, but you can also spend your day unwinding in the three-layered spa, which offers a serene escape through its beautifully designed spaces dedicated to relaxation, hydrotherapy, and rejuvenation. Since my return, Santani has helped me to prioritize my well-being in ways I hadn’t before. I've always found it challenging to commit to activities like meditation or yoga, often viewing them as somewhat repetitive due to my fast-paced lifestyle. However, this perception has shifted since my stay. The resort’s unique ability to encourage mindful living, paired with its thoughtful design, genuinely touched me and left a lasting impact. I want to personally thank Vickum, the visionary founder behind this inspiring project, for making me pause, reflect, and rethink my approach to self-care. Never did I imagine waking up at 6 a.m. to start my day with a 7 a.m. yoga class. The minimalist architecture and calm ambiance of the resort immediately prompt you to slow down and connect with the present moment—something that isn’t just a cliché but a lived reality here. Santani’s mindful approach to hospitality and its commitment to creating a sanctuary for relaxation and reflection are incredibly necessary in today's world. It’s more than just a stay; it’s a transformative experience that resonates deeply and stays with you long after you’ve left.