Santani Wellness Resort & Spa

We stayed at Santani Wellness in Kandy for three nights, and this was perhaps one of the most restful holiday experiences I’ve ever had. The road to the hotel is narrow and winding, but once you arrive you’re met by a team of incredibly welcoming and attentive staff. From the moment you step in, you’re treated like royalty. Both the garden-view and mountain-view chalets are outstanding, with the mountain chalets offering truly breathtaking vistas and a deeply restful atmosphere. The spa is exemplary, with excellent massages and facials, complemented by twice-daily yoga sessions (private sessions can also be arranged). The resort grounds are vast, with multiple scenic walking options — guided or self-guided — including a riverside walk that is simply spectacular. The standout, beyond the service, is the food. As a wellness retreat, the menu is carefully curated, balancing Sri Lankan and Western choices. My only minor niggle was that, as a Sri Lankan, I initially found the curries a little mild for my taste. However, after feedback, the kitchen tailored the spice levels perfectly. Overall, Santani is perhaps the best wellness hotel in Sri Lanka — a haven for rest, rejuvenation, and exceptional service.

Santani Wellness is unlike anywhere I’ve ever stayed. Tucked about an hour from Kandy, on a serene mountainside, it feels like stepping into another world. At sunrise, you can hear Buddhist monks chanting in the distance—one of those unforgettable moments that sets the tone for an experience of true peace and renewal. This is an all-inclusive property, but not in the typical sense. There are no menus. Instead, you meet with the chef each day to plan your meals, which makes every dish feel personal. As a pescatarian, I was impressed at how effortless they made it to accommodate my diet. The fish curry was outstanding, breakfast was abundant, and every meal was beautifully prepared with generous portions. I also enjoyed some excellent wines during my stay—an indulgence that paired perfectly with the atmosphere. A special shoutout to the chef and team for making my birthday unforgettable. They surprised me with a beautiful cake, candles, and celebration. It was heartfelt and personal, and it set the tone not only for my stay at Santani, but for my birthday year ahead. That memory will stay with me forever. The spa deserves its own spotlight. It sits apart from the villas and dining area, adding another layer of tranquility. The treatment rooms are open-air, creating a unique indoor-outdoor flow. I met with the Ayurvedic doctor on staff and had two incredible treatments—Abhyangam and Patra Pinda Swedana—that were beyond anything I’ve experienced at any spa in the world (and I go to spas often). The facilities include a steam room, sauna, and hot pool, all of which enhanced the experience. Wellness goes beyond the spa here. Santani also offers yoga classes twice a day, guided by experienced instructors in a serene, open-air pavilion. Starting and ending the day with yoga against the backdrop of the mountains added another level of balance and restoration to the whole experience. One of the absolute highlights was the waterfall hunt with Santani’s naturalist, Sandun. We set out early in the morning and ventured deep into the hills to discover six stunning waterfalls, each requiring a hike to reach. They were completely unspoiled, and I had them all to myself—no crowds, just nature. At one, I swam in the cool water, and afterward Sandun and the team surprised me with a picnic lunch (with wine!) right at the waterfall’s edge. It was magical, personal, and something I’ll never forget. As a solo traveler, I felt completely safe and cared for the entire time. The staff were warm, thoughtful, and intuitive, always striking the right balance between attentiveness and giving me space. If you are looking to disconnect, recharge, and immerse yourself in peace, Santani is extraordinary. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s an experience that stays with you. I can’t recommend it enough.

Amazing! We stayed as a family for 3 nights. The service was excellent. The highlight was the food - the Head Chef Indika was fab - as was his team. Every dish, every meal was out of this world. We loved the Mountain View rooms - stunning views. We would highly recommend.

My stay at Santani Wellness was nothing short of incredible. From arrival to departure, every detail was flawless. Nestled in the serene hills of Sri Lanka, it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever stayed—perfectly blending remote natural beauty with comfort, luxury, and wellness. The food was exceptional, and the entire experience left me wishing I could stay longer. I can’t wait to return.

Had the MOST incredible time staying at Santani Wellness. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left everything was phenomenal. It is the most beautiful place I've ever stayed at. You have the beauty of the remote location in the Sri Lanka hills while also indulging in comfort, luxury and wellness which is a rare combination. Not to mention the food was phenomenal. I sincerely hope to be back again very soon.