If you’re looking for the perfect sanctuary where you can escape the stresses of everyday life, Santani is the place for you. Looking out from its treetop balconies in the lush Sri Lankan hilltops, time itself seems to hold its breath. Panoramic views unfold across a forested river valley, and on the horizons, an endless game of hide and seek plays out between the mountain peaks and the swirling clouds. Indeed, calling Santani a sanctuary isn't going far enough: it's a refuelling station for the soul. The 20 striking chalets are purposefully minimal, the architecture modernist, the setting free of unnecessary clutter. It's all about inner focus. With meals included and no distractions, a few days here will make you feel refreshed, revitalised and ready for anything.
Still, it’s not just the setting that takes the breath away. This is a first-rate wellness destination with world-beating facilities. The tri-level spa, which appears to be carved out of a hillside, has an open-fronted design (inspired by the region’s monastic cave dwellings) that houses an impressive array of international therapies (like deep tissue and lomi lomi massages) and Ayurveda treatments by a resident doctor. Free sunrise and sunset group yoga, use of the sauna, steam room and thermal salt bath are also included in your stay, and the thoughtfully curated cuisine – based on the ancient yet au courant concept of '6 tastes' – aims to nourish from the inside out. With time on your side, explore the surrounding countryside on a bird walk or visit the Hulu river with a resident naturalist then follow with a brisk swim – it will enhance your wellbeing like never before.
Highs
- The dramatic mountain setting lets nature nurture your ruffled feathers, and is very calming
- It’s peaceful without being overly quiet – fall asleep to chirruping crickets and frogs, then wake to vibrant birdsong
- We loved the spa, its hydrotherapy facilities and the gentle healing hands of our Keralan therapist
- The food is exceptional – nutritionally balanced yet gourmet at the same time
- No children under 12 – so no distractions
Lows
- Don’t come for two nights expecting a quick jaunt out to Kandy – it takes an hour to get there
- The rooms aren't soundproofed (the focus is on having natural ventilation), so you can hear your neighbours if they're chatty. However, it's serenely quiet by 11pm or earlier
- Expect a few leeches while walking the local trails
- The hush-hush atmosphere won’t suit everyone – leisure guests are just as welcome as wellness guests, but this is a 'WiFi optional' resort, and WiFi is only available in your room on request
Best time to go
Weatherwise, Kandy is generally fine throughout the year, although showers can arrive unexpectedly due to the peculiar micro-climate. It's wettest in May, October and November.
Our top tips
Stash your smartphone in your room and don’t look at it until you leave. The opportunity to unwind in tranquil surroundings should be cherished. Instead, pack your yoga gear, and bring plenty of books for evening reading on the balcony.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
We stayed at numerous hotels booked through yourselves and because Santani was that much more expensive than everywhere else we had stayed, we were expecting to be blown away, but unfortunately we weren't. The food was delicious (but not heads and shoulders above the other hotels) and the restaurant area is stunning. The views from our room were also stunning. I just wasn't sure it was as good value for money as the other hotels were. The Spa was beautiful, and the treatments were great, but again, they were very expensive. I was pleased we had booked through you and had managed to secure a discounted rate, but we still thought this as a little steep.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape