Description

Escape into nature with a yoga and meditation retreat at this award-winning wellness resort.
Santani means ‘in harmony with’ in Sanskrit and this minimalist luxury resort blurs the lines between inside and out – bringing you closer to nature and maximising the sweeping views of misty mountains, pristine forest and paddy fields. It’s the perfect place for a digital detox and, as all shared areas are Wi-Fi-free, there’s no temptation to check your emails or engage with social media, so you can focus on simply slowing down and quietening your mind.

The resort featured on Condé Nast Traveller’s 2017 Hot List and was also voted one of Tatler’s Best Spas in the World for 2017. The hillside spa is set across three levels and specialises in hydrotherapy and Ayurveda. There is a range of customised wellness programmes and a focus on ‘lasting wellness’, encouraging you to continue living healthily long after you return home. There are also plenty of activities to help you make the most of the beautiful setting. Rise early to meditate on the banks of the Hulu River or head to the open-air yoga pavilion and enjoy the feeling of the breeze on your skin and the sound of birdsong. You can also go hiking, mountain biking or swimming in one of the natural pools. The lap pool clings to the hillside and has some of the best views in the property.

The restaurant is set in an elevated position and has floor-to-ceiling windows to immerse you in the spectacular surroundings. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to nutritious food and, instead of menus, the chefs here prepare dishes according to your custom meal plan which is created in line with your health and wellness goals. Enjoy freshly-caught seafood and vegetables, herbs, spices, tea and coffee from the organic garden. After dinner, head to the open-air main pavilion lounge for drinks at the biodynamic wine and fresh juice bar.

The rooms have a rustic style and sustainable design – they are naturally ventilated so the fresh mountain air keeps the temperature comfortable at night. You won’t find any televisions to distract you but in-room Wi-Fi is available on demand if you’re not quite ready to relinquish your smart phone or tablet. The stand-alone Mountainview Chalets are perched on stilts on a hillside with wonderful views over the valley and mountains. These simple rooms are perfect for two people and feature a four-poster bed and a balcony with teak deckchairs. The Gardenview Chalets are designed with families and groups in mind and comprise two chalets linked by a common area. They are set a little further away from the resort – it’s a ten-minute walk or short ride in a tuk tuk – and feature a glass wall with views of the surrounding vegetation.

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Spa

Key information
Tucked away between hills and rainforest in a 48-acre former tea plantation, an hour’s drive from KandyAirport transfer time:Approx. 4 hours by road from Colombo airport or a 1-hour flight from Colombo to Kandy followed by 1 hour by road Rooms:20
Good to know
Welcomes guests aged 12 and over.

Accommodation information
20 chalets

Activities
• Master meditation techniques during morning and evening classes • Spot birds during a nature trek down to the Hulu River • Visit the nearby city of Kandy to soak up the culture and history*

Dining
Restaurant, lounge