Wellness enthusiasts will be delighted at Santani, Sri Lanka’s first luxury resort specializing in Ayurvedic wellness.
Between jungle and rice fields
The 48-hectare estate is located at an altitude of 800 meters, just an hour’s drive from the sacred town of Kandi, in the Aratenna, a region once devoted to tea cultivation.
At first glance, Santani is a sleek, modernist architectural ensemble, discreetly perched on a plateau of jungle and rice terraces. Every space is designed to be flooded with the extraordinary light that bathes this plateau in the spiritual center of Sri Lanka.
Minimalist architecture
Large skylights, slender metal frames and flat roofs protect against sun and rain, while still letting in light and reflecting the landscape: here, architecture is holistic.
The altitude and natural ventilation of the rooms make it possible to avoid air conditioning and thus preserve more natural resources (70% less energy consumption than other hotels in an equivalent climate).
The living modules are based on the Sri Lankan concept of the “resting place”, or ambalama. These glass, wood and metal chalets, arranged side by side, all offer the same minimalist experience of luxury: a large room with dark wood walls, simply furnished with a four-poster bed surrounded by mosquito nets, and armchairs. As the room ends in a terrace, the outside/inside boundary is deliberately blurred to encourage a state of relaxation, rest or meditation.
To ensure the peace and quiet of our guests, Santani only allows children aged 12 and over. For families with teenagers, there are four large chalets a little way from the resort.
Back to nature and digital detox
In this holistic spirit, nature is particularly respected at Santani, and cohabitation is preferred to eradication: mosquito netting, lit paths at dusk and leech-proof socks are enough to protect visitors from any inconvenience resulting from this fusion with nature.
Like the sacred Buddhist caves that dot the surrounding mountains, Santani is a place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world. For a real digital detox, connected objects and wifi are therefore absent from the common areas, there are no televisions in the rooms, and the latter only have wifi on express request.
Care based on the quest for balance
Ayurvedic treatments, massages, yoga and hydrotherapy are the main tools used by practitioners at Santani. In addition to the permanent team, you can regularly benefit from the teaching of a master in his or her discipline, whose knowledge is internationally recognized.
Santani was born out of a desire to help people find the tools within themselves to strike a balance between external demands and the need for personal fulfillment.
Santani, which means “harmony” in Sanskrit, was born of the idea that lasting well-being begins when we agree to rediscover a balanced relationship with nature, inside and out. A quest for harmony that prevails in every space, and in every treatment gesture.
A spa in the heart of nature
Spaces dedicated to well-being are entirely open to the outside world. Stone, wood, earth and water combine to help you relax and reconnect with your inner self.
Just as the futuristic architecture is in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment, the techniques applied to wellness at Santani combine science and tradition.
The latest discoveries in the science of health and rejuvenation are combined with a deep-rooted Ayurvedic tradition in Sri-Lanka.
The wellness center itself is located on three levels on a hillside: reception and consultations are on the highest level. Head downstairs to discover the spa area: a steam bath, a red cedar sauna and a salted thermal water bath allow you to warm up before treatments while enjoying the view over the emerald rice fields.
One level down, treatment rooms await visitors for personalized care, based on the specific needs identified during the initial consultation.
At the end of a day of pampering, or between two yoga sessions, don’t miss a dip in the infinity pool, which offers a 180-degree view of the hills.
Gourmet and made-to-measure plates
You won’t be offered a menu at the Santani table: everyone is served the dishes that correspond precisely to their needs. A ketogenic diet, a vegetarian Ayurvedic diet and, of course, a detox are the three pillars that underpin our top-level cuisine.
– Those following a ketogenic diet will be able to enjoy grass-fed Australian beef steak with herbed squash cake and mushroom puree with tamarind sauce.
– Ayurvedic dishes include traditional Sri Lankan curry with rice and organic vegetables.
– Finally, no detox can be frustrating if it includes an almond, vanilla, date and chia seed smoothie.
Gastronomy and well-being go hand in hand in dishes that are as sophisticated in presentation as they are balanced and healthy in composition. And because pleasure must be an integral part of this harmonious experience, we won’t miss the open-air bar dedicated to biodynamic wines and freshly squeezed juices.
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Rates: from 275 euros per night
or call us on + 33 (0)1 85 73 22 14 to discuss your holiday plans.
