Santani, when someone even hears the name, creates feelings of desire. It is a dream place where most of us wants to go. But due to its pricing and the type of retreat, it is beyond the means of many. But an experience that everyone should indulge in.
It is located in Arantenna estate in Warapitiya closer to Narammpanawa in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is about 32km from Kandy. They have labelled themselves as a "Luxury Wellness Resort". So if you are looking for a family vacation, Santani is not your place.
It was former a tea plantation and they have built the retreat without destroying the natural landscape. The resort maintains highest sustainability and eco standards. All rooms are non Air conditioned but use of natural ventilation.
There are two types of Chalets mountain and garden with twin or king sized beds. I booked a mountain Chalet with the help of Trips Lanka. I guess its better not call these rooms.
There was a king size bed. Spacious. It was built according to the open concept. The bathroom was open to the room and it is open to the outside basically you will be pooping with a mountain view. The shower is also open (No doors). It had all amenities needed. The room opens to a verandah which is separated by a transparent wall so when you are awake, you will be looking at the mountains. All chalets are elevated and has a rectangular cubic structure.
The restaurant is also on an elevated pavilion. The walls are transparent. When you dine you can see the surrounding very clearly. What is interesting was that your meals will be customized. When you check into the resort, the chef will have a chat with you and discuss the options and you can customise your meals accordingly.
The pool was a 16m long infinity pool. When you take a dip, you can see the mountains, the tea estates and also the resort. The best part is that you can see the sunset while you are in the pool. There is a jacuzzi that is free to use. But for the spa facilities you need to pay separately.
There are no artificial plants introduced. At night is can be quite dark, but your pathways are well lit giving it a different ambience.
When I went there the best thing I felt was that the resort itself was in harmony with the surrounding. There were no disturbances to the environment by the constructions and the architect has nice incorporated the natural landscape into the resort.
This is ideal for solo travelers or couples who seek a kind of rejuvenation. NO extra beds can be accommodated into the rooms. If you are a yogi, looking for a wellness retreat, Santani is the best place for you. There are wellness packages that you can customize based on your needs and ideally in order to get a real experience, you should stay here for a minimum of 2 days.
The resort will arrange any excursions needed. Hulu ganga flows below at a walking distance, so if you want to take a dip in the natural stream you can easily do that.
The privacy within the chalet is protected but if you go to the balcony of one chalet, you can have see the balcony of the next.
As a solo traveler, you can simply stay in the chalet reading a book, or just enjoying the surrounding or you can also take a dip in the pool or the hot water jacuzzi.
I only stayed there for one night. The staff was extremely friendly. The resort had only few guests as I went when Covid was beginning to spread in European countries.
For me Santani was an experience. It may not be affordable to all. But if you can, I recommend you at at least go there once and detach yourself from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and retreat into a surrounding that would destress you.
Thank you for reading. I will catch up with another review soon.
Cheers
Chitta
