Santani Wellness Kandy

From January 28th to 30th, my friend and I stayed at Satani, a luxurious wilderness retreat and wellness hotel highly rated on TripAdvisor. It was our first time in Sri Lanka, and we were drawn to the promise of refined elegance amidst raw nature. The experience, for the most part, lived up to its reputation. The hotel’s design was ethereal, with twenty buildings discreetly nestled in the forest, a stunning hilltop restaurant, and a secluded spa area. Every detail seemed meticulously crafted to immerse guests in the untamed beauty of the surroundings while cocooning them in comfort. The service at Santani Wellness was exceptional, with every staff member radiating warmth and hospitality. The chef, in particular, was a maestro—each meal over the two days was nothing short of spectacular. However, there was one glaring exception that left a sour taste, even after we checked out. The spa manager, an Indian woman with black-framed glasses who exuded an air of elegance and intellect, left us with an unsettling impression. We first encountered her in the restaurant, where she made a point of engaging with every table, enthusiastically recommending the spa and treatments—except ours. We brushed it off at the time. Later, when we visited the spa after booking treatments, she handed us a form to fill out, barely making eye contact, her attention seemingly absorbed by her nails. We couldn’t help but notice that in the restaurant, she continued to greet and chat with every guest—except us. It was as if we were invisible, even in the open, airy dining space. The contrast became starkly apparent when I returned to the spa and witnessed her interacting with a white male guest, patiently explaining each detail of the form with a warmth and attentiveness we had not been afforded. The disparity left us wondering: Did she dislike Chinese guests? Was it our skin color or some other bias that made her reluctant to serve us? I feel compelled to remind her that her behavior is a disservice to the hotel she represents. Moreover, as her own government actively encourages Chinese tourism to Sri Lanka, her actions are not only unprofessional but also profoundly ignorant.

My wife and I spent a few days at Santani and really enjoyed it. The location is absolutely beautiful — very quiet and surrounded by nature, which was exactly what we needed to disconnect and recharge. The staff were all super friendly and helpful throughout our stay, always making sure we were comfortable. The room was clean, simple, and had an amazing view. We didn’t do many of the wellness activities, but just being there and enjoying the calm atmosphere was more than enough. Definitely one of the more unique and peaceful places we’ve stayed at. Would happily come back.