Highlights
- Indulge in massages, saunas, and spa treatments at the luxurious Santani Resort
- See Kandy's Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth, an important Buddhist site
- Experience a vibrant spectacle of dance, acrobatics, and music at a cultural show
- Take a thrilling climb to the top of the mountaintop tower of Ambuluwawa
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kandy, Welcome to Santani Resort | Kandy |
| Day 2 | Spa Treatments at Santani, Tour the Sacred City of Kandy | Kandy |
| Day 3 | Detox Wellness Day, Guided Discovery of Kandy | Kandy |
| Day 4 | Visit Bhikkuni Monastery | Kandy |
| Day 5 | Art & Philosophy Experience: Meet Local Artists in Kandy | Kandy |
| Day 6 | Hatha Yoga Sessions, Cultural Show with Traditional Music & Drumming | Kandy |
| Day 7 | Santani Sleep Therapy, Landscapes of Ambuluwawa | Kandy |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Colombo, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Transfer to Kandy, Welcome to Santani Resort
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your flight arrives in Colombo, where you'll be met by your driver for the three-hour transfer inland to Kandy. Known as the "gateway to the Hill Country," this UNESCO-listed city is famed for its Royal Palace, which sits on the edge of serene Lake Kandy and houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha within the Dalada Maligwa (Temple of the Tooth). You'll be staying at the Santani Wellness Resort, which sits approximately 20 miles (32 km) outside of town, located on a former tea estate that encompasses more than 100 acres (40 ha) of serene forests and lush, rolling hills.
Upon arrival, you'll meet with the resort doctor to receive a personalized wellness consultation that includes a body type analysis and individual lifestyle goals. Afterward, you're free to unwind, taking advantage of programs that include yoga, Ayurveda treatments, spa services, and more. Their spa area offers a steam room, cedar wood sauna, and an open-air thermal pool. Schedule a massage or other treatment, and enjoy a meal at their on-site restaurant, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and incredible views of the nearby mountain ranges. You can also head into town and explore Kandy on your own.
Day 2: Spa Treatments at Santani, Tour the Sacred City of Kandy
Start the day exploring more of Santani's wellness options, enjoying personalized spa treatments or going on a guided group walk around the grounds. Then, later today, set out on a guided tour of Kandy. Together with your guide, you'll take a deep dive into the historic sites that make this city such an important part of Sri Lanka's heritage.
The tour begins at the Royal Palace and Temple of the Tooth. Once the official residence of the kingdom's monarchs, the palace was originally constructed in the 14th century, then rebuilt in the 16th century after Portuguese invaders destroyed it. An important pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide, the highlights of this complex include the Audience Hall, the Queen's Palace, the King's Palace, and the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha.
Visit the Gem Museum, where anyone interested in geology will be captivated by the display of natural stones and sparkling minerals. End at the Bahirawakanda Buddha statue, which offers spectacular views of the city, then return to the resort in time for dinner and an evening swim in their refreshing saltwater pool.
Day 3: Detox Wellness Day, Guided Discovery of Kandy
Your wellness journey continues with a Hatha yoga session, available daily at the resort. Align your mind and body with nature as your instructor guides you through your practice, then indulge in a rejuvenating massage, sauna, or other spa amenities. Depending on your tailored program, you can also explore their Panchakarma detox treatment. Panchakarma, which translates to "five detox processes" in Sanskrit, is an Ayurvedic therapy intended to remove toxins and rebalance the body, cleansing the root causes of various health conditions.
Later, see more of Kandy with a guided tour around the city. You can revisit important landmarks such as the Royal Palace, or take a stroll along the shores of Lake Kandy, where you're likely to spot egrets, herons, and other birdlife. Spend some time perusing the city's arts and crafts shops for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, or head to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which is known for its extensive orchid collection and more than 4,000 species of other plants. If you'd like to see more of the countryside, visit Gampola, where numerous ancient temples and shrines still stand.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Visit Bhikkuni Monastery
Learn about Kandy's spiritual roots with a visit to the Bhikkuni Monastery, a meditation center focused on women who serve as Buddhist nuns. Meet your guide after breakfast, arriving at the monastery and strolling the grounds. Learn about Mahapajapati Gotami, the first woman to seek ordination, and gain insight into the founding principles of Buddhism. See the Meditation Hall, gardens, and the Bodhi tree and image houses. Meet a nun and talk with her about life as a dedicated follower of Buddhism, coming away with a better understanding of Buddhism and those who practice it.
Day 5: Art & Philosophy Experience: Meet Local Artists in Kandy
Spend the early hours enhancing your wellness journey at Santani, taking part in meditation sessions, yoga, or joining a lifestyle discussion to learn more about healing the body through holistic health treatments. Your personalized plan may include herbal tonics, specialized diet plans, and as always, unlimited access to the spa's steam, sauna, and pool.
This afternoon, discover the history of Kandy's arts and culture. This region is often referred to as the artistic heart of Sri Lanka, with some of the best national art originating from the Kandyan hill country. You'll have the opportunity to visit two of the island's most prominent local artists. Together with your guide, meet your hosts, a father-daughter artist team. Visit their studio and see completed artwork as well as works in progress. Learn about their process and the meaning behind different pieces, ending with evening tea on the veranda as you chat about philosophy, music, and of course art.
Day 6: Hatha Yoga Sessions, Cultural Show with Traditional Music & Drumming
Yoga enthusiasts can enjoy more of Santani's personalized yoga programs today, exploring Hatha and other forms of yoga (depending on available instructors). Choose between a private yoga session, honed for each guest's individual needs, or their twice-daily group Hatha sessions. Dine on locally sourced, fresh foods, including fresh produce and juices, herbal tea, and options for yogic or vegetarian meals. The resort also offers off-site adventures such as cloud forest hikes, mountain biking, or bird-watching excursions.
This evening, experience a vibrant spectacle of dance, acrobatics, costumes, and music at a Kandyan cultural performance. Originating from a dance performed by Indian shamans, Kandyan dancing plays an important role in Sri Lankan culture and is a much-anticipated event during the local Perahera festivals. Watch traditional dances depicting the graceful movements of birds and animals, energetic, acrobatic performances of leaping pirouettes, and stunts like plate-spinning and the dramatic "fire walk," which closes the show.
Day 7: Santani Sleep Therapy, Landscapes of Ambuluwawa
If sleep is a struggle, consider taking part in Santani's sleep-focused therapies today. Learn about sleeping well naturally, as well as easing anxiety, stress, depression, and other related conditions. Your wellness experts will coordinate relaxation therapies, personalized meals, and yoga sessions to help you fully engage in the resort's calming environment. You'll also learn how to sustain this level of rest once you return to your daily life and routine.
Your afternoon will be spent in a setting straight out of a fairy tale at the whimsical tower of Ambuluwawa. Located in the community of Gampola and part of the Ambuluwawa Diversity Complex, this multireligious sanctuary was built on top of Ambuluwawa Mountain in 2009 as a symbol of unity across religions.
Meet your guide and travel via tuk-tuk through rich landscapes and dense forests, disembarking at the tower. Brave the thrilling 3,567-foot (1,087 m) climb to the top, where you'll be rewarded with endless panoramic views. Due to the steep climb, keep in mind that this excursion isn't appropriate for those with serious health restrictions. Afterward, return to Santani for a final evening of health and wellness.
Day 8: Transfer to Colombo, Depart
It's time to bid farewell to Sri Lanka! Your driver will collect you this morning, transferring you to Colombo airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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