Serene Sri Lanka: The Ultimate Wellness Holiday

Your first stop is Kandy, where you will head into the cool climate of the green hills of Werapitiya nearby, dotted with tea plantations and rice fields. Nestled in these hills is the gorgeous Santani, in a perfect, tranquil location for some supreme relaxation. At one of our favourite wellness retreats, look out over the panoramic views from the terrace of your Buddhist-inspired minimalist chalet, and indulge in treatments that are tailored to suit you. Swim in the nearby Hulu River, and relax in the cedar wood hot tub. This really is a spa hotel with a difference. 

Exsus guests can enjoy a personalised wellness experience at Santani as part of this luxury wellness holiday, which includes:

Consultations with an Ayurvedic doctor on arrival and departure, with all Ayurvedic medication and supplements included
3 healthy, organic and delicious personalised meals a day
90 minutes of spa treatments per person, every day
Daily morning and evening group yoga and meditation sessions
Daily guided hikes in this scenic setting

It will be hard to tear yourself away from Santani, but you won’t want to miss the chance to immerse yourself in some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful scenery and wildlife at Gal Oya Lodge in the heart of Gal Oya National Park. This exceptional safari lodge is nestled in 20 acres of pristine, private jungle. It has characterful bungalows with traditional thatched roofs and offers delicious cuisine made with fresh produce from the gardens.

Swim in the pool, surrounded by shady trees, and head into the jungle on a jeep safari with expert naturalists to see wildlife and birdlife such as elephants, crocodiles and flamingos. The elephants can often be seen swimming from island to island - head out on a boat trip to watch them splashing in the water.  

You also have a unique opportunity here to meet Sri Lanka’s last indigenous people, the Vedda. You will be invited on a walk through the jungle with the chief and hear his stories. The jungle of his ancestors will come alive as you learn about how the tribe uses medicinal plants, and encounter ancient hunting grounds and cave dwellings.

Your stay here includes:

3 gourmet meals a day
Bird walks and hikes around the national park, including a morning trek to the top of Monkey Mountain nearby, where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views from the summit
A bicycle tour
A chance to get involved with the lodge’s animal monitoring programme, so you can find out more about their work with endangered animals in the area

After taking your fill of Gal Oya, you will make your way to Mihiripenna, near Galle, and the lovely Why House, which is set in three acres of tropical gardens, complete with an inviting pool. Enjoy daily breakfast and one complimentary dinner on one evening during your stay: this is the perfect opportunity to sample some of Sri Lanka’s finest cuisine and learn how traditional favourites such as egg hoppers are made, thanks to the fact that the hotel’s owner, Henrietta, happens to be a Cordon Bleu chef.

A short walk or tuk-tuk ride will take you to Dalawella Beach, set around a lagoon, whose protective reef means it is safe for swimming all year round. Visit Buddhist temples for a further dose of calm and serenity, while you will also be just 15 minutes away from the historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle and the fortified city of Galle Fort, which dates from the 16^th century and is well worth exploring. Out at sea, fishermen fish on stilts above the water.