Santani geared to tap into wellness tourism segment

• Bags a series of global accolades - Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Tatler award Santani

• High end global clients from Armani family, MD of Bvlgari and VP of the World Bank visits property

Santani Business Development Manager Saliya Amarathunga (left) and Santani Marketing and Brand Management Group Head Chamindra Goonewardene

By Charumini de Silva

A novel approach and venture to cater to the rapidly growing segment of wellness tourism, Santani emphasises on mindfulness and rejuvenation while targeting high-end tourists who seek mindful retreats for revitalisation.

Since the opening of the property just eight months ago, Santani Wellness Resort and Spa has been in the limelight of the international press, with a trio of high profile accolades in the last few months. 

Giving an overview of the new concept and its high profile accolades Santani Group Head – Marketing and Brand Management Chamindra Goonewardene said they believe in creating a global hospitality brand, and it was exciting to see global recognition.

“The property was first selected to the Travel + Leisure ‘IT List’, which highlights the top 40 hotels to visit in 2017. Later the resort was selected to the Conde Nast Traveler ‘Hot List’, which showcases 75 of the best new properties in the industry. Most recently, Santani was awarded the ‘Zen Master’ title at the Tatler World Spa awards, the leading spa award ceremony in the world,” he added. 

Goonewardene said this was a first for Sri Lanka, as no other hotel from the country had ever been featured and only eight spas from the entire world were recognised at this ceremony. 

Adding on Santani Manager – Business Development Saliya Amarathunga asserted that it was a great achievement for their entire team who has worked tirelessly, and also a significant achievement for the country, as it opens up new luxury and wellness markets.

Santani Wellness Resort and Spa is located outside of Kandy, and Sri Lanka’s first purpose built luxury wellness resort. The property has 20 standalone chalets and has received international recognition for its stunning location, unique design and amazing cuisine. 

Pointing out luxury travellers are looking for something beyond plunge pools and excessive décor, Amarathunga said, Santani provides the perfect match in terms of immersing guests in the nature around it.

Goonewardene added that the property caters for two segments in terms of both luxury and wellness, where they are seeing a growing overlap between these two markets. “We expect this trend to continue, as this is a $ 500 billion market.”

Currently Santani’s occupancy rates on wellness accounts to 40% and luxury 60%. “We have about 35% to 40% occupancy rate at present and we hope that it would go up to 90% by the end of the year. Most of our guests are from the western markets, ranging in the age group of over 50 years. We encourage guests for at least three days stay, for them to fully understand and enjoy the concept.” 

According to him high end global clients, from Armani family, Managing Director of Bvlgari and Vice President of the World Bank has visited the Santani.

Located close to the town of Digana, he said the property also gives guests the opportunity to traverse around undiscovered mountain regions in the country and even hike to the Knuckles mountain range. 

Goonewardene also emphasised on the rave reviews for its food and added: “Travellers from across the world are saying that it’s the best food that they’ve ever tasted, which a testament to the hard work is done by Chef Wajira Gamage and his team.”

Sharing their commitment towards sustainable tourism Amarathunga said 70% of energy is saved as no air-condition, TVs, Wifi are available. “Around 80% of our fruits and vegetables come from our greenhouse, and from the local farmers in the area. We also recycle the waste water.”

Pic by Ruwan Walpola