Home > Explore & Restore > Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heart
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through Sri Lanka, where the vibrant city of Colombo unveils its stunning temples, colonial architecture, lively markets, and serene parks. Immerse yourself in the luxurious haven of Uga Ulagalla, surrounded by wildlife-rich grounds in the Cultural Triangle, while visiting the captivating Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its ancient ruins and breathtaking views. Then, retreat to the tranquil sanctuary of Santani Wellness Kandy, embraced by lush mountains, where daily yoga, gourmet meals, and rejuvenating spa treatments await.
Upon arrival, airport staff will escort you to a private lounge where you’ll be greeted by our team, who’ll help you with the fast-track arrival service, customs and baggage collection.
Via private transfer, you’ll be transported to Paradise Road Tintagel. This boutique hotel is a well-kept secret to most and is one of Colombo’s most alluring urban retreats nestled within the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood.
Indulge at the bar or perhaps enjoy some quiet time in the library. You can also choose to relax on the sun decks by the indoor lap pool, in the steam room, or in the private massage room where personalised spa experiences await.
Enjoy Colombo at your own pace. After a leisurely hotel breakfast, you can start your day with a walk in the tranquillity of nearby Viharamahadevi Park, or be immersed in the country’s fascinating history and culture at Colombo National Museum just across the park.
While it’s easy to lose track of time when exploring, make sure to save an hour of your day for your included 60-minute rejuvenating head, neck, and shoulder ritual at Spa Ceylon—one of the city’s leading Ayurveda day spas.
After breakfast, embark on a private drive through Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with ancient wall and ceiling murals dating back to the 1st Century BC.
Next, visit Uga Ulagalla in Thirappane, a serene nature retreat close to a host of famous sites and national parks. The resort features 25 elegantly appointed pool villas on 58 acres of lush gardens, offering a tranquil ambience and abundant wildlife.
Later, you may like to relax by the Olympic-sized pool, or perhaps head to the on-site day spa for an indulgent treatment. The resort also offers a range of activities, including cycle tours, horseback riding, kayaking, and nature walks. In the evening, you could choose to enjoy fine dining at the resort’s restaurant, Liyawela.
After breakfast, you have some time to enjoy at your own pace. Later, embark on a guided visit to the resort’s organic gardens and surrounding farmlands. Learn about the health benefits of consuming fresh seasonal produce, the traditional method of slow clay pot cooking that preserves both flavour and nutrients, and an introduction to the world of herbal medicinal plants and how they can be used to treat common ailments.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you please. You could choose to have a cocktail or mocktail by the pool, or perhaps relax in the privacy of your private pool before capping the night with dinner at the restaurant.
In the morning, set out on a journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress (aka Lion Rock). Your 200-metre hike will be rewarded by the unparalleled 360-degree view of the surrounding jungles and hills, and an up-close-and-personal look at the palace’s remnants that tell the story of the remarkable vision and dedication behind its creation.
Please bear in mind that ascending to the summit requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and is not mandatory.
In the afternoon you’ll return to your accommodation where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying all the amenities.
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Santani Wellness Kandy where your well-being takes centre stage. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a personalised wellness consultation with the resident doctor who will conduct a body type analysis for a bespoke experience. You may also select a personalised meal plan if you wish; a non-juice detox diet, raw juices and smoothies, an Ayurveda diet, a low-carb Keto meal plan, or simply beautiful traditional Sri Lankan fare.
Santani provides an ideal environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Your minimalistic Mountain Chalet, reminiscent of ancient Buddhist meditation retreats, invites you to unwind, reconnect with nature, and embark on a holistic journey towards wellness.
You’ll also have access to the spa’s thermal salt bath, steam room, and sauna. Shared Hatha yoga sessions are offered every morning and evening, allowing you to enhance your physical flexibility and mental relaxation. But the best bit by far is that 90 minutes of personalised Ayurveda and spa treatments are included daily, allowing you to recharge your mind, body, and spirit.
Each day, you can engage in optional guided nature walks and lifestyle discussions providing you with valuable insights and guidance for maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle beyond your retreat experience.
If you’re keen to explore more, there are a host of day tours and excursions that can be arranged by the resort, including hikes, mountain biking and waterfall visits.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Your luggage will be handed over to Sri Lanka Airport staff who will check it in, take you to immigration, and escort you to a private lounge where you can rest until you board your flight.
Step into a world of refined elegance and historical charm at Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo, one of Colombo’s most captivating urban retreats. Nestled within the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood, this former political residence has been meticulously transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel, making it a well-kept secret among those in the know. Tintagel Colombo boasts ten uniquely designed suites, each offering an intimate and personalised experience. Whether you are dining at one of the two chic restaurants, sipping cocktails at the sultry bar, or finding solace in the peaceful library, every corner of this hotel exudes sophistication and tranquillity.
Discover an oasis of tranquillity at Uga Ulagalla, where traditional elegance meets unspoiled natural beauty. Nestled within a 58-acre lush sanctuary, this enchanting retreat is centred around a majestic 150-year-old mansion, a beacon of cultural heritage. Each of the 25 carefully crafted villas boasts its own private pool, offering an elevated experience of luxury amidst an untouched, remote environment. Here, every moment is designed to nourish the soul and enrich the spirit, making it the ultimate destination for a wellness holiday.
Named after the Sanskrit term for “in harmony with”, Santani Wellness Kandy is an award-winning retreat which is a testament to sustainable luxury and personalised wellness.
Deep in the verdant heart of Sri Lanka, this rustic-luxe wellness resort offers an enchanting escape designed for all-encompassing restoration and balance. Here, architectural elegance merges seamlessly with nature, allowing the peaceful surroundings to rejuvenate your spirit. An ideal sanctuary for a wellness holiday, Santani is a place where tranquillity permeates every moment, promising an enriching and restorative experience where nature’s rhythm reigns supreme.
One-way private transfer – Colombo airport to Colombo hotel
One-way private transfer – Colombo to Thirappane
One-way private transfer – Thirappane to Kandy
One-way private transfer – Kandy to Colombo airport
2 nights – Tintagel, Colombo
3 nights – Uga Ulagalla, Thirappane
5 nights – Santani Wellness, Kandy
10 breakfasts
Santani Wellness Kandy
60 minute head, neck and shoulder ritual at Spa Ceylon in Colombo
Santani Wellness, Kandy
5 day Re-balancing Bliss Wellness Program including;
Visit to Dambulla Cave Temple
Visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Uga Ulagalla, Thirappane
Santani Wellness, Kandy
Fast-track service on arrival and departure
All transfers on a private basis with a professional English-speaking driver guide
Entrance fees for touring as per the itinerary
Local bottled water and cold towels whilst sightseeing
Taxes and service charges
Flights
International flights are not included in trip costs.
Payments
A deposit payment of 20% is required to secure your booking. Final payment is due at least 90 days prior to your departure date. If your departure date is within 90 days, full payment is due at the time of booking.
You can choose to pay by bank transfer or credit card. A surcharge of up to 2% applies if paying by credit card. By making a deposit or payment, you agree to the terms and conditions associated with your booking.
Changes
Changes to your booking may be requested up to 91 days prior to the departure date. If the booking has already been confirmed with a deposit, then additional costs and fees may apply.
Changes made within 90 days of the departure date are treated as cancellations and re-booking and will be subject to the cancellation fees outlined below.
Cancellations
Charges apply to all cancellations according to when the cancellation is received in relation to the departure date.
Please read our full terms and conditions.
Visas
You are responsible for organising your entry visas. Download the Full Itinerary or visit the country’s embassy for more information.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all customers travelling on a View Retreats Holiday or Tailor-made Journey. Prior to the final balance due date, you will be required to provide evidence of international travel insurance coverage.
Pricing for our Explore & Restore Wellness Tours is available upon request to ensure we provide a bespoke experience perfectly tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and budget. Our commitment to personalisation ensures you receive the most accurate, current information and options uniquely suited to enhance your wellness journey.
This wellness holiday itinerary has been designed and developed by View Retreats. It is operated on the ground by a leading global tour operator with over 60 years of experience in luxury experiential travel. If you book something through our booking service, we may earn a commission.
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