To mark its 10-year anniversary in 2026, Sri Lanka's Michelin Key wellness retreat Santani will launch “Masters in Residence”, a year-long programme welcoming globally respected practitioners across wellness, movement, mindfulness and integrative healing to live and work at the retreat throughout the year.

The initiative forms part of Santani's anniversary programme, “10 Years in Harmony,” and will see international specialists collaborate with the retreat's resident Ayurvedic doctors, therapists and wellness experts. Each residency will offer guests the opportunity to deepen their wellness journey through specialised workshops, private sessions and immersive experiences integrated into Santani's core wellness programmes.

Founded on a philosophy of healing the root cause, Santani has spent the past decade redefining modern wellness through a deeply personalised approach rooted in Ayurveda and supported by modern science. The retreat focuses on restoring metabolic balance, improving sleep quality, regulating the nervous system and strengthening long-term resilience - principles Santani describes as Adaptive Wellness.

Nestled in the hills of Kandy overlooking the UNESCO-protected Knuckles Mountain Range, Santani has quietly become one of Asia's most respected wellness destinations. Long before longevity became a global wellness trend, Sri Lankan Ayurveda emphasised prevention, rhythm and individualised care - principles that remain central to Santani's programmes today.

The Masters in Residence programme has been designed as an immersive residency rather than a series of visiting guest appearances. Each practitioner will reside at Santani for several weeks, allowing their practice to integrate fully with the retreat's existing wellness programmes and enabling guests to work with them consistently during their stay.

“At Santani, peace of mind is the ultimate luxury,” said Vickum Nawagamuwage, Founder and CEO of Santani. “As we celebrate ten years, the Masters in Residence programme reflects our belief that meaningful healing takes time, presence and personalised care. By welcoming respected practitioners whose work aligns with our philosophy, we can offer guests deeper and more transformative wellness experiences.”

Masters in Residence Schedule 2026:

Throughout 2026, Santani will host a series of international practitioners whose disciplines complement the retreat's focus on adaptive wellness and personalised care. Each residency will run for three to four weeks, allowing guests to work consistently with a single practitioner during their stay.

imberly Rose | 20 April – 19 May 2026: An embodied healing practitioner specialising in emotional regulation and somatic therapy, helping guests release stored tension and restore inner balance.

Jessalyn Holmes | 20 May – 15 June 2026: A movement specialist whose breath-led practices support physical resilience while encouraging mental clarity and stability.

Suka Saini | 16 June – 10 July 2026: Focused on nervous system restoration and deep relaxation, Suka's therapeutic work addresses chronic stress and fatigue.

Rafael Sela | 11 July – 5 August 2026: A movement therapist integrating rehabilitation principles to improve mobility, alignment and long-term physical vitality.

Rajesh Ramani | 5 August – 20 August 2026: Drawing on traditional healing wisdom and contemporary therapeutic methods, Rajesh works with guests to rebalance the body through tailored treatments.

Samantha Duggal | 22 August – 20 September 2026: Blending breathwork, mindful movement and energy-based practices to support emotional resilience and body awareness.

Olivia Szmidt | 1 – 20 November 2026: Specialising in fascia-focused facial therapy and lymphatic drainage, Olivia offers treatments that support circulation, detoxification and natural rejuvenation.

Guests can experience each residency either through master-led immersion journeys, where the visiting practitioner's work is integrated into Santani's personalised wellness programmes, or through private sessions available alongside existing retreats. Availability will remain intentionally limited to preserve the retreat's focus on individual care and depth of experience.

As Santani enters its second decade, the Masters in Residence programme reflects the retreat's continued commitment to a philosophy where wellness is adaptive, personalised and centred on long-term balance.