Santani Wellness, Sri Lanka’s first and only purpose-built luxury wellness retreat, is proud to announce its upcoming feature in the third season of the acclaimed series, In Pursuit of Wellness, presented by Global Wellness Institute and produced for them by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions. Produced for the Global Wellness Institute, the award-winning series explores how wellness is evolving around the world—highlighting transformative destinations that go beyond indulgence to offer meaningful, evidence-based healing experiences.
This prestigious recognition places Santani alongside a select group of global innovators reimagining what wellness can look like—deeply rooted in cultural heritage, guided by science, and made accessible to those seeking true balance. The Santani episode will air on BBC.com in 2025 as part of a series that has already earned over 20 million views and accolades including Gold at the Native Advertising Awards.
Filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the documentary showcases Santani’s unique model of sustainable, immersive wellbeing. Guests are guided through tailored journeys that merge ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science—supported by nature, simplicity, and intentional design.
Vickum Nawagamuwage
“Being featured in this series is a deeply meaningful milestone,” said Vickum Nawagamuwage, CEO of Santani Wellness. “It reflects our belief that wellness, while a luxury, should also be purposeful, grounding, and accessible in spirit. At Santani, every detail is designed not just for indulgence, but to guide our guests back to clarity, balance, and long-term wellbeing.”
The mini-documentary explores Santani’s pioneering philosophy of Human Sustainability—a response to what founder Vickum Nawagamuwage identifies as the “evolutionary mismatch” between our ancient biology and the relentless pace of modern life. Designed to foster resilience across physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, this philosophy underpins every aspect of the guest experience. From minimalist architecture design to de-stimulate the mind, naturally ventilated chalets that work in harmony with the environment to digital detoxes, mindful practices, and Ayurvedic nutrition, Santani offers a purposeful space for guests to slow down, realign, and consciously evolve.
Set on a 116-acre former tea estate, Santani offers curated detox, yoga, and mindfulness programs, functional fitness, and stress management techniques grounded in clinical science. The resort has been internationally recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places, Forbes as one of the 25 Most Unusual Hotels, and Tatler as one of the 8 Best Spas in the World.
The In Pursuit of Wellness 3 series challenges outdated notions of wellness as exclusive or aesthetic, instead spotlighting purpose-driven spaces where healing is deeply personal. Santani’s feature affirms its role not just as a wellness retreat—but as a global thought leader shaping the future of mindful, science-backed travel.
