Sam Kankanamge BSc (Hons) Osteo, DPO, Dip.Acu is a world-renowned healthcare professional and leader in the international wellness movement. With over 25 years of experience transforming patients’ health, he has been called ‘the best back specialist in the country (UK)’ by The Times (2014).
Sam believes that helping people change their way of life is his skill and life journey. His healing philosophy, which blends ancient wisdom with science, is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Sri Lanka, surrounded by the natural world, his greatest teacher. His professional training as an osteopath and postgraduate work in neonatal medicine gave him a profound understanding of human nature, transforming his approach to healing.
In 2005, Sam founded the Sen Wellness Clinic, a holistic healthcare centre in London’s prestigious medical district, offering osteopathy, acupuncture, yoga, meditation and community events. The same year, he set up the Sen Wellness Foundation, a registered UK charity which has funded treatments for hundreds of children and their families. In recent years, the Foundation’s work has expanded to environmental conservation to preserve the land and promote biodiversity in Sri Lanka.
To support people in an even deeper way, in 2014, Sam established the Sen Wellness Sanctuary, an authentic retreat centre rooted in Ayurvedic traditions.
Dedicated to empowering others on their personal journeys, Sam embraces ancient healing technologies as a means to heal and connect and seeks to bridge the gap between science and mysticism. He is deeply fascinated by expanding the collective consciousness and how we can heal our relationship with Mother Earth.
Anon
This is an incredibly special place.
The location is perfect — it is incredibly peaceful and tucked away, yet only a c.3 hour drive from Colombo. With a majestic lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other, you feel completely enveloped by Mother Nature. The way the buildings are built allows you to feel close to nature (each treatment room backs onto a small garden, for instance, allowing you to listen to the wind in the trees and even the crashing waves during treatments).
It is hard to do justice to how wonderful the people who work here are in words. This is a heart-led place; I experienced such kindness from each and every member of the team, from the guys who cleaned my room, to the small army of very skilled therapists, to Madu who is front of house and chief of day to day logistics, to the guys serving food and the chefs, to the Ayurvedic doctors, to Sam, who runs the sanctuary with his brother and co-founder.
This is not just a place to receive world class massages and do some yoga next to a pristine beach, this is a spiritual place that will ground you, heal you, and elevate your consciousness, if you let it! The completely delicious organic food will also nourish you from the inside out.
The Ayurvedic doctors are really wonderful — I was a little apprehensive about this aspect as I hadn’t experienced it before, but I really trusted the chief doctor — she explained everything really clearly and I felt very seen and cared for.
I was lucky enough to be at Sen for the Golden Summer Retreat. Our teachers were therefore co-founder Sam, yoga teacher Mariana, and Alex, who led a breathwork session with us (and is a wealth of knowledge on so many topics from meditation to yoga to free driving to marketing & SEO!). I was so moved by Sam’s wisdom and generosity. From meditation sessions to the cacao ceremony, to bits of wisdom shared at dinner, he leads with a grace and open heartedness that is not easy to explain until you have experienced it. Sam and this retreat have set me on a new path that I’m very excited about. Mariana was equally wonderful — her morning yoga and her presence throughout the retreat helped me to feel grounded and she also injected so much fun & lightness into the retreat. Mariana led a breathwork session that is unlike anything I have experienced before — the music was perfect, the way she held space for us, supported us and brought such energy was so authentic and joyful. It will be hard to top that experience in the future.
My long term health — physical and spiritual — will undoubtedly benefit greatly from my time at Sen. I could not recommend it more highly.
I have one tiny bit of feedback I would like to share. For me, I felt sad and distracted whenever people brought phones to yoga in the mornings. Just seeing a phone right next to my yoga mat detracts from the rest of the practice, and from the serenity of being in those beautiful surroundings, for me. (Phones did also go off a few times during class). It was mentioned at the beginning of the retreat to try and not bring our phones to dinner — if this could be stated a bit more clearly/forcefully, and regarding yoga (and indeed all of the ceremonies) as well, I think people would respect this (and they would benefit from it too!)
(An optional digital detox, even just for a few days, might also be an idea — to give people the option of handing in their phone when they arrive (I have done this on retreats before) and maybe have alarm clocks to hand out.)
The location is perfect — it is incredibly peaceful and tucked away, yet only a c.3 hour drive from Colombo. With a majestic lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other, you feel completely enveloped by Mother Nature. The way the buildings are built allows you to feel close to nature (each treatment room backs onto a small garden, for instance, allowing you to listen to the wind in the trees and even the crashing waves during treatments).
It is hard to do justice to how wonderful the people who work here are in words. This is a heart-led place; I experienced such kindness from each and every member of the team, from the guys who cleaned my room, to the small army of very skilled therapists, to Madu who is front of house and chief of day to day logistics, to the guys serving food and the chefs, to the Ayurvedic doctors, to Sam, who runs the sanctuary with his brother and co-founder.
This is not just a place to receive world class massages and do some yoga next to a pristine beach, this is a spiritual place that will ground you, heal you, and elevate your consciousness, if you let it! The completely delicious organic food will also nourish you from the inside out.
The Ayurvedic doctors are really wonderful — I was a little apprehensive about this aspect as I hadn’t experienced it before, but I really trusted the chief doctor — she explained everything really clearly and I felt very seen and cared for.
I was lucky enough to be at Sen for the Golden Summer Retreat. Our teachers were therefore co-founder Sam, yoga teacher Mariana, and Alex, who led a breathwork session with us (and is a wealth of knowledge on so many topics from meditation to yoga to free driving to marketing & SEO!). I was so moved by Sam’s wisdom and generosity. From meditation sessions to the cacao ceremony, to bits of wisdom shared at dinner, he leads with a grace and open heartedness that is not easy to explain until you have experienced it. Sam and this retreat have set me on a new path that I’m very excited about. Mariana was equally wonderful — her morning yoga and her presence throughout the retreat helped me to feel grounded and she also injected so much fun & lightness into the retreat. Mariana led a breathwork session that is unlike anything I have experienced before — the music was perfect, the way she held space for us, supported us and brought such energy was so authentic and joyful. It will be hard to top that experience in the future.
My long term health — physical and spiritual — will undoubtedly benefit greatly from my time at Sen. I could not recommend it more highly.
I have one tiny bit of feedback I would like to share. For me, I felt sad and distracted whenever people brought phones to yoga in the mornings. Just seeing a phone right next to my yoga mat detracts from the rest of the practice, and from the serenity of being in those beautiful surroundings, for me. (Phones did also go off a few times during class). It was mentioned at the beginning of the retreat to try and not bring our phones to dinner — if this could be stated a bit more clearly/forcefully, and regarding yoga (and indeed all of the ceremonies) as well, I think people would respect this (and they would benefit from it too!)
(An optional digital detox, even just for a few days, might also be an idea — to give people the option of handing in their phone when they arrive (I have done this on retreats before) and maybe have alarm clocks to hand out.)
Fi W.
I came here for a 10 day retreat and experience haven, a sanctuary, and a sacred space where I could rest, restore, and do some deep inner work.
A truly world class experience.
I have never been somewhere that has offered so much care, love and attention both to me and the details of how they make the entire experience deeply personal and special
The treatments were of an extraordinarily high calibre, The food crafted with so much care, I felt very held by Sam, Mariana, Alex and the rest of the Sen team who are all really spiritual and caring people.
For those travelling alone, I can only tell you that it is a very safe place and you will be deeply welcomed
A truly world class experience.
I have never been somewhere that has offered so much care, love and attention both to me and the details of how they make the entire experience deeply personal and special
The treatments were of an extraordinarily high calibre, The food crafted with so much care, I felt very held by Sam, Mariana, Alex and the rest of the Sen team who are all really spiritual and caring people.
For those travelling alone, I can only tell you that it is a very safe place and you will be deeply welcomed
beatriz S.
Our experience in Sen welleness sanctuary has been beautiful, I could say life changing. Special mention to the entire team that work here, they are all very professional and kind.
The sanctuary’s location is at a stunning place between the rekawa lagoon and the beach in the south of Sri Lanka.
10/10, highly recommend it 🩵
The sanctuary’s location is at a stunning place between the rekawa lagoon and the beach in the south of Sri Lanka.
10/10, highly recommend it 🩵
Pilar M.
Such a wonderfull and life changing experience. The whole team is welcoming and excellent professionals. Beautifull space, wonderfull location and nature. Very well prepared programme and treatments. Totally recommended.
Stephanie Marinus - Learn Earn & R.
I cannot express my gratitude deeply enough for the experience I had at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. After flying all the way from Canada, it took just three days for Dr. Sam and his compassionate team to give me my life back following my young brother's death. Upon reaching out, I learned the sanctuary was fully booked, but after hearing my plea for help, they somehow made special room for my boyfriend and I. It was an act of profound compassion that set the stage for our entire experience. While my soul was doing the hard work of healing from grief, my body was continuously comforted with restorative Ayurvedic treatments. The daily massages, herbal soaks, and curated therapies were a constant source of peace, a beautiful reminder that while the inner work was difficult, I was being cared for on a physical level. The sanctuary's dedication to holistic well-being is truly unparalleled. In a testament to this, they brought in a Buddhist monk for spiritual teachings, and on a separate occasion, when a turtle nest was discovered, they called in a conservation officer. We were able to help the newborn turtles make it safely to sea, an experience that was as spiritual and healing as any of the treatments. Dr. Sam and his team have created more than just a retreat; it's a sanctuary for the soul, a place where profound healing is not just possible-its inevitable. Sen is forever in my heart
Kirstin S.
Truly a beautiful experience- one week here feels like a month in the real world. Allow yourself the gift of disconnection to connect with what matters, yourself & community. People are kind, treatments are wonderful, food is delicious, pacing is calm. No pressure to do much of anything- the healing is intuitive just by existing. Thank you! I can't wait to come back here!
Lara A.
I stayed in this beautiful sanctuary for almost a week. The place and service is incredible! Highly recommended. I am picky with my food and they accommodated all my needs and never made me feel like my asks were too much or anything. Madu, Samin, Taru, the founder Sam, everyone was so nice and welcoming the whole time. Felt like home away from home ♥️ highly recommended to anyone who wants to reconnect with themselves and rest and recharge.
Nick M.
Simply incredible!
I experienced an amazing 8 day stay at Sen Wellness which was both deeply relaxing and transformative. The staff are remarkably kind and caring, the space is beautiful and tranquil, and the treatments are exceptional. If you’re looking for a place for restoration and reinvigoration, look no further than Sen Wellness
I experienced an amazing 8 day stay at Sen Wellness which was both deeply relaxing and transformative. The staff are remarkably kind and caring, the space is beautiful and tranquil, and the treatments are exceptional. If you’re looking for a place for restoration and reinvigoration, look no further than Sen Wellness
Ariel F.
We booked our stay at Sen Wellness just 24 hours before arriving, planning to stay for only 3 days. We loved it so much that we ended up extending to a full week.
Everything about this place is special. The staff are amazing — from the yoga teachers and doctors to the massage therapists and wellness team, everyone takes such good care of you and makes you feel at home. The food was out of this world, healthy but also unbelievably delicious.
The setting itself is magical. The wildlife around the sanctuary was unbelievable — we saw so many incredible animals right on our doorstep, which made the whole experience even more unique.
What really stood out too were the people we met there. The guests that come to Sen Wellness are some of the most interesting, kind, and inspiring people you could hope to meet.
This place is more than just a retreat — it’s somewhere you leave feeling lighter, healthier, and more connected. I’d recommend this place to anyone!
Everything about this place is special. The staff are amazing — from the yoga teachers and doctors to the massage therapists and wellness team, everyone takes such good care of you and makes you feel at home. The food was out of this world, healthy but also unbelievably delicious.
The setting itself is magical. The wildlife around the sanctuary was unbelievable — we saw so many incredible animals right on our doorstep, which made the whole experience even more unique.
What really stood out too were the people we met there. The guests that come to Sen Wellness are some of the most interesting, kind, and inspiring people you could hope to meet.
This place is more than just a retreat — it’s somewhere you leave feeling lighter, healthier, and more connected. I’d recommend this place to anyone!
Niv F.
I had the privilege of spending a week at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. The staff and doctors here are absolutely amazing – warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in your wellbeing. From the moment I arrived, I felt cared for on every level.
The environment is breathtaking – surrounded by pristine nature, the beach, and the lagoon – it creates the perfect setting for healing and transformation. The daily yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, and nourishing food all worked together to bring me balance, clarity, and peace.
What really stood out to me were the two brothers who own the sanctuary. They genuinely care for every guest, and you can feel their kindness and authenticity in everything they do. They’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and their vision and heart make this place unlike anywhere else.
If you want to change your life for the better, come here. Sen Wellness Sanctuary is not just a retreat, it’s a life-changing experience. I will definitely be coming back very soon.
The environment is breathtaking – surrounded by pristine nature, the beach, and the lagoon – it creates the perfect setting for healing and transformation. The daily yoga, Ayurvedic treatments, and nourishing food all worked together to bring me balance, clarity, and peace.
What really stood out to me were the two brothers who own the sanctuary. They genuinely care for every guest, and you can feel their kindness and authenticity in everything they do. They’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and their vision and heart make this place unlike anywhere else.
If you want to change your life for the better, come here. Sen Wellness Sanctuary is not just a retreat, it’s a life-changing experience. I will definitely be coming back very soon.
Tal F.
The best experience I’ve ever had at a hotel. I came for 3 days but stayed 7 days. The staff are the nicest people you’ll meet and they really care about your well being. The food is absolutely amazing, Michelin star level. The doctors are the best you can find and really help you with your needs and health issues. The hotel is situated in the nicest plot of land in between a beautiful lagoon and beach that are both accessible from the hotel. If you are looking for an Ayurveda wellness resort or even a nice hotel surrounded by beautiful nature this is your place.
A T
This was my first-ever retreat! I chose the 3-day program and stayed alongside guests whose visits ranged from 5 days to 3 weeks.
Always ask questions or requests, it will help you get the most out of your stay. During my visit, there were complimentary activities available, but you needed to request them. Sometimes these activities depended on a set schedule or the number of guests interested, so plan accordingly.
Meals were delicious and sometimes varied.
One note for improvement: during one of my treatments, I noticed the towel hadn’t been changed, and I had to ask for a fresh one. I hope this was just a one-off oversight, but I’m sharing it to help improve the experience.
Overall, I would stay again. What made the experience especially lovely were the other guests and people I met who were all open, kind, and wonderful to be around.
Big shoutout to Nat and Mariana, the wellness manager and yoga instructor, who brought great energy, made us feel welcome, and were also on their own journeys. The onsite doctor and staff truly took great care of everyone.
Thank you!
Always ask questions or requests, it will help you get the most out of your stay. During my visit, there were complimentary activities available, but you needed to request them. Sometimes these activities depended on a set schedule or the number of guests interested, so plan accordingly.
Meals were delicious and sometimes varied.
One note for improvement: during one of my treatments, I noticed the towel hadn’t been changed, and I had to ask for a fresh one. I hope this was just a one-off oversight, but I’m sharing it to help improve the experience.
Overall, I would stay again. What made the experience especially lovely were the other guests and people I met who were all open, kind, and wonderful to be around.
Big shoutout to Nat and Mariana, the wellness manager and yoga instructor, who brought great energy, made us feel welcome, and were also on their own journeys. The onsite doctor and staff truly took great care of everyone.
Thank you!
Andrew M.
Absolutely FANTASTIC!! I recommend this place so highly to anyone and everyone!
The staff are soooo wonderful, honestly they look after you so well. The place is so clean, every day they clean and make your room.
The pool Is soo nice and it’s not chlorinated so it’s so beautiful and fresh.
The Dr will assess you when you come and everyday will give you treatments to do and treatments are the best!
Oh also, turtles laying eggs on beach is very cool.
Doing yoga and meditation twice a day in the yoga studio with monkeys in the trees, beautiful birds and squirrels, it’s such an enchanting place!
Peacocks are always walking around the yards.
If you want the best Ayurvedic retreat, this is the one for you! 🤗
The staff are soooo wonderful, honestly they look after you so well. The place is so clean, every day they clean and make your room.
The pool Is soo nice and it’s not chlorinated so it’s so beautiful and fresh.
The Dr will assess you when you come and everyday will give you treatments to do and treatments are the best!
Oh also, turtles laying eggs on beach is very cool.
Doing yoga and meditation twice a day in the yoga studio with monkeys in the trees, beautiful birds and squirrels, it’s such an enchanting place!
Peacocks are always walking around the yards.
If you want the best Ayurvedic retreat, this is the one for you! 🤗
Spa Guide S.
One of the best stays I ever had at an Ayurvedic resort. The staff and all the guests are super friendly, it’s a perfect place for the solo travellers. Great yoga, breathwork, ceremonies, workshop and teachers. The doctors and therapists are very respectful, listens to the customers and give great treatments. Beautiful environment right at a private beach, close to nature.
Cerys H.
I stayed at Sen Wellness for three days and found the entire experience deeply relaxing and restorative. The daily timetable was thoughtfully planned, with each day following a similar structure. As someone on the autism spectrum, I found this predictability very reassuring and supportive.
The treatments were excellent and noticeably beneficial for my wellbeing. I particularly appreciated how accommodating the team was to my physical disability — they personally escorted me to my room to ensure my safety, and even made me a walking stick during my stay. The consultation with Dr. Sam, the CEO, was another highlight; his warm, understanding manner, combined with breathing exercises and acupuncture-style pressure point work, felt both validating and affirming.
The food was delicious, fresh, and healthy. I even lost 2kg during my stay without ever feeling deprived or as though I was “on a diet.”
Beyond the sanctuary itself, the trips they offered enriched the experience — I enjoyed a serene boat ride in the lagoon behind the hotel, and they also organise temple visits. On Mondays, a monk visits the sanctuary to lead a guided meditation and share Buddhist philosophy, which was both calming and thought-provoking.
My short stay left me feeling rejuvenated and cared for, and I would happily return for a longer visit in the future.
The treatments were excellent and noticeably beneficial for my wellbeing. I particularly appreciated how accommodating the team was to my physical disability — they personally escorted me to my room to ensure my safety, and even made me a walking stick during my stay. The consultation with Dr. Sam, the CEO, was another highlight; his warm, understanding manner, combined with breathing exercises and acupuncture-style pressure point work, felt both validating and affirming.
The food was delicious, fresh, and healthy. I even lost 2kg during my stay without ever feeling deprived or as though I was “on a diet.”
Beyond the sanctuary itself, the trips they offered enriched the experience — I enjoyed a serene boat ride in the lagoon behind the hotel, and they also organise temple visits. On Mondays, a monk visits the sanctuary to lead a guided meditation and share Buddhist philosophy, which was both calming and thought-provoking.
My short stay left me feeling rejuvenated and cared for, and I would happily return for a longer visit in the future.
