Sam Kankanamge

Founder

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.

Sara T.
Went for a 10-day spring retreat! Staff were really attentive — special mentions for Ms DiMuthu and Roshan who did a good job with massages, and the driver Gobi has excellent driving skills (prob the only one that didn’t give me carsickness on the long drives)
The staff helped us arrange safaris and day trips to mirisa beach, and tangelle town.
Anneka K.
Loved my stay at Sen - 3 days in a peaceful haven! Great service from the staff especially the therapists, and the cooks. Everyone is extremely friendly and you feel so well taken care off. Rooms are beautiful, food is delicious, massages are wow and the pool/beach are just perfect. Would recommend to anyone looking for a luxury Ayurvedic wellness retreat
BOSCO M.
The Sen Wellness Sanctuary is a beautiful place, energized by 2 places of water nearby, a wild and magnificent beach and a quiet and peaceful lagoon on the other side.
The staff of the hotel is wonderful, they make you feel welcomed from the moment you put your foot on the ground when they ask to leave your shoes at the entrance of the Sanctuary and you do not need it anymore for the rest of the stay inside the hotel.
The women doing the massages are without any doubt the best part of the staff in this place, the doctors are very nice also but they might be slightly unexperienced at times.
Antonio the manager is friendly although sometimes a bit inefficient.
The rooms are cozy and comfortable and the food is very good.
Sam the owner of the place knows a lot about his work and practices although I find he runs the place with a focus on making business, which in a way makes sense but sometimes made me feel uncomfortable. For example if you want an appointment with him, or even a short talk, you will be charged extra even though you have already paid a lot of money to stay there.
Still I would go back as the place is wonderful.
Ariela K.
This is an INCREDIBLE wellness center focused on Ayurvedic healing modalities. I felt so taken care of and the quality of services was amazing. The food was excellent and the rooms are gorgeous! I can’t wait to come back!
Michaela H.
It has been our third time at Sen Wellness and it does feel like coming home. It’s simply in every respect beautiful and we can’t wait to go back next year. We normally send between 10-14 days at it’s our detox in every respect. Thank you to make our stay always so special 💕
Takield A.
I had an incredible stay at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. The atmosphere was truly relaxing, the location peaceful and beautiful—it felt like a retreat for both the body and mind. The food was absolutely delicious—nourishing, wholesome, and perfectly suited to the wellness experience.

The traditional treatments were excellent, offering a deep sense of rejuvenation. But what truly made my stay unforgettable was the people. From Tharu, the kind and reliable driver, to the wonderful wellness managers, Candice and Tania, and the inspiring yoga teacher, Kamila—every member of the team contributed to a warm and welcoming experience. Their care and dedication made all the difference.

Just a few constructive comments—it would be great to have new lily pads and bolster cushions, as the current ones were not in the best condition. Also, more yoga blocks would be helpful, as there weren’t always enough for everyone.

Overall, I had an amazing time, and if you’re looking for a place to unwind, heal, and be surrounded by positive energy, I highly recommend Sen Wellness Sanctuary!
Lauren M.
My stay at Sen was amazing. The location is amazing and peaceful and the food, staff and treatments were exceptional.
It was lovely to meet and connect with both the staff and the other guests to have a very memorable experience of pure relaxation and reset.
Annieck G.
Wow, what an amazing experience! 🌟

My yoga retreat truly exceeded all my expectations. The location was breathtaking, with beautiful beaches and a peaceful atmosphere that helped me truly relax. The yoga sessions were perfect for my body and mind, and I felt stronger and more relaxed every day.

Tania was incredibly kind. The staff was always lovely and helpful, which made the experience even more special. The doctors were very professional, the kitchen staff cooked delicious meals, and the massagers were top-notch! Everything contributed to an unforgettable experience.

It was truly a memorable experience, and I hope to come back someday. I love this place!
Mel D.
I had such a wonderful time at Sen Wellness Sanctuary. I spent a full week there, the perfect amount of time for a luxurious pamper filled break from the daily grind. The treatments were amazing and all tailored to your needs, all the staff were tentative and gracious, the food was delicious. The whole place is surrounded by nature, including the shala where yoga class and workshops were held - a truly magical setting. I would recommend this gorgeous retreat in a heart beat and I hope to return one day in the future.
Georgie B.
Incredible experience at Sen - everyone on the team was a delight and you are made to feel so welcome, as well as being taken such good care of. Delicious food, deeply relaxing treatments and a special sense of community from the likeminded people met there. The perfect place to unwind and reset - wish I was there longer! Thanks to everyone who made my stay so memorable ✌️
Isabella R.
5 stelle non bastano per valutare questo paradiso! Personale professionale e come tutto il popolo dello Sri Lanka, con un sorriso che ti accoglie e ti spiazza! La location è magica. Il cibo eccellente i trattamenti incredibili. Tutto è semplicemente PERFETTO. Grazie con tutto il cuore
Arno D.
Having spent 7 days and nights at Sen Wellness in the first week of December I can only call out the immense transformation that took place while I was there. Arriving after 21h of traveling being welcomed by a now dear friend and being taken into the group that was there for the winter retreat was made a huge positive impact. I was staying in the larger room on the ground floor near the swimming pool and it was just wonderful. Fresh drinking water being replenished every day and the room kept super clean I could not have wished for more. Within the main building the activity takes place under the guiding coordination of Candice supporting the local staff. The daily treatments were of a super high standard and after a medical check at arrival you are let loose in the amazing world of Sen Wellness. Big shoutout goes to the kitchen and the serving crew for cooking and serving us amazing meals three times per day, you can taste the love they have put in. The 6am yoga sessions are a delight under the guidance of Sunshine Sam and especially the sessions on the beach in front of the sanctuary are spectacular.

The evening meditation and gong sessions are wonderful. I enjoyed massively the cacao session but all the others are amazing too. The 1 to 1 conversation with the monk gave me amazing insights on how to bring back the healthy routine in my daily life. Final shoutout goes to the doctors, the treatment staff, the housekeeping, the driver and the general management staff for making my stay at Sen unforgettable. For those considering to go, even solo, please have this place highly recommended.

One final remark for coffee lovers; since it is a no meat, no wheat no caffeine experience I do recommend taking the coffee at the stop on the way from the airport, the driver will point it out, as the dreaming of coffee conversations during the retreat are wholesome and somehow funny as well.
Marvin L.
We had a wonderful time at Sen Wellness. We did a 3 day retreat and wished we could have stayed a full week.
The staff is amazing, everyone is super friendly and has a smile on their face whenever you see them. The whole vibe of this beautiful place feels just health - the food is amazing, the doctors care and the treatments bring you to a deep relaxation very fast.
We loved the chats with likeminded guests as well as the yoga & meditations, the daily rituals and the nature around. We will definitely try to come back, then for a longer time!
nia J.
Absolutely life changing experience, amazing doctors, yoga teachers, the staff and food were perfect. And the beach is the best beach I have ever seen with turtle nesting on the shore! So perfect I would really recommend.
Georgie H.
This was our second retreat in Sri lanka and it did not disappoint. Beautiful setting beside one of the most stunning parts of the beach, whilst also lagoon facing, it instantly makes you feel peaceful. The Ayurvedic treatments are great, food delicious and yoga / mediation twice daily was a great daily practice. We really loved our stay and hope to come back!
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