Vickum Nawagamuwage: Redefining modern stress and human evolution through wellness tourism

Vickum Nawagamuwage is a vibrant leader and entrepreneur dedicated to supporting humankind’s overall wellness and evolution. An alumnus of Harvard University and the University of Maryland, Vickum established Santani Wellness to share the transformative power of sustainable wellness tourism with everyone. With years of professional expertise in strategy consulting at Deloitte Consulting and KPMG in the US, Vickum stands at the forefront of dynamic global leadership. His journey is marked by relentless pursuit, innovative thinking, and a profound impact on Sri Lankan tourism.

The Inspiration behind Creating Sustainable Wellness Tourism Experiences

Vickum’s journey into sustainable tourism was fueled by a deep love for Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes and a belief in nature’s power to transform lives. Growing up, he experienced the island’s magic firsthand—camping in Yala, trekking through lush jungles, and reflecting under ancient Banyan trees. Those experiences not only inspired him but also shaped his vision of tourism as a means to heal, connect, and leave a lasting impact. Tourism runs in Vickum’s blood. His father led one of Sri Lanka’s top tour operators during the golden era of hospitality, but life initially took him down a different path. Corporate roles and global business success occupied his time, but his heart never left Sri Lanka’s wilderness. Every trip back to nature reignited his passion to create something meaningful—an endeavor that would protect and celebrate the beauty he grew up with while offering others the opportunity to reconnect with themselves.

The turning point came when Vickum’s own life felt out of balance. Stress was taking its toll until he started dwelling in yoga, meditation, and healthy living. These practices didn’t just restore his health—they reminded him of the harmony he felt in nature during those early adventures. That was his lightbulb moment: wellness and sustainability are two sides of the same coin. If we could create a space where people and plants could thrive together, Vickum could redefine the way people think about travel. This vision became Santani—a sanctuary where sustainability isn’t just a practice; it’s a promise. From eco-conscious design to wellness programs that heal the root cause of imbalance, everything they do is about creating harmony. Santani isn’t just about travel; it’s about transformation. It’s a place where people realign their bodies, minds, and spirits while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

Vickum’s inspiration comes from a simple truth: when you care for you, you cares for the rest of the world. At Santani, it is not just building experiences; they are building a movement—a way for people to heal, connect, and thrive in harmony with the world around them. This isn’t just my journey; it’s a mission to share the transformative power of sustainable tourism with everyone who steps through our doors.

Santani Wellness Resorts: Offering Unparalleled Tranquility

Santani Wellness Resorts are sanctuaries of holistic well-being, blending contemporary luxury with ancient healing traditions in breathtaking natural settings. Recognized as one of the worlds Best Wellness Retreat and one of TIME magazines 100 Greatest Places in the world, Santani offers transformative experiences centered on health, relaxation, and sustainability. Their flagship property, nestled in the serene hills of Sri Lanka, is a haven of minimalist design and unparalleled tranquility.

However, what sets Santani apart is it’s philosophy that was carefully developed by Vickum over a decade. He believes that the world of healthcare and wellness is focused on managing the symptoms rather than healing the root causes. “You don’t get stressed for no reason” he says. Stress and mental health issues are just symptoms. No one took a step back to understand why these symptoms skyrocketed but went on to create solutions to manage the symptom. Vickum focused on understanding what is driving this universal stress and mental health pandemic and focused on creating a solution to heal the root cause.

He believes that the world has evolved faster than us humans and now demands more than we are capable of. Especially our cognitive abilities have not evolved to the demands put on them. There is an evolutionary gap and we need to evolve. The solution is about adapting to the new demands of our environment.

This solution of adaptation is delivered through a multifaceted approach, where nature, design, cuisine and proactive healing and uplifting of the mind, body, spirit works together.

Their key offerings include:

• Personalized Wellness Programs: Tailored solutions for stress management, sleep enhancement, detoxification, and fitness, crafted by expert practitioners.
• Authentic Ayurvedic and Spa Therapies: A blend of time-honored practices and modern techniques to rejuvenate the mind and body.
• Culinary Excellence: Gourmet, personalized meals designed to complement your wellness journey, featuring fresh, organic ingredients.
• Yoga and Meditation: Daily sessions amidst the stunning landscapes, fostering mental clarity and balance.
• Nature-Immersive Experiences: Guided hikes, birdwatching, and moments of quiet reflection in lush, unspoiled surroundings.
• Sustainability Focus: An eco-conscious ethos that ensures harmony with the environment while supporting local communities.

Santani is more than a resort; it’s a transformative retreat where guests rediscover balance, embrace mindfulness, and leave feeling renewed in body and spirit!

Effective Steps to Accelerate Tourism Industry in the Middle East Region

Tourism in the Middle East is at a pivotal moment, presenting immense potential to transform it into an industry that not only drives economic growth but also addresses deeper societal and environmental needs. To truly thrive, tourism must evolve from offering surface-level experiences to addressing the root causes of disconnection—between travelers and nature, people and culture, or within individuals themselves. Santani has centered its philosophy around healing the root cause—healing the body, mind, and spirit—and aligning people with their environments. This ethos offers a blueprint for how tourism in the Middle East can evolve: by creating experiences that don’t just entertain or pamper but nurture a deeper sense of well-being and connection. Imagine retreats that use the serene silence of the desert to promote mindfulness or that leverage ancient regional practices to help visitors realign their health and vitality. These differentiating factors have been recognised by multiple Middle Eastern governments and private investors and Santani has inked agreements and MOUs to operate  multiple properties under the Santani brand in the region.

Sustainability is central to this approach. Today’s tourists are increasingly seeking meaningful travel that respects the environment and contributes to the preservation of local heritage. For the Middle East, this entails protecting its unique landscapes, including deserts, oases, and coastlines, while also empowering communities to share their traditions and crafts. Addressing the root cause of environmental degradation and cultural erosion requires tourism companies to prioritize sustainability as a core practice rather than merely a trend. Diversifying the region’s offerings is also essential. While luxury tourism continues to attract many visitors, the next step is to focus on holistic well-being and transformative travel experiences. The Middle East is uniquely positioned to create opportunities that restore balance—whether through wellness retreats inspired by ancient wisdom, eco-tourism in pristine desert settings, or community-led initiatives that reconnect travelers with the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Building, Expanding, and Growing Sustainably

At Santani Wellness, sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything they do. Vickum and his team believe that true healing begins with addressing root causes, whether in health, operations, or environmental care. This belief shapes every aspect of their property, from design to daily practices, creating a space where people and nature thrive together. Vickum spent over two years searching for the ideal location, understanding that humans heal best in spaces where nature meets intelligent, sustainable design. The buildings are constructed using reclaimed wood, and rooms are naturally ventilated—no air conditioning is needed. This not only saves over 70% in energy but also creates a healthier environment for the guests. Water is life, and at Santani, everyone is mindful of every drop. About 80% of the garden is irrigated with treated recycled water from the plant, which helps them conserve precious groundwater, even during dry spells. Reflecting more on sustainability-related initiatives, Vickum apprises, “We believe in nourishing our guests while supporting our community. Local farmers supply us with jaggery, jackfruit, fresh milk, and vegetables, and our chefs grow herbs, vegetables, and microgreens in our greenhouse. We even have bee boxes for fresh honey, adding a touch of nature’s sweetness to our dishes. The medicinal plants are grown on-site and utilized by the Santani’s Ayurveda doctors, ensuring that every part of Santani is a part of your healing.”

In 2024, the Santani Foundation was launched to take its sustainability efforts a step further. The foundation focuses on cultural regeneration and heritage preservation, working closely with local artisans to keep Sri Lanka’s rich traditions alive.

Vickum’s Distinctive Leadership Approach

His leadership style is centered on collaboration, empowerment, and creating an environment where individuals can thrive while contributing to a shared vision. He believes that leadership is not about controlling every decision but about inspiring and enabling others to reach their fullest potential. Vickum trusts his team to take ownership of their responsibilities. This means giving them the autonomy to make decisions, encouraging innovation, and providing the tools and support they need to succeed. When people feel empowered, they not only excel in their roles but also bring fresh ideas and energy to the table. Vickum leads with a clear vision and sets strategic goals, but he remains flexible in how they achieve them. The modern world is dynamic, and adaptability is key. By fostering a culture of openness and responsiveness, the visionary leader ensures that his team feels confident in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Vickum firmly believes in leading by example. Whether it’s demonstrating resilience during tough times, showing respect and care for others, or maintaining high standards, Vickum aims to inspire through his actions.

“For me, leadership is about bringing people together. I prioritize collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. We often sit together and brainstorm and strategize across departments,” shares Vickum.

Vickum’s Strategy to Nurture an Inspiring Culture

Cultivating an ideal work culture begins with creating an environment where people feel valued, inspired, and supported. For Vickum, this involves fostering a clear sense of purpose, empowering autonomy, and building genuine relationships based on trust and mutual respect. He prioritizes open communication, celebrates achievements—both big and small—and ensures well-being is a core focus by promoting work-life balance and flexibility. Growth is equally important; Vickum invests in his team’s development through mentorship, learning opportunities, and challenging projects.

While these approaches are somewhat traditional and have been discussed widely, one of his key differentiations in leadership and in cultivating an ideal work culture is challenging the status quo. He and his team strive to do things that no one has attempted before. Santani, with its root cause solutions and human sustainability concept, serves as a prime example. This empowers everyone to stay motivated and productive.

Key Values in Overcoming Hurdles

The values that helped Vickum overcome obstacles in her career—especially during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—include resilience, adaptability, integrity, empathy, and most importantly, the Buddhist philosophy of non-attachment. These values not only guided his decisions but also strengthened his resolve to navigate the crisis without compromising on what mattered most. When the pandemic struck, the tourism and wellness industries faced an immediate and profound impact. It was a time of uncertainty and financial strain, but Vickum refused to let those challenges dictate the future of his team or his mission. Resilience became the foundation of Vickum’s approach, keeping him focused on finding sustainable solutions rather than succumbing to short-term fears.

The Transformation in People’s Preference  Over Time

Santani’s philosophy has always been centered on healing the root cause—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional well-being—and it’s deeply gratifying to see more guests embracing this approach. Today’s travelers seek more than just relaxation; they desire meaningful, transformative experiences that promote lasting wellness. There has been a significant increase in demand for intensive wellness packages that go beyond surface-level treatments to address deeper issues.

Integrating the Latest Technological Solutions for Better Service

Santani invites guests to experience a space where the influence of technology on your physical, mental, and spiritual health is minimal. Its philosophy is centered around creating an environment that encourages you to disconnect from the distractions of the modern world and reconnect with yourself and nature.

Rather than introducing technology into the wellness experience, we deliberately minimize its presence, focusing on simplicity, mindfulness, and personalized care. From naturally ventilated rooms that eliminate the need for air conditioning to wellness programs that draw on ancient traditions, every aspect of Santani is designed to provide a sanctuary from the constant noise of a tech-driven world.

Notable Awards and Milestones: A Glance

• Serandipians Grand Hotel Champions 2025
• Conde Nast Traveler: Best New Hotels in the World
• Time: World’s 100 Greatest Places
• Travel + Leisure: Best New Hotels
• TATLER: best Spas in the world
• Forbes: most unusual hotels in the world
• DestinAsian: The Luxe List 2017
• Bawa Award for Excellence in Architecture
• Vogue: Best Wellness Retreats in the World

Painting the Future Canvas of Growth

Looking ahead, Vickum aims to strengthen Santani’s mission and philosophy on a global scale, particularly emphasizing the concept of human sustainability and the significance of addressing the root cause. This need is among the most pressing challenges humanity faces today, yet there are a few adequate solutions available.

Vickum aspires to be a leading advocate for human sustainability—highlighting the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and environmental well-being. This involves creating platforms, participating in global forums, and collaborating with like-minded organizations to inspire actionable change. Santani will evolve from being merely a retreat into a global hub for holistic wellness. Furthermore, Vickum plans to develop new destinations that embody our ethos and introduce innovative programs that address emerging wellness needs, ensuring its offerings stay relevant and transformative. Specifically, the company plans to have over 1000 rooms under the Santani brand over the next five years.

“I envision a future where Santani leads the conversation on sustainability, not only within the travel and wellness industries but across sectors,” asserts Vickum.

Words of Wisdom for Passionate Travel Entrepreneurs

To succeed in the travel industry despite obstacles, focus on your vision, adapt to change, and lead with purpose. Stay true to the reason behind your business—whether it’s sustainability, wellness, or cultural immersion—and build meaningful relationships with your team, guests, and community. Embrace innovation that solves real problems, and use resilience to turn challenges into opportunities. Treat setbacks as lessons and trust your ability to evolve. Above all, lead with authenticity and heart, creating experiences that inspire and connect people. Success in travel isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about thriving through them.

Dream, but don’t let dreams be your master.

Dream, and don’t let life kill the dreams you dream.