One peek into Sri Lanka’s treasure chest of lodges and your mind may just be sent reeling with possibilities. While this mango-shaped island is known for its sensational beaches and jaw-dropping vistas, it has garnered quite the reputation for its inventive and unique lodges that never come without a story to tell. From the cultural northern hills to the sun-touched southern beaches, you’ll find everything from eco-lodges and luxury jungle camps to seaside villas and spruced up bungalows in the lush Tea Country. Known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, we can almost guarantee the abundance of things to do and the plethora of postcard perfect lodges will fix a permanent grin on your face. We dare you not to fall in love with one (or all!) of our all-time favourites…
Hotel Tri
Lake Koggala
After thumbing through a Sri Lanka guide book you may have your heart set on a villa by the water and we’d be inclined to agree, but here we’ve swapped the lapping waves of the coast for the picturesque Lake Koggala. Designed in the chakra-aligning pattern of a spiral shell, Hotel Tri aims to only leave the faintest of footprints on the landscape and adds new meaning to the word ‘unique’. The scent of spices will wake you in your private villa (built from recycled wood) and coax you on a boat trip to one of the tiny islands for a tour of a cinnamon farm or ancient temple. The lakeside setting attracts an eye-catching collection of birds, which you’ll spot swooping over the water from your terrace or private pool, and some of Sri Lanka’s vibrant wildlife – spy an Asian palm civet navigating the trees. Feel the real world dissolve as you start your mornings with yoga in the jungle shala, get pampered in the terrazzo-clad spa and cycle down tranquil country lanes. Not far from Galle Fort, enjoy a day trip to get your fix of history.
Water Garden Sigiriya
Sigiriya
Sri Lanka’s wild and centuries-old Cultural Triangle will have any history-lover buzzing with anticipation and the Water Garden makes for a serene place to rest your head while there. The view alone is epic, with the monolithic Sigiriya Rock dominating the skyline – the resort was actually designed in the image of the water garden that sits at its summit. In this land of ancient rulers and deep spirituality, this retreat strikes a luxury chord with 30 stilted villas set on the banks of tranquil waterways with polished, Bawa-inspired interiors. With traditional buggies to scoot you from villa to infinity pool, ice-cold cocktails to be sipped at the bar and a butler to bring you a cup of steaming Ceylon in the morning, you might feel as though you’ve reached Nirvana itself. Before you venture out into the vast and verdant wilds, cycle or boat across the grounds to spot some of Sri Lanka’s signature birdlife – keep your eyes peeled for lurking Mugger crocodiles! Ascend the 1200 stairs, past time-worn frescoes, to the top of Sigiriya Rock for truly spine-tingling views or venture further afield to see the famous elephant gathering (in season, of course).
Cape Weligama
Weligama
It wouldn’t be a list of Sri Lanka’s finest lodges without a truly spectacular beachside, or should we say clifftop, stay. The island’s South Coast has long been crowned one of the best on the continent and Weligama is the cream of the crop. There must be something in the water, not only is this bay a surfer’s paradise but it also welcomes the mighty blue whale and leaping dolphins to the coastline between December and April each year. Designed to emulate a traditional village, there are 39 villas placed just-so to catch the best views (even from your own bathtub!), and there’s no better place to spy on the marine life and see traditional stilted fishermen hauling their catch than from the crescent infinity pool at the cliff’s edge! If you long to feel the sea spray in your hair, you won’t find yourself short of choices here – stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, snorkelling and diving amongst colourful shoals are all at your fingertips. Once you’re thoroughly waterlogged, tuck into sumptuous local cuisine at the Chef’s Table or dine at one of the many village restaurants, before sipping on cocktails as you watch a glorious sunset from the best seat in town.
Ceylon Tea Trails / Camellia Hills
Hatton
Should talk of Sri Lanka conjure up images of rolling hills topped with temples and fragrant tea plantations as far as the eye can see, the Hill Country is what you’re after. Hatton is as idyllic and genteel as it sounds, and with its ethereal views over Castlereagh Lake, you may just think you’ve dreamt this spot up. Take a step back in time at Ceylon Tea Trails where you’ll enjoy the comforts of a restored tea planter’s bungalow (looked after by your own butler and chef), clotted cream scones on the lawns and a spot of afternoon croquet should you fancy it. What did we tell you? As is always the case in Sri Lanka, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Visit historic tea factories where you’ll sip on a local blend and picnic in the shamrock-green fields, hike into the hills or go white water rafting. Okay, okay, so we cheated a little and included two lodges here but we just couldn’t pick between them! For a more modern taste of Hatton, Camellia Hills is an intimate lodge with just five alpine-style chalets, cosy sitting areas to curl up with a good book and a lovely infinity pool with views of the gleaming lake. Did we mention a hike to the falls or boating on the water? Yes please!
The Last House
Tangalle
Perhaps, one of the biggest names to come out of Sri Lanka, Geoffrey Bawa has become something of a legend whose creativity is infused with many of the island’s villas and hotels. What makes this one so special, you ask? It was his final work and seated at the candlelit dining table for an al fresco dinner of crab curry and veggie thalis, with the sound of the surf behind you, you’ll see it feels rather special. This Smartie-coloured collection of villas is set just off one of the south coast’s most secluded beaches, Mawella, and if booked exclusively, it feels like your own slice of paradise. In this corner of the island, nothing is done for show and The Last House sets the tone for a low-key and shoes-optional kind of holiday. There are just six rooms with cosy decor and turquoise shutters that you’ll quickly fling open to let in the sea breeze. Enjoy languid days soaking in the pool and lazing on the sand, or get up and at ‘em for a morning surf, snorkelling in the bay or cycling down the bright streets of Tangalle.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Yala National Park
You might have heard of Sri Lanka’s most famous spots but why not take a few days exploring its untamed and less-visited shores. Tucked in between the arresting jungle of Yala National Park and the cerulean sea, Wild Coast Tented Lodge combines luxury and camping in the best sense. Aptly named ‘cocoons’, the tents are decked out with delicate silks, leather deckchairs and four-poster beds – plus a plunge pool to cool off in. When in Yala, there’s only one thing to do, leopard-spotting! Join your expert guide on a game drive through the cool undergrowth to spy on the famous big cats (it’s the largest population in the world) as well as elephant, water buffalo and the surreal sloth bears. This is one of our favourite spots for families, the kids will be identifying tracks and building campfires in no time. Back at camp, enjoy top-notch meals in the cathedral-like dining domes, lounge in the pool or book a dreamy treatment at the spa.
Leopard Trails
Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka certainly has its fair share of swanky hotels and chic hideaways but if you’re after something a little more rustic, Leopard Trails might just be the spot for you. Set in the wilderness of Wilpattu, this pint-sized camp has three simply styled tents and an open-sided dining tent – the great outdoors is calling you. Embark on game drives in search of sleek leopards growling in the semi-darkness, ambling elephant and the startling purple-faced langur dangling from a vine. Cruise across the lake and sip on G&Ts at sunset, before returning to camp for an al fresco dinner of traditional Sri Lankan dishes. As night falls, strap on your safari boots for a starlit walkabout to spot a miniature loris or scampering mongoose. On your return, a fire will be crackling and drinks poured before you turn in for the night. Hidden from prying eyes, Wilpattu feels like it’s never been explored before and with its deliberately light footprint, Leopard Trails intends to keep it that way.
Santani Wellness Resort
Kandy
Nothing says ‘retreat from the world’ more than a secluded and meditative sojourn in the hills of Sri Lanka. Amongst the grassy peaks and lush forests, Santani is your one-stop wellness destination with hours to be spent at the spa carved into the hillside, where Ayurvedic treatments to cure all ailments await. Soak in the open-air thermal salt bath and let your cares melt away along with your tension during a hot stone massage. Every space at Santani is designed to highlight the remarkable and oh-so-tranquil views including the glass-sided dining pavilion, secluded infinity pool and yoga platform where sunset and sunrise will become your favourite time of day. Set in a remote corner of the Cultural Triangle, there’s history and natural beauty on-tap, which you’ll discover on temple visits in Kandy and hikes into the fields of tea. The minimalist rooms do nothing to distract from the exquisite views and calming atmosphere, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Mudhouse
Anamaduwa
We had to include one that would turn Robinson Crusoe green with envy and The Mudhouse definitely hits the mark. Lying deep in the jungles of Anamaduwa, you’ll find a group of eco-friendly huts built in a traditional style of thatch and wood – free from all thoughts of luxury. Booked as a group, there are just five huts with open sides to let in the head-clearing air as well as al fresco bathrooms. Doze in the softly swaying hammocks, learn to cook the local way or embark on something more adventurous – aka kayaking on the lake and cycling into the lush surrounds. Join the staff of local Sri Lankans as they tend the garden and tuck into organic meals as you gaze at the lake just steps away, where kingfishers dive for their lunch and elephants stop to drink. Here, in the cultural heartlands of Sri Lanka, it doesn’t get more real or gloriously rustic than this!
Jungle Beach Resort
Trincomalee
We had to finish off our list of favourites with a resort that does it all. In a remote village sandwiched between the piercing blue sea and intrepid jungle, this resort is 10 acres of thatched cabins with the view of your choice, treehouse dining and a sense of adventure that’s truly catching. Whether it’s a family affair or a honeymoon to remember, Jungle Beach has luxury, fun and stunning views by the bucket load. After years of struggle, this once war-torn coast is on the rise as a beach paradise and it still has that unexplored feel. Venture down the coastline on a whale watching boat ride, jet ski across the bay and dive amongst shoals of iridescent fish. We couldn’t let you go to Sri Lanka’s mystical northern coast without delving into its history on a tour of Trincomalee’s ancient streets and temples. What can we say, Sri Lanka is pretty magical.
