Packed to the gills with culture, history and wildlife – and a good dose of palm-lined beaches too – Sri Lanka’s gorgeous hotels are the cherry on top of a trip to the island. From chic hideouts in ancient forts to jungle-top cabins, there’s a wide array to choose from, each complementing its location just perfectly. Read on to discover our best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.
Ulagalla Resort
Sri Lanka’s iconic Cultural Triangle is all about ancient history, UNESCO world heritage sites and spirituality. And whilst the historic sites might be far from their days of glory, the hotels most certainly are not. The ancient city of Anuradhapura is the capital of the region and it’s here that you’ll find the picture-perfect Ulagalla Resort, set in 50 acres of well-manicured gardens and wild rice paddies. Combining the ancient with the contemporary with a beautifully-restored 150-year-old mansion building and modern, thatched villas sprinkled around the gardens, the whole property is beautiful. In residence, expect private pools and thundering rain showers, complimentary bikes to explore the area, two restaurants, and even private cooking classes.
Nine Skies Bungalow
There’s an iconic image of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country: a pretty blue and white train surrounded by the rolling green tea bluffs, chugging over a spectacular arched bridge. This is the Nine Arch Bridge, an architectural feat and one of the highlights of the area – aside from the tea, of course. Just next door is the gorgeous Nine Skies Bungalow, a luxury villa from a bygone era with 360-degree views of the valley below. With only five rooms, it’s small and intimate, and the team will do everything possible to make your stay fabulous. The bungalow is also set on its very own working tea estate so not only will you know that you’re sipping on the freshest cuppa imaginable, you can also spend time wandering through the vibrant leaves and visiting the on-site tea factory. You’ll certainly know what to order with breakfast every day…
Santani Wellness Resort
One of the first in the brand-new line of wellness and health hotels that are emerging all over Sri Lanka, Santani Wellness Resort is everything you think of when you imagine a top-of-the-line retreat. The modern, minimalist design blends perfectly into the hills of Kandy and inside, the pared-back designs immediately set busy minds at ease. At the three-tiered spa carved into the hillside, there are hot stone massages on offer as well as Ayurvedic treatments with world-renowned therapists, yoga classes and thermal salt baths. You’ll emerge a totally different person…
Amangalla
Head to the southwest of Sri Lanka and you’ll find the town of Galle and its famous fortress. Spoilt for choice for restaurants, cafes and quirky shops, there’s only one place to stay in our eyes: Amangalla. Opulent and wonderful, the hotel is set inside the 17th-century walls of the Galle Fort, and if you want history right on your doorstep, there’s nowhere better. The hotel itself will transport you back in time with its carved furniture from the ages and old-fashioned hospitality, but its style and elegance belongs firmly in the 21st century. Long days of exploring can be finished with an Ayurvedic treatment in the stylish spa, followed by a well-shaken cocktail on the verandah overlooking the harbour. How very civilised.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
With its collection of elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo and, hopefully, leopards, Yala National Park has a firm place on the list of Sri Lanka’s wildlife hotspots. A mere stone’s throw from the action, you’ll find Wild Coast Tented Lodge, a safari lodge that strikes the perfect balance between total wildness and complete luxury. Home is an enormous, canvas-covered ‘cocoon’ complete with stunning interiors and a private pool. In between game drives, head to the Ten Tuskers bar for a chilled cocktail or to the pool with a good book as the monkeys swing overhead.
Goatfell
In a stylish return to the lush, hilly tea lands, next up is pretty Goatfell. Located in Nuwara Eliya, the heartland of Hill Country, the historic bungalow has just four rooms with bags of style, comfort and views you’ll hardly be able to tear yourself away from. There’s also a croquet lawn and extra points if you spot the red postbox, a relic from times past. Each room comes with its own butler and the personal touch is truly what Goatfell specialises in – nothing is ever too much trouble. Add to that the infinity pool, seemingly suspended over the tea estates below, and the delicious food that mixes modern and local classics, and this is a true Sri Lankan gem.
The Wallawwa
Close to the international airport in Colombo (but far enough away to negate any air traffic disturbances) the Wallawwa is a rare gem of a hideaway. Whether recovering from a long journey or rounding off a trip with some R&R, the lush surroundings are the ideal spot to wash your cares away. Laze in the gardens by the pool, whisk yourself off to the spa to feel renewed, or simply wander the hallways, soaking up the 200-year old history of the house. The food is exceptional, with abundant breakfast spreads, complete with freshly baked bread and famous local hoppers, and Sri Lankan-inspired lunches and dinners conjured from only the freshest local ingredients.
Amanwella
With its palm-lined beaches and turquoise water, Tangalle is somewhere where your to-do list should contain some serious R&R. And if you’re looking for somewhere that fits the bill for exactly that, head to Amanwella. A stunning, contemporary resort that floats above the golden bay below, it’s a place to slow down and recharge the batteries aided by yoga classes amid the coconut groves, a sun-lit infinity pool and beach-side cocktails. In the suites, sliding glass doors open out to the glittering ocean and each has its own plunge pool should you be looking for ultimate privacy. If you can tear yourself away, there are also curated day-trips to explore the surrounding national parks, temples and tea plantations.
Gal Oya Lodge
Gal Oya National Park is as far from the tourist trail that you could possibly get. It’s a jungle wonderland and whilst it doesn’t have quite the same wildlife concentrations as Yala, you’ll have the wilderness all to yourself. There’s just one property here, Gal Oya Lodge, and the fact it’s hard to find only adds to its already mighty charm. Set on a mountaintop, the views over the thick canopy of trees only emphasise the remoteness, whilst the rock-hewn swimming pool is treated to a vista all of its own – a craggy mountain that seems to change colour by the hour. Hidden in the forest are the rustic, grass-roofed bandas with their open-air bathrooms and thatch walls, and every evening a traditional Sri Lankan dinner is served under the stars.
Kumu Beach
Just two hours drive from Colombo and hidden down a small track that ends at the ocean, you’ll find the supremely laid-back Kumu Beach boutique hotel. This is the sunset coast and every building of the small hotel is situated to make the most of the ever-changing sky come dusk. Enjoy the sights from the pool, or head down to the boulder-strewn beach and take up a prime perch on the sand. Back at the hotel, enjoy lazy days in the garden under a shady umbrella, book a spa treatment, and enjoy the incredible restaurant which offers a menu of tapas-style dishes and snacks to order to your sun lounger, as well as dinners of fresh seafood and Sri Lankan curries.
