Sri Lanka matches the fairytale feel of a honeymoon with a good dollop of wildlife, ancient kingdoms and incredible beaches. The island darling of South East Asia, Sri Lanka is well-equipped to offer honeymooners the experience of a lifetime, whether you dream of serene days in the tea-scented countryside (with just the right amount of pampering), out-and-out history and stunning scenery or pure, sand-between-your-toes bliss. Seamlessly blend sun-soaking on the coast and leopard-spotting in Sri Lanka’s tangle of jungles with the fine-dining of its fortified cities and all the vivid culture in between. And the mango-shaped island has plenty of lodges to suit whichever form your honeymoon takes. Have a read of our top picks for an unforgettable Sri Lanka honeymoon then tick this one off your wedding ‘to do’ list.
The classic
We’re starting off with a bang! Our classic Sri Lanka trip is anything but tame and we like to think of it as a tasting menu for the island’s many offerings. Dip your toes into Negombo’s relaxing side with a dose of good food and soaks in the tropical pool, before setting off for the cultural delights of Anuradhapura – see an offshoot of the tree under which Buddha became enlightened and marvel at the hundreds of storied temples. Your honeymoon takes a turn for the idyllic when you travel by train to the sweeter-than-sugarcane city of Kandy. Spend your days enthralled by historic architecture, getting your fill of tea and boating on the lake. Let the relaxing times roll as you chug to the genteel hills of Hatton, where time seems to have stood still and your stay can be enjoyed with as much (or as little) activity as you like. Enjoy true quality time together whilst nibbling on afternoon tea on the lawns, or hike into the mountains and kayak on the tranquil lake. Journey to the wilds of Yala National Park; it’s home to the world’s largest leopard population so you should have no trouble spotting them – and there are secluded beaches to explore too! We couldn’t call it a classic Sri Lankan honeymoon without finishing off on the delicious South Coast. Wander the winding lanes and discover the architecture of Galle Fort, snorkel in the bay, lay beneath dancing coconut palms and leave having absorbed enough sunshine to keep you glowing all the way home.
Top spots to stay
For your first night, we love The Wallawwa and for an extra dash of luxury, the Mountbatten Suite is stunning! In Anuradhapura, there’s only one way to go and that’s Ulagalla Resort, a dreamy place with lovely villas, Balinese sun soother wraps and bicycles waiting on your doorstep. In the regal city of Kandy, our top choice for honeymooners is The Kandy House – a no kids allowed, jungle-bound hotel with plenty of history. The tea planter bungalows of the Ceylon Tea Trails will quickly steal your heart, as will the views of Castlereagh Lake (and we’d go with the more-private-than-private Summerville Bungalow). The beachside Chena Huts are a unique spot in Yala where whale watching, jungle trekking and sunny days are always on the cards. On the South Coast, put your feet up at the colourful Last House and in historic Galle, the luxury Aditya Resort makes a fantastic last stop.
Jungles, Hill Country & history
Leave all thoughts of the real world on the mainland with this romantic journey into the secret and most scenic parts of Sri Lanka. You’ll fly into Negombo for a relaxing evening of excellent cuisine in a lush and lovely setting by the sea. This is the last you’ll see of city life for a while as it’s off to the forests of Wilpattu for adventurous days boating on the lakes – eyes peeled for elephant, mugger crocodiles and purple-faced langur, before forging your own trail on leopard-spotting drives into the jungle. Be enthralled by the colossal rock fortress of Sigiriya as you scale its frescoed steps or soar overhead in a hot air balloon – you don’t make memories like this every day! Your next stop is Kandy, a once-royal city where you can stroll across fragrant tea farms, before enjoying a taste of Ceylon on the lawns. For a bit more activity, get to know its impressive history while hiking to find sun-cracked temples. Believe us, the serenity is palpable! You’ll be whisked away by train to the enchanting hills of Ella, hidden 1000 metres above sea level and the home of real romance. Marvel at the mist-encircled peaks and famous Nine Arch Bridge on hiking trails, before a sunset G&T calls you back to the hotel. Your last days will be spent on the island’s sun-kissed southern coast and Galle provides the perfect combination of history, delectable eateries and views. You’ll have just enough time to pick up a handmade souvenir in Colombo before waving Sri Lanka goodbye.
Top spots to stay
This is no regular honeymoon and Leopard Trails makes the perfect start in wild Wilpattu – with only three tents, alfresco showers and evening walks to track the animated loris, it’s paradise. In Sigiriya, they do nothing by halves and the eco-friendly but stunning chalets at Jetwing Vil Uyana prove it. Get involved with Sri Lanka’s small cat conservation, enjoy private dinners in a treehouse and listen to the trumpet of an elephant from your deck. Well and truly off-the-beaten-track, Santani Wellness Resort lulls you into relaxation with delightful spa treatments and the scenic pool, before you venture into Kandy to enjoy the on-tap history. In Ella, the restored Nine Skies Bungalow is a pebble’s throw from top hiking spots and the butler service will have you pampered in no time. For your final stop, Aditya Resort sits on the beautiful and bar-studded Rathgama Beach with historic Galle Fort just a bicycle ride away.
Off the beaten track in Sri Lanka
We’ve established that Sri Lanka is pretty mind-boggling, and there are few better places for a one-of-a-kind honeymoon to tell the grandkids about, especially with our off the beaten track trip! Barrel straight into the heart of the Cultural Triangle in the medieval city of Anuradhapura where revered temples and immense forts are sure to send a tingle down your spine. Emerge from this labyrinth of spirituality and history, and ready yourself for the far-flung east coast. We couldn’t resist the romantic seaside town of Pasikudah where the surf rolls gently onto shore, the reefs wait to be explored and a cruise down the coastline will leave you in a dreamy state. Your trip gets only more wild as you venture inland to Sri Lanka’s most untouched park, Gal Oya. With a serene reservoir at its centre, this park is ripe for days spent exploring the cluster of islands, boating as elephant paddle by and treading through the forest with members of the ancient Veddha tribe. You return to the Cultural Triangle with a few days in Kandy, a picture-perfect city in the hills where you’ll stroll across perfumed tea farms, hike to spot leopards in the mountains and marvel at temples. Take in the vistas of Hatton while kayaking on the lake or walking in Buddha’s footprints before Sri Lanka bids you farewell in jazzy Colombo.
Top spots to stay
Stepping off the tourist trail means your choice is simple when it comes to where to stay – and we’ve made sure it’s the best on offer. In Anuradhapura, the pristine villas at Ulagalla Resort blend pure luxury with bucolic charm – think private pools, Balinese full-body wraps, horse riding by the lake and dinner in a candlelit rice paddy. Beautifully-designed and set just off one of the most beautiful (and swimmable) beaches on the east coast, Uga Bay provides water sports, whale watching and plenty of cocktails without breaking the bank. As the only spot to stay in the park, the mountain-top Gal Oya Lodge is a delight with breakfast at the river’s edge, night treks to spot pangolins and outdoor cooking lessons. In the lush outskirts of Kandy, Santani Wellness Resort is remote to a ‘T’ with serene mountain views, blissful messages and history to dig into. In Hatton, Ceylon Tea Trails promise wonderfully private and romantic bungalows, adventurous activities and views that are, in a word, sublime.
Cultural Triangle & the heavenly Maldives
If the sound of centuries-old rock palaces, mountain hikes to spot leopard and swoon-worthy days on a private island tickle your fancy, this trip has your name on it! Soon after touching down in vibrant Colombo, get your fix of historic tales and royal legends in Sigiriya, the emerald jewel of the Cultural Triangle, where the impressive rock fortress draws gasps as you trek to the top or gaze at it from the air. Follow the scent of finely-brewed Ceylon to Kandy, a royally beautiful city set at the edge of a lake. Putter out on a boat ride, take in the views from a lush plantation (with tea and scones to follow) or hike into the mountainous world of leopards, before returning for dinner at one of the country’s best restaurants. Take your last look at the island in Colombo before jetting off for a few blissful days in the Maldives. Pick an island (there are almost 1200 of them) and kick off your flip flops at an over-the-water villa before laying out on sun-bleached beaches, snorkelling over coral reefs and dining on the shoreline. We’d call that a toe-curlingly good end to your honeymoon.
Top spots to stay
Sigiriya may be ancient but the Water Garden would never let you know it with stilted over-the-water villas (some with a private pool), spa treatments, a butler and dreamy views of the fortress. It’s a tough choice in Kandy, but The Kandy House ticks all honeymoon boxes with a no under-12s policy, clawfoot tubs for an obligatory bubble bath and your own butler. In the Maldives, every resort sits on its own private island and we’ve chosen two dreamboats. First up is Gili Lankanfushi, where you’ll zip across the lagoon on a private speedboat to your over-water villa with a rooftop jacuzzi, before picnics on a deserted island and snorkelling with rare green sea turtles. The lovely Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is easy on the eye and the budget, and offers dolphin cruises, parasailing and seashell massages. Heavenly, right?
