The beauty of Sri Lanka, its beaches, ancient relics and scenery that surpasses every expectation, is reason enough to visit this beautiful, mango-shaped island. And yet, there is a bevy of gorgeous resorts, camps and hotels that go above and beyond to ensure your experience is one to treasure long after you board the flight home. Looking for inspiration? Delve into our guide to seeing Sri Lanka in luxury.
Highlights of Sri Lanka
There’s something to be said about a classic trip around Sri Lanka to enjoy all the highlights (they’re so named for a reason!) from the Cultural Triangle to the coast. The journey begins in Negombo, a seaside enclave right next to the capital, Colombo, and the perfect first stop to fly and flop straight onto a poolside lounger. If you fancy a little exploring, meander from art galleries to bustling markets and sample the lip-smacking seafood. Things take a turn for the historic as you head for Anuradhapura, one corner of the Cultural Triangle, where you’ll admire the centuries-old remnants of its royal past. Why not up the ante and see it all from the basket of a hot air balloon?
Then, you’ll be whisked away to the exceedingly picturesque city of Kandy. Take a lakeside stroll, visit the city’s beautiful gardens, and admire the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. After a scenic train journey into the lush hills, tea tasting, hiking and a whole lot of R&R awaits in Hatton, before heading off on safari to spot leopard in Yala National Park. Then, head south for a generous helping of blissed-out beaches (and some whale watching), before wrapping the trip up at the historic Galle Fort.
Opulent spots to stay
Get your bearings in Negombo within the sanctuary of Wallawwa and for added levels of luxury, book the Mountbatten Suite, which has a pool all to itself. Set within acres of lush gardens, Ulagalla Resort is an exquisite spot in the Anuradhapura region, complete with heavenly spa treatments and private pools at each and every villa. Surrounded by Kandy’s pretty countryside, the Santani Wellness Resort sees to every aspect of your wellbeing, beginning with their three-tiered spa and world-class massages.
With stunning views of Castlereagh Lake (even from the bath!), butlers ensure every detail is perfect at Camellia Hills and with just five rooms, it will feel like a home from home in Hatton. The epitome of ‘glamping’, the Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers a superb beach and jungle experience on the edge of Yala National Park and the aptly-named ‘cocoon’ bedrooms are enough to make you never want to leave. On a near-private stretch of sand in Tangalle, Amanwella is a dream with foot massages on the beach, spacious suites, and sublime views of the coastline. End your trip at Fort Bazaar in Galle. Set within the ramparts, the hotel has a knock-out history and one of the best addresses in town.
Cultural Triangle & the Maldives
Trace Sri Lanka’s history, add a few days of island heaven in the Maldives, and you have a recipe for one unforgettable holiday. After getting acquainted with Colombo (and sampling more than a few succulent dishes), set your compass for the lakeside city of Kandy. Ringed by sky-brushing mountains, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka and after exploring its royal relics and temples, we have no doubt you’ll agree. Next up, the formidable rock palace of Sigiriya awaits; explore the beautiful ruins and gardens, or, if you don’t fancy climbing the steps for the view, soar overhead in a hot air balloon. Then, it’s to the Maldives for a dose of ‘Vitamin Sea’ and few days on a private island, luxuriating at the spa and snorkelling in the gin-clear water.
Opulent spots to stay
In Colombo, the exclusive Ishq Luxury Villa is impeccably designed and nothing is ever too much trouble for the incredible team. Ensconced by tranquil hills, the King’s Pavilion is an authentic delight in the outskirts of Kandy and, set in a private reserve near Sigiriya Rock, Jetwing Vil Uyana offers fabulous dining and private pool villas. Milaidhoo Island is a vision in fresh, Maldivian style, and pulls no punches in the luxury department, including on-the-water villas, canopy beds in the sand and exquisite, African-inspired spa treatments.
Sri Lanka’s Secret Side
Set your cares aside on this trip to the remotest corners of Sri Lanka and discover a different side to the country. Start the trip in colourful Colombo, and then answer the call of the wild in Wilpattu. This is a land where elephants, leopards and sloth bears roam and you’ll explore, explore and explore some more on wildlife-filled game drives. Enter the Cultural Triangle, beginning with the once-royal city of Kandy, where picture-perfect gardens and spiritual gems fill every inch. Then, take in the astonishing monolith of Sigiriya and, if you plan it just right, witness the largest gathering of elephants in Asia. Tread back in time in Galle Fort, learning all about its history with a fourth-generation guide, or sojourn down the coast for a little beachside relaxation. Your final stop is serene Ella, which sits at a cool 1,000-metres-above-sea-level, and offers excellent hiking, snap-worthy views – and plenty of tea!
Opulent spots to stay
Start your trip off right at the Residence by Uga Escapes in Colombo, which offers beautiful, spacious rooms and a large pool (a rarity in central Colombo). In Wilpattu, Leopard Trails is in tune with nature and promises up-close encounters in the jungle, and in Kandy, we suggest retiring to the Santani Wellness Resort just outside the city, where a good pampering is a given. Inspired by Sigiriya’s spectacular architecture, the Water Garden resort boasts luxury villas with a private pool, hot tub and butler and at Amangalla in Galle, you could easily spend all day at the spa, wrapped in cinnamon and lotus blossoms or soaking in a hydrotherapy pool, followed by afternoon tea. With surreal views to die for, the Nine Skies Bungalow is perfectly positioned near Ella’s many highlights.
