The Best of Sri Lanka

About The Wallawwa Kotugoda

The Wallawwa is not your typical Colombo airport hotel. Set in 200-year-old tropical gardens just a 15-minute drive from Sri Lanka’s main international gateway, this award-winning 18-bedroom country house hotel with offers gourmet food, a refined outdoor pool, and a heavenly spa. A re-purposed and highly atmospheric 18th-century manor house, this is a stylish and serene pre- or post-flight alternative to hotels in Negombo or Colombo. 18 bedrooms and suites are a graceful blend of character and contemporary: with four-poster beds, fine linens, vintage furnishings, and modern amenities. A convivial open-sided restaurant, the Verandah, serves exquisite a la carte Asian Fusion cuisine throughout the day to tables overlooking the 200-year-old tropical gardens. Z Spa captures the peaceful mood by pampering guests with luxurious and restful treatments – ideal to get you ready for or unwind after a long flight.

About Horathapola Estate

Located just under an hour from Colombo Bandaranaike Airport, Horathapola Estate sits amongst 50 acres of rural serenity. Shake off your jetlag in stylish seclusion, surrounded by the gentle backdrop of a working coconut, fruit, and vegetable estate, with accommodation found in a beautifully restored five-bedroom colonial-era mansion and an attached two-bedroom family lodge. The estate buildings are airy and alluring: most rooms are over 300 square feet, equipped with a blend of modern features and antique furnishings, all extending out into private terraces or balconies. Around these rooms, you’ll find an exquisitely manicured garden, complete with an expansive saltwater swimming pool and jacuzzi, beyond which are several walking trails leading to open fields populated by countless species of tropical birds.

About Water Garden Sigiriya

A modern, highly-polished rural resort, Water Garden has a beautiful and extremely peaceful lakefront setting, with the 2,000-year-old Sigiriya Rock perfectly framed in the background. Flanked by winding tributaries and veiled by the abundant flora, the 30 immaculately appointed villas combine chic, spacious interiors, private gardens, and exclusive plunge pools. Choose from an array of dining options and settings, whether you’re in the mood for an intimate gathering amidst the great outdoors or a more traditional indoor venue; a fully-stocked bar also offers a wide choice of refreshments and an extensive cocktail list. Facilities include a wide and very attractive swimming pool area, a fitness centre, and an abundance of activities including billiards, cycling and archery. The spa focuses on Ayurvedic and Balinese techniques and is easily the best in the area.

About Ulagalla

Set around 30km outside of Anuradhapura, luxurious Ulagalla is a base from which to explore the northern reaches of the cultural triangle and also a destination in itself: set amongst 58 acres of private grounds, home to over 100 birds species, with hikes, cycling routes, and numerous quiet corners for bucolic relaxation. At the centre of the property is a converted 150 year-old chieftain’s mansion, housing a large lobby, restaurant, bar, and central pool. Around this are 25 oversize private villas – all equipped with indoor and outdoor living spaces, plus private pools – set amongst fertile paddy fields and manicured gardens. Day trips to the ruins of Anuradhapura, the Buddhist relics of Mihintale, and the leopards of Wilpattu National Park are all possible; onsite activities include cooking classes, agricultural tours, nature walks, and a high-end spa.

About Elephant Stables Kandy

Located in a quiet residential area just 10 minutes from the buzz of downtown Kandy, the Elephant Stables is a serene and welcoming retreat offering a high-class and convenient stay right on the edge of Sri Lanka’s hill capital. The hotel features a collection of 7 rooms and suites which combine colonial flavour and ambience with chic designer elements. Four-poster beds, large bathrooms, private outdoor space, and contemporary amenities provide a relaxed but luxurious feel. An attractive infinity swimming pool is overlooked by tropical trees and foliage, with views down to Kandy and the surrounding hills. A bar, reading room, games room, and elegant all-day dining space complete the facilities.

About King's Pavilion Kandy

Set on a hillside overlooking the slopes of Kandy, King’s Pavilion is an atmospheric boutique retreat and highly comfortable base from which to explore the ancient city. Just 15 minutes from the Temple of the Tooth and downtown Kandy, the property has 9 boutique suites that are richly furnished, with modern bathrooms and amenities, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering fine views. Facilities include a small swimming pool and pool deck, a small spa with an attached sauna and steam room, and the offer of complimentary bike hire or yoga classes. A semi-outdoor restaurant serves up Sri Lankan specialities and a selection of international favourites, accompanied by an extensive wine and cocktail menu.

About Jetwing Kaduruketha

This experience-led eco-hotel sits serenely amongst the paddy fields of rural Wellawaya, backed by views of the low hills of Ella above. The property puts great emphasis on sustainability and local engagement, presenting itself as an ‘agro-luxury’ hotel that works in tandem with the neighboring village. 25 rooms are set across the 10-acre grounds, with large beds, modern amenities, ensuite bathrooms, private verandahs, and bicycles parked outside giving you the freedom to explore the grounds and surrounds. The central pavilion includes a smart restaurant, library, wine cellar, Ayurvedic spa, and an inviting swimming pool. Guided village walks are the perfect way to discover the rural surroundings, encountering both villagers and tropical wildlife nearby. Other experiences include garden tours and cookery demos, bird-watching, archaeological tours, and more involved hikes and cycling trails.

About 98 Acres Resort

Sitting within the grounds of a 98-acre tea estate – hence the name – this elegant retreat is arguably the hill country’s premier boutique resort. The property is situated just outside of popular Ella – close enough to dip in and out of the busy village, but sufficient distance to enjoy peace and tranquility – with jaw-dropping views of Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak found all across the estate. 98 Acres has 28 inviting chalet rooms that are a mix of contemporary and eco-friendly, constructed almost entirely of recycled materials, with polished concrete floors, floor-to-ceiling picture windows, and ‘illuk’ straw-thatched roofs. Balconies and terraces are constructed from re-used railway sleepers and have stunning, uninterrupted views of the hills.

The central communal buildings consist of an airy restaurant and bar, and a small pool. Walking paths lead all through the surrounding estate, while mountain bikes can be hired to explore the wider Ella area. Helpful staff are full of ideas for exploring the region, with plenty of hikes to enjoy, cooking demos, plantation tours, and – for the ultimate experience – helicopter tours launched from the estate’s own helipad.