Sri Lanka sits high up, no wonder it has exotic landscapes, soft sandy beaches and countless luxury hotels. So if you’re tempted, here are five top picks:
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Jetwing Boutique Mahesa Bhawan, Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka
A hidden gem in northern Sri Lanka. Steeped in history and boasting a rich and vibrant culture, Jaffna is a getaway off the beaten track for any intrepid traveler. It’s less of a quick whirlwind tour and more of a tasting. Soak up the atmosphere and explore a range of hidden wonders, from Buddhist temples and ruins to an island inhabited by rare wild horses.
Built in 1935, the original building was abandoned during the 30-year war and was used as a safe house by the Tamar Tigers. Meticulously restored to its former glory, it is now elegant and proud, offering guests a swimming pool, spacious dining and living spaces designed by the Cooray family themselves, and authentic Jaffna cuisine unique to the region. Jaffna is only a 50-minute flight from Colombo, however, the most convenient way to reach Jaffna by land is by train.
Prices: Double rooms from £148 per night.
SORIYA Resort & Spa, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Soria
SOORIYA Resort & Spa is a small boutique with 36 rooms, each with sweeping sea views and lush green surroundings. The swimming pool and sun terrace, as well as the rooftop yoga area also overlook the sea, providing the most magnificent backdrop for your practice. The hotel also has an Ayurveda spa.
This stunning resort is located on the southern coast of the island, just a stone’s throw from the Rekawa Sanctuary, known for its turtle conservation program and natural beauty. It showcases the extremely unique location of the island and is an excellent base to explore from Yala Safari, where you can see elephants, leopards, monkeys and watch rare species of sea turtles emerge from the water and nest on Rekawa Beach.
Rates: Current off-season rates start at $100 per room per night (subject to change).
Ruiyou Hotel.Sri Lanka, Southwest Sri Lanka
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RIU Sri Lanka opened in 2016 in the beautiful seaside town of Ahungalla in the southwest of the country. It has 501 rooms and 24-hour all-inclusive service, which means you’re free to enjoy its extensive dining options. Sample Asian specialties at Kaori, Italian cuisine at La Forchetta, or opt for an open-air grill at Saute. The hotel also has two buffet restaurants, Riti Panna and Ceylon, and offers full drink service at its four bars: Nuwara, The Purple Lounge, After Hours and Flamingos, the last of which is located by the pool with a swim-up bar.
There are 3 outdoor swimming pools and 1 children’s pool. Relax in the sun on the hotel’s terrace, or use the jacuzzi and gym. The Renova Spa wellness center offers a wide range of treatments.
Kids can join their new friends at the RiuLand Mini Club, while adults can enjoy the full entertainment program or work out in the RiuFit area.
How much: Rooms from £167 per night.
Malabar Hill, Sri Lanka, South West Sri Lanka
malabar hills
The newly opened Malabar Hill is a nature-focused luxury resort in South West Sri Lanka, close to the beaches of Mirissa and Weligama. The 33-acre site is perched on a hilltop with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding bushland and nearby coastline, and is known for its biodiversity and is home to a wealth of endemic and other flora and fauna.
Nestled in the jungle canopy, 14 private villas feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors leading to private terraces, each with its own infinity pool.Amenities include air-conditioning and ceiling fans, private sundeck and outdoor dining area, wireless internet, selection of locally grown teas and French coffee maker, fully stocked minibar and refreshments, complimentary bottled water
Facilities include an open-air restaurant and bar, a 35-meter infinity pool overlooking lush rice fields, and ample indoor and outdoor lounging space, ideal for relaxing during the day and long tropical evenings.
The property is home to wild boars, mongooses and langurs, which can often be seen from the infinity pool or private patio, while the surrounding area is filled with the sounds of a wide variety of wild birds including orioles, hornbills and peacocks.
The hotel is near motorway exits for easy access to both international airports and the inland ocean, yet is only a 15 minute drive to the nearest spa beaches of Mirissa and Weligama. The health spa will open in late October 2022.
Cost: From £206 per person per night at Malabar Hills, in a private pool villa, full board, including airport transfers.
Kahanda Kanda near Galle Fort
Kahanda Kanda is situated on a hilltop, close to the South Coast beaches, on 12 acres of beautiful tea estates. Kahanda Kanda offers 12 uniquely designed villas surrounded by exotic lush landscaping overlooking Koggala Lake. Seven of the villas have their own swimming pools. They are furnished with four-poster beds and are richly decorated with art and antiques, and most are very private thanks to terraces or balconies facing the estate, creating a separate and peaceful retreat.
Prices: Doubles from $350 (£266) low season; $550 (£418) high. Breakfast is included. Free WiFi.
Pool and poolside beds (c) Martino Matijevic
The hotel started out as a private mansion and later turned into a small luxury boutique hotel. It’s ideally located in the coastal town of Unawatuna, tucked away in lush green forest just minutes from a small sandy beach. Or just relax in the large swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and double beds. Read our full review here
Cost: From £137 per night
