Top 5 luxury hotels of Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan east coast is the most untouched lands in the whole island due to the 30-year war that happened. But now it’s all doors are opened to you with their warmest welcome to enjoy the tranquil, soul-soothing scenery, culture and most hospitable gestures of people. There are some truly exceptional and boutique luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, which take full advantage of her wonderful scenic diversity. Here are some of our best choices to make your stay more comfortable, luxurious and memorable.
Ceylon Tea Trails
Fall under the quiet spell of Ceylon Tea Trails, whose five historic, tea-planter bungalows are enveloped in the emerald landscapes of Sri Lanka’s cinematic tea country. Perched more than 1,000 metres above sea level, with uninterrupted views of the rolling hills, glossy tea trees, or tranquil Castlereagh Lake, the bungalows immerse guests entirely in nature. Nature is the muse here, rightly taking centre stage – but the bungalows are steeped in history, too. The story of Ceylon Tea Trails is inextricably interwoven with that of the pioneering British and Scottish planters who saw the early promise of fortune in these lands, firstly via ill-fated coffee, and then via tea. Each of our five bungalows originally housed 19th- and 20th-century tea planters and their families. In tribute to these early adventurers, bedrooms are named after their former residents, interiors riff on the region’s past, and the bungalows’ colonial elegance remains, thanks to meticulous restorations.
The Amanwella
The 5-star Amanwella resort in Tangalle, Sri Lanka, is a single-storey beachside oasis set in a wild, rugged and remote landscape. Each of the 30 freestanding spacious suites has their own private pool and 180 degree view of the coastline. The resort is best for relaxed beach retreats, and cultural and wildlife encounters. Guests are provided with access to National Parks including Udawalawe and Bundala which are offering sights of elephants, crocodiles and birdlife. If they want to relax, they can enjoy the spa – the massages and body treatments, are available in the privacy of the Suites.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, adjacent to the Yala National Park, is renowned for its leopard population. This spectacular luxury tented lodge is situated on a rugged, empty beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Starring locally sourced, recycled materials, the 28 eco-conscious Cocoon Rooms and the bamboo-clad bar and restaurant were ingeniously fashioned by local fishermen, specially up-skilled for the task (and now equipped with an alternative source of income). Utterly rooted in its rugged setting, Wild Coast Tented Lodge gives back to its community, allocating 10% of profits to social justice projects and the environment, via the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation.
Taj Bentota Resort & Spa
With a stay at Taj Bentota Resort & Spa in Bentota, you’ll be on the beach, just steps from Bentota Beach and a 4-minute drive from Kaluwamodara Bridge. Truly a space to soak in the very spirit of Sri Lanka. Walk through lush gardens under swinging palm enjoying the sand the surf and the ocean breeze all around you. And in between our stylish rooms sire to offer stunning ocean views with private sit-outs or terraces. The cerulean waters cinnamon spices and carved elements of the local architectural traditions are combined to give a sense of place to the visitor.
The Amangalla
Amangalla is a luxury hotel with just 31 guest rooms and suites, located in Galle, Sri Lanka, and set within Unesco-protected Galle Fort, a centuries-old fortified enclave. The surroundings are complemented by a serene swimming pool with private shaded cabanas enclosed within the 200 year-old exotic gardens. Amangalla is the best choice for combining city, coastal and countryside pursuits and it’s historic, dignified ambiance suits occasions of all kinds, whether it is an intimate festivity or a charmed wedding. The relaxation part of the stay is taken to another level by on-site Ayurveda specialist offering personalised treatment programmes, five treatment rooms and two hydrotherapy suites in the spa complex, The Baths.
Parinita Salaria
Parinita Salaria is Co-Founder of Indus Bound. Indus Bound is an award-winning, specialist boutique travel company offering bespoke, luxury private India tours and tailor-made India holidays. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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I’m just back from probably the best holiday of my life and people look almost shocked when I tell them that I’ve been to Sri Lanka. They simply haven’t kept up with the news.
They’re still remembering the attack on the Kandy Temple and last year’s fuel shortage when the country ground to a halt.
The reality is very different. It’s a safe welcoming country with wonderfully friendly people and this post shows how much luxury accommodation there is to enjoy.
I’ve got to admit to not keeping up with the situation in Sri Lanka. Our neighbours recently had a holiday there, much to my surprise, and they explained that everything was running smoothly and that it was really welcoming.
Wherever and whenever I travel, if at all possible I like to build a beach break into the itinerary.
With a little luck I should be in Sri Lanka sometime in 2024 and I will be looking to schedule a few nights at Taj Bentota Resort into my programme.
Almost all of the people that I know use Negombo for their landing pad in Sri Lanka. Yes, it’s only 30 minutes from the airport.
Spend an extra hour in a car, taking in Sri Lankan life, and you could get to Bentota and enjoy a much quieter and luxurious time at the Taj.
It’s always been one of my ambitions to live the colonial life even if it is only for a few days. Sri Lanka could give me the opportunity to sip freshly picked tea on a lawn with cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off.
When I finally make it to Sri Lanka, I’d like to take in Yala National Park. It seems to me that’s a side of Sri Lanka that we hear very little about. The Wild Coast Tented Lodges look absolutely unique, would love to stay there.
Long ago I did a backpacking 2 weeks travelling round Sri Lanka, often jammed into local buses. At the time it was great. I’ve often felt that now I’ve got a few more pennies in the bank I’d like to go back and do the island in style. Plenty of contenders here for luxurious places to stay.
When you think of Sri Lanka you don’t really think about wildlife. I’d love to see the leopards. I also remember reading a piece on this blog about a month ago about elephants swimming between lakes with their trunks raised like periscopes.
I would go with the Amanwella of course, as a huge fan of Aman resorts. They are always synonym of exclusiveness, privacy and authenticity.
The east coast is tempting especially as we’ve never been there on our 2 holidays in Sri Lanka.