SRI LANKA

OVERVIEW

Where to go that combines a fascinating history, rich culture, beautiful countryside and stunning coastline? Sri Lanka in fact ticks every box making it an ideal honeymoon destination and one for the bucket list. Often glamorous beach breaks strike fear into those who would rather avoid two weeks staring out to sea. In comparison, Sri Lanka offers a plethora of activities and landscapes to discover.

Head to Yala National Park to spot wild elephants and leopards, trek in lush tea plantations in Hill Country and go surfing in Weligama. And for those who love their cricket, a visit to Galle is a must. Furthermore, for those into their food, a cookery class can be arranged in your luxurious homestay and you can discover the street food of Colombo with a market tour.

The weather in Sri Lanka is often misunderstood. The best time of year to visit is between December and March but in fact a trip in November can result in great weather (think the UK on a good day with a likelihood of the odd rain shower). So with direct flights from the UK and a vibrant country just waiting to be discovered, what are you waiting for?

CURRENT FAVES

KANDY

THE KANDY HOUSE

This unique boutique hotel is set in the leafy outskirts of Kandy. Staying in a 200-year-old palazzo, The Kandy House has been transformed. With just eight romantic rooms, head for a dip in the infinity pool looking out to grazing buffalos in the fields below. For daytime exploring, head out on the hotel bicycles or take a guide to explore the local temples before returning for cocktails at the hotel bar.

GALLE

AMANGALLA

Amangalla lies within the ramparts of Sri Lanka’s 17th-century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering views of the Fort and harbour on one side and the hotel’s lush gardens and swimming pool on the other, the historic residence presents lofty-ceilinged suites, elegant fine dining and a tranquil Aman Spa complete with Hydrotherapy Suites. With just 29 guestrooms and suites and several dining venues, Amangalla is the perfect idyll to retreat to after a busy day exploring Galle and its beautiful surroundings.

SIGIRIYA

WATER GARDEN SIGIRIYA

This striking 30-bedroom hotel is set amidst landscaped water gardens overlooking Sigiriya, a World Heritage Site. Designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect, Channa Daswatta, the 30 villas offer an immense living space with living rooms and sunken bathtubs. Some of the deluxe villas also have pools. There are expansive grounds with a relaxed restaurant, two-storey bar, 32-metre swimming pool, separate children’s pool, spa & gym. The highlight of this property being that its perfectly situated for day trips to Sigiriya (also known as ‘Lion’s Rock’, an iconic rock fortress which you climb to see fresco paintings), Minneriya National Park and the Dambulla cave temples, the largest and best-preserved rock cave temple complex in Sri Lanka.