The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Sri Lanka is a pearl in the Indian Ocean, famous for its majestic temples, rich colonial history and stunning natural beauty.
Despite recent disruptions, the island is filled with optimism and energy, and a wave of luxurious places to stay in Sri Lanka from new villas and posh hotels as well as exciting experiences means it is definitely one of the key places to visit – or to rediscover – in 2023.
Sri Lanka’s capital city of Colombo has famous sites including the Old Parliament Building, Independence Square and a number of fascinating temples. But the city’s skyline is changing with the development of Port City – a huge expanse of reclaimed land which is being transformed into a high-tech city which will eventually be home to businesses, homes, hotels and a marina. The best way to view it is from a sunset cruise on a lovely catamaran with a local drink of Arrack in hand.
The city has a good selection of hotels, from the old colonial Galle Face Hotel to international chains such as Movenpick, which has the city’s highest rooftop pool and bar. Now there are also chic boutique hotels such as the elegant Zylan Luxury Villa. Zylan Luxury Villa is a former private villa that has been transformed into a tropical oasis with a homely ambience close to the heart of the busy city.
Adorned with striking artwork created by the owner there are just six spacious rooms. Dine at the Zen Japanese restaurant,Verandah Café for all day dining or the Brew Bar which serves authentic Hong Kong Bubble Waffle. Zylan has a stunning rooftop pool and bar and a tranquil courtyard. A mediation class in the morning offers a relaxing start to the day.
Sri Lankan food is an adventure and features many different spices, with delicious curries served with rice and pickles. In Colombo you can take a jeep tour through the city streets and stop for street food with the locals by night, or head to one of the city’s fine dining establishments such as the restaurant at Elevate rooftop bar with great views over the city and the impressive Lotus Tower. A cocktail made with local spirits and decorated with curry leaves is a tropical treat.
Or if tea is more your tipple, you are in the right place. Stop off on the way to Galle at Ayubo Tea for tea tasting and a potted history of the country’s fascinating tea planting culture.
The historic coastal city of Galle is easily reached from Colombo thanks to a much improved highway. Galle Fort with its cobbled walkways was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, and then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. As well as being of archaeological interest it is as home to some exclusive shops, galleries and bars. Galle’s Unawatuna area is lively, with rows of colourful stalls and beach bars tempting visitors to enjoy sundown drinks by the sea.
The Tabula Rasa Resort is just a short drive from the beach and is set in its own lush tropical grounds with 25 luxurious rooms. Guests might spot monkeys in the tree outside their room, some of which have an inviting plunge pool with views over the trees down to the sea. Spot wild peacocks in the surrounding fields and visit local villages for a cookery demonstration.
As well as hotels there are new luxurious villas near Galle, such as Villa Space, a majestic villa on a hill which can accommodate 12 people in a gorgeous peaceful setting close to beautiful beaches. Pedlar’s Manor is an elegant, spacious four bedroom villa built in a colonial Dutch style with a private pool and antique furnishings.
The 185 mile Pekoe Trail which opens next year passes across dramatic countryside, villages and towns. The first of the 22 stages is already complete. Some parts of the trail were originally used to transport tea and hikers can spot beautiful endemic birds, exotic flora and watch people working in the paddy fields.
Pekoe’s official trailhead is at Kandy. Rest your legs after the hike at the charming Coffee Bungalow, built as a coffee planter’s home in 1860 and converted into a hotel in 1960, with seven suites decorated in colonial style. From the terrace visitors can see the city’s most famous sites, the Temple of the Tooth shrine and the scenic Bogambara Lake.
In the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle which includes revered cave temples and the 5th century ruins at Sigiriya Rock lies Kalundewa Retreat, a 100 acre paradise. It is a unique place to stay with distinctive rooms named after the trees in the property, each with floor to ceiling glass walls designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Sarath Liyanage. You wake up in the heart of the forest to the sounds of nature – a rippling lake, rustling trees, monkeys calling and birds singing in a dense jungle setting. Dine under the stars at The Tree House or in your own luxurious suite in a magical forest.
The rapper Tine Tempah stayed here with his family because of its privacy, remote location and peaceful tranquil atmosphere. But you don’t need to be a star to appreciate the clear skies, closeness to nature and the staff’s attentive service.
From city to coast, retreats to resorts, Sri Lanka offers a wealth of new luxurious accommodation and fascinating experiences in a country steeped in cultural and natural attractions.
