Surrounded by nature in its truest forms, Sri Lanka is among the most beautiful destinations in the world. A safe haven for nature lovers, the pearl-shaped island has once again opened its gates to fully vaccinated Indians. Disclosing some of the best deals, here’s our pick of the most luxurious hotels in Sri Lanka for a calm, blissful escape.
1. Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa – Kandy, Sri Lanka
Photo Courtesy: Aarunya Resort
Located in the central hills of the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa sits on the outskirts of Kandy City, overlooking the Knuckles Mountain Range. A collection of nine modern luxury private villas surrounded by spice and tea gardens, accommodations at Aarunya feature lavish amenities like a plunge pool and Jacuzzi along with outdoor seating areas offering spectacular views of the Knuckles Mountain. Aarunya has a wide range of excursions to choose from including waterfall and nature hikes, National Park excursions, tours of the Ceylon tea factory, scenic drives and more!
Located near Sri Lanka’s crisp hill country Dickoya, Camellia Hills is a modern five-bedroom tea planter’s bungalow offering spectacular views of the Castlereagh reservoir. The accommodations include three Lakeview bedrooms and two Camellia bedrooms, each fixed with a private furnished terrace as well as direct access to the gardens, designed in blue and white colour tones exuding a tropical beach aesthetic. White water rafting, Castlereagh boat rides, tea trails and tea factory tours are some of the excursions provided by the hotel.
A gorgeous clifftop resort, Cape Weligama by Relais & Chateaux, boasts 12 tropical acres above the Indian Ocean with magnificent coastal views, just a few miles from surf-orientated Weligama. Set out like a traditional Sri Lankan village, the hotel’s 39 Villas & Suites are designed with distinct custom-designed furnishings with ensuite bathrooms with walk-in steam rooms/showers. Ocean safari’s, cinnamon plantation tours, water sports and culinary experiences are some of the fun activities provided by the hotel.
Laid out on a splendid rocky headland, Saman Villas is one of the few locations in Sri Lanka to have a one-of-a-kind coastal view of the Bentota in the north, Induruwa in the south as well as the Indian Ocean. Inspired by ancient Sri Lankan architecture, the 27 ocean-facing suites boast a tropical modern aesthetic with dramatic views of either the Bentota or Induruwa beaches. Each of the suites are designed to either have direct garden access or a private balcony depending on the room. Offering an abundance of things to do, Saman Villas provides curated excursions like Maduganga River Safari, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, river cruising and diving along with extensive tours of the city.
One of the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, The Muse Bentota by Taru Villas is a beautiful private villa surrounded by a wild beach and tropical gardens. The property offers 9 stylish and comfortable rooms, decorated with antique furniture and contemporary artwork along with facilities like an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a shared lounge. The team at Taru villas offer a number of excursions to choose from including water sports, river safaris and tours of the Lunuganga Estate.
Set amongst the golden dunes and lush greenery, the Uga Chena Huts blends Sri Lanka’s most celebrated features – its tropical beaches and exotic wildlife. Enveloped in scenic splendour and exotic fauna, the luxury ‘huts’ feature a shaded private built-in plunge pool, surrounded by fine views of the wilderness and seascape. Offering access to Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park- Yala National Park, Uga Cena provides wildlife excursions where one can catch a glimpse of reptile species like turtles, crocodiles, flying snakes and elegant fan-throated lizards.
Blending luxury with nature, the breathtakingly beautiful Sigiriya hotel is surrounded by expansive lakes & water streams. The hotel boasts a modern-day water harvesting design inspired by the 2,000-year-old water garden on Sigiriya Rock. set amongst a perfectly articulated landscape with abundant flora, the hotel features 30 chic and spacious villas with rustic interiors, a sundeck and private plunge pools. The hotel organises guided tours to help guests explore the hidden gems of Sigiriya. These include Sigiriya Lion Rock, Ritigala Monastry, Minneriya Jeep Safari and Cycle tours among other local tours.
The Wild Coast Tented Lodge is situated on a rugged beach on the edge of Yala National Park. Inspired by a vintage safari theme, the resort features 28 vaulted Cocoons & Urchin tents that offer the comfort of a luxury hotel with the excitement of a raw wilderness experience. While most of the rooms come with a landscaped water hole, four beach-facing Cocoons come with big decks and private plunge pools. The hotel organises guided bushwalks, rural bike explorations, Sithulpawwa Monastery visits as well as animal safaris to help guests have a holistic wilderness experience.
