Ceylon Tea Trails
Sri Lanka’s first Relais & Chateaux resort, Ceylon Tea Trails, is a collection of four colonial era bungalows. The former tea planters’ homes are connected via walking trails through lush tea plantations and all boast distinct designs. The late 19th century ‘high colonial’ Tientsin was one the first ever such residences erected in Ceylon, with 21 guestrooms and suites. Norwood offers a more modern aesthetic, but still harks back to the 1950s. All bungalows are serviced by a butler, with gourmet dining on offer. Walking trails meander between the unique bungalows, with guests encouraged to trek and picnic within the resort’s stunning surrounds.
Amangalla
Hidden within the walls of the historic UNESCO-protected Galle Fort, this wonderful Aman resort offers a taste of life in colonial times. The period building was an army barracks before it was turned into a hotel in the 19th century, and still retains the charm of a bygone era, with hardwood floors throughout and cool whitewashed walls encasing the exterior. Entering the Zaal, or Great Hall, is like walking back in time, with period furnishings, ceiling fans and antique decor. Take an aperitif in the Library while reading up on the history of the hotel, before gorging on traditional Sri Lankan curry on the terrace of The Dining Room.
Amanwella
Standing proud on a palm-covered bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Amanwella could not be more different than its sister property in Galle. The resort’s design is inspired by the work of Sri Lankan master architect Geoffrey Bawa, using natural materials that blend in with the environment. A 47-metre rock swimming pool looks out across the curved bay and the individual suites that cascade down the hillside to the water’s edge, where local fishing boats are moored. Embrace the power of the rugged natural setting with a spa treatment in the coconut grove, a surfing lesson, or a nature walk around nearby Wella Wathuara village.
Casa Colombo
A 12-suite boutique hotel, Casa Colombo melds retro-chic aesthetics within a two century-old Moorish mansion. Tucked away from the bustling Galle Road, the hotel is festooned with Italian and Indian mosaic flooring, with carved arches and moulded ceilings that reflect the property’s heritage. Each suite is unique, with its own distinct hues and layout. The three Traveller Suites and eight Corporate Suites are topped by the lone Royal Suite, with 90 square metres of floor space and décor designed by founder Lalin Jinasena. The in-suite sound system comes stocked with tunes to suit your mood, including jazz, salsa and chill out lounge music.
The Wallawwa
Set among five acres of tropical gardens, The Wallawwa is an award-winning boutique located minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport. Converted from a colonial manor house, the hotel offers 17 lovingly restored rooms and suites, with minimal décor, tasteful furnishings and a dedicated butler service. To properly enjoy this secluded paradise, book a treatment at the pristine ‘Z’ Spa and chase the stress away before sampling Asian fusion cuisine at The Verandah restaurant. If you’re looking to splash out, book into the Mountbatten Suite and make good use of your personal plunge pool, sizeable living room and private garden.
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo is situated at the heart of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhood. Booking in advance is essential, as the ultra-luxe boutique has just 10 suites, all housed in a refurbished period building. Formerly the presidential residence of the Bandaranaike family, the hotel now caters to the city’s visiting elite and boasts state-of-the-art spa facilities, private alfresco dining area and a lap pool. If you’re looking for some truly understated luxury, a stay in the North West Suite, with its private plunge pool, personal terrace and cushion-strewn sofas, won’t disappoint.
Jetwing Vil Uyana
Beneath the historic rock fortress of Sigiriya lies one of Sri Lanka’s best luxury eco hotels. Jetwing Vil Uyana is nestled among the paddy fields adjacent to a man-made lake, which was created as a wetland habitat. The resort was built within the nature reserve, with guest villas positioned to take in views of the surrounding landscape. The hotel’s dining options range from formal to casual. Four options include The Apsara for fine dining and The Sulang for more informal fare, as well as Graffiti Bar, to keep guests in good spirits. Tree House Dining provides a quirky way to combine food and wildlife spotting, within a tree in the hotel’s grounds.
Taj Samudra
Overlooking Galle Face Beach and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the Taj Samudra offers a taste of luxury at the heart of Colombo’s bustling business hub. Perfectly positioned for corporate and leisure guests alike, the hotel is in close proximity to many of the city’s biggest shopping arcades, buzziest cafes and happening nightclubs, while nearby cultural hotspots include the Old Parliament and Fort Bazaar. For the best stay, opt for the Deluxe Ocean View Room and enjoy incredible panoramas from your personal balcony before making use of the state-of-the-art gymnasium and sizeable swimming pool.
Ellerton Boutique Hotel
Built more than 100 years ago as the residence of a Sri Lankan tea baron, Ellerton is now a luxurious boutique hotel. With just six individually decorated colonial-style bedrooms, the quaint hotel boasts an air of exclusivity that befits its heritage. At 2,400 feet above sea level, Ellerton gets the best of the sunny Sri Lankan weather and offers incredible panoramic views of the resort’s untamed natural surroundings. When it comes to dining, the boutique’s duo of talented chefs promise to rustle up a variety of delicious local delicacies, while a stay in The Garden Room suite offers uninterrupted views across the deep, tropical valley below.
