Where to stay in Sri Lanka? 4 Luxury Hotels to consider

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We explored the central, south and western parts of Sri Lanka over a 10-day trip. Our Sri Lanka itinerary gave us a mix of attractions, from cultural immersion in Sigiriya to wildlife safaris at Yala and beachfront relaxation in Tangalle, and finally to the colonial town of Galle. It also made us experience 4 luxury hotels across Sri Lanka that I do recommend for a couples or family trip.

From the rustic Jetwings Sigiriya in the cultural heartland of the country to the minimalist Amanwella in the sleepy village of Tangalle, here are 4 Sri Lankan luxury hotels that we experienced.

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4 Sri Lankan Luxury Hotels

Jetwings Vil Uyana, Sigirya

Destination

Our first stop from Colombo was Sigiriya, at a distance of about 170 km. Sigiriya is a World Heritage site and one of the most popular attractions within the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. If you are looking for luxury accommodation to explore in and around Sigiriya, I highly recommend the Jetwings Vil Uyana.

Sigiriya Rock is the most popular attraction amongst all cultural sites.

The rock citadel in Sigiriya, cultural places in Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Temple and Kaudulla national park were the highlights of our time spent in the cultural heartland. The hectic sightseeing in the daytime was perfectly balanced by the relaxed evenings we spent at this beautiful property.

Rooms

This is a Luxury Reserve featuring modern accommodation set amidst a spectacular man-made wetland. It offers only 36 independent spacious villas feature large private decks, luxury bathtubs, private plunge or swimming pools, and top-tier amenities.

Each villa (or dwelling as they name it) is equipped with air-conditioning, custom bath products, an in-room minibar, and a personal butler to assist with your stay. These independent villas are interspersed with paddy fields and wooden paths connecting all of them. It makes for a peaceful getaway amidst nature.

Hotel Amenities & Activities

All day dining is available at The Apsara. Light snacks are offered at The Sulang. Additionally, the hotel also offers BBQ facilities, allowing guests to savor mouthwatering grilled delicacies amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings. You can treat yourself to a variety of handcrafted cocktails and wines at The Graffiti Bar.

A strong ‘back to nature’ theme pervades your every moment at Jetwings Vil Uyana.

For bookworms, the library is a treasure trove of knowledge and a perfect spot to curl up with a good book. Guests can get a relaxing massage at the spa, or workout at the fitness centre. Jetwing Uyana also offers an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor pool for a refreshing dip under the sun. The hotel boasts a well-equipped fitness center with professional guidance. For those who prefer outdoor activities, Jetwing Vil Uyana provides access to scenic hiking trails.

Booking Information: Jetwings Vil Uyana

Cinnamon Wild, Yala

Destination

Yala is Sri Lanka’s most visited national park for a wildlife safari. The closest town to Yala is Tissamaharama and this is the official gateway to this National Park. Although there are more than 200 species of birds here and 40 mammal species Yala National Park is most famous for leopards.

We stayed at Cinnamon Wild which has an ideal location, very close to the Yala National Park entrance. The jungle-like setting of the resort provides a nature immersion.

Rooms

The resort boasts 68 chalets with private balconies and spectacular views of either the beach or jungle. They are decorated with local artcrafts and feature air-conditioning, cable TV and a minibar.

Hotel Amenities & Activities

Cinnamon Wild Yala’s restaurant provides beautiful landscapes and serves Asian and Western dishes.

The wildlife safaris at Yala park is the primary activity near the hotel. There are wildlife sightings of elephants, monkeys right at the hotel doorstep as well. I liked the outdoor pool adjacent to the watering hole. Don’t miss out on crocodiles lazying around and the many wading birds at the watering hole.

Booking Information: Cinnamon Wild Yala

Amanwella, Tangalle

Destination

Imagine a sleepy cozy town in southeast Sri Lanka, perfect for doing nothing. With the white sandy beaches that stretch out as long as your eyes can see. This is Tangalle, in southeast Sri Lanka. The coastline has many tranquil bays with beautiful rugged beaches. If you are looking for a vacation on unspoiled beaches and are on a luxury budget, Tangalle doesn’t disappoint.

Amanwella offers a haven of luxury and tranquility for those seeking unspoiled beaches, with this luxury beachfront resort located right on a pristine beach in Tangalle.

Rooms

There are only suites at this property – that too, just 27. The property occupies most of the 800-metre beachfront. All suites are spacious, have contemporary furnishings and feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on both sides. One side opens to an entrance courtyard with a private plunge pool, the other to an expansive terrace with views of the coconut grove, beach and ocean.

You can choose between Garden Pool Suite, Ocean Hill Pool Suite (high up on a hillock with lofty views of treetops and ocean) and the Ocean Pool Suite (much closer to the beach).

Hotel Amenities & Activities

The main Restaurant looks over the palm fringed bay and the private beach of the resort. The cuisine is Asian and Mediterranean with an emphasis on seafood from the Indian Ocean. Adjacent to the Restaurant, the Lounge and Bar offers a tipple for every taste, plus a full cigar menu. The restaurant and the bar gaze directly at the ocean, and above a 45-metre pool.

Any Sri Lanka Itinerary will have some beach time. — Private beach at Amanwella

Amanwella Beach Club offers the perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. The resort can organize several activities ranging from surfing, snorkeling to whale watching and fishing in the Indian Ocean. You can take a pottery class in the workshop of a master potter in the village of Palapotta. Or visit a plantation with a guide arranged by Amanwella, and learn about the island’s history of tea cultivation.

The resort offers a variety of Ayurvedic spa treatments, all in the privacy of your own suite.

Booking Information: Amanwella

Galle Fort Hotel, Galle

Destination

Our last stop of the Sri Lanka road trip was Galle, before heading back to Colombo. Galle is an Unesco World Heritage Site founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. We stayed within the Fort walls, and I recommend you do the same. It is like doing time travel. Ambling around the atmospheric old streets is a delightful way to spend a day. You come across Dutch-period villas and buildings with original red-tiled roofs.

Our base here was the charming Galle Fort Hotel, an ornate Dutch mansion converted into an upscale boutique hotel. The hotel is in a perfect central yet quiet location.

Rooms

This boutique hotel offers 11 antique-filled suites with high ceilings and four-poster beds, surrounding a frangipani-lined courtyard. Each of the rooms is unique and furnished in a different way. The hotel swimming pool is lovely and surrounded by gorgeous trees.

Hotel Amenities & Activities

Asian-fusion cuisine is prepared with fresh local seafood at the restaurant, it is served on a colonnaded veranda or in the courtyard. The hotel houses Ropewalk, the world’s first arrack-speciality bar. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes within walking distance from the hotel. We also enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the boutique hotel across the road from Galle Fort Hotel, the Fort Bazaar.

Galle Fort Hotel was an erstwhile Dutch mansion.

There are numerous places to visit in and around Galle Fort. The topmost attraction is the Galle Fort, a historical and architectural monument that makes for a wonderful walking tour. There are also interesting day trips from Galle with pristine beaches, surfing and marine life adventure.