Of the many hotels located in and around the cultural triangle, the Jetwing Vil Uyana provides a unique and private escape. Consisting of 25 stilted dwellings with locations varying among the water, amidst the rice paddy fields, and within the tropical forest, it is the perfect escape for nature enthusiasts or those seeking a romantic hideaway.
The Kandy House
Previously a manor home, The Kandy House is now a stunning eight-bedroom boutique hotel ridden with Sinhalese history and charm. Located 25 minutes from downtown Kandy, guests will find it hard not to relax here whether exploring the landscaped gardens, snacking on the avocado, jackfruit, and papaya trees throughout the property, resting in a double hammock, or taking a refreshing dip in the property’s infinity pool (overlooking picturesque rice paddy fields, no less!). The 200 year-old structure’s character not only lies in its design but the small touches throughout: the Jackwood staircase, modern polished cement bathroom floors, and the colorful rooms that surround the two-story courtyard are the perfect combination of classic Kandyan and Bawa-influenced architecture – all details are sure to please the most discerning traveler.
The Wallawwa
Nestled amongst three acres of magnificent manicured gardens, The Wallawwa is strategically located close to the Dambulla, Kandy and Galle highways and 45-60 minutes from the hustle and bustle of central Colombo. Easily accessible yet entirely secluded — a luxury private hideaway.
Ulagalla Resort
Nestled in a village in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Ulagalla Resort collides a previous era with modern comforts. Tucked away in the lush landscape by the Ulagalla Lake, Ulagalla Resort is a historic mansion transformed into a modern haven. Combining tradition with technology, the resort embraces privacy, individuality, indulgence and satisfaction.
Ceylon Tea Trails
Set on a sprawling (and still functioning!) tea plantation amid the Bogawantalawa Valley, the Ceylon Tea Trails fits in perfectly with its picturesque surroundings. This Relais & Châteaux collection property features four repurposed colonial era plantation bungalows that come equipped with a personal chef, manager, butler and high tea, of course.
The region is a nature lover’s delight – decorated with a maze of walking and bike paths, kayaking and rafting opportunities, and for the more adventurous, a sunrise pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak, arguably the holiest mountain in Sri Lanka. Our favorite part? A tour with a local tea planter to learn what life on the estate is really like, followed by high tea in front of the cozy log fire in your charming bungalow.
Amanwella
In a mature coconut grove on an idyllic stretch of beach sits this beautiful seaside luxury resort. Featuring intimate suite style rooms each with their own plunge pool and terrace, and all with a mix of beach, ocean and grove views, this property is perfect for a journey full of relaxation and exploration. No matter the season, there is something to do. Guests can snorkel in the winter months and surf in the summer when waves are more adventurous. Your experience is complete with both incredible spa and diving options; spa treatments make use of ingredients from Sri Lanka’s cornucopia of herbs, plants and flowers and the cuisine features fresh local seafood from the Indian Ocean at the restaurant located just 8 meters above sea level.
Outside of the resort, make your journey here unique with a visit to the Mulgirigala Rock Temple, a monastic site on an isolated 210m high rock that rises almost vertically out of the surrounding forest or the amazing Rekawa Turtle Conservation project, located 10 kilometres east of Tangalle and is home to one of the most important sea turtle nesting sites in Sri Lanka.
Amangalla
Within the ramparts of 17th century Galle Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site, sits Amangalla. This is a beautifully restored property that captures the rich history of Sri Lanka, featuring an incredible blend of styles and traditions of the Persians, Arabs, Chinese, Malays, South Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and English throughout the décor. Stay in well-appointed rooms filled with lovely period style antiques and feel like you’ve stepped back in time, without sacrificing modern amenities. Slow down and take a leisurely walk through the lush but well manicured tropical gardens, have a refreshing swim in a large pool surrounded by picturesque palms, or spend an afternoon on a relaxing boat ride and watch the majestic blue whales off the coast. A visit to “The Baths,” the property’s luxurious and rejuvenating spa, is a must with hydrotherapy pools, saunas, steam rooms and a cold plunge pool at your immediate disposal, as well as, an array of Ayurveda treatments, a system which uses a natural approach to healing, which aims to cleanse and detoxify the body and balance the doshas.
Beyond Amangalla, visit the verandah of the Planters Bungalow for tea and cakes with the planter of this local tea plantation himself or explore the Hiyare rainforest, a beautiful virgin rainforest that surrounds a 51 acre lake, with a wildlife guide from the reserve.
Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru
Anantara Kihavah
Seventy-eight private rooms and villas compose the tranquil island retreat that is the Anantara Kihavah in the Maldives. Beautiful overwater rooms all come with their own plunge pools, high ceilings, and brilliant timber interiors. Spectacular views of clear turquoise waters will surround each villa and soft white alabaster beaches are but a few steps away.
The ultimate in luxurious seclusion, the Anantara Kihavah is the ideal place for a rejuvenating retreat or honeymoon escape, and days spent lounging and enjoying watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing can be topped off enjoying spectacular culinary creations in an amazing underwater dining room. Additional relaxation is a must and can be found at the serene Anantara Spa. For traveling families, Anantara Kihavah’s Thiththi Boli Kids Club is great for younger guests and offers daily complimentary supervised activities including full and half-day programs, as well as a Kids menu.
Raffles Le Royal
We always encourage travelers to visit Phnom Penh. The city offers a glimpse of modern, vibrant Cambodia that is a dramatic contrast to the ruins of Angkor. Enjoy cosmopolitan streets lined with cafes, and cultural treasures such as the Silver Pagoda and the world class National Museum. What’s more, Phnom Penh is home to Hotel Le Royal, the leading hotel in Cambodia. This lovely hotel features long, elegant marble corridors displaying antique furniture and artwork, and international standards of cuisine and service. A night or two at Hotel Le Royal is a highlight of any visit to Cambodia.