Sri Lanka is one of those magical places where modern life and ancient tradition sit side by side in a setting of unbelievable beauty. Sri Lanka’s magnificent beaches, washed by the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean, encircle a country where you will find verdant tea plantations, tropical rainforests teeming with life, elephants bathing in jungle rivers, and exotic food that takes flavour to new heights. Sri Lanka’s luxury hotels combine traditional hospitality values with the high standards that modern travelers expect. If you are looking for a romantic adventure, this island nation is the perfect location. Many of Sri Lanka’s wellness retreats, eco-resorts and five star hotels take their inspiration from the country’s deeply-held Buddhist heritage. People seeking an exotic getaway can combine affordable luxury with intimate traditional adventures in Sri Lanka. Imagine swimming with a herd of elephants in a cool jungle stream. Or sitting atop an ancient temple surrounded by rainforest, as if you were in a Duran Duran video. So don’t save it for the morning after…take a moment right now to look at our list of luxury Sri Lanka hotels.
Rating: 8.7
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa is on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Situated in the middle of Weligama Bay, this beachfront luxury hotel’s fabulous location offers great sea views. If you’re coming arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport, it’s about two hours and twenty minutes south-east.
This thoroughly modern hotel offers guests the most important design detail of all: floor to ceiling windows so that nothing gets in the way of you and the glorious sea views. The rooms are decorated in neutral colours such as white and cream.
There’s a wide range of food available including fresh seafood at Big Fish and Tapas at the pool and beach bar. If you feel guilty the next morning, you can hit the gym or the pool, or if you don’t feel guilty, you could have a massage in the spa.
If you want to eat out, there are plenty of dining options to enjoy around Weligama Bay. If you’re feeling active, Kottawa Reserve Forest is less than an hour’s drive to the north-west. Also, the Udawalawe National Park Safari, offering the opportunity to see elephants, is just under two hour’s drive north-east.
Rating: 8.7
Amaya Beach Pasikudah is a luxury hotel on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It’s this location that is, perhaps, the real luxury. Located on the southern tip of Pasikudah Bay with its long golden beach, it looks out into the Indian Ocean.
The hotel has a contemporary, uncluttered design. The rooms are decorated in neutral colours and feature dark, wooden tables. However, they also make great use of teal (sea green) details on cushions, pillows, bedding, and curtains. This connects the hotel to the nearby ocean.
There’s extensive spa options with aromatherapy, massage and Ayurveda herbal treatments. But this hotel wants to draw you outside to the pool or to eat. There are beachfront dining options with Sri Lankan, Asian and international food. There’s also a wide range of water sports available such as diving and windsurfing. But don’t forget your reef shoes.
If you head inland, the Somawathiya and Maduru Oya national parks are just over an hour’s drive away. The Wasgamuwa National Park is another 30 minutes beyond. These offer the opportunity to see elephants and Sri Lankan wildlife. To the north of Wasgamuwa National Park is the ancient capital, Polonnaruwa, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rating: 8.7
The Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw luxury hotel and resort opened in 2014. Situated on the west coast of Sri Lanka, it’s an hour and a half to two hour drive north of Bandaranaike International Airport. This location lets you away from it all without sacrificing modern comforts.
With a clean, contemporary look, the hotel and resort is keen not to draw attention away from the unique views it offer. With massive windows and private balconies, guests are offered beautiful views of a lagoon on one side of the hotel and the Laccadive Sea on the other.
If you’re eating in, then you can choose from one of two restaurants including ‘The Ocean’, an open air restaurant serving a range of Asian and international foods. If you want to relax and pamper yourself, the spa offers massages. There’s plenty of resort activities too such as beach volleyball, water polo and beach rides.
Or you could head south to the nearby town of Chilaw to explore the many restaurants and bakeries. Chilaw is also home to some beautiful, golden beaches. Or you could head inland to explore the many towns and villages, perhaps going in search of a Buddhist temple.