Beautiful Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, is amongst the world’s most dazzling destinations. Lush mountains, misty tea-clad hills and fascinating ancient cities characterise the island’s interior. The coast is fringed by golden beaches, often within easy reach of spectacular national parks brimming with wildlife. Guesthouses, hotels and resorts range from chic boutique boltholes to gorgeous beachfront hotels and swish design-led hideaways — all with famously warm and welcoming teams. Whether you’re dreaming of an arts and culture-focused city break, a rejuvenating wellness escape, or a fun-filled family holiday, Sri Lanka really does have it all.
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Begin your explorations in Colombo, the country’s commercial capital. Expect great shopping, impressive heritage buildings and a lively arts scene. Next, head inland by road or rail to discover the temples, palaces and ancient ruins of Dambulla, Sigiriya and Anuradhapura — a region known collectively as the Cultural Triangle. Scenic train journeys into the mountains of the Hill Country are marvellous, with opportunities to trek through tea estates and colourful villages on the Pekoe Trail, to kayak on age-old reservoirs, or simply soak up gorgeous views from the terraces of tea bungalows.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find abundant birdlife in vast national parks, where elephants gather, leopards slink through the last of the afternoon light, and rarely seen sloth bears hide. Coastal gems like the charming fortified town of Galle or bustling Trincomalee offer a fascinating insight into the island’s history — whilst its contemporary buzz is felt at the popular surf towns of Ahangama, Weligama and Arugam Bay. This really is a magical island of endless experiences — and the best places to stay in Sri Lanka are very special.
The Best Places to Stay in Sri Lanka
For City Style
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The Galle Face Hotel has dominated Colombo's seafront since 1864. An imposing building with 156 elegant guest rooms, a soothing spa and infinity pool, this colonial-era hotel is nothing short of iconic. Tuck into your favourite tipple at the Travellers' Bar, join revellers at King of the Mambo or Fire Beach, and enjoy fine dining at the 1864.
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Shangri-La Colombo, a lavish five-star hotel facing the Indian Ocean and Galle Face Green, has become a Colombo landmark. A glittering high-rise whose opulent guest rooms and suites are decorated in blue and cream, and boast marble bathrooms. Four restaurants, bars and a soothing spa delight international visitors.
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Maniumpathy, a family mansion in upmarket Cinnamon Gardens, has eight lavish suites. Think four-poster beds, sink-into freestanding tubs, and charming landscaped gardens with a plunge pool. A romantic and indulgent choice with a classic feel.
For the Cultural Triangle
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Water Garden Sigiriya seamlessly blends traditional architecture and irrigation techniques with an indulgent resort experience. Surrounded by picturesque paddy fields, intimate private villas boast plunge pools and dazzling views towards Sigiriya rock. An exceptional escape for romantics, with cracking cuisine to enjoy together.
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Ulagalla Resort is a luxurious eco-resort near Anuradhapura with 25 villas hidden in lush gardens. Think elegant bedrooms, indulgent private pools, and delectable cuisine. The resort's elephant conservation project is hugely impressive, and wildlife tours for guests of all ages are very special. Choose this spot for a romantic escape surrounded by nature.
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Heritance Kandalama is a stunning modernist hotel, famously designed by Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's best-known architect. Expect a spoiling spa, whirlpool baths, a games room and tennis court, along with multiple bars and eateries. A luxurious choice for fans of iconic architecture.
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Arachchi Heritage is a swish contemporary villa with just two minimalist bedrooms, featuing polished concrete floors, crisp white linens and wooden furnishings. Tranquil Thissawewa is nearby, and there's a refreshing courtyard pool. Book one bedroom or take the whole house for a trip with friends.
For the Hill Country
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Ceylon Tea Trails is a wonderful former tea estate converted into a 20-bedroom luxury hotel, set across five colonial tea bungalows with gorgeous views. Think big four-poster beds, free-standing tubs, cosy nooks & sensational cuisine. Brilliant for couples, but also a top spot for groups of friends and families, who can pile into a house together.
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Haldummulla Estate Bungalow is a charming green-roofed retreat on Sri Lanka's oldest organic tea estate. The main cottage boasts two en-suite bedrooms, whilst the nearby library suite has two adjoining bedrooms and a big bathroom with tub. Expect vintage finds, patterned textiles, cosy fireplaces and a laid-back vibe. Host Priya's cooking is fantastic. A simple tea country escape for friends and families.
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Living Heritage Koslanda, made up of stone-built suites and tented pavilions, is set on a former rubber plantation. Showcasing traditional building techniques, the property takes pride in its connection to both the land and heritage, with ongoing rewilding efforts, garden-grown produce and a real sense of seclusion. The infinity pool is amongst the country's most spectacular.
For Wildlife Enthusiasts
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Banyan Camp sits on 15 acres of land on the banks of picturesque Lake Hambegamuwa, not far from Udawalawe National Park. Simple lodges are built from reclaimed materials — including kaleidoscopes of recycled bottles — as well as traditional wattle and daub. Join local fishermen on narrow canoes to observe sea eagles, ibis and more out on the lake in the late afternoon. A soulful escape for guests of all ages, created by passionate wildlife enthusiasts eager to share their slice of paradise.
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Gal Oya Lodge is a magical retreat hidden on the island's lesser-visited eastern side. A collection of thatched cabins on the edge of the jungle, the lodge prides itself on the expertise of its friendly naturalists, who lead guests on walking safaris in the day and evening, spotting birds, reptiles, timid nocturnal mammals and occasionally elephants. Jeep and boat safaris to see swimming elephants in the Gal Oya National Park are fabulous. Tranquil, crowd-free and romantic.
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Wild Coast Tented Lodge is another spectacular luxury hideaway tucked between Yala and the sea. Tented pods have four-poster beds, brass details, plunge pools and ocean views. Savour mouthwatering cuisine in the domed bamboo restaurant after watching monkeys from your pool, elephants ambling along the beach and leopards slinking through Yala National Park.
For Classic Romance
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The Fort Printers has a chic, minimalist feel, with recently renovated rooms and suites housed in what was once a print shop and a boys' school. Expect school subject signs outside guestroom doors, and views over red-tiled rooftops, flowering frangipani trees and the idyllic courtyard pool. The food is excellent, and the barmen can whip up cracking cocktails. Very romantic.
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Amangalla is Galle Fort's most luxurious hotel. The imposing, white-painted building has a fascinating history, and now houses beautiful rooms with period pieces and indulgent bathrooms. As befits the Aman group, the spa is spectacular. You'll also find a huge swimming pool — rare in Galle Fort — and delectable gourmet fare. Afternoon tea and evening cocktails are a real treat.
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Lunuganga, created by architect Geoffrey Bawa as his private country retreat, offers ten individually designed suites. Set in secluded buildings within gorgeous wild gardens, this is a magical escape for romantics with a penchant for heritage style, beautiful artwork and verdant spaces. The garden tours are a highlight, and lake views from the restaurant very special.
For Families
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Dolphin Beach on the Kalpitiya Peninsula, has long been a family favourite. Generous tents are set within sandy gardens, and the focus is very much on water sports and boat trips to spot pods of dolphins. Children's menus are available, and dishes can be adapted to suit the preferences of little ones. Expect laid-back, characterful spaces with thatched or tented roofs on an expansive stretch of golden beach.
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Why House, in lovely Mihiripenna, is a wonderful boutique hotel with 10 guest bedrooms set within lush tropical gardens. Additional cots and twin beds make this a great spot for families, who will adore the gardens, big pool and the friendly team — including playful dachshund Violet. Manager Hen is full of local recommendations & hosts fabulous events at the hotel. The sheltered lagoon of nearby Dalawella beach is brilliant for little ones to swim with turtles.
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Cape Weligama promises absolute luxury on a craggy headland overlooking enormous Weligama Bay. Multi-bedroom villas with private pools will delight families, as will the plethora of activities — from kayaking to outdoor cinema nights.
Weligama is a top spot for learning to surf, too. Five-star style for all ages.
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Karpaha Sands, on Sri Lanka's little-visited east coast, is well worth the longer journey. Unwind in tented suites, the largest of which sleep up to five guests in two bedrooms, connected by a spacious sitting room. Play games on the huge quiet beach, sink into the pool, or hide away in the games room in the late afternoon. Don't miss gazing up at the stars from the beanbags in your villa's garden.
For a Yoga & Wellness Escape
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Rukgala Retreat is set amidst leafy grounds on the shores of Lake Victoria, around 45 minutes from Kandy. Eight contemporary rooms promise inviting four-poster beds, private balconies with dazzling mountain views, and lovely patterned textiles. Take a yoga class in the teak shala before flavoursome vegetarian or vegan breakfasts on the terrace. Paddle board on the lake, hike through the cloud forest or enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments. A lush setting which also hosts regular yoga retreats.
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Kurulu Bay overlooks tranquil Koggala Lake, with 14 minimalist cottages, a refreshing swimming pool, yoga shala and open-sided eatery with a zingy, Mediterranean-inspired menu. Romantic and very stylish, the hotel regularly hosts restorative retreats and will delight well-heeled romantics in search of privacy.
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Hideaway Resort is an east coast institution. A laid-back surf-and-yoga spot hidden in lush gardens just across the road from the beach in Arugam Bay living. Rise early to ride the waves, or for yoga classes in the breezy poolside shala before big smoothie breakfasts. Expect simple rooms and cabins with traditional artwork, open-roofed showers and colourful block printed quilts.
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Santani Wellness Resort & Spa has a unique reputation on the island as a contemporary wellness retreat. Hidden in the hills above Kandy, it's a dramatic minimalist resort with cantilevered villas, and lots of glass, wood and steel. The spa is a destination in itself, and wellness retreats are individually tailored to each guest, with a focus on yoga and traditional Ayurvedic treatments and cuisine. An adult-only gem.
FOR AN APARTMENT OR PRIVATE VILLA
- If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
- Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport, and continue to your destination by road — or a combination of road and rail. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pickup with a reliable driver who knows the roads well.
- Alternatively, hop aboard the train from Fort Station in Colombo (45 minutes from the airport) for a scenic journey. Tickets are cheap and trains are slow, but this is a superb way to experience Sri Lanka. Regular local buses are also available.
- Temperatures in Sri Lanka hit their peak in March - April, making for a very sticky exploratory experience, but this is a popular year-round destination. If you're looking to surf and swim, the south coast is in season between November and March, and the east coast between May and September.
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