20 Top Resorts in Sri Lanka (2025)

Dreaming of a relaxing escape to Sri Lanka? This island paradise offers an array of resorts that promise tranquillity and luxury in equal measure. Whether you fancy an eco-friendly retreat nestled in nature, a chic beachfront haven with stunning sea views, or a historic hotel with a touch of colonial charm, there's something  special for everyone here. From contemporary style with pampering spas to intimate hideaways surrounded by lush landscapes, prepare to be truly spoiled.

For beachside bliss

© Amanwella

• Sitting on a beautiful private 800m crescent beach, Amanwella features contemporary-chic design. There are 30 suites, each with its own plunge pool, plus an outdoor pool and restaurant with stunning views. You can even accompany the hotel's chefs to the early morning fish and spice market, and learn to cook your favourite curry!
• Just steps from a white sand beach on the east coast, Anilana Pasikuda is a stunning resort. Bright and spacious rooms are centred around a large and lovely pool, plus there's a huge open-air dining room and a calm, laidback atmosphere. Perfect for chilling out and getting away from it all.

• Wake up to Indian Ocean breakers five metres away from your Beach or Ocean Room at The Fortress Resort & Spa. This tranquil haven has an Ayurveda spa, a restaurant serving both Sri Lankan and international cuisine, a yoga pavilion and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The hotel has a sheltered rocky pool for sea bathing and you can walk some 5km along the beach to nearby Thalpe. 
• For something a little different, Dolphin Beach features nine eclectic tents dotted around gorgeous grounds. Situated on an amazing kite surfing spot, it's a wonderful pick for watersport fans. There's an outdoor pool, al fresco dining with stunning ocean views, and for a truly special experience, horse riding along the beach.
• Ahu Bay is a laidback coastal stay on Sri Lanka’s Ahungalla Point, right by the beach. Unwind here with oceanfront spa rituals, infinity pool dips and slow days beneath swaying coconut palms. Hire bikes and pedal scenic coastal and village paths or hike Beraliya’s Crying Waterfall jungle trail. 

For character and charm

• Ulagalla Resort is a beautifully restored historic manor house sitting within 58 acres of verdant grounds in Anuradhapura. There are 25 lavish villas, each of which boasts its own private pool, terrace and sitting room. Guests can dine at a traditional clay-floored restaurant set amidst the paddies, relax at the charming bar or be pampered at the spa.
• Living Heritage Koslanda, on a former rubber plantation in Haputale, showcases traditional building techniques and striking antiques. Set in 80 acres of beautiful forest, this is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Suites boast private courtyards and hot tubs, whilst open-sided Forest Pavilions offer stunning treetop views. 

For a rural retreat

• Situated within the Wilpattu National Park, Taru Villas Villu is a chic eco-retreat. The villas have a deck with plunge pool, whilst superior rooms come with a terrace or balcony; all enjoy breathtaking views. There's an outdoor infinity pool, and the spa provides a nature-embracing sanctuary with a range of treatments designed for restoration and relaxation.
• Water Garden Sigiriya is a peaceful resort overlooking the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, one of eight World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. The hotel has a two-roomed spa, a small gym and a large swimming pool, plus an adjacent children's pool. The two-storey restaurant serves amazing international cuisine in stunning surroundings.
• Kalundewa Retreat, near Dambulla, is a nature lover's paradise, with birdwatching, serene lake views, and lush paddy fields perfect for tranquil walks and cycling. Relax in the secluded plunge pool of a floating villa, experience a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatment and savour the exotic flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine at the restaurant.

For a romantic escape

• Tucked into the hills above Hikkaduwa, Haritha Villas + Spa is perfect for a couples' hideaway. Expect four-poster beds, a sleek lap pool, an Ayurvedic spa, villa plunge pools and garden-sourced dining. Pedal to the nearby beach, snorkel coral reefs or enjoy a whale‑watching cruise together.
• Jetwing Saman Villas is a romantic retreat geared towards couples in Bentota. Sitting atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the gorgeous Indian Ocean, it offers spacious suites and villas (some with four-posters), plus a soothing spa and private dining. All the accommodations have a private garden or terrace, and some come with a private pool. Book this one for total relaxation and a proper hideaway.
• Boasting a view of the Indian Ocean from every room, Uga Bay by Uga Escapes is a blissful choice for couples in Pasikudah. Enjoy a restorative Balinese massage, relax at the infinity pool, soak up the sun on your private terrace and dine by candlelight on the beach. The perfect place to kick back and recharge.

For a family getaway

• Cape Weligama is ideal for families with its multi-bedroom private villas with swimming pools and child-friendly activities. It offers occasional outdoor movie nights, has bikes for hire and boasts a glorious infinity pool. Weligama Bay is one of the top surf spots on the island for beginners, plus it's great for whale and dolphin watching trips.
• Located on its own stretch of palm-lined beach north west of Galle, Aditya Resort is another fab family pick. It has a well-stocked games room, a large outdoor pool and an international lunch and dinner menu. Bikes are available free of charge, plus it's in a prime spot for waterskiing and kite surfing, and there's a cute turtle hatchery nearby.

For a spoiling spa

• Santani Wellness Resort & Spa is a contemporary wellness centre nestled in the picturesque hills above Kandy. It boasts an exceptional adults-only spa complete with comprehensive hydrotherapy facilities, traditional Ayurvedic treatments and more. Menus are tailored to each guest by the chefs using organic, garden-grown produce and yoga sessions are offered, either privately or with a group.
• A short walk from Kammala Beach, to the north of Negombo, Wattura Resort & Spa is the perfect place to rejuvenate with riverside yoga, relax at sauna sessions and enjoy indulgent spa rituals. This serene coastal sanctuary also offers an outdoor pool with wonderful views and a restaurant serving contemporary Sri Lankan fare with South Indian and Arabic grilling flavours.
• Heritance Kandalama is a stunning, modernist hotel overlooking Kandalama Reservoir. Stylish rooms feature mod-cons, whirlpool baths and private balconies. Guests can enjoy unique cave dining experiences, and the acclaimed Coco Spa offers rejuvenating treatments using organic ingredients and age-old techniques. 

For the activities

• The Farm Resorts is a collection of contemporary chalets and bungalows overlooking the stunning Castlereigh Reservoir, near Hatton. It's a brilliant base for a holiday of hiking, mountain biking and kayaking, or simply soaking up those epic views. Borrow the hotel's bicycles to zip along tea estate paths and steep mountain trails, or join cooking classes using fresh vegetables from the kitchen garden.
• Victoria Golf Resort is a lovely collection of simple, contemporary chalets, cottages and villas on the edge of an award-winning golf course, about an hour from Kandy. With an outdoor pool, restaurant and reasonable rates, it's a good value choice in a gorgeous spot. As well as golfing, guests can play tennis, hike in the Knuckles and kayak on Victoria Lake.

Still not sure? 

• Browse through our full list of accommodations in Sri Lanka.
• Refine your search to include our recommendations for 9 Fabulous Hotels for Families in Sri Lanka or 9 of the Best Wildlife Hotels in Sri Lanka.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.