From beaches to ancient sites or tea plantations, Sri Lanka’s myriad attractions are complemented by superb hotels where colonial heritage and conservation go hand in hand with comfort and luxury.
Some like the Aman in Galle have a world-wide presence, others are uniquely Sri Lankan, full of nostalgia like the Ceylon Tea Trails, or innovative and eco-conscious like the water villas of Vil Uyana.
Ceylon Tea Trails, 5 Star Sri Lanka
Just four hours from Colombo, at 4,000 feet in lush hill country, the Ceylon Tea Trails offer a choice of four colonial bungalows scattered among tea plantations, two on the shores of Lake Castelreagh and the others in nearby valleys. Guests may follow the trail and stay in different bungalows along the way.
Each bungalow has a choice of luxury rooms, master or garden suites and its own manager, butler, chef and support staff. All are different but blend modern amenities with an English cottage feel, log fire, silk cushions, warm natural wood and flower garden. Meals are based on fresh produce and range from western to traditional Sri Lankan fare.
After a day exploring Kandy or playing golf in Nuwara Eliya, guests can relax with in-room spa treatments. There’s tennis and croquet and a Tea Experience Tour when all the secrets of Ceylon tea are unveiled by the resident tea planter.
Boutique Hotel Sri Lanka, Vil Uyana, Sigiriya
Vil Uyana is a new boutique hotel combining luxury and ecology, within sight of the famous Lion Rock of Sigiriya. Over 24 acres of land, the 25 self-contained chalets are designed to integrate in the local habitat. Ten are spacious forest dwellings with Jacuzzi and private pool, six are in the paddy fields, six in marshlands and three are Madive-style water villas.
All have a private dining deck for room service, tea and coffee making facilities, large safe, sarongs and sandals, iron, umbrella and bicycles.
There are two restaurants on site, informal and gourmet, plus a dining room in the Island Spa. The spa menu includes aromatherapy and Thai and Swedish massage and guests can also relax in the swimming pool, yoga pavilion and fitness centre.
Luxury Heritage Hotel in Galle, Aman Hotel
Originally the New Oriental Hotel, patronised by the 19th century gentry, the Amangalla has preserved much of its colonial heritage, from jack-wood floors to antiques and period-style reproductions. Overlooking the gardens or the historic fort of Galle, rooms and suites have four poster beds, antiques and bathrooms with free-standing tub and shower room. Top of the range is a two-storey Garden House with private balcony and terrace, day bed, butler service and original antique furniture.
The silver service Dining Room serves Sri Lankan curries and home-made dishes while light meals are available in the Zaal or Great Hall with high ceilings and chandeliers. The Amangalla has a library, swimming pool and fragrant frangipani gardens. The spa, known as ‘Baths’, features holistic rituals, including Ayurveda and hydrotherapy. The garden pavilion is a quiet retreat for yoga and meditation.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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