Our selection of places to stay in Sri Lanka offers an exciting range of experiences , with everything from decadently indulgent boutique hideaways with butler service and larger luxury resort hotels , to bungalows and townhouses rich with colonial heritage . All the properties have been chosen because we feel that they are ‘ Best in their Class .’ Whilst we have selected predominantly hotels of the highest standard , we have also selected properties that may be comfortable and mid-range , tourist-class or even basic , either because they offer something unique and unusual or because they are the best available option in an area that you may want to visit . Wherever you go , the most endearing aspect of hospitality in Sri Lanka is the warm and friendly nature of the staff , which is surely what you will remember most .

Bawa-designed Jetwing Beach

Accommodation is a vital part of the holiday and is , after all , where you spend a large proportion of the time . It therefore has a huge influence on your overall enjoyment of the holiday . Below , we have categorised the vast assortment of hotels into meaningful groups which should whet the appetite for a stay in Sri Lanka .

THE BAWA LIVING EXPERIENCE Sitting in the living area of a house designed by Geoffrey Bawa is an enlightening experience for many . This Sri Lankan architect has had a significant influence on modern architectural design , not only in Sri Lanka , but in Bali and around the world . His masterpieces include the eco-friendly Kandalama Hotel , the Lighthouse Hotel , perched atop a rocky outcrop west of Galle , Jetwing Beach , Heritance Ahungalla and Blue Water ; all large hotels . His influence on villa design can be seen in the clever contours at Club Villa and Villa Bentota . It is possible to visit or stay at his beloved Lunuganga Estate , which is now run by the Bawa Foundation following his death in 2003 ( the bedrooms are more like art galleries ). It is possible to incorporate such visits and stays into your touring itinerary . The legacy of Bawa lives on as architects strive to reach new heights in artistic design by creating ever-more inspiring and ground-breaking hotels and residences around Sri Lanka , such as The Fortress Hotel , designed by one of Bawa ’ s students .

PLANTERS BUNGALOWS The planters bungalows were built for the planters and managers of the tea estates to live in , some dating back to the 1870s . They have large rooms and fireplaces , verandas , patios , pretty gardens , and croquet lawns . Ceylon Tea Trails , a lovely collection of four planter ’ s bungalows is surrounded by growing tea . Also set in picturesque mountain tea estates , Jetwing Warwick Gardens and the charming Kirchhayn Bungalow are equipped with their own organic farms .

COLONIAL HOTELS Sri Lanka ’ s colonial past includes both British and Dutch influences , and the colonial properties remain institutions in their own right . Amangalla in Galle ’ s historic Fort , is the oldest and the most luxurious of the colonial hotels . The Galle Face Hotel in Colombo first opened its doors in 1864 and now has a luxurious Regency wing offering fine ocean-facing suites . Mount

Lavinia Hotel , south of Colombo , was built originally as the British Governor ’ s Residence . Fort Bazaar in Galle was once a 17th century Dutch merchants mansion . In the hill stations , Bandarawela Hotel , Taylor ’ s Hill , named after James Taylor , and the Hill Club , Nuwara Eliya ’ s original planter ’ s club , are a nostalgic step back in time . All of these colonial hotels offer an authentic sense of the island ’ s history , with intriguing and endearing features and a unique colonial charm .

TOWN HOUSES AND RESIDENCES Our selection in Colombo features Paradise Road Tintagel , a remarkable residence that was the home of the Presidential Bandaranaike family ; the Uga Residence , a 250-year-old residence with high ceilings and modern art ; whilst Havelock Place Bungalow is a friendly guesthouse set in a leafy garden . The Lake Lodge offers more contemporary styling and a central location . Within the ramparts of Galle ’ s Fort , there is the newly opened Fort Bazaar , a beautifully restored 17th century townhouse , and the Galle Fort Hotel , a lavishly renovated property , once resided in by merchants and a French Count .

BOUTIQUE HOTELS A number of delightful boutique hotels have opened in recent years , either purpose-built or through renovating a dilapidated private mansion or public building . They offer high standards of facilities and service and are ideal for those who want a peaceful atmosphere , privacy , and more intimate and personalised service . Serene Pavilions , with an airport transfer of under 2 hours , provides 12 palatial ‘ pavilion ’ villas with private plunge pools and personal butler service . Saman Villas sits on a secluded promontory , offering spacious suites with superb ocean views . Amanwella , an Aman resort in the deep south , is set around a white crescent of sand , and serves fabulous food . The petite and stylish trio of Apa Villas , Frangipani Tree and Era Beach provide intimate barefoot luxury at Thalpe beach , as does the Weligama Bay Resort further along the south coast . Further east , you will find the Casa Colombo Mirissa on a coastline popular for whale-watching , and the Elysium Villa , stunningly private with a wholly unique artistic style .

Inland a little , by Koggala Lake , is the tranquil Kahanda Kanda , a captivating private villa turned 5-bedroom

Jetwing St Andrew ’ s modern colonial mansion

Boutique luxury at the Casa Colombo Mirissa

Colonial Taylor ’ s Hill

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