luxury retreat . Perched high on a mountain just outside Kandy , Theva blends panoramic windows and contemporary design with fine Kandyan art . Return to nature with the rustic and idyllic Living Heritage in Koslanda , or stay high above the treetops at the Bougainvillea Retreat . The lesser-known Rosyth Estate House is fully submerged in the rainforest . Ground-breaking creations in the Cultural Triangle include the stilted ‘ dwellings ’ over water and rice paddies at Vil Uyana , the Ulagalla Resort , with its villas on stilts and solar power station , and the Elephant Corridor , where you can observe wildlife from your private plunge pool , inside , or outside your suite .
GUEST HOUSES AND PRIVATE BUNGALOWS Privately , family-owned guest houses offer a real sense of Sri Lanka ’ s cultural roots , and a chance to experience a simple , yet authentic , style of accommodation and service . Examples of this style are the Havelock Place Bungalow and the Plantation Hotel .
PRIVATE VILLAS Many of our boutique villas can be rented as a single house for couples or small groups . This sort of accommodation is ideal for a longer , entirely private stay .
HOTELS IN SUPERB SETTINGS Sri Lanka boasts some truly amazing natural locations : nestled in coconut groves by the beach , within the walls of a historic Dutch Fort , in quirky hill towns , bustling cities , amidst majestic mountains , by lakes and rivers , amidst wildlife on dry plains , lost in tropical forest , or hugging steep slopes clad in tea .
In the Cultural Triangle , Vil Uyana , Kandalama , Elephant Corridor and Ulagalla are all set in extensive varied grounds – a haven for wildlife and nature exploration . In the hills , the hotels are generally situated in pretty gardens with vegetable patches , with vistas of misty mountains and steep valleys , where tea plantations and villages hug the slopes . On the coast , most properties are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and coconut groves , bordering the beach . We have also selected a few hidden gems that enjoy tranquil , rural settings by lakes or rivers , a little inland from the coast , such as Kahanda Kanda and the River House .
Plenty of hotels offer nature-based activities and are designed in an eco-friendly way , of which The Heritance Kandalama is the most highly acclaimed . Resorts such as 98 Acres and TRI offer total immersion into the natural landscape and perfect seclusion .
HOTELS WITH CELEBRATED SERVICE In Sri Lanka ’ s hotels , you can find everything from infinity-edge swimming pools and plunge pools , elephant rides and nature walks , to tennis and croquet . Ayurvedic spa treatments are often accompanied by candlelit dining options . Hotel restaurants are often frequented by affluent locals , and serve anything from fresh seafood to fragrant curries , in fine-dining and poolside locations . Breakfasts always involve fresh tropical fruits and usually offer both western and Sri Lankan options , such as eggs , fresh jams and breads , dhal and spicy fish curries , herbal porridge and ‘ milk rice ’. Quite a few hotels now offer personal butler service as well as specialised cookery lessons . Personal butler service is provided at Serene Pavilions , Saman Villas , Amangalla , Amanwella and Ceylon Tea Trails . You can learn to cook at
EXPRESSIONS CATEGORIES OF HOTELS
Luxury – indulgence
5 star boutique hotels that offer the ultimate personalised service , the highest standards of cuisine , lavish surroundings and very spacious suite accommodation .
Luxury – first class
These are hotels we would think of as 4 star or 5 star . The larger hotels offer an excellent range of accommodation and facilities with high standards of service . The boutique hotels offer a high standard of accommodation , facilities , and service although the range of facilities may be limited .
Luxury – eco
These are rustic and may seem basic in some ways but their eco credentials and the luxury of space and nature make them feel luxurious . Do not expect lots of facilities .
Comfortable
This is a good quality hotel in terms of accommodation , facilities and service , approximately equating to what Europeans would consider to be a 3 star hotel .
Tourist class
No-frills but excellent value , with essentials such as en suite bathrooms and restaurants .
Basic
Accommodation in tents or mud huts , open to the elements , with set meals .
Jetwing Beach , Aditya , Kahanda Kanda , Amanwella , Warwick Gardens and Heritance Kandalama .
HOTELS WITH SUPER SUITES Many of our luxury hotels are either all suite hotels , or offer suites with private plunge pools . These hotels are really well suited for special occasions and honeymoons , due to their space and privacy . Our favourites would include : the North-West Suite at Paradise Road Tintagel , the Ocean Pavilion at Serene Pavilions , the Presidential Nirvana Suite at Vivanta by Taj , the Menik Master Suite at the River House , and the Club Suite at Club Villa .
FAMILY HOTELS Most of the properties accept children ( although some do have a minimum age ). They usually have double rooms where an extra bed can be added at extra charge . Here is a selection of those with specifically childfriendly facilities available :
Jetwing Beach , child care centre and babysitting Regency at the Galle Face , interconnecting rooms Vivanta by Taj Bentota , some interconnecting rooms , cot / extra bed Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel , kiddies pool , babysitting , cot / extra bed The Fortress , children ’ s play zone , babysitting , children ’ s meals , cot / extra bed Kirchhayn Bungalow , family rooms , cot / extra bed Bandarawela Hotel , children ’ s menus , triple and interconnecting rooms Amaya Hills , organised children ’ s programme , family and interconnecting rooms , baby-minding , cot / extra bed Heritance Kandalama , play area , children ’ s menus , baby-sitting , interconnecting rooms , cot / extra bed Taylor ’ s Hill , private environment , children ’ s activities , spacious interconnecting rooms
HOW WE CATEGORISE THE ACCOMMODATION A lot of key Sri Lankan hotels remain ‘ unclassified ,’ which does not convey the right impression of the quality of the hotel . We feel that , based on our experience of what our clients expect , we can offer a better level of classification .
TRI , Koggala Lake
Vil Uyana Forest Dwelling
FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL OUR TRAVEL CONSULTANTS ON 01392 441224 45