The Rajarata Hotel is just a short drive from Anuradhapura’s many historic temples and within walking distance of the tranquil Nuwara Wewa Lake, where you might be lucky enough to meet local fishermen, always keen for a friendly chat.
The hotel features 50 bright and spacious rooms, simply furnished with classic dark wooden furniture. Every room comes with air conditioning, TV, telephone, bottled mineral water, Wi-Fi, and an en suite bathroom with shower, toiletries, and hairdryer. In the morning, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea on your balcony.
In the hotel’s garden, you’ll find a swimming pool with an integrated children’s pool and comfortable sun loungers—perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun after a day of discovery.
The hotel’s restaurant, Tranquil, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving a wide array of Sri Lankan and Western dishes. There’s also a lounge where delicious cakes and speciality-brewed coffee and tea are served in the afternoon.
The Lake Forest Hotel is scenically situated in the green surroundings of Anuradhapura overlooking the calm Tissawewa Lake and the city’s tall, white stupas.
The hotel has 22 bright and spacious rooms, all simply appointed with nice, dark wooden furniture and Sri Lankan fabrics. All rooms offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, free bottled mineral water and an electric kettle so you can make tea and coffee, while the bathroom has a shower, a hair dryer and complimentary toiletries. From your balcony, you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise over Tissawewa Lake and the various local bird species in the morning.
After a day packed with experiences in historic Anuradhapura, you can relax on a lounger by the pool or chill on the poolside with a drink from the bar while admiring the peaceful and tranquil surroundings.
The Lake Forest Hotel also has its own restaurant serving delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.
Deluxe room | Per person from: £34 |
Hotel OnRock enjoys an exceptional location in Sri Lanka’s lush and picturesque highlands, nestled amongst tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. Here, you can savour the crisp mountain air and a serene atmosphere that mirrors the beautiful natural surroundings.
Perched on one of Ella’s many hillside slopes, Hotel OnRock is a small, intimate hotel with a modern and urban feel. From here, you can take in the magical view of Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. This hotel is within walking distance of Ella’s charming main street, though be mindful that the steep path could easily serve as your workout for the day.
During your stay, you will reside in one of the 20 stylish rooms, each featuring large panoramic windows that offer delightful natural light. The rooms also have balconies with views either of the garden or the surrounding mountains. All units are soundproofed and include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, tea and coffee facilities, a minibar, and a safety box. In the bathroom, you’ll find slippers, a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, and a shower cubicle.
The hotel also boasts its own little restaurant, serving both international and local dishes.
The intimate little Mountain Heavens Hotel is set in an incredibly beautiful location in Ella’s mountainous landscapes. There is a phenomenal view of Ella Gap with Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak on either side.
The hotel has just 8 rooms, so there is ample opportunity to enjoy the unique tranquillity. All rooms are spacious and decorated with colourful fabrics and traditional dark wood furniture. They offer air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, a safe, coffee/tea making facilities, a desk, a seating area and a bathroom with shower. All rooms have panoramic windows, so you can enjoy the picturesque views no matter where you are in the room. There is also a balcony where you can relax and enjoy the views and tranquillity.
It is cooler up here than in the rest of the country, but perhaps a dip in the pool is tempting anyway? Sun loungers provided, so you can relax with a good book.
The hotel restaurant also overlooks the green mountains and serves a buffet and an a la carte menu with Sri Lankan and Western dishes. Enjoy the glow of the sunset with a cocktail, a glass of wine or a beer from the bar. You can also take a tuk tuk to Ella itself, where there are several good restaurants and bars.
Deluxe room | Per person from: £62 |
The extremely charming boutique hotel, Parawa House, is located in Galle Fort itself and within walking distance of the city’s attractions. Built in the finest colonial style with ancient doors, colourful window frames and small, elegant details that add the finishing touch, it really manages to take you back in time.
Parawa House is small and intimate with just 9 rooms. They are all simply appointed with four-poster beds in traditional dark wood, a wardrobe and some of them have a desk and seating area. All rooms have an en suite toilet and shower as well as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, free bottled water and an electric kettle so you can enjoy a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee on your private terrace/balcony.
The hotel has a cosy little garden with a seating area and a pond brimming with orange carp. Enjoy your breakfast here, which is served every morning between 7.30 and 10.30, while the sun slowly makes its way down into the garden.
On the top floor, the loveliest of pink bougainvillea reaches up to the sun terrace, where you can relax with a game of cards in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing.
Fort Printers sits in the old town of Galle, surrounded by the old walls of the fort. The hotel consists of three protected buildings from the 1800s, which have been gently restored to form a truly charming and elegant boutique hotel.
The 16 rooms in the hotel are divided across three buildings, where minimalist design, tranquil hues, and antiques from the Colonial Era beautifully go hand in hand.
All rooms feature Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a mini bar, a safe, complimentary bottled water, as well as an electric kettle so you can make tea and coffee. They also feature a four-poster bed, a desk, a closet, a seating area, and a big bathroom with a shower and/or a bathtub. Hair dryers and irons/ironing boards are available by request. In other words, not a single thing is missing.
The hotel has an idyllic garden with the finest plumeria (frangipani) flowers, a contrast to the charming bare yellow walls. There is also a small pool with loungers.
The garden is also nicely set up in case you wish to enjoy your breakfast, lunch, or dinner in these magical surroundings. If you would prefer not to sit outside, there is a nice dining room as well.
Breakfast at the hotel typically consists of fresh fruit, juice, smoothies, home-made bread, egg and cheese, while the lunch dishes vary between fresh salads, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, sashimi, and tacos. Dinner is an opulent affair with specialities such as grilled lobster, tuna fish and prawns, soups, lamb tagine, mezze, Mediterranean-inspired specialities, and naturally, traditional Sri Lankan “rice and curry” dishes.
There are also tons of restaurants in the area, in case you want to eat outside on one of the days.
The hotel also offers free bicycle rental, so that you can explore Galle and the city’s beaches
Suite | Per person from: £79 |
The luxurious Le Grand Galle hotel boasts a superb location in the heart of Galle, perched atop a cliff overlooking the shimmering Indian Ocean and the historic Galle Fort.
The décor is contemporary, styled in soothing tones, with a harmonious design theme running throughout the hotel.
Le Grand Galle features 57 spacious and elegant rooms, each adorned with touches of nature in the shape of quality woodwork, lending the rooms a beautiful, rustic character. Every room faces the sea; the deluxe rooms offer views over the pool area, while the others look out onto tall, swaying palm trees and the peaceful ocean beyond.
All rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, safety box, minibar, complimentary bottled water, TV, telephone, iron and ironing board, and a kettle—so you can start your morning with a steaming cup of Sri Lankan tea, sipped on your private balcony or terrace. The rooms also offer a sitting area and desk, as well as en suite bathrooms featuring a shower and/or bathtub, complimentary toiletries, bathrobe, slippers and hairdryer.
The hotel’s wonderful infinity pool awaits you in the garden, complete with comfortable sun loungers and parasols. Here, you can relax to the gentle sound of the waves lapping the shore, enjoying a cold drink from the Dip bar.
After a day of exploring, why not unwind in the hotel’s wellness facilities, where you’ll find a steam room, sauna, and a range of Balinese treatments on offer.
If you’d like to keep up your fitness routine while on holiday, the hotel also offers a gym with a personal trainer available.
Blue and Taste are the names of the hotel’s beautifully decorated restaurants, where your taste buds are truly in for a treat. The exclusive Blue restaurant serves exquisite fish and seafood dishes, while Taste offers international cuisine and local specialities in a more relaxed setting.
If you, like us, can never get enough of sunsets, head to the terrace at Taste and savour a glass of wine as the sun paints the sky with stunning, warm colours before disappearing beyond the horizon.
Deluxe room | Per person from: £83 |
Situated right on the beach in the outskirts of Galle is the luxurious 5-star resort Radisson Blu Resort Galle. The hotel is located amidst the tropical, lush, green surroundings of Galle’s stunning coastal landscape.
Its 172 spacious rooms are modern and comfortably appointed in light colours with blue and turquoise details, in perfect harmony with the sea just outside the window. All rooms have a private balcony or terrace and are equipped with individually-controlled air conditioning, a desk, a 40-inch LED TV, a safe, a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. In the bathroom, there is a fabulous rainshower, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries.
There are three restaurants and bars at the hotel. The Fusion restaurant serves an exquisite breakfast buffet as well as Asian and international dishes made from fresh, hand-picked ingredients. At the top of the hotel is the cosy Bommu Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy cocktails, drinks and light snacks in the glow of the sunset from the comfortable rooftop furniture. There is also a phenomenal panoramic view from here of the bay, the beach and the hotel’s swimming pools. Between the beach and the large swimming pool is the Shoreline Beach Club for when you get a little peckish and thirsty in the middle of the day.
Spend your days at the hotel relaxing in the sun loungers on the beach or by the fabulous swimming pools, purchasing treatments at the inviting Breeze Spa, working out at the hotel’s well-equipped gym, hanging out in the Voyager Lounge, or pampering your body with a visit to the hotel’s jacuzzi and steam bath. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Please note: The price does not apply over Christmas and New Year. Please ask us for the price if you are travelling in this period.
Deluxe Ocean View | Per person from: £73 |
Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon enjoys a superb location on Sri Lanka’s picturesque south coast, overlooking Hikkaduwa Beach and Turtle Beach, where you can encounter sea turtles and snorkel among vibrant fish.
The hotel’s 150 rooms are decorated in a rustic style, with tiled floors, traditional dark wooden furniture, and colourful fabrics. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a ceiling fan, safety box, minibar, telephone, TV, and a kettle for tea and coffee, as well as a bathroom with hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Each room boasts a balcony that faces the gardens and the rolling sea, with tall, slender palms swaying in the breeze. Comfortable outdoor seating is provided, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or a good book to the soothing sound of the waves.
In the garden, you’ll find the hotel’s inviting swimming pool, including a children’s pool, as well as the Tranzfuse pool bar, where you can order drinks and light snacks.
Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon also features two restaurants. The main restaurant, Tranzfusion, is open throughout the day and offers both buffet and à la carte options, serving Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. In the evening, Crab Shack serves up delicious fish and seafood dishes. If you’d prefer to dine out, several great restaurants can be found nearby.
The hotel also boasts its own fitness centre, dive centre and spa, where you can unwind and treat yourself to a massage or a range of facial treatments.
As the day draws to a close, relax on your balcony and enjoy the stunning sunset with a glass of wine or a cocktail from the Tropiz @ Tranz bar.
Superior Room | Per person from: £95 |
Thilanka started out as a small bed and breakfast with just 5 rooms in 1978. Over the years, it grew into a small hotel and is today one of the most popular hotels in Kandy with as many as 92 rooms.
The hotel enjoys a wonderful location, close to the Udawatta Kele Nature Reserve with views of the city, the lake and the green-clad mountains – it doesn’t get much better than this! All the rooms have the same breathtaking views.
All 92 rooms are of a good size and traditionally appointed with dark wooden furniture and nice, colourful fabrics. Each room offers Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a safe, a telephone, a TV and a mini-fridge, as well as a bathroom with toiletries and a hair dryer. In the morning, you can sit out on the small balcony and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and take in the view before the day really starts.
After a day of sightseeing, you can relax on a sun lounger by the infinity pool and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Hanthana mountain range.
As a guest, you have access to the hotel’s cosy restaurant, which serves international dishes, whether you go for the buffet or à la carte.
And what better way to round off the evening than with a chilled glass of white wine from the hotel bar?
The Golden Crown Hotel is set in enchanting surroundings and boasts a fantastic location, whether you wish to visit tea plantations, waterfalls or explore some of the other cultural attractions this former capital city has to offer. The hotel is about a 20-minute walk from Kandy Lake and just 30 minutes on foot from the Temple of the Tooth – one of the main reasons the city has been added to the UNESCO world heritage list.
The rooms are designed for pure relaxation in comfortable surroundings and offer everything you could need: Wi-Fi, TV, a minibar, safety box, slippers, bathrobe, kettle and tea and coffee facilities. Refresh yourself in the rain shower before drifting off to sleep, then wake up to an idyllic view – you might even choose to start your day with breakfast in bed.
The Golden Crown Hotel is the ideal retreat when you need to escape and recharge. On the second floor, you’ll find the hotel’s infinity pool, where you can swim under the sun’s rays or quench your thirst at the pool bar while taking in the picturesque vista of lush landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
You can satisfy your appetite at one of the hotel’s three eateries: the modern main restaurant, Brix, serving a wide selection of dishes with exotic spices; the more laid-back Long Bar, styled as an Irish pub; or the cosy café, Treats.
The Golden Crown Hotel is an excellent choice if you’re after a stay with a touch of extra luxury.
Deluxe room | Per person from: £42 |
Paradise Beach Club is located in southern Mirissa, overlooking the golden sandy beach where the waves roll in.
The hotel has 62 comfortable and simply appointed rooms with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a minibar, a TV, a telephone, an electric kettle for coffee and tea, and a bathroom with a shower, toiletries and a hair dryer. There is also a balcony overlooking the garden.
If you are not a big fan of salt water and sand between your toes, you can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool instead. There are sun loungers, so you can enjoy the sun and the view of the beach. You also have the option to relax in the lush garden with a good book, surrounded by exotic trees and palm trees swaying in the warm sea breeze.
The hotel has its own restaurant serving various Eastern and Western dishes. Freshly caught seafood can be enjoyed every day as you enjoy the magnificent sea views. At the bar, you can enjoy classic cocktails and international wines as you watch the sun go down.
Deluxe room | Per person from: £94 |
Surrounded by unspoilt nature, in the middle of the beach, is Weligama Bay Resort. The long, pristine sandy beach invites pure relaxation and walks at the water’s edge. It is also a place where many surfers meet, and different water activities are available.
There are a total of 24 rooms furnished with traditional dark wooden furniture. The rooms all offer air conditioning, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, a safe, a minibar, a telephone, a TV and a bathroom with a shower, hair dryer and toiletries. The rooms also have their own terrace overlooking the garden or sea.
You only have to walk a few steps to get down to the sea and cool off. You can also choose to jump in the pool or enjoy a dip in the jacuzzi.
If you’re in need of a spot of self -indulgence during the tour, you can visit Bawana Spa at the resort, where various types of wellness treatments are offered, including using traditional Sri Lankan natural medicine – how about an Ayurvedic massage?
The resort’s Cutty Sark Clipper restaurant offers both local Sri Lankan food and more traditional dishes, such as meat and pasta specialities. The restaurant is divided into two sections, so you can both enjoy your meal with a sea view on the terrace, and, if it gets too hot, you can sit in the restaurant’s air-conditioned dining room.
The bar is open all day, and you can quench your thirst with a fresh juice or a cold beer here. You can also enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan cup of tea with a delicious piece of cake.
Superior Room | Per person from: £47 |
If you’re seeking a touch of added luxury, you have the option to upgrade to Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa. All rooms boast large floor-to-ceiling windows facing the beach, so you can soak up the most spectacular sea views from your very own room! Step out onto your private terrace and savour the sight of waves rolling onto the sand as palm trees sway gently in the breeze.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a telephone, TV, iron and ironing board, minibar, and tea and coffee making facilities. The bathroom features a separate walk-in shower and a spacious bathtub, along with a hair dryer, bathrobe, slippers, and a selection of complimentary toiletries.
It’s often hard to choose between spending time at the beach or relaxing by the pool. Here, though, you don’t need to decide – the pool sits directly beside the beach. Stretch out on a sun lounger beneath a parasol, enjoy a freshly squeezed juice, and listen to the soothing sound of the waves rolling onto the shore.
The resort offers a variety of dining options. The main restaurant, Weligama Kitchen, serves up international dishes buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At Big Fish you can enjoy a culinary adventure, with an extensive selection of freshly caught fish and seafood. If you’re in need of a little pick-me-up, pop into Mirissa Baking Company for a cup of coffee and something sweet. Tides Bar is the perfect spot for a cocktail or a glass of wine, while Surf’s Up Pool & Beach Bar serves everything from tropical cocktails to tempting tapas – all best enjoyed while soaking up breathtaking views across Weligama Bay.
If you find yourself indulging a little too much, don’t worry. You can keep in shape at the fitness centre, which is fully equipped with a wide range of exercise machines and weights.
If you’re in need of a little extra pampering, why not visit the spa area to enjoy a relaxing massage or another wellness treatment?
Superior Ocean View | Per person from: £108 |
Goldi Sands Hotel is located right down by the wide, golden sandy beach with swaying palms and colourful fishing boats. The airport is just 15 minutes by car from here.
The hotel’s 67 rooms are decorated in light colours and wood furniture. All rooms feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, safe, tea and coffee facilities, TV, telephone, as well as a bathroom with a hair dryer, bathing robes and slippers. From the balcony, you can enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean and the gorgeous sunset.
In the daytime, you can bathe in the pool, make use of various water sports activities, or just relax in a lounger with a good book as you sip a refreshing drink.
When you get hungry, you can choose between buffet and a la carte with local and international dishes as well as delicious, fresh fish and shellfish dishes purchased directly from local fishermen.
At Goldi Sands you can also treat yourself to relaxing treatments at Ayurveda Spa.
The lovely Jetwing Blue is right next to Negombo’s golden sandy beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. On the beach, you have access to private sun loungers and parasols, and you can enjoy the sun to the sound of the waves and palm trees swaying in the warm sea breeze.
The hotel and its 120 large rooms are all welcoming and beautifully decorated in light, calm colours. All rooms have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, a fridge with minibar, bottled mineral water, an electric kettle for coffee and tea, an iron and ironing board, a safe, a desk and a bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower, bathrobes, toiletries and a hair dryer. All rooms also overlook the sea, with a lovely balcony or terrace from which you can enjoy the view of the beach.
Jetwing Blue has a fabulous pool area with a large swimming pool. Relax by the pool or enjoy a lovely, long swim. Then recline on a sun lounger and just relax in the sun.
If you need to pamper your body and soul, you can book an appointment at the hotel’s day spa where you can enjoy various massage and beauty treatments. If an active holiday is more your thing, the hotel also has a gym and squash courts.
The hotel offers various dining options. The main restaurant, The Kitchen, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with both Eastern and Western dishes available. Choose either a buffet or a la carte and watch your food being prepared in the open kitchen. Centre Point Grill & Bar is open from the morning and for the rest of the day, and you can enjoy various barbecue dishes in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the beach and the traditional fishing boats. There are also several bars where you can enjoy a glass of wine in the beautiful light of the sunset.
Deluxe room | Per person from: £62 |
Galway Heights Hotel is situated in the heart of Nuwara Eliya’s lush highlands, with breathtaking views over forests, verdant mountains and beautiful tea plantations.
Within walking distance of the hotel, you’ll discover the picturesque Gregory Lake, created by the British Governor, Sir William Gregory, in 1873. Set amidst the stunning scenery, the lake invites you to set out on leisurely walks, boat trips or cycling adventures – with bikes available to borrow at the hotel.
Galway Heights Hotel features 47 lovely, well-appointed rooms. Each comes with a wardrobe, desk, a cosy sitting area and a bathroom equipped with a hairdryer and toiletries. Thanks to the cooler climate of the highlands, rooms also have a heater for your comfort. Additional amenities include Wi-Fi, a minibar, safety box and kettle, so you can start your day with a cup of tea or coffee.
After a day of exploring, unwind with a game of darts or billiards in the hotel’s lounge, or simply relax with a steaming cup of Ceylon tea and freshly baked cakes. For something a little livelier, have the bartender whip up a cocktail in The Galway Pub.
The hotel has its own restaurant serving delicious international cuisine.
The cosy Kassapa Lion Rock Hotel is set in peaceful, green surroundings in the Sigiriya area.
Kassapa Lion Rock consists of 90 well-appointed, spacious and bright rooms. Each room has air conditioning, a minibar, a TV and a bathroom with both a bath and an open-air shower. A hair dryer, iron and ironing board are available on request from the hotel’s friendly staff in reception. On the room’s small private veranda, you can enjoy the shade and the wonderful tranquillity, interrupted only by the birds singing.
The hotel has two lovely pools with sun loungers, and as the icing on the cake, you have a view from one of the pools to the famous Lion Rock, a mere 15-minute drive away.
If you have sore muscles or just need a spot of pampering, you can enjoy various massage and beauty treatments at the hotel’s own Ayuveda Spa.
The restaurant is open morning, noon and evening, serving both European and Sri Lankan dishes with fresh vegetables and herbs from the nearby village.
Round off the day with a cocktail or the Sri Lankan beer, Lion, from the rooftop bar, which offers great views of the serene surroundings.
Aliya Resort & Spa boasts the most amazing and breathtaking views of Sigiriya’s verdant landscape and the famous Lion’s Rock, which is a 20-minute drive away.
The hotel is decorated in a minimalist style and adorned with beautiful, colourful works of art featuring elephants. “Aliya” means elephant in Sinhalese.
The simple, minimalist style continues in the 96 bright and spacious rooms, all of which have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a seating area, a desk, a safe, a TV, a telephone and minibar, and a bathroom with a bathtub, a shower, a hair dryer and toiletries. In the morning, you can sit out on the balcony with a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee and just enjoy the tranquillity and green surroundings before the day starts in earnest.
After standing at the top of Lion Rock, you can enjoy a well-deserved swim in the pool and then lie in the shade under a parasol and admire the views of the verdant landscape and the rock that you just climbed.
If you haven’t had enough exercise, you can make use of the hotel gym or play a game of badminton. On the other hand, if your body and soul are in need of pampering, you can practise yoga and meditation or visit the Ayur Vie Spa, which offers a variety of traditional and therapeutic spa treatments.
As a guest of the Aliya Resort & Spa, you have access to three very different restaurants serving a wide range of culinary delights from Sri Lanka and the rest of Asia. The hotel also has a coffee shop and bar where you can relax to the sound of gentle jazz music.
Deluxe room | Per person from: £62 |
Can you hear it? It’s the sound of the rain forest’s gushing waterfalls, birds chirping and frogs croaking.
The Rainforest Eco Lodge is a completely unique place with a unique location amidst the lush nature of the Enselwatta tea plantation, bordering the Sinharaja Rainforest.
The lodge consists of 20 cabins dotted throughout the green tea plantation. All are built using recycled materials. The cabins themselves are built from old shipping containers, the walls and ceilings are built from bamboo and the terraces are built from railway sleepers.
Each cabin consists of a bedroom, bathroom and terrace, and offers tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, free bottled water, a telephone and a hair dryer. The bathroom has a shower and both hot and cold water. The cabins also have large windows, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking view of the tea plantation, the rainforest and the green mountains, no matter where you are in the cabin. In the morning, you can sit out on the terrace with a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest and its wildlife. When the mist clears, you may be lucky enough to meet the curious squirrels that live in the area.
The lodge also has its own restaurant, and the food is fantastic! It is made from fresh, organic vegetables and fruit from the local village, while meat, fish and shellfish are transported from Galle a few times a week.
Green energy and eco-friendly solutions are a major focus for The Rainforest Eco Lodge, which helps to reduce the environmental footprint through cleaning wastewater and the emission of carbon with the help of solar panels.
The Rainforest Eco Lodge is moreover the only LEED platinum-certified accommodation in Sri Lanka, the 4th in Asia and the 5th in the World. The lodge has thus been built according to special sustainable guidelines that have ensured that its construction has not destroyed or disturbed the rainforest habitat and the local community, which consists of 30 families who all work in the tea plantation.
Before the construction of The Rainforest Eco Lodge, the local community lived in extremely poor conditions. The hotel management decided that, for the lodge to be a success, it was necessary to improve the living conditions of the local people and give them access to better and more opportunities. The decision was therefore made to build them a new village near the old one, with improved housing with sanitary facilities, electricity, and access to clean drinking water, which is financed by The Rainforest Eco Lodge. A new school was also built for the village’s children, where the teachers are paid by The Rainforest Eco Lodge. Every Monday, the pupils are given a free lunch, and every Wednesday, the children are taught English by the hotel management.
The Rainforest Eco Lodge’s ambition is for the “community outreach” programme to develop over time and expand to include even more focus areas to improve the living conditions of the local community.
A stay here is, in other words, a totally unique experience!
Situated in the middle of the beautiful sandy Nilaveli beach, which stretches far into the distance, is the Nilaveli Beach Hotel. The waves gently roll into the shore, and the sea becomes almost one with the cloudless sky.
Trincomalee town centre is a good 30-minute drive from here, and the popular snorkelling spot, Pigeon Island, is a mere 10-minute boat ride away.
The hotel has 45 lovely rooms, which are decorated in calm colours that harmonise with the surroundings. All rooms offer air conditioning, a TV, a safe, a hair dryer and a fridge. Each room also has a private terrace where you can sit with your morning coffee and watch the sun rise.
The hotel has a private beach with sun loungers, and various water sports activities and beach volleyball are available. If you’re more into lazing by a pool, you’re in luck as Nilaveli Beach Hotel has a lovely, big swimming pool.
The restaurant overlooks the beach and offers both indoor and outdoor dining. Tasty Sri Lankan and Western dishes are served here. Fresh seafood is also always on the menu. Once a week, an exquisite BBQ dinner is served under the stars, when you can enjoy the sea view and the lapping of the waves.
At the end of a wonderful day, you can enjoy a cold drink from the hotel’s lounge bar.
Deluxe room | Per person from: £94 |
The lovely Trinco Blu by Cinnamon Hotel is located right by Trincomalee’s beautiful sandy Uppuveli beach, making it perfect for long walks, sunbathing and refreshing swims in the gentle waves.
Trincomalee itself is a mere 5–6 minute tuktuk drive away, and you can explore the cosy, historic harbour town, which dates back more than 2,000 years.
The Trinco Blu by Cinnamon has a total of 79 rooms, all of which are bright and welcoming. Each room has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a minibar, a TV, tea and coffee making facilities as well as a desk and seating area. In the bathroom, you will find bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. You have your own balcony where you can sit and relax while enjoying the view.
The hotel also has a pool and a smaller children’s pool with sun loungers, a PADI-certified diving centre and two eateries. Captain’s Deck serves Asian and Continental dishes, while The Crab restaurant offers delicious seafood dishes. The Rum Hold bar serves drinks and light snacks until midnight.
In the nearby area, you will also find many local restaurants with delicious traditional dishes on the menu.
Superior room | Per person from: £18 |
Chaarya Resort & Spa has the feel of a small village, situated in a peaceful, scenic area in the heart of Tissamaharama, a 30-minute drive from Yala National Park. It is surrounded by lush, green gardens with footpaths, majestic king palms and ponds with beautiful water lilies.
The hotel has 55 rooms of at least 52 m2, all of which have their own veranda overlooking the lovely landscaped gardens, where you may see various migratory birds and endemic bird species. The pleasantly appointed rooms feature dark wood furniture, textiles in beautiful colours and attractive paper lanterns. They are all offer air conditioning, a ceiling fan, Wi-Fi, a TV, a telephone, a safe, a seating area and desk. There is also an electric kettle, so you can make yourself a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy on your veranda. The bathroom has a rain shower, a hair dryer and complimentary toiletries.
Chaarya Resort also has a fabulous pool area with a jacuzzi, where you can enjoy the sun and the peaceful surroundings. Or how about a traditional ayurveda treatment at the resort’s day spa?
Chaaya’s in-house restaurant serves delicious, traditional Sri Lankan, oriental and western dishes made from fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and meat from the local villages.
In the evening, you can enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar.
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort is just a short drive from Udawalawe National Park.
The resort is built on 3-hectare plot with lovely, lush gardens, where tall trees reach for the sky and orange carp swim around in the ponds.
The main street runs past the hotel, allowing you to experience local life right up close.
Grand Udawalawe offers a total of 79 bright, spacious and simply appointed rooms, with traditional wooden furniture and colourful fabrics. All offer Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a safe, a TV, a telephone and an electric kettle so you can start the morning with a cup of tea or coffee. A shower, hair dryer and toiletries can be found in the bathroom. Each room also has its own balcony, where you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings, interrupted only by the birds singing.
After a day of safari, you can relax on a sun lounger and soak up the sun with a cold drink from the bar. Or how about a refreshing swim in the large pool? There is also a small children’s pool for the little ones.
In the evening, you can sit on your balcony and read a book, play a game of cards with the family or just look up at the beautiful starry sky.
The resort’s restaurant is open morning, noon and evening, serving Sri Lankan and international cuisine to suit all tastes.
Athgira River Camp is not an upgrade hotel, but a unique and alternative accommodation experience. Located on the Rakwana River, a mere 15-minute drive from Udawalawe National Park, it is built in harmony with the surrounding environment.
The camp consists of luxury tents made for adventure and relaxation. Located in the midst of amazing nature, you can look forward to waking up to the sound of birds chirping and the soothing trickle of the river. The tents offer proper beds and an en suite bathroom with hot and cold water. In your tent, you’ll also find complimentary bottled mineral water and an electric kettle, so you can make yourself a cup of coffee or tea, which you can enjoy on your veranda. Mosquito nets and a hair dryer can be borrowed from reception, while free Wi-Fi is available in the communal areas.
After an exciting day of safari, you can take a refreshing dip in one of the hotel’s two pools, and in the evening there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy cosy moments around the bonfire while the stars light up the sky.
Athgira’s main restaurant is next to the reception, but on some days, it’s set up down by the river where you can enjoy breakfast and dinner to the soothing sound of the water. No matter where you end up eating, you can look forward to Athgira’s culinary experiences. The chefs are ready to serve international and Sri Lankan specialities as well as delicious barbecued dishes – all made from fresh, local produce.
Jetwing Yala is located on the edge of Yala National Park on a 15-hectare plot amidst the wild countryside, surrounded by sand dunes, the Indian Ocean and wild trees and shrubs. It doesn’t come more amazing than this!
The hotel offers a total of 80 beautifully appointed, spacious rooms with parquet flooring, four-poster beds and a seating area with a sofa. All rooms have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a safe, a mini bar, an iron and ironing board, a telephone, a TV, a wardrobe, bottled mineral water and a kettle for tea and coffee making. The bathrooms are large and have a shower, toiletries, bathrobes and a hair dryer. In the morning, you can sit out on your balcony and enjoy the sunrise and the views of the wild countryside.
The beach is just metres away and patrolled by internationally trained lifeguards. The beach has the Beach Bar and is made for good walks and relaxation. If you’re more into pools, the hotel has a lovely, 75-metre-long swimming pool and, of course, there are sun loungers, parasols and a pool bar.
If you are into pampering and wellness, you can enjoy one of the many relaxing treatments offered by the day spa, or if you are more into an active holiday, the hotel has a gym equipped with both weights and various machines.
The main restaurant, The Restaurant, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serves both a buffet and a la carte featuring international and local delicacies, including fresh seafood, tapas and much more besides. You can choose to sit both inside and outside, where you can enjoy the fantastic surroundings in the daylight and the beautiful starry sky at night. The Thambapanni restaurant, on the other hand, specialises in Asian fusion cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner.
Round off the evening in the light of the moon at The Bar, where you can enjoy wine, beer, drinks and tea and coffee.
The price does not apply over Christmas and New Year. Please ask us for the price if you are travelling in this period.
Superior room | Per person from: £67 |
Millie’s passion for travel sparked when she was little, and now she loves to help others fulfil their travel dreams