Sri Lanka: A Journey Through Tea Country, Coast and Culture

The Wallawwa, Negombo

Just 15 minutes from Colombo’s international airport yet a world away from the bustle, The Wallawwa is a serene start or finish to your Sri Lankan escape. This beautifully restored 18th-century manor house blends colonial charm with contemporary style, set within two acres of lush tropical gardens alive with birdsong. Its intimate scale and boutique feel make it the perfect haven for unwinding after a long journey, where time slows to match the rhythm of the tropics.

Days at The Wallawwa can be spent drifting down Negombo’s historic Dutch canals, exploring the lively fish markets, or visiting the town’s Catholic churches, cigar factory, and colonial fort. For those drawn to local flavours, the hotel’s dining reflects fresh, seasonal produce, while the Z Spa offers a tranquil oasis for treatments inspired by Sri Lankan traditions. Evenings invite al fresco dining beneath the stars, where the quiet elegance of the property captures the island’s signature blend of warmth, heritage, and effortless calm.

Uga Ulagalla, Anuradhapura

A journey into Sri Lanka’s ancient heart begins at Uga Ulagalla, a serene retreat set across 58 acres of lush greenery once home to local nobility. Here, 25 private pool villas are scattered amid rice paddies and woodland alive with birdsong, blending sustainable luxury with a deep sense of history.

Perfectly located for exploring the Cultural Triangle, guests can witness the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura, ascend the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or cycle through traditional villages where life has unfolded unchanged for centuries. Return to your villa for a dip in the private plunge pool, an Ayurvedic-inspired spa treatment, or an al fresco dinner beneath the stars. The resort also offers culinary workshops and guided nature walks, letting you savour Sri Lanka’s local flavours and biodiversity. At Uga Ulagalla, the past and present coexist gracefully, creating a space to slow down, reconnect with nature, and feel the quiet pulse of the island’s history.

Ratwatte Walauwa, Gunnepana

Just a short drive from the cultural city of Kandy, Ratwatte Walauwa is an elegant 19th-century manor house reimagined as an intimate boutique retreat. Blending Dutch, Moorish, and local design influences, it sits amidst lush jungle gardens scented with frangipani, with only nine individually styled rooms — an atmosphere of exclusivity and ease where time seems to stretch and soften.

Days begin slowly here: breakfast on the veranda as monkeys chatter in the treetops, followed by a swim in the palm-fringed infinity pool overlooking the paddy fields. Guests can explore Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens, or simply recline in a hammock with a book, lulled by the hum of cicadas.

Ratwatte Walauwa captures the romance of old Ceylon — refined, unhurried, and deeply personal, offering a rare glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich heritage in the heart of lush surroundings.

Amanwella, Tangalle

On the south coast, Amanwella sits amid swaying palms and golden sands, a retreat designed for quiet contemplation and seamless immersion in nature. Its 30 suites, each opening onto a private terrace with a plunge pool, blend modernist architecture with barefoot elegance. The resort is intimate, embracing simplicity, stillness, and unbroken views of the Indian Ocean.

Guests can explore nearby temples, visit traditional villages, or embark on whale-watching excursions from Mirissa. Mealtimes are a celebration of local seafood and spices, served al fresco beneath the stars. Amanwella’s combination of privacy, understated luxury, and natural beauty makes it an oasis of calm on Sri Lanka’s southern shores.

Cape Weligama, Weligama

Perched dramatically on southern cliffs, Cape Weligama offers 39 suites and villas, each designed with natural materials, private infinity pools, and expansive terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort fuses timeless elegance with Sri Lanka’s coastal culture, immersing guests in the rhythm of the sea.

Experiences include ocean safaris to spot blue whales and spinner dolphins, guided tours of nearby cinnamon plantations, or private visits to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wellness sessions on cliff-top platforms, sunset cocktails at the bar, and immersive cooking classes further connect guests to local culture and flavours. Cape Weligama invites reflection, indulgence, and discovery, where every moment above the waves or amidst coastal life feels extraordinary.