As experts in luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, we pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of the island and its hotels and boutiques. Our team travel across the length and breadth of the island at least three times a year, so we have first-hand knowledge on new openings and are able to handpick the best luxury hotels, boutiques and villas for our clients.
We only recommend hotels that we truly love, carefully selecting those that offer a luxurious and authentic experiences. Whether it’s a stunning location, striking design or a sense of history, our selection of boutique hotels has something special to offer. We have personally visited every hotel we recommend ensuring that they meet our high standards of luxury, authenticity and service.
As an independent boutique, we have no commitment to any one hotel, allowing us to truly tailor-make your Sri Lankan holiday according to needs and tastes. Trust us to guide you to the best places to stay in Sri Lanka from the best boutique hotels, luxury villas to the best luxury hotels that all cater to your every need.
A small sample of some of our favourites.
Chena Huts
The unique and luxurious Chena Huts, inspired by the small clearings in the jungle called chena for farmers to guard their crops, are far from their modest ancestors. Super-luxe safari residences nestle among dunes and luscious jungle at the ocean’s edge.
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Overlooking a beach, expect sea turtles laying eggs by moonlight and wandering elephants playing in the surf. You will have your own private ranger throughout your stay. The rangers here are incredibly knowledgeable and will accompany you on your game rides into the adjacent natural reserve – Sri Lanka’s oldest and second-largest Yala’s national park. Expect prime viewing of elephants, leopards, water buffalo exotic birds to name a few.
Between safaris relax on your private pavilion boasting views of the surrounding wilderness and seascape. Each Chena Hut is hugely spacious and comes complete with private decks and plunge pools. Natural stylish interiors with sumptuous furnishings will ensure a luxurious stay at this ocean-facing jungle haven.
We Love: The staff and rangers are so incredibly friendly and welcoming. You’ll have to tear yourself away from the luxuriously appointed huts – they are simply awe inspiring.
Santani wellness resort
Few resorts in the world can match Santani’s serene view-blessed setting, on an undulating hillside to the north east of Kandy. Channelling the concept of intelligent luxury where nature is king and service is everything, it’s one of those very rare places where you can truly escape the world.
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The pure natural surroundings energise the soul, and the purposefully minimalist eco-conscious architecture lets body and mind be at peace. Whether you stay for two days or 20, you’ll leave feeling reborn. The 120-acre resort was designed according to the highest sustainability and eco principles.
Many of the chalets jut out from the mountain and provide a calming, uncluttered space for sleep and private downtime, while shared facilities include a world-class spa, an infinity lap pool and a yoga pavilion. Those looking to indulge in wellness can choose a tailored package designed to pamper the body and inspire the mind.
The resort opened in 2016 yet has already received numerous accolades: Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure named Santani one of the best new hotels in 2017, Tatler singled out its spa as one of the world’s best while Tablet/Forbes included Santani in their list of 25 of the most unusual hotels in the world. Santani also received a coveted Bawa Award for Excellence in Architecture.
We Love: The deep relaxation that you experience just after spending a few hours at Santani. The resident chef prepares tailored meals around its guests and the food is exquisite.
Cape Weligama
Perched on a cliff top in twelve acres of immaculately landscaped gardens, Cape Weligama has uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean with beaches aside this luxurious resort. With a striking crescent shaped infinity pool, a main pool, a private infinity pool and a further twelve shared infinity pools, this resort doesn’t fall short by any expectation.
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This spacious hotel has 39 villas with stylish interiors that are the largest Luxury Villas in Sri Lanka. Daily complimentary high tea is served every afternoon and exceptional cuisine in the three restaurants daily. Enjoy sundowner cocktails at one of the three Cliff Edge look out points listening to the crashing waves or in the stylish club bar. Enjoy a variety of experiences or excursions or simply curl up in one of the lovely alcoves of the resident bar and restaurants.
We Love: No request is too small for the attentive, smiling staff who have also been trained in the art of listening vs. hearing. Look out for the beautiful mid-century modern chairs in the downstairs bar.
Karpaha Sands
Arguably one of the island’s best beach hotel in Sri Lanka. Decompress in luxury tented suites carefully tucked between palm trees. Unwind on private loungers on pristine shores and enjoy the divine culinary journey that makes this hidden gem extra special.
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With a spa, library and fully equipped games room, you will find it impossible not to recharge and deeply relax at this exclusive and intimate beach stay.
We Love: This is an authentic luxury experience close to nature. Watching the fisherman from your private sun lounger as the sun rises is an unforgettable memory and enjoying the azure ocean whilst lying in bed is something very special. The food here is excellent and with superb service, you will simply not want to leave. Also make a point of enjoying the journey to Karpaha Sands from the main road passing by smaller villager homes and families – a small glimpse into local life and it is a delight
AmanGalla
A colonial grande dame, AmanGalla is perfectly placed in the inside walls of the historic Galle Fort – a Unesco World Heritage Site. Built in 1683 as the Dutch Military Headquarters, its former heyday was as the New Oriental Hotel in the 19th Century.
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Steeped in history this deluxe hotel retains its heritage in every architectural and decorative detail. Original antiques and polished teak floors pay homage to this historical edifice. Linger in rooms with shuttered French windows, gorgeous four poster beds and traditional Sri Lankan Pettagama chests. The Baths spa is overwhelmingly beautiful with candlelit chambers and hydrotherapy pools. Complete with a barber shop and salon, relax on the sun loungers by the gorgeous pool under the shades of the ambalamas (pavilions). Taking tea on the verandah is a signature AmanGalle experience and soak up life as it passes by on Church street.
We Love: Book an appointment with the in-house ayurvedic doctor to sooth any niggles and then tuck yourself away in the ambient library for a truly serene retreat. Indulge in the amazing, packed lunches provided for your day trips when exploring this historic town.
GAL OYA LODGE
A unique eco lodge across 20 acres of private jungle located adjacent to Gal Oya National Park. An immersive wilderness experience in one of Sri Lanka’s most remote areas the design concept follow nature and had been created in harmony with its surroundings and its natural features.
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A real treat for those who love nature, experience tailored safaris and a break away from the digital world.
We love: The wonderful staff who are so incredibly knowledgeable about wildlife and nature and the huge black rock upon which guests can enjoy barbecues and cooking demonstrations. This is real immersion in nature and the boat safaris are like no other.
ULAGALLA
This hotel features a 150-year-old mansion at its centre with 20 private ecologically built villas spread across 58 acres of lush greenery. A lush environment, stunning landscape makes for an unforgettable luxurious experience amidst a green oasis.
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A perfect blend of indulgence and luxury in amongst two sparkling reservoirs, paddy fields, lily ponds and an ancestral estate that was once of Anuradhapura nobility. A host of activities are available such as Nature Walks, Archery, Horse riding, Cooking & Kayaking available at the hotel.
We Love: Ulagalla has its own solar farm generating half of its own energy. There are families of monkeys everywhere and a cycle around the grounds will treat its visitor to intimate sightings of these Grey Langur families. There are several dining options including the opportunity for private dining on the observation deck or in the middle of the paddy fields. Just watching the setup for private dining is an experience in itself.
LEOPARD TRAILS
Leopard Trails is a bespoke luxury tented safari experience provider that operates within the buffer zones of both Wilpattu and Yala national parks. The spacious canvas tents have big beds and en-suite bathrooms whilst the comfortable communal areas are reminiscent of the safari style of days-gone-by.
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Operating on an all-inclusive basis including all food and drinks, Leopard Trails offers two game drives a day, accompanied by an expert guide.
We Love: The Rangers are highly qualified and deeply experienced and take part in outside exchange programme in South Africa. Each Tent is allocated a personalised Ranger/Butler and dinner is always, where possible eaten outside.
