Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a jewel of the Indian Ocean, where ancient culture, lush landscapes, and luxurious hospitality come together to create an unforgettable journey.
The island’s rich heritage is reflected in its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the majestic rock fortress of Sigiriya and the sacred city of Kandy to the historic ramparts of Galle Fort.
Travellers can journey through misty tea plantations in the Central Highlands aboard the iconic train from Kandy to Ella, one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, before heading on safari at Yala National Park to spot elephants and leopards in their natural habitat.
The south coast entices with golden beaches, boutique resorts, and surf towns like Mirissa and Tangalle, while the east coast reveals a quieter, untouched beauty with pristine shores in Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, ideal for diving, whale watching, and relaxation.
In Colombo, modern sophistication meets colonial charm through fine dining, art galleries, and vibrant markets.
Whether exploring ancient cities, mountain tea estates, or palm-fringed coasts, Sri Lanka offers an exquisite balance of culture, adventure, and serenity, making it one of Asia’s most captivating luxury destinations.
P.S. Sri Lanka works great combining another Indian Ocean favourite……Maldives
F PT recommends
-

Amangalla, Galle
Nestled within the ramparts of Galle Fort on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Amangalla is a distinguished heritage-retreat blending colonial grandeur with subtle modern comforts. Originally established as the New Oriental Hotel in 1865 and later integrated into the Aman portfolio, Amangalla preserves its historic character down to antique furnishings, lofty ceilings, and deep verandas. Guests stay in intimate suites, chambers, and the elegant Garden House, many overlooking the fort walls, gardens or harbour. Dining unfolds in stately halls and under the veranda, while The Baths spa offers Ayurvedic, hydrotherapy, and restorative rituals in a tranquil setting. With its seamless balance of timeless elegance, local culture, and gracious hospitality, Amangalla offers a rare window into Sri Lanka’s storied past.
-

Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Kandy
Within Sri Lanka’s lush hill country, Santani Wellness Resort & Spa is an immersive sanctuary of holistic renewal. Perched above a forested valley and surrounded by tea plantations, the resort offers a sublime retreat against a backdrop of mist-shrouded hills and changing seasons. Its refined pavilions and suites are designed to dissolve boundaries between indoors and out, allowing guests to awaken to forest vistas and the sounds of nature. The wellness philosophy here is deeply personal: bespoke programs integrate Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and detox therapies tailored to each guest’s needs, supported by nutritious cuisine that feeds body and spirit. With its elegant minimalism, thoughtful service, and restorative energy, Santani offers a transformative respite for those seeking deep balance.
-

Amanwella, Tangalle
Amanwella is a tranquil beachside retreat on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, tucked along an 800-metre crescent of golden sand fringed by coconut palms. Each of its elegant suites features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, private plunge pools, and seamless indoor-outdoor living that frames views of jungle, beach, and sea. Dining is relaxed yet refined, with a main restaurant overlooking the bay and a barefoot Beach Club serving fresh seafood beneath swaying palms. Wellness and serenity are woven into every moment with yoga on the sand, spa treatments offered in suite or sheltered garden settings, and gentle moments of stillness by the ocean. At Amanwella, simplicity meets sophistication, offering guests a luminous, restorative escape.
-

Anantara Peace Haven, Tangalle
Along Sri Lanka’s sapphire southern shore, Anantara Peace Haven is a serene coastal sanctuary enveloped by rolling hills and a private bay. The resort’s elegant villas and pavilions blend contemporary design with vernacular touches, many featuring private pools and breezy open spaces that frame views of lush landscaping or the Indian Ocean. Culinary offerings draw from local and international traditions, while the spa invites profound relaxation through holistic treatments and yoga in open-air pavilions. With its warm hospitality, secluded ambience, and natural surroundings, Anantara Peace Haven offers a rejuvenating escape where rest and discovery harmonise beautifully.
-

The Water Garden, Sigiriya
Water Garden is a stunning boutique retreat set in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, offering a front-row view of the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock. Inspired by the island’s ancient water gardens, the resort unfolds across a serene landscape of lotus ponds, streams, and lush greenery, creating a perfect harmony between heritage and modern design. Its 30 spacious villas, including several with private plunge pools, blend contemporary elegance with natural materials, many framing unforgettable vistas of Lion Rock rising dramatically in the distance. Guests can enjoy refined dining at the open-air restaurant, unwind with holistic treatments at the tranquil spa overlooking the water, or relax by the striking 31-metre pool. Combining cultural richness, scenic beauty, and discreet luxury, Water Garden Sigiriya offers an unforgettable escape where history and nature meet in perfect balance.
-

Ahu Bay, Ahungalla
Perched on a secluded promontory Ahu Bay is a refined boutique retreat along Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Consisting of 13 suites and two private villas, the property embraces barefoot-luxury with clean, contemporary architecture, natural materials, and expansive glass walls that frame panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Guests enjoy an infinity pool, Sanctuary Spa, and a relaxed open-sided restaurant where fresh, seasonal cuisine is served with understated elegance. With its quiet beach below, personalized service, and immersive local experiences from turtle-nesting nights to coastal excursions, Ahu Bay offers a soulful coastal escape infused with calm and style.
-

Heritance Kandalama
An architectural masterpiece and eco-luxury retreat nestled in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Heritance Kandalama overlooks the serene Kandalama Lake and the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock. Designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa, the hotel blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest and cliffs, creating a sense of harmony between nature and modern design. Elegant rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the lake or lush jungle, while dining celebrates local flavors with breathtaking scenery. Guests can unwind at the tranquil spa, enjoy wildlife encounters, or explore nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites. Heritance Kandalama offers a truly immersive experience where sustainability, culture, and refined comfort coexist in perfect balance.
-

Ceylon Tea Trails- Relais & Châteaux, Central Highlands
Located within Sri Lanka’s verdant Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails is an enchanting boutique escape 1,250 metres above sea level, amid the rolling tea estates of Bogawantalawa Valley. Comprising five lovingly restored colonial tea-planters’ bungalows each with just five or six suites, the property offers a deeply intimate sense of place and history. Interiors evoke old-world charm, with antiques, vintage photographs and library lounges, while personalized butler service and chef-crafted cuisine make each stay effortlessly indulgent. Surrounded by misty tea fields, forest trails and shimmering lakes, guests can tour working tea factories, hike remote paths, kayak on Castlereagh Lake or simply pause to reflect in tranquil gardens. Ceylon Tea Trails offers a rare and restful journey into Sri Lanka’s heritage, nature and hospitality.