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From luxury surf resorts to swanky eco lodges, the hottest hotels on the island
Sri Lanka simply sizzles with superlative stays, from its surf-loving southern shores to the tea-teeming terrain of its misty Central Highland hills. Whether you’re in search of boutique colonial tea bungalows scattered across verdant valleys, luxury tented camps on the fringes of Yala National Park, or stunning structures created by tropical modernist Geoffrey Bawa—the island’s most celebrated architect—the best hotels in Sri Lanka let you take pleasure in leisure.
Here is our pick of the best hotels in Sri Lanka:
ITC RATNADIPA, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, COLOMBO
New in town
The brand’s first foreign venture and a bold addition to Colombo’s skyline, the ITC Ratnadipa’s 352 rooms and suites come with ocean-facing balconies. A grand presidential suite (complete with a private helipad) makes this the newest bastion of luxury in the capital. Towering over the Galle Face Green park, the 30-storey Ratnadipa and the adjacent 50-storey Sapphire Residences tower, form a marquee project connected by a sky bridge called Ahasa One. The bridge will house two infinity pools, a sun deck and the soon-to-be-opened jazz lounge and bar called Ahasa, with views from 100 metres above ground. The corridors are lined with work by local artists and photographers and the nil manel (blue water lily) motif is a recurring design element across the hotel. Its star restaurants include Avartana which has set a new template for modern South Indian cuisine in the subcontinent. The meal progression at this restaurant banks on surprise and transforms well-known meats, seafood and vegetables into spectacular molecular bites, think: a crunchy, dehydrated cauliflower crisp with a yoghurt, pomegranate and mint emulsion; or a crispy chilli potato nest topped with a pineapple and mint sphere. At Peshawri, ITC’s other legendary brand, dishes from the Northwest Frontier are recreated using traditional techniques and recipes. This apart, there is the multi-cuisine Indian Ocean Pavilion, the Asian specialty restaurant Yi Jing, the poolside bar Jala Anganaya, and the opulent dinner-only Oyster Bar. ITC Ratnadipa’s arrival undoubtedly adds a new dimension to the ever-iconic Galle Face Green promenade.
Doubles from approx. Rs 16,500; itchotels.com
KAYAAM HOUSE, REKAWA
For the sea-and-spa life
Inside a quiet village along the busy south coast, the scenery at this wellness sanctum swivels from jungle greens on one end to a sun-drenched beachside on the other. A white villa complex (8 rooms) restored to merge with its rootsy surroundings, the main draw here is the Ayurveda package using local herbs and spices, including tailor-made meals. When you are not healing, grab a bicycle or kayak for a breezy day out or dial up the adrenaline with whale-watching tours or scuba lessons in Tangalle.
Doubles from approx. Rs 25,000; thereverie.life
WELIGAMA BAY MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA
For the family beach vacay
All 198 rooms of this high-rise in the palm-fringed Weligama bay open to gently lapping ocean waves. The resort’s three outdoor pools, four restaurants, three bars and signature Quan Spa maximise every bit of contentment. Seafood spot Big Fish switches smoothly from crabs to cuttlefish. After some surf and sun, wind down at Tides lounge bar.
Doubles from approx. Rs 16,000; marriott.com
NINE SKIES, ELLA
For family fun outdoors
A vintage tea estate in Demodara, this bungalow’s five suites have been given a glow-up with stunning antiques and decor. Walks to the Nine Arches bridge or the Demodara train loop—one of the prettiest rides in the country—are glorious. Inside, go from lazy swims in the infinity pool to a relaxing library stocked with board games.
Doubles from approx. Rs 48,000; teardrop-hotels.com
TAJ BENTOTA RESORT & SPA
For honeymoon stays
The Taj’s Bentota outpost melds opulent sprawl and versatile services like immaculate cuisine and a top-of-the-line spa with local flair (Sri Lankan carvings and tropical accents). A vast choice of rooms—160 in total, some with en suite Jacuzzis—is only rivalled by the many dining options, especially the romantic private dinner set-ups by the seaview terrace or the beach shack.
Doubles from approx. Rs 13,000; tajhotels.com
CEYLON TEA TRAILS, HATTON
For peace and quiet
Five restored colonial tea planter bungalows in Bogawantalawa Valley house 27 suites scented with morning blooms and freshly plucked tea. Antique flourishes and timber architecture boost the colonial aura of each suite, while outside, the plantation invites solitary walks and tea tastings. Enjoy a tour with veteran tea planter Bernard or partake in a champagne-soaked barbecue overlooking tea valleys. Doubles from approx. Rs 62,000; resplendentceylon.com
CINNAMON BENTOTA RESORT
For the heritage connoisseur
The resort’s 2022 restoration was an ode to Lankan artistry. Architect Channa Daswatte refurbished the original Bawa design using textile touches from Ena de Silva and a dazzling sculpture by Laki Senanayake. Even the rooms, with private balconies, evoke this grandeur. Dining is global-meets-local fare and a roster of activities (toddy tapping, mask-making) keep you glued. Doubles from approx. Rs 22,000; cinnamonhotels.com
THE POSTCARD GALLE
For the cultural break
True to name, the hotel’s languid setting, by a quiet lagoon not far from Galle Fort, is matched by its impeccable aesthetic (Burmese teak ceilings and glam rustic furniture). Between lounging inside the Therapy Suite or feasting on a Jaffna curry rice, be outside amongst mangroves or Ambalangoda’s mask-makers, or in one of Galle Fort’s cafes.
Doubles from approx. Rs 15,000; postcardresorts.com
JETWING SAFARI CAMP, YALA
For wildlife trails
At the edge of Yala National Park, the hotel declares that it’s home to the natta kota (short tail)—the Asian elephant—native to this forest. Apart from tented cabins, outfitted with every required comfort and a personalised butler service, you have access to a viewing deck and curated morning and evening trails, alongside hearty Sri Lankan dining.
Doubles from approx. Rs 25,000; jetwinghotels.com
LUNUGANGA, BENTOTA
For the artistic soul
Celebrated architect Geoffrey Bawa built his country estate masterpiece over 50 years and it shows in every inch. The seamless flow of wind and space, the antiques and the frangipani blooms in its carefully curated gardens. All 10 rooms have unique interiors and the kitchen marries local and international tastes. Best of all is lunch at Bawa’s preferred jackfruit tree.
Doubles from approx. Rs 25,000; geoffreybawa.com
SHERATON COLOMBO HOTEL
For a city getaway
A trendy addition to Colombo’s growing cluster of global chain hotels, Sheraton checks every box for a lively city break. If you are not out along Galle Face Green, where the hotel is located, stay in one of its 320 rooms, spending your day at The Pool Bar or ordering specials from The Colombo Kitchen.
Doubles from approx. Rs 17,500; marriott.com
THOTALAGALA, HAPUTALE
For history seekers
A planter’s bungalow on the Dambatenne estate, this is where Thomas Lipton coined the Ceylon Tea name. Its charming living quarters, spread over seven suites, fosters an intimate atmosphere where colonial history mingles with dewy sunrise views.
Doubles from approx. Rs 25,000; thotalagala.com
HERITANCE KANDALAMA, DAMBULLA
For adventurers
Another Bawa creation, Kandalama’s grandeur peeks out from a granite outcrop in Dambulla. Some rooms come with dramatic views of Sigiriya rock fortress. The infinity pool flows into Kandalama Lake’s waters and a 7-course fusion meal is served on the table Bawa once worked at. Many outdoor experiences await, including a meal in a cave and a nighttime loris trail.
Doubles from approx. Rs 25,000; heritancehotels.com
SANTANI WELLNESS KANDY
For jungle spa vibes
Santani Wellness Kandy’s floor-to-ceiling-view rooms stand on a hilltop inside Aratenna Tea Estate. Knuckles mountain acts as a serene real-life wallpaper in the distance, while you undergo full-body Ayurvedic and yoga sessions. Fresh, organic recipes by a globally seasoned chef are calibrated to get your chakras in synchronicity.
Doubles from approx. Rs 38,000; santani.com
ANI, DIKWELLA
For large groups
Only a single group (6 to 30) can reserve these secluded, modernist villas, in the south, shrouded in beachfront greens. If the private chef or the pool butler don’t impress you, then the chopper tours or private catamaran whale-watching rides will.
Price on request; aniprivateresorts.com
ABODE BY THE BEACH, AHANGAMA
For the creative nomad
If Abode Ahangama is the mature sibling, Abode by the Beach, a two-suite boutique near Devil’s Rock, is the groovy, young hipster. The hotel, with a beach-chic style and well-travelled menu, sets a warm scene for conversations and spirits to flow, and for nomads to rest their backpacks for a while.
Doubles from approx. Rs 20,000; abodeboutiquehotels.com
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