The Lifestyle

Experience Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka aerial shot

Termed '2019 Destination of the year' by Lonely Planet, there's loads of great luxury retreats

Words by Aneesha Rai in The Lifestyle · Apr 17th, 2019

Whether you choose to stay in the mountains, in the midst of wildlife or at an old Dutch colonial beach-side town, Sri Lanka offers some of the most formidable hotels in the world that’s only just starting to arrive at the forefront. We’ve picked three ultimate luxury resorts for you to find your zen in Sri Lanka.

Santani

Santani Wellness Resort

A wellness resort located in Kandy, Santani is surrounded by lush greenery. Ayurveda, detox, yoga and spa combine with on site pampering and rejuvenation in these natural surroundings placing them among the best ayurveda hotels in Sri Lanka. The resort has a variety of wellness packages to relax, recover and nourish based on your requirements. It’s also eco-friendly; the resort has been designed in a way that neither air conditioning nor heating is required. 

Images courtesy of Santani Wellness Resort 

T: +94 11 255 9755; +94 11 255 9755 | W: www.santani.lk

Kahanda Kanda

Kahanda Kanda

Located by the old Dutch colony of Galle, Kahanda Kanda offers boutique villas atop a hill. Striking 360-degree views unfold across velveteen lawns edged by tea bushes, tropical gardens and lotus-sprinkled koi carp ponds towards lush jungle and distant Koggala Lake. The hotel’s ten indulgent suites bask in spaciousness and style, and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor space. Each is individually furnished with an eclectic blend of antiques and contemporary pieces handpicked by the owner, British interior design guru, George Cooper. 

T: +94 91 494 3700 | W: www.kahandakanda.com

Images courtesy Kahanda Kanda

Chena Huts

Chena Huts

A taste of the extraordinary at Yahala National Park, Chena Huts overlooks a beach where sea-turtles come to lay eggs by moonlight and elephants wander down from the nearby forest to play in the surf. It is fringed on one landward side by tropical jungle and on the other by a saline lake where ibises, painted storks and even flamingos may be seen. At this property, the ‘huts’ are in fact luxurious - they are detached, private cabins offering fine views of the surrounding wilderness and seascape. 

T: +94 47 2267100 | W: www.ugaescapes.com/chenahuts/