My stay in Sri Lanka will not be perfect without these hotels. They are one of the reasons why I also fell in love in the country. I traveled Sri Lanka from one place to another in every other day so I also had a chance to enjoy and relax all in one. I got my private tour guide with an own car so never comes in mind that I might be lost. These 6 best hotels I’m going to show you is all the places I stayed with, so I highly recommend it to you. From the place, food, service and the very friendly staff are all amazing. So, let’s start!
THE WALAWWA, KOTUGODA
This lovely heritage property is set in a beautifully maintained garden and feels like a secluded hideaway, despite being only a 30-minute drive from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
The Garden Suites and W Bedrooms are all very well appointed and of a good size. The rooms are modern in design, but with a very boutique feel, while the property itself has kept the charm associated with a classic Sri Lankan estate property. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, coming complete with a range of toiletries.
There are a modern spa, a fusion restaurant and a lovely swimming pool in the garden. The property also boasts an impressive farm and extensive organic gardens – speak to reception if you’d like a tour. They also have the best selection of Western and local Sri Lankan food if you are wanting to try something new on your first visit.
A great boutique property, conveniently close to the airport, but still sufficiently isolated to make an ideal leisure stop at the start of your tour or before flying home.
VILLA ROSA, KANDY
Approached up a very steep and rough track, this small, friendly hotel enjoys what must be the finest views in Kandy. Perched on a hillside above the city, its garden terrace offers stunning vistas over the Mahaweli River and the surrounding mountains.
Inside, the decor is simple and elegant, and the six spacious rooms have large patios or balconies from which to enjoy the views. Food is a very important concern here, and five star-trained chefs will personally discuss the evening’s proposed menu with you, incorporating any suggestions you have.
If you wish, you can even join in with the cooking! Dinner is served on the garden terrace – a spectacular backdrop for a memorable meal.
Guests can use the swimming pool at the nearby Citadel Hotel, which is a two-minute tuk tuk ride away, and the attractions of Kandy can be reached in ten minutes by car.
Please note that this property has a pet dog on the premises.
GAL OYA LODGE, GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
Gal Oya Lodge is located north of the untouched Gal Oya National Park. The lodge has a strong eco-friendly focus and was built using locally sourced materials. It was a team effort and continues to be so, with many locals who have always lived in the area continuing to work at the lodge.
With ten comfortable but rustic bungalows and communal areas spread across extensive grounds, the lodge is spacious and in keeping with its surroundings. Each bungalow has a living room, inside-outside bathroom, and private veranda.
The lodge also has a swimming pool, lounge area, and dining room, but the main focus is on activities in the park, which are booked and arranged with the lodge on arrival. 4×4 safaris help you cover lots of ground, but travel on foot offers a more peaceful experience. Walks from the lodge will not take you into the official park boundaries, but you may be able to spot small mammals and a variety of birdlife.
GAL OYA LODGE’S SEASONAL ACTIVITIES
Boat Safari on Sri Lanka’s largest lake- a unique opportunity to observe the local wildlife from the stunning Gal Oya lake, including crocodile and elephants to name the few, and many rare and endemic species of birds. I was able to try this excursion and it was so fun. Seeing the wildlife animals in their natural habitat is more than beautiful than anything else. Just a tip, don’t forget a hat and sunscreen as the sun can be strong like the same when I do the excursion. This activity cost around $125 inclusive for up to 4 guests, so it will be cheaper for the group.
Birds Walk through the local area- You can also join one of their resident naturalists for a walk to enjoy the beauty of the jungle which is very abundant birdlife. I am very fortunate to see some beautiful birds like king fishers, kites, and other aquatic birds. Binocular is available at the lodge so better to have one to see birds up close and personal.
Jeep safari through the park- didn’t try this but as far as I know, you can also see much wildlife up close by this activity. You will also be guided by their resident naturalist for this one. Why not give a try if you visit Sri Lanka. This one cost $90 inclusive of a couple.
A walk of discovery with the chief Vedda- The Veddha are local indigenous people who are supportive of the lodge and enjoy meeting guests —their stories of their ancestors and history in the park are a great way of learning more about your surroundings. This one is very interesting and I was able to do it myself as well. Had a chance to see the chief of the last indigenous left in the area and showed different kinds of medicinal plants they are still using even up to this day.
Gal Oya Lodge offers a stay in an untouched part of Sri Lanka. It’s a great place for those who enjoy walking, birdlife, flora, and fauna. Please note that due to the lodge’s rural location, you may see wildlife in and around the property. A lack of tarmacked roads leading to the property also means that getting there can be quite a bumpy ride. The lodge has no phone signal or Wi-Fi. You can ask if you want to book all activities directly with the lodge, who are better placed and informed to make arrangements for you.
ASHBURNHAM ESTATE, ELKADUWA RD. KANDY
Ash is also home to an open-plan dining and lounge area with a cozy log fire, an organic vegetable garden and a swimming pool which offers stunning views. Again, what I liked about this place, it’s very quiet and very close to nature. You can relax all your stay here and they also offer a very nice local and even Western foods for you depending on what the menu for the day is.
Cooking classes are available but there are lots of other activities on offer too, including nature walks, treks, mountain biking, tea estate and factory tours, waterfall swimming and of course visiting nearby Kandy (around one hour away) and its cultural highlights.
A beautiful property, offering a perfect, rural retreat and a really authentic insight into Sri Lanka’s tea country. The whole bungalow is finished to a very high standard and all the management and staff (including their two dogs!) are very friendly; they’re on hand to help arrange any local activities you may want to book.
ALIYA RESORT AND SPA, SIGIRIYA
Overlooking the forests to Sigiriya rock, the contemporary Aliya Resort & Spa boasts a peaceful location in the heart of the cultural triangle – ideal for sightseeing. There are 96 rooms, suites and luxury tents, all eco -friendly, spacious and with the modern facilities, you would expect. Choose from three restaurants for your evening meal, enjoy a live cooking demonstration, relax by the infinity pool or have a traditional treatment in the Ayur Vie spa. To explore locally, hop on a bicycle or bullock cart.
This property is one of the best in the region. It’s modern, comfortable and well- located, with lots of activities and facilities on hand. The panoramic view from the infinity pool is stunning
HORATHAPOLA ESTATE, WADUMUNNEGEDARA
Horathapola Estate is a small and beautiful plantation house 60 to 90 minutes north of Colombo airport (traffic dependent) and perfect for a night or two before or after a flight. Built in the 1920s, the bungalow still retains its original charm, with large windows, antique furniture and old photographs.
The gardens are particularly charming, with a beautiful saltwater pool, surrounded by the huge coconut plantation. Rooms are spacious, with either a balcony or terrace, a perfect place to have some lunch and relax.
Guests can borrow mountain bikes, enjoy a bullock cart ride, have a cooking lesson, visit local temples, or simply relax here. Please note that this property has a pet dog on the premises. A wonderful place to start or end any journey in Sri Lanka.
I’m not a professional travel blogger so I can’t say how much these hotels are. You can just need to visit agoda.com to get good deals on these places. Kindly click the banner on this article. Another thing, you can click the link in the name of the hotel to see their website and check their room rates. Better to book ahead of time when you travel. Much cheaper and less hassle. Lastly, don’t forget to share this to your friends.
What are your thoughts? Let me know!