Sri Lanka has finally opened its doors to fully vaccinated travellers from India. By Mahima Shukla
Choose from these latest beach-y retreats, family-friendly resorts, boutique experiences, quaint colonial tea trails or go ‘glamping’ in Sri Lanka like you have never experienced before!
Angel Beach, Unawatuna
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Tucked away in Unawatuna’s turquoise beaches, Angel Beach combines a wellness-by-day and beach club-by-night vibe. Choose from 11 carefully curated rooms, all just a few steps from the private beach. The property helps curate a personalised day experience where you can choose from private yoga classes to a cooking expedition at a local coconut grove. Spend your evenings at their famous poolside sundowners, complete with live music and free-flowing bubbly.
Harding Boutique Hotels, Ahangama
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One of Ahangama’s newest properties, Harding Boutique boasts of deluxe interiors by famed British architect, Jonathan Ashmore. This exclusive retreat has six state-of-the-art suites equipped with Egyptian linens, an open-view of the Indian Ocean, and private butlers. It also houses Mr. M rooftop which has a fully functional bar and all-day dining options. It is at a quick 30-minute drive to the Galle Fort, and a short ride to all the best beaches.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala National Park
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This resort offers it all: five-star tents, deluxe living, a rugged beach, cocktail sundowners, al fresco picnics, jungle safaris, leopard sightings and an enormous freeform swimming pool—all in the midst of a wildlife park. This en-suite tented property offers world class sightings, culinary excellence, and curated experiences that include sightseeing, birdwatching, cooking classes, tea tastings and even pottery classes. Most of the suites come with family-friendly options, complete with a private plunge pool.
The Merchant Galle Fort
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Located within Galle Fort, this hotel was once an 18th century property. Comprising of 14 exquisite luxury rooms, each comes with a private balcony that provides excellent views. Indulge in an array of activities while discovering Galle Dutch fort’s old-world charm. Choose from street shopping or visiting chic cafes and the maritime museum; savouring local cuisine or basking in the sun at Unawatuna and Talpe, both of which are short drives away.
PALM Hotel Sri Lanka, Ahangama
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One of Sri Lanka‘s most anticipated launches, the PALM promises to be a melting pot of a Geoffrey Bawa aesthetic, modern sustainable design, cutting-edge health treatments, and hipster mindfulness. A great choice for quiet travellers looking to take the path unknown. The proprietors are actively involved in the daily activities, and give you insider information on hotspots and surfing havens around the property.
Jetwing Kandy Gallery, Kandy
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The Kandy Gallery is a stunning 26-room property with panoramic views of the Mahaweli River, and a private butler. Go on a spiritual retreat in the holy city; enjoy a wonderful staycation, complete with global dining and world-class amenities; or follow natural trails in the Hanthana and Matale mountain ranges and discover the virgin waterfalls of Hunnas. The infamous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Royal Botanical Gardens are also easily accessible via short car rides.
W15 Hanthana Estate, Kandy
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A quick 20-minute drive from Kandy, and W15 Hanthana Estate’s colonial charm that blends perfectly with sublime surroundings of lush tea plantations and emerald forests awaits. A beautifully restored bungalow, dating to the British empire, sits amidst the greens. Hanthana is recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque regions, and the panoramic views from this bungalow prove it! Each stay comes with a curated butler service, a naturalist, and a restored Series 3 Landrover.
DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort
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Located at the confluence of three of Asia’s most visited wildlife parks, this resort is set apart by an exquisite ballroom, nature-inspired meeting spaces, and stunning restaurants and bars which make it a natural choice for business and leisure travellers alike. Apart from multiple dining arenas, the estate also houses three bars to choose from—including a rooftop one for sundowners.
Haritha Villas & Spa, Unawatuna
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This adults-only property is a holistic union of nature, design and personalised service. The nine exquisite villas are attended by a handpicked team of Villa Masters who are attuned to delivering a bespoke guest experience. Off-menu, farm-to-table dining can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. The two-storey Jungle Spa offers serious wellness programmes crafted by two resident Ayurvedic doctors, and unlimited daily scheduled yoga and meditation classes.
The Postcard Galle
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This quaint 10-room property is just a few hours’ drive from Colombo and a few minutes from the iconic Galle Fort. Each room is aesthetically finished with modern wood details overlooking an aqua lagoon. Choose from Ayurvedic spa treatments to indulging in local Sri Lankan Sea food, indie bar hopping, cycling through the paddy fields or heading out to Mirissa for whale watching.
Related: Sri Lanka Reopens For Travel; Passengers From India Can Visit With Some Restrictions
Mahima Shukla
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