The best hotels in Sri Lanka: From Kandy to Colombo
Sri Lanka is a resplendent island with so much to offer: from vast jungle teeming with wild leopards and Asian elephants, to quaint beachside villages, great surf and hiking opportunities galore. And it has thousands of properties from which to explore.
Having spent eight months travelling from the plains of Jaffna in the north of the country, to the southern coast and everything in-between, these are the hotels with sublime service, top-class design and captivating bedrooms where rest and relaxation come easily. There’s dreamy eco lodges, boutique city boltholes and smart architectural marvels. Some are ideal for honeymoons, while others focus on wellness, yet all are utterly charming and will elevate your trip.
Here’s our carefully picked edit of the absolute best hotels in Sri Lanka.
Best for nature lovers: Aarunya Nature Resort, Kandy
Nestled high up in the mist-shrouded mountains north of Kandy, sits this hidden sanctuary where the natural world takes centre stage. Aarunya is close to endless hiking opportunities within the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range, and is less than an hour away from Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy. It means it’s the ideal base for anyone wanting to really get away from it all.
While greenwashing phrases are bandied around all too often these days, Aarunya stands out from the crowd with solid commitments to sustainability through biodynamic farming, solar usage, and by supporting local communities. Environmentally sensitive in design, Aarunya’s villas feature floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, large open bathrooms and comfy four-poster beds that blend into the wholesome surroundings flawlessly.
Set within nine acres of lush jungle, with spice and tea plantations on site, the properties private villas have been designed to showcase the beauty of nature, making spotting Sri Lanka’s endemic birds, like the grey hornbill and yellow fronted barbet an almost daily occurrence. It’s also possible to spot common birdwing and blue Mormon butterflies directly from your very own private plunge pool or deep soak outdoor bahtub.
Book it: Double rooms on a full board basis start from £520 per night. aarunyaresort.com
Best for exploring Colombo: Maniumpathy, Colombo
There’s no shortage of good hotels in Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, but Maniumpathy takes the top spot on account of its charming, perfectly decorated bedrooms. Showcasing sumptuous fabrics, parquet flooring, and flawless marble bathrooms, there are just seven bedrooms housed within this grand, bright-white mansion in the trendy Colombo seven district.
This place has it all: great location, charming staff, good food, pretty rooms and a calming pool to laze by. Some of the ground floor rooms have access to small private terraces, while upper floor bedrooms have a balcony overlooking the boutique hotel’s gorgeous garden.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £225 per night. maniumpathy.com
Best for slow-paced village life: Meraki, Polhena
Tucked away in the picturesque village of Polhena, down coconut tree-lined lanes where packs of stray dogs laze, sits the very pretty, perfectly manicured Meraki, brought to life by Iona and Kavishka. A real home-away-from-home appealing to solo travellers, couples and friends, this flawless hotel has been thoughtfully decorated with locally made furniture, lots of leafy plants and a whole lot of love.
Centering around a delightful swimming pool are eight bedrooms. Some come with an outdoor bathtub for relaxing under the stars. Yoga lovers will adore the rooftop shala where classes take place daily, while Meraki’s airy, open-plan cafe serves up an array of delicious treats such as cacao smoothies, tropical fruit bowls and good coffee.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £75 per night. merakisrilanka.com
Best for a serene stay: Glenross Living, Kalutara
This boutique, mountain-set stay a couple of hours from the international airport is the perfect place for a calming start to your trip. Reached by a winding hair-pin road, edged by forest, you’ll feel as though you’re up in the clouds once you’re dropped at the stairs to the historic main house of the hotel.
With just ten rooms, there’s a choice of three beautiful suites in the original 18th century converted tea planters’ bungalow, or seven modern mountain-view villas. Choose a villa for palatial bathrooms, a private plunge pool and outdoor living area, as well as sundeck and balcony which overlook the views of cinnamon plantations or the forest. Or if pretty vintage colonial furniture and original features are more your thing, plump for one of the rooms inside.
On arrival you’ll receive an exceptional back, neck and shoulder massage to ease those knots from the plane or car, and the colourful local menu will delight anyone keen to sample authentic dishes with a fine dining twist. Staff are on hand via Whatsapp or in person to ensure you don’t have to lift a finger. And for wellness-seekers, packages for sleep, a detox and more, can be booked for a three to seven-night stay. Hayley Spencer
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £333 per night. glenrossliving.com
Best for all-round perfection: Amangalla, Galle Fort
The historical, once-riotous town of Galle Fort plays host to an eclectic mix of structures that span Portuguese, Dutch and British occupation, one of which is Amangalla, the second-ever hotel to open in Sri Lanka, after the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo. Surrounded by picture-perfect frangipani trees and dating back to 1684, a romantic air sweeps through the hotel, from the relaxing terrace where impressive breakfasts of freshly baked pastries and Sri Lankan string hoppers are served, to the truly wonderful spa where you’ll be treated to the best massage of your life.
Of the 31 bedrooms and suites, the third floor Amangalla suites, overlooking Church Street are worth securing. Large, well decorated and supremely comfortable, guests are treated to beautiful bathtubs with homemade bath salts, writing desks, chaise longues and top-class service at every turn. There’s also a large swimming pool, yoga deck, library area and sauna.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £768 per night. https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangalla
Best for hikes to Nine Arch Bridge: Nine Skies, Demodara
Perched at the top of the Demodara Estate tea plantation, this five-bedroom bungalow boasts picturesque gardens and outstanding views. Flawlessly designed, each bedroom retains many of the original tea bungalow features, including exquisite six-pane metal windows and high ceilings, as well as a private veranda where unwinding with a cup of locally grown tea is prerequisite.
Close to Sri Lanka’s famed Nine Arch Railway Bridge, guests can hike the 7km pathway all the way down to the photogenic feat of engineering just in time to see one of the country’s pale blue or crimson red trains trundle on by. Should you have forgotten to pack wisely for your Sri Lankan sojourn, straw fedoras and grey pashminas hang by the entranceway and a selection of navy blue Wellington boots are stacked by the door – each available for guests to use during their stay.
Book it: Double rooms on a full board basis start from £266 per night. teardrop-hotels.com
Best for contemporary luxury: Fort Bazaar, Galle Fort
Nothing is as relaxing as waking up in one of Fort Bazaar’s stunning suites then meandering down to take breakfast on the hotel’s terrace early enough that the day trippers haven’t moved into town for the day.
Sitting right in the centre of mystical Galle Fort, close to some incredible bars and restaurants, this luxe hotel delights with fabulously designed spaces, including a very charming library area on the first floor. Photogenic at every turn, the best rooms can be found directly above the entrance and come with private balconies overlooking the street below.
Daily complimentary cocktails add a nice touch and it’s worth booking in for dinner since the menu offers a range of delectable dishes in collaboration with hip Colombo restaurant, Monsoon.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £226 per night. teardrop-hotels.com
Best for striking panoramas: Thotalagala, Haputale
Magical and mythical, and studded with pretty villages, the scenery around Haputale is some of Sri Lanka’s most stunning. It’s a great place to catch the train to, if arriving from Kandy or Hatton. Situated just a 10-minute drive from Haputale’s bus and train stations, and not too far from Lipton’s Seat, sits this brilliant bright white bungalow, known as Thotalagala. It’s an ideal base for exploring this whimsical tea-ringed area. From start to finish, this seven bedroomed old tea plantation bungalow wows, not only are the staff charming — bringing hot chocolate and warm towels on arrival — but bedrooms are sumptuous and cosy. The views out over the hotel’s infinity pool into the majestic mist swirled mountains are unreal. Breakfast also a real highlight with fresh juices like soursop featuring on the menu alongside an array of freshly baked cakes, pastries and breads.
If you want to wake up to a troupe of curious monkeys peering into your bedroom opt for the George Pilkinton suite with its ruby red wallpaper and impressive chandeliers. Neat touches like Spa Ceylon products left on pillows, hot water bottles placed in beds and night time tea dropped off at turndown service ensure Thotalagala stands heads and shoulders above the competition.
Book it: Double rooms on a full board basis start from £300 per night. thotalagala.com
Best for learning to surf: Jetwing surf, Pottuvil
For anyone wanting a relaxed break with surf lessons thrown in rather than committing to an intense sports-only schedule at a camp, Jetwing Surf close to Arugam Bay is unbeatable. Not only are the staff absolutely brilliant (shoutout to lovely Lakshan), many of the hotel’s eco-friendly cabanas unfurl directly onto the beach, meaning you can watch the sun rise from bed.
Pottuvil Surf Point (often nicknamed Jetwing Point) is just a few minutes walk from the hotel and a good place to surf once the basics have been grasped with some of the best local certified surf coaches in the area, including a handful of brilliant local female instructors.
After hitting the waves, the hotel is on hand to arrange interesting excursions to the local area’s historic and religious sites, or to Kumana National Park where leopard and elephant spotting comes easily. Alternatively check out the fabulous tuk tuk safari where guests are whisked off road to witness lagoon crocodiles, elephants, grey langurs and plenty of promenading peacocks.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £235 per night. jetwinghotels.com
Best for climbing Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak): Camellia Hills, Dickoya
Roughly 20kms from sacred Adam’s Peak, Camellia Hills is the ideal base from which to climb the mighty mountain from. Though it’s also a great place to simply sit back and admire the rolling hills of tea country that surround the property. Comprising just five bedrooms, each decorated in florals and tones of pale blue, Camellia Hills has an atmospheric feel and a team of very lovely staff, for whom nothing is too much trouble.
Bedrooms are expansive and airy, making it hard to leave. Equally inviting are the hotel’s communal areas which beg to be lingered in, especially on cooler days when the mist rolls in across the reservoir and log fires provide comforting warmth. Sundowners by the infinity pool round off each day perfectly, before delicious three-course hand crafted meals are served in a compact open fronted dining area, making it easy to mingle with fellow guests.
Book it: Double rooms on an all-inclusive basis start from £647 per night. teardrop-hotels.com
Best for a wellness break: Santani, Kandy
Designed to the highest eco-standards and hidden in the glorious mountains close to Kandy sits Santani Wellness, a complete haven of relaxation and contemplation. Upon arrival, every guest experience is personalised following a consultation with the hotel’s Ayurvedic doctor. What follows is twice daily yoga, nature walks, a tailored meal plan, treatments, Ayurvedic massage, and oftentimes, multi-week detox programmes.
Mountain view chalets have high shine, polished concrete floor simple, yet elegant dark wood furniture including four-poster beds, and terracotta dishes of the blue lotus flower, known as Nil Manel in Sinhala. Meals, all of which are delicious, are mostly prepared using ingredients grown on the hotel’s grounds and are tailored specifically to each guest depending on the on-site Ayurvedic doctor recommendations. Even the restaurant itself is an event, since the wooden structure sits in line with surrounding treetops affording breathtaking views over Sri Lanka’s impressive mountains through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Book it: Sleep, Recovery, Stress, Immune-boosting, Detox, and Rebalancing packages are available at Santani Wellness Kandy. Or it’s possible to book rooms per night, Garden View Chalets start from £293, and Mountain View Chalets start from £387. santani.com
Best for architecture lovers: Lunuganga, Bentota
Get inspired by nature with a stay at renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa's Lunuganga. It’s the ideal hotel for lovers of good design, innovative structures and brilliant gardens. The famed architect’s house sits in sprawling rubber-tree-filled grounds surrounded frangipani (Bawa's favourite) bent into coral-like formations. The main building is home to Bawa's own bedroom, where guests can stay, surrounded by his personal art collection, as well as a guest room just opposite.
Elsewhere, separate out-buildings house art-filled bedrooms, and there’s a daily walking tour of to grounds where guests can learn all about the estate, Bawa’s architectural style and his lifestyle. Complimentary sunset drinks overlooking serene Dedduwa Lake provide ample opportunity to meet fellow guests or simply delight in the power of nature.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £258 per night. geoffreybawa.com
Best for a Yala safari experience: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
While the phrase ‘once in a lifetime’ is overused for travel experiences, a sleepover at Wild Coast Tented Lodge on the edge of Yala National Park, really is just that. It shouldn’t be missed if your budget allows. The hotel’s cocooned tents are pure indulgence with freestanding copper bathtubs, four-poster beds, unlimited access to a complimentary mini bar, and a private plunge pool.
Nightly rates (with discounts for solo travellers) include a daily game drive into Yala Block one where sightings of wild leopards, Asian elephants, blue-tailed bee-eater birds, tufted grey langurs and sloth bears (if you’re very lucky) make this stay truly one of a kind.
Book it: Double rooms on an all inclusive basis start from £574 per night.
Best for visiting Jaffna and Point Pedro: Mahesa Bhawan
Aside from the best crab curry you’ll find in Sri Lanka and the other home cook delights you’ll find served on the Mahesa Bhawan’s communal dining table, this four bedroom villa provides the ideal location for exploring the country’s northernmost region. Out of bounds for decades due to the country’s devastating civil war, Jaffna and Point Pedro offer a different perspective of the country with temples, idyllic islands and endless stretches of beach, which are dotted with fishing boats and rust-coloured nets.
The city of Jaffna itself is equally fascinating and worth exploring on foot, then when the heat of the day gets too much, Mahesa Bhawan’s cool bedrooms, inviting swimming pool and wide terrace provide the perfect respite.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £157 per night. jetwinghotels.com
Best for learning about tea: Ceylon Tea Trails
Ceylon Tea Trails comprises five historic tea planter bungalows, each with four or bedrooms ensuring an intimate, homely feel. Bedrooms are decadently sumptuous with four-poster beds, claw-foot stand-alone bathtubs, and writing bureaus. Private butlers are on hand to look after your every need, from providing al-fresco afternoon tea on the lawn, to icy G&Ts in the jacuzzi overlooking Castlereigh Reservoir.
One of the highlights of a stay here, aside from the delectable cuisine and informative nature walks, is a visit to the nearby Dunkeld tea factory, where exclusive visits are provided for Tea Trails guests and guide Bernard is on hand to explain the entire tea manufacturing process from start to finish. As he’s one of the most knowledgeable experts in Sri Lanka, it’s worth booking a night’s stay at Ceylon Tea Trails for his tour alone, especially if you appreciate a good brew.
Book it: Double rooms on an all-inclusive basis start from £569 per night. resplendentceylon.com
Best for relaxed beach days: Uga Bay, Pasikuda
One of the bigger hotels in our round-up with 46 studios to choose from, Uga Bay provides respite from the bustle of Sri Lanka’s cities with its slow paced vibe, serene spa and beach front access. Located on Pasikuda Beach, often called the Maldives of Sri Lanka, it’s the ideal place to snorkel since the warm waters teems with colourful fish and marine life - but there’s plenty of fun to be had for adventure lovers too, since the hotel can arrange jet skiing, kayaking and even dives to a nearby shipwreck.
Rooms have been decorated in a neutral colour palette with pops of bright blue and many have a private deck. Aside from the beautiful beachfront access of this hotel, the real draw is the huge infinity pool that almost blends right into the ocean. Uga Bay is equally suitable for a couple of nights stop off on a tour of the country, or a week-long holiday. It offers the ultimate relaxing break whatever your holiday style.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £237 per night. ugaescapes.com
Best for large families or groups: Anantara Kalutara
Three huge yellow, pink and blue Ena De Silva batik prints command attention in the lobby of the grandiose Anantara Kalutara on Sri Lanka’s east coast, an hour south of Colombo. This certainly isn’t an intimate boutique property, like most in our roundup: it’s a sprawling maze of passageways, paths, communal spaces and bedrooms, which makes it ideal for wedding parties, groups and tours.
With two pools and three restaurants, as well as a stunning spa and a zipline, this resort has enough to keep everyone occupied, across all ages.
Book it: Double rooms on a B&B basis start from £195 per night. anantara.com
