In an previous post, we featured the most elegant place to stay in Colombo: Park Street, developed and run by Taru Villas. Another Taru Villas property well worth exploring is The River House, located in Balapitiya, near Bentota- about a two hour drive south of Colombo on the road to Galle.
Renowned fashion designer, Taru, has surpassed herself and “Sri Lankan Boutique” in this luxurious villa along the coast from sister in quiet Balapitiya at the mouth of the Madu Ganga.
Set on a belt of coconut plantations 500m inland, the surroundings are peaceful woodland. The forest hosts many birds, and you may make an interesting visit to the nearby prawn farm on the river that borders the garden. More »
Written by Antonella on July 3rd, 2010 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Boutique Hotels, Ceylon, Luxury Travel, Tours, Travel
Some people like to travel to experience new adventures; to get out of their comfort zones. Then again, there are those who expect only the most luxurious things on vacation. If you belong to the second type of traveler, and you are looking for only the finest, I should let you know all about Serene Pavilions.
I have to thank one of our readers, Richard, for bringing my attention to this resort. Serene Pavilions can be found at No. 20, Upali Mawatha, Wadduwa, Sri Lanka; and it promises you one of the most luxurious experiences you’ll ever have in your life. It is considered a boutique hotel with 12 pavilions.
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Written by georgie on April 18th, 2010 | 2 Comments »
Filed under Beach Holidays, Boutique Hotels, Ceylon, Luxury, Luxury Travel
In a previous post, we featured Helga’s Folly, our pick for an unusual place to stay in Kandy. However, this is not everyone’s cup of tea and many people do find it lacks the necessary comforts. And so here we feature our second top choice in Kandy: Kandy House. Even if you do stay at Helga’s Folly and have the time, this beautiful boutique hotel is evidently well worth checking out. The hotel is located 12km from the center of Kandy and about a three and a half hour drive from Colombo airport. It is extremely tastefully and elegantly decorated and set amidst an authentic jungle.
Formerly the grand ancestral home of one of Kandy‘s most influential aristocratic families, Kandy House sits on 6 acres in a quiet village area close to Kandy. Filled with antique furniture, there are nine suites set around a central two storied courtyard and a ninth room in the garden. From the veranda where guests have breakfast and dinner, the garden descends to a palm fringed infinity pool designed in the shape of a traditional paddy field. More »
Written by Antonella on April 22nd, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Boutique Hotels, History, Hotels, Kandy, Luxury Travel, Tours
In a previous post, we gave our top accommodation pick for Colombo: Park Street. If that happens to be full or you fancy something a little different, here is our second top pick for a boutique hotel in Colombo to suit the luxury traveler: Casa Colombo. This hotel is very conveniently and centrally located down a private lane just off the Galle Road.
Casa Colombo is a stunningly restored 200 year old Moorish mansion originally built by one of the wealthiest Indian trading families of the time. Combining old world charm with contemporary design, Casa is a tribute to the creative talents of its owner: Lalin Jinasena who innovatively custom designed everything from the cutlery and crockery to the furniture and fabrics- solely using craftsmen and materials from Sri Lanka. With no reception desk, Casa Domos personally look after you during your entire stay by taking care of any needs that may arise be it getting you a poolside drink, taking you on a city tour or sending an important business fax. More »
Written by Antonella on April 6th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Bars, Boutique Hotels, Colombo, Galle Fort, History, Hotels, Luxury, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka, Tours, Travel
Perhaps one of the most obvious and desirable things to do when traveling to Sri Lanka is to to visit the tea country. As TeaAuction.com writes:
“The Sri Lankan tea industry is the country’s largest employer providing jobs directly and indirectly to over a million people. It also contributes a significant amount to Government revenue and to the gross domestic product. Sri lanka is the 3rd biggest tea producer with a market share of 9%. The total land used for tea cultivation is approximately 187,309 hectares. Sri Lankan tea has unique characteristics and reputation as arguably the best teas in the world. The ideal climatic conditions of the plantation give the teas a variety of rich flavours and aromas, which indicate high quality.”
But with such a huge variety of choice and large distances to cover, where should the luxury traveler go to get a taste of the “Ceylon tea experience” while at the same time being able to relax and travel in style? We recommend Tea Trails…..
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Written by Antonella on March 30th, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Filed under Boutique Hotels, Ceylon, Eco-friendly, Luxury Travel, Tea, Tours
One of the finest things you can do when visiting Sri Lanka on a luxury tour is to head up north to Elephant Corridor. It’s an experience that you won’t forget and is truly “five star” (so often said…so rarely true!). The hotel is located in Sigiraya, which is in the “cultural triangle” or the “central region” of Sri Lanka, about a four drive north from Colombo.
Surrounded by thousands of acres of jungle, the Elephant Corridor Luxury Boutique Hotel offers you scintillating views of the nearby picturesque lake, the “Kandalama Hills” and the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Sigiriya is known for its ancient monastery, a World Heritage Site: the “Mount of Remembrance“: More »
Written by Antonella on February 16th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Boutique Hotels, Buddhism, History, Hotels, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka
The majority of “luxury” hotels in Colombo are those big, grandiose “chain hotels”, part of much larger hotel groups. Examples of these would be the Hilton, the Cinnamond Grand and the Taj Samudra. While they may be quite comfortable and convenient, they certainly lack the charm, individuality and exclusivity of a “boutique hotel” that the discerning traveler is looking for.
By far the best of such luxury boutique hotels in Colombo is the Park Street Hotel. Situated right in the heart of the city near to all the major restaurants and shopping centers, Park Street is an oasis of tranquility and elegance, set within two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Formerly the home of a colorful and eccentric couple who were members of Colombo’s “elite”, this 250 year old building was stylishly converted into a hotel by the Taru Villas Group, who own a collection of such boutique hotels around Sri Lanka, yet it retains all the original charm and authenticity of its previous look as a home, so that it really doesn’t feel like a hotel at all! More »
Written by Antonella on January 22nd, 2009 | 3 Comments »
Filed under Boutique Hotels, Ceylon, Colombo, Galle Fort, History, Hotels, Luxury, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka, Tips, Tours, Travel
