Looking for Luxury? Try These 5-Star Resorts
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Then prepare to be amazed at one of the most multi-faceted places on earth. It doesn’t matter who you are or what walk of life you are from, this “pearl of the Indian Ocean” will no doubt blow you away with its variety, from the serenity of its beach coastline to the spirituality of its lushly wooded Hill Country. Just as there is such a great variety of Sri Lanka sensory experiences to take in, there is just as much a variety of amazing places to stay while you are on this gem of an island. Need some guidance (other than that of the local yogis)? Here is a list of awesome 5-star resorts in Sri Lanka:
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Written by Wayne Ernest on November 4th, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Luxury
The last time we wrote about the Aman Resorts was back in 2009, and till now our awe at this super luxurious group of hotel resorts hasn’t diminished. The Aman group continues to not only open one spectacular hotel property after another, but also manages to keep their “old” resorts and hotel at the top of the luxury list all over the world.
Our review of the Amangalla was definitely positive, but we have failed to extol the equally luxurious Amanwella, a seaside resort that is the epitome of opulence.
Amanwella, is a beachfront resort that boasts of 30 contemporary suites all with its very own private walled-in entry courtyard that features a plunge pool and banquette, as well as individual terraces with open views. Each suite is reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s famous architect, Geoffrey Bawas, style; seamlessly meshing Western modern sensibilities with his country’s culture and style.
A visit to Amanwella will also find you not lacking in things to do since they can arrange special activities for you from the sedate to the more adventurous kind. You can relax and get a spa treatment anywhere in the resort, from your suite to a secluded garden in their coconut grove, or you can opt to get wet while whale watching in Mirissa Harbour, which is a mere 90 minute drive from Amanwella. Food lovers can also not just taste, but learn how to cook authentic Sri Lankan meals courtesy of the resort’s in-house chefs. Of course, you can also just do the usual things you would do on a beach resort, from sunbathing to snorkelling and surfing.
A visit to Amanwella will set you back at least $400 per night during off-peak seasons. A substantial amount that anyone who’s ever stayed in this resort will tell you is worth every penny you spend.
Written by Hannah on October 17th, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Aman Hotels, Beach Holidays, Luxury
One of the best things about the Dutch House, is that it is more like a graceful colonial home than it is a hotel. A short walk (or drive, in a charming vintage car no less) up the high Dickson Road, The Dutch House is perched on a tranquil space overlooking Galle Fort, in close proximity, yet set apart from it’s more lively sister hotel, The Sun House.
At first sight, though, one could come to the conclusion that the simple architecture and “no-frills” look of faded yellow ochre (again, unlike it’s flirty sister in white, The Sun House) could be less than welcoming. But once you enter your suite, you are thankfully proven wrong. Far from being austere, the huge four-poster beds are invitingly draped with mosquito netting, with the antique wooden doors opening up to the landscaped gardens or croquet lawn, definitely adding a feeling of warmth and relaxation. More »
Written by Antonella on August 12th, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Boutique Hotels, Galle Fort, History, Hotels, Luxury
The Fortress Hotel is perhaps the grandest hotel in Sri Lanka of all. Owned by reputedly the richest family in Sri Lanka, it is part of the Per Aquum group of resorts, who also have a large presence in the Maldives and the Seychelles. The Fortress only opened its doors in 2007 and has certainly started with a bang, often being fully booked (especially for weddings and large functions) despite the negative news coming out of the Sri Lankan tourism industry.
The hotel is in a glorious location, set right on the Indian Ocean seaside and close to Koggala Lake, about a 20 minute drive from Galle. What sets apart the hotel from many of its competitors is not just its location, though, but its magnificent architecture and ambience, both outside and inside. We don’t often like to quote off a hotel’s own website, but in this case they have it spot on: More »
Written by Antonella on May 4th, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Ayurveda, Beach Holidays, Hotels, Luxury, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka, Tea, Tips
This fabulous beachside property 7km from Galle certainly lives up to its name. Ambalama means ‘resting place’ in Sinhalese and it is an ideal villa in which to live out dreams of a relaxing tropical holiday. The construction of the villa celebrates its exotic location, seamlessly merging the indoors with the out. Highlighted by many fascinating antique pillars and doorways this villa may takes its inspiration from Bali, but its warm hospitality and glorious setting confirms its authenticity as Sri Lankan.
Ambalama offers plenty of luxe for the traveller. Its four equitable bedrooms are highlighted by comfortable four-poster beds adorned with the highest thread count linen to be found in Sri Lanka. With multiple sets of doors opening onto the front sea view verandah, louvers provide the rooms with enough of a breeze for you to hardly ever need to use the air conditioning or fan, although both are available. With two of the modern bathrooms featuring an enclosed open air shower surrounded by a soothing tropical garden, this is barefoot luxury at its best. More »
Written by Antonella on November 8th, 2010 | Comments Off
Filed under Beach Holidays, Ceylon, Cuisine, Galle Fort, Luxury, Luxury Travel, Tips, Villas
Once again we divert from the central theme of this blog to cover another topic of interest for you, our dear readers, when thinking of luxury travel in Sri Lanka: real estate.
When visiting Sri Lanka, it may well be the case that you fall in love with the country- its people, culture and beauty. And you might be tempted to set up a holiday home there, or who knows- even want to retire there! Furthermore, we wouldn’t argue against the theory that Sri Lanka ironically represents a lucrative investment in these troubled financial times, given that the economy is emerging from a twenty year civil war and has been pretty well down and out for so long.
If this is the case, listen up- as we have been through this process ourselves and learned a few things we’d like to share with you that you’re unlikely to find on a real estate agent’s website… 
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Written by Antonella on October 7th, 2010 | Comments Off
Filed under Luxury, Sri Lanka, Tips, Villas
The gardens at Lunuganga are a rare tropical Eden created by Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential architect. And what started out as an abandoned rubber estate, is now one of the most unique places to stay in the country. Over a span of 50 years, Bawa lovingly made this enchanting house and it’s gardens his spiritual home, which is known today as his most personal life’s work. The intriguing estate in the coastal town of Bentota has interesting history of evolution:
Bawa never kept a systematic record of the evolution of the garden and its chronology is now hard to unravel. One fascinating diary of events is provided by a large leather-bound visitors’ book containing a plethora of photographs and sketches as well as signatures and greetings: in 1965 Ulrik Plesner reflects on the problems of the Hilton project; in 1966 Ismeth Raheem records having seen over forty species of bird during one afternoon; in 1973 Donald Friend leaves a doodle of his museum on Bali; in 1997 President Kumaratunga approves the designs of her new Official Residence; and in 1998 Prince Charles drops in for tea.
Perhaps the most memorable visit of all, however, was on 3 January 1988 when a friend called Ray Wijewardene flew down from Colombo in a microlight and, misjudging his landing, crashed into the main roof of the bungalow.
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Written by Antonella on August 4th, 2010 | 1 Comment »
Filed under Architecture, Arts, Boutique Hotels, Galle Fort, History, Hotels, Luxury, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka, Tours, Travel
