One of the best things about Sri Lanka is the beaches. They are idyllic and wonderful. Another perk is that they are available during the winter months in the northeast. Hunting around for the best beaches is not difficult, but you might find the following tips helpful as regards finding the right beaches on this large island.
Bentota
A resort area called Bentota, located in the southwestern part of this island country, is a large resort area and has a lot of hotels. There are many beaches in this area but they may be crowded. Your best bet if you want to access these beaches and avoid some of the large crowds is to take advantage of smaller boutique style hotels like the River House, Taru Villa, and Club Villa. These smaller hotels are better situated for an easy access to great beaches and also have swimming pools to enjoy. More »
Written by Wayne Ernest on November 6th, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Beach Holidays
Sri Lanka is , without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous destinations in the world, as you’ve learned through this site. Vacationers will not only love the scenery though, but the distinctly unique cuisine as well. Obviously, visitors should expect a lot of fish dishes on the island, but what they may not expect is some of the best tea in the world. We hope you’ll make an effort to try some local dishes while you’re in the area. Here are some things you should be watching out for.
Curry in Sri Lanka
The most popular dish you will experience when exploring Sri Lankan cuisine is curry. Curry in Sri Lanka is vegetable or fish based and very spicy. However, the island also eats plenty of rice to help cut the spice of the dish. Those visiting the area can also expect a delicious assortment of seafood including fish, crabs and lobsters. Much like Great Britain, the people of Sri Lanka like to serve their fish fried with chips, but also use it to make delicious curries, as noted above. More »
Written by Wayne Ernest on November 6th, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Sri Lanka
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
Finding a place to stay in Sri Lanka is not a problem with countless establishments that offer accommodations for a great price. Good hotels can be booked easily and without fuss, but the problem is that with all the tourists coming in and out of the country year round, you will find that most hotels are just not cozy nor personal enough to make your stay truly unforgettable.
A good option for tourists who want a quieter time away from the regular crush of tourists that come with big hotels is to rent private villas. Vacation rental homes, such as villas are great because you either get the entire place all to yourself, or get to share it with only a handful of other guests.
Auraliya, a family holiday home turned vacation rental property, is one such place. Auraliya features 6 tastefully appointed bedrooms surrounding a dining hall and swimming pool, and located right in front of a beach that guests can access anytime via a private gate.
Statue of Ganesh at Auraliya
The Sitting Pavillion at Auraliya
Auraliya guests find themselves returning to the place not only for the beautiful and serene atmosphere, but also because of the very personalized and excellent service of the staff. In Auraliya, you can have your meals planned for you ahead of time, or even ask the staff to shop for you with them returning with fresh produce and receipts in hand. The staff always on-call, ensuring that guests never lack for anything any time of the day. If there’s one word that will describe Auraliya, that would perhaps be “hospitality”, a luxury that not many hotels truly know the meaning of.
Photos courtesy of Auraliya
Written by Hannah on October 31st, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Beach Holidays, Villas
You know all about the incredible country of Sri Lanka and it’s amazing culture. Known primarily for its rolling hills and stunning tea plantations, you’ll be surprised to find that what this country lacks in physical size it makes up for with beauty and intrigue. When visiting Sri Lanka, you’ll want to fit as much as you can into your agenda. Make sure you take the time do try at least a couple of these favorite attractions.
Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
Whether you’re a practicing Buddhist or someone simply interested in the culture, the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is one site you don’t want to miss. Since you will likely spend at least a couple of days in Colombo, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the site. As a religious site, there is no cost for admission – other than respect, of course. Make sure you take a camera so you can capture the gorgeous statues, ornate decorations, and surrounding countryside. More »
Written by georgie on October 25th, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a gorgeous area full of lush countryside, romantic culture, and tons of intrigue.While the country is relatively small, it is rather large in what it has to offer visitors. Because the country is so well known for its vast array of tea leaves, no trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without participating in at least one tea tour.
While you can often find day tours in some of the major cities throughout the country, your best bet for seeing Sri Lanka and the tea country is by purchasing an all-inclusive tour package. Sticking with guides who already know the country will ensure you are safe and well-guided throughout your experience.
Empire Tea Tours
The folks at Empire Tea run an annual “Tea & Scenic Tour” of Sri Lanka. The tour takes visitors through the three major tea regions of Nuwara Eliya, Kandy & Uva, and Ratnapura. Along the way, you’ll see many of the major tea manufacturing factories while enjoying the opportunity to sample many of the area’s finest teas. You’ll even get to visit The Tea Research Institute and some of the country’s most interesting tea auctions. This tour typically lasts 15 days and includes a number of other cultural sites aside from tea-related attractions as well. More »
Written by georgie on October 21st, 2011 | Comments Off
Filed under Sri Lanka
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
