Must-see hotels in Sri Lanka

The Belgium artist-owners of this place were inspired by the safari lodges of Africa and they've done a sterling job of replicating the rustic-chic luxury…

We would love to tell you just how incredible this place is, but the simple truth is that there are no words to describe the sheer opulence of this hotel…

Offering exceptional value, this hotel sits in a large, tranquil compound with accommodation facing a stunning 20m pool and elegant lobby-restaurant…

Tea Trails comprises a collection of five stunning colonial-style residences built for British tea plantation managers. Completely refurbished, the…

A memorable place to stay, this beautifully located guesthouse enjoys an idyllic position overlooking an expanse of rice paddies, replete with the sounds…

The antidote to concrete resort hotels and national parks overrun with hundreds of jeeps, Tree Tops provides a true back-to-nature experience. Beautifully…

Located in a tea plantation, this fine mountain lodge enjoys outstanding views – on very clear days you can even see the Dondra Lighthouse on the South…

Kelburne is a simply sublime spot to relax for a few days, with homely accommodation in immaculately renovated former tea-planters' bungalows and dapper…

A quirky, locally owned beachside place with loads of atmosphere and a loyal clientele of backpackers and surfers. There's a choice of 22 digs (all built…

In the misty, verdant hills north of Matale, at an elevation of 450m, this working organic farm (harvesting coconuts, mangoes, bananas and papaya) is…

This sublime place is crammed with Buddhist statues, tropical flowers and masses of high-quality antiques. The huge rooms have carved wooden headboards…

The peaceful, rural setting of this intimate and beautiful British–Sri Lankan guesthouse, a kilometre inland from the main road and beach, means at night…

Perched at the water’s edge with serene views of Kallady Bridge and the lagoon, the Riviera is a peaceful, relaxing place to stay. The accommodation has…

High in mist-wrapped hills 13km northeast of Nuwara Eliya, this unique place has been built into and around a century-old tea factory. Blurring the line…

Exclusive and stylish, the 20 villas in this remote rural retreat, 40km from Anuradhapura, are top of the line, with private plunge pools and relaxing…

One of the island's foremost retreats, many guests at this healthy sanctuary are on yoga, wellness or surf-instruction packages. The location is…

Located at around 1000m, this gorgeous former tea planter’s bungalow enjoys a temperate, sometimes coolish climate on a steep forested hillside surrounded…

An outstanding place to stay, thanks to the genuine welcome and attention paid to guests by Ajith and Ramya, the owners. Rooms are divided between the…

This Danish-run place sits at the north end of the bay. There's a magnificent open-sided restaurant-lounge-terrace facing the ocean, perfect for languid…

Totally renovated, this once supremely tacky hotel now has seven perfectly designed, sleek, modern bungalows, each with stupendous valley views from their…