Sri Lanka’s Concept Hideaways
• Luxury Villas • Heritage Bungalows • Stately Mansions • Colonial Homes
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The more space you have around you, the more space you discover within yourself. The less you have in the room, the more you must bring to others. And the fewer worries you have, the wealthier you feel, in the deepest sense.
~ In ‘Remote Places to Stay’ by Pico Iyer, Author of The Art of Stillness
Honeymoon, unwind, celebrate, get together with friends and family, and discover a different side of Sri Lanka.
The sense of calm and tranquillity we get from remoteness is perhaps needed ever more in our hectic world. Sri Lanka has plenty of ideal hideaways designed for peace and tranquility, luxury and quality for the exclusive wanderer. And they offer everything for the UHNW (Ultra High Net Worth) traveler. One such area is Sri Lanka’s vast collection of luxury boutique villas, restored colonial homes, tea estate bungalows, stately mansions and glamping sites, considered the finest in Asia. We are not talking about flashy hotel chains here, but one-of-a-kind stays of distinction totally integrated into their environment. Words often don’t do them justice, but you’ll find a strong personality and a great narrative at each.
They come as city escapes to wilderness and mountain retreats, from wellness to beachfront hideaways; staying at these small, intimate, and yet luxurious accommodation in Sri Lanka is a unique way to experience this tropical paradise. They offer more charm, more vibe, and more opportunities to meet the real Sri Lanka, get a real flavour of the place, and get close to Sri Lanka’s world-famous hospitality.
Set in idyllic and secluded locations, with swimming pools, bedrooms for every guest, spacious common areas for dining and relaxing, dedicated on-site staff, and beautiful grounds and gardens – they are much more than a home away from home. What’s more? All luxury villa stays can be curated with a wide range of add-on possibilities such as dining, music and local art, wildlife safaris with naturalist guides, biodiversity-focused hikes and guided walks, visit local communities, take part in mindfulness and wellness retreats, VIP perks, coordinate and book private charter flights or yachts and many more inspiring moments.
The number of villas and boutique hotels in Sri Lanka would be impossible to count, and more are opening every day. With so many to choose from, it would be impossible to narrow down a conclusive list of the best. So, we have decided to feature a few of our personal favourites and hidden gems, from the old favourites to the new openings.
Ayubowan Sri Lanka works closely with a range of stylish properties across the island. Our recommendations are independent of any affiliations and are based on the finer details of each, to make your holiday just right. We have negotiated special rates from these properties exclusively for our travellers.
These properties can be booked as a staycation or include them as part of a touring holiday visiting several destinations. If there is something specific you are after, get in touch with us, and we’ll see what we can do.
A well-preserved remnants of a Notary’s original colonial house
A unique luxury six-bedroom boutique villa set amidst large gardens and a coconut grove, just 45 minutes’ drive from the Colombo airport and 30 minutes from the coastal city of Negombo. Traditional and contemporary Sri Lankan architectural and design elements compliment the property’s heritage. The Notary’s House offers spacious air-conditioned rooms, a swimming pool and hearty food in a relaxing lakeside setting. With the laid-back feel of the countryside and warm Sri Lankan hospitality, it is the ideal place to start or end your perfect Sri Lanka experience.
A Retreat with modern luxury in a heritage-inspired setting
A serene boutique retreat nestled on Sri Lanka’s stunning south coast with authentic Sri Lankan hospitality combined with modern luxury in a heritage-inspired setting. It offers thoughtfully designed accommodations, lush tropical gardens, and personalized service—perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway immersed in culture and nature. Designed by British-Sri Lankan interior designer Dee Gibson, this property is making its mark with retreats centered on female empowerment, with yoga, breath work, reiki,, and Ayurveda.
A spiritual sanctuary in Rekawa, a remote biodiversity hot pot
Kayaam House envelopes the best of both worlds: dense jungle on one side, a deserted golden beach on the other. With 8 rooms spread across the house, this bright-white gem beckons you to find sanctum amid tropical gardens and rolling lawns. Designed for rest and rediscovery, every moment is designed to nurture restoration and recovery, with Ayurveda and wellness woven into the very fabric of your stay.
The Gallean, a culinary voyage of a legendary merchant’s life
Built in 1860, the home of a Scottish spice merchant and explorer, has been restored into a small heritage hotel exuding a country house atmosphere showcasing the history of Sri Lanka, particularly Galle and its people, all through the unique perspectives of the property’s former owners and residents. Its seven rooms/suites have been distinctively designed to capture a piece of its rich history. Hotel is well known for its fine dining, privacy, and its eclectic collection of artwork, books and furniture.
The Secluded Luxury at a 18th Century manor, near Colombo
Ease into or out of your Sri Lankan holiday in style. Nestled within seven acres of tropical gardens just 20 minutes from the international airport, this intimate 18-room boutique manor house offers the perfect space to relax and recharge. Unwind by the jungle-fringed swimming pool, enjoy long, leisurely meals in the alfresco restaurant, and indulge in a rejuvenating massage at our heavenly spa – long-haul flights and jet lag will be a distant memory.
Sri Lanka’s famous architect, Bawa’s iconic country-house
Inspirational, whimsical, and enchanting, Lunuganga offers a precious window into the mind of its famous creator, architect Geoffrey Bawa. This soulful artist’s retreat, set along a riverbank in Bentota in Sri Lanka’s west coast, features 10 distinctive rooms and suites, each a world apart from the other, and a stunning infinity pool with incredible lake views. Stay here and experience Bawa’s vision, pausing to admire thoughtfully crafted architectural flourishes, leaf-framed lake vistas, and 15-acres of tropical gardens created over a period of 40 years.
A heritage bungalow set within a working coconut plantation
Set within 50 acres of lush greenery, this 100-year-old lovingly restored family home on a working coconut estate, located just an hour’s drive away from Colombo airport, offers a peaceful escape connecting with nature. Surrounded by expansive gardens that invite quiet reflection or leisurely strolls, the bungalow offers a large pool and a jungle jacuzzi, both nestled in tropical surroundings, enhance the sense of serenity. Guests are offered a guided tour of the estate to learn about the coconut tree’s vital role in Sri Lankan culture and daily life.
A 19th Century tea planter’s bungalow, An indulgent experience
Thotalagala is a remarkable feat of restoration, a tea planter’s bungalow that has been revived to its former glory, featuring seven themed suites inspired by personalities who shaped the history of the area, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost tea-growing regions and arguably the finest in the world. Surrounded by 20 acres of lawn and patana grass, Thotalagala offers sweeping vistas that greet the eye from the edge of the lawn. Behind the bungalow, covering the Haputale hills, lies a 4000-hectare tea plantation stretching up to Lipton’s Seat, named after Sir Thomas Lipton, father of world famous Lipton’s tea.