The bustling commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant coastal city blending modern urban life with rich colonial heritage. Located on the island’s western shore, it serves as the country’s main port and a gateway for trade, tourism, and culture. The city’s skyline features sleek high-rises alongside historic buildings dating back to Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule.

Stay at the Hilton Residences

Best for: Jetlagged Pitstop

For the perfectly located home from home, to recover from the jetlag, check into the HIlton Residences. The serviced apartment hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers spacious suites with great views and friendly staff. There’s an outdoor pool, fitness center, and tennis courts as well as several dining options, from international cuisine to Sri Lankan specialties. Its central location allows easy access to shopping centers and cultural attractions while the supermarket next door means easy access to snacks and lattes.  www.hilton.com 

What to See
Start with Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade perfect for evening strolls. For great city views, head up the 365-meters up the Lotus Tower, one of the skyline’s most recognisable landmarks! For a bit of history head to the Colombo National Museum, or the Gangaramaya Temple, a Buddhist temple blending Sri Lankan, Thai, and Chinese architecture.

For shopping and street life, visit Pettah Market, where colorful stalls sell everything from spices to textiles or for something more contemporary the Colombo City Centre Mall where you’ll find local retailers, food and entertainment including a Nerf Gun range and laser quest.

Where to Eat
Colombo’s food scene is diverse, reflecting its multicultural heritage. For authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, try Ministry of Crab, renowned for its fresh seafood. Set in the historic Dutch Hospital, it’s all about the mud crab—steamed, garlic-chilli or pepper-dashi styles. It’s also worth trying the baked crab and plump clams. The garlic butter crab is a must, if you can hack the garlic OD!

Colonial charm, vibrant culture, and perfect tropical scenery makes Galle one of Sri Lanka’s favourite destinations.

Stay at The Why House

Best for: Charm & Elegance

For an intimate and luxurious retreat, Why House Galle is just the spot. Nestled amid tropical gardens a stone’s throw away from Unawatuna’s beaches, the boutique hotel offers beautifully designed rooms. Check into Room 6, ideal for families, with its stunning four poster-bed swathed in mosquito netting, sleek bathrooms, and mezzanine floor with a twin, all kitted out with perfect linens, soft cottons and local prints - including a nod to Frida Kahlo! The vibe is chic colonial at its finest.

Relax by the large warm swimming pool, a tropical paradise surrounded by palm trees, hanging orchids and all manner of exotic plants. The staff, always smiling, are on hand to cater to your every need - whether you want to order a tuk tuk to go surfing or find out about where to eat locally. Before long, it feels like a real home from home, with an added sense of luxury. Serene and quiet, aside from the birds’ singsong, it’s the ideal base to explore Galle. Our favourite thing? The tranquil garden setting where peacocks wander past at breakfast.

www.whyhousehotel.com or www.thehotelguru.com

The Food

Why House is run by ex chef Henrietta, and it shows! Breakfast is a feast of eggs (try the Sri Lankan omelette), buffalo curd and fresh exotic fruit, for lunch, choose from classics like Caesar salad or club sandwiches. For dinner enjoy the excellent nightly menus ranging from local (non spicy) Weligama chicken (accompanied by lentils, salads and sweet saffron rice) or indulge in the finest seared tuna, and grilled prawns - a real treat! The watermelon gazpacho and tuna sashimi starters are also perfect.

Beyond the hotel, head to the local beach bar Shanti Shanti where you can try a traditional curry (very spicy) or fantastic seafood dishes, or even amazing freshly baked pizza. The beachside setting is picture perfect and the staff super friendly, and pizza worth going back for! It’s also home to the rope swing, for a thrilling jump over the ocean. In Galle, there are plenty of options, try the 1920’s British outpost ‘The Charleston” for honey chicken strips or fresh tuna bites.

What to See 

In Galle, stroll along the 17th-century Dutch-built UNESCO-listed fort's walls for panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, and amble the streets picking up souvenirs. With Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences, the town is a charming mix of colonial churches and architecture, and boutiques.

Prefer to relax on the sand? Head to Jungle Beach for a secluded swim or Unawatuna Beach for golden sands and water sports. Beyond there’s Handunugoda Tea Estate, or the wetlands and wildlife of Koggala Lake. To meet giant turtles, head to Turtle Beach near Dalawella - but mind your fingers if you opt to feed them some algae!

For the ultimate surf experience, head to the Surf Shack on Dewata Beach where Lara the instructor will take you out for an hour or two in the waves. Cool Vibes is the spot for a drink and great views.

Tucked away on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Mawella is a serene beach destination that feels untouched by mass tourism. Mawella Beach stretches for nearly two kilometers, offering golden sands framed by palm trees away from the crowds. 

Stay at Halcyon Mawella

Best for: Barefoot Relaxation

To really get away from it all, Halcyon Mawella is all about barefoot luxury. A stylish beachfront retreat that blends contemporary design with relaxed tropical living, each room and suite is open onto ocean or garden views, with airy interiors, private verandas and old fashioned minibar iceboxes. Book a room upstairs for the best views along with mosquito netting clad four posters and a deck under the thatched roof, to while the day away in.

Lounge by the pool, take a long walk on the beach or hit the waves with a boogie board. For something even more relaxing, there’s kayaking onto the nearby lagoon (no crocodiles) or sip a Lion Beer as the sun dips into the sea. Zander, the British owner, has great plans to create a sustainable community production of everything from soaps to breads and textiles, helping the local villagers thrive while keeping Mawella bay protected from mass tourism. The beach itself is clean, authentic and deserted and he intends to keep it that way. After a few days, you’ll forget to wear flipflops to dinner and really get the barefoot vibe!

You can also arrange for beach yoga, cycling tours, or call Sunpun with his shiny tuk tuk to take you for a private surf lesson in the next bay.  www.halcyonmawella.com or www.thehotelguru.com 

The Food 

Dine al fresco at the restaurant where each meal is a treat. Creative takes on Sri Lankan classics alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes make the menu approachable for all the family. Whether you try the homemade fish and chips or the tuna tataki, the club sandwich or the goat curry, or the chicken satay sticks, there’s something for everyone. Breakfast is also a must - from the sweet caramalised banana pancakes to the Halcyon take on the Full English - it’s worth getting out of bed for! For an authentic experience, you can also pop next door to Mr Sana’s Cocktails restaurant for great curries, ‘Hurricanes’ or tiger prawns. If you venture into Hiriketiya, try Smoke and Bitters for tacos and curries. 

What to See

It’s worth venturing out to Hiriketiya Bay, a lively surfer’s haven packed with beach cafes, and boutiques. Explore the colonial-era charm of Dondra Lighthouse, the tallest in Sri Lanka, or wander through the traditional fishing harbour at Tangalle. Nature lovers can take a trip to Rekawa Beach, where sea turtles nest under moonlight, or visit Mulkirigala Rock Monastery, perched on a 200-meter-high rock with ancient cave paintings.

Located in the south east, it’s the country’s most visited wildlife reserve stretching over nearly 979 square kilometers. Its diverse ecosystems range from dry forests and grasslands to lagoons and coastal areas. 

Yala is world-renowned for having one of the highest densities of leopards, and is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds. Divided into multiple blocks, only a few are open to visitors, ensuring conservation of its rich biodiversity.

Stay at Hilton Yala 

Best for: Luxury Resort Style

Overlooking the Indian Ocean and just minutes from the park entrance this luxurious resort has rooms, suites, and villas, many with private pools to choose from. The style is safari-chic with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the surrounding jungle. Without fencing, the resort is an integral part of the reserve and heading to breakfast or dinner is a thrill, as you never know what’s around the corner! It’s not every day you can spot a ‘baby’ crocodile, wild rabbit and iguana minutes from your room.

The local metamorphic granite stones are used for cladding on both walls and floors, giving a sense of place, as does the cinnamon tree wood in all flooring and screens, a warm, local timber blending perfectly with the greys, khaki-beige, and cream tones in the rooms.

As for creature comforts, the bathrooms have deep bathtubs (with jungle views!), walk-in wardrobes, rain showers, and dual sinks not to mention heated Japanese Toto toilets. There are also 55-inch HDTV screens, Nespresso pods and milk, a well stocked minibar, and all the USB outlets you might need. www.hilton.com

The Food 

With a choice of two restaurants, and two menus, the resort offers a half board solution from Dhira's contemporary Asian, to Sandali's grilled and western dishes. Try the fresh zingy tuna tartare wafer (with or without spice!), the delicious pumpkin soup, angus beef with soy mushrooms or the superbe seared yellowfin tuna. There are also a host of Sri Lankan dishes to discover, including curries and seafood rice which comes presented with a crab sat astride the plate!  Breakfast also comes with a myriad of choices, from buffalo curd to curry and classic eggs with any sides you can think of, as well as the all essential chocolate chip pancakes!

What to See

When staying at the resort you can book guided game drives with local scouts. Set out on a half-day or full-day safari through Palatupana, Katagamuwa, Galge, or the secluded Menik Ganga areas, for a chance to spot elephants, leopards, and a wide variety of birdlife. Prefer to stay on foot? Take a guided bush walk across coastal dunes on one of the daily beach walks, or venture out and discover the history of sacred sites such as Sithulpawwa and Nimalawa Monastery. Try stargazing at night without the slightest light pollution or go diving at Great Basses Reef. Between adventures, there’s a chance to unwind at the spa, relax at the pool, or keep up the workouts in the fitness center.

Stay at Leopard Safaris 

Best for Safari Chic 

Check into the luxury camp, for an experience that’s close to nature while still ultra comfortable. It’s all about safari-chic balancing comfort with wilderness. The entire place has been thoughtfully designed, promoting sustainability, and in great taste, all wood and camouflage canvas.

The elegant tents named after local wildlife come with very welcome air conditioning, tea and really good cafetiere, a safe, and a bathroom open to the sky for al fresco showering where the shower itself has been ‘camouflaged’ as a tree! The Family tents like ‘Hornbill’ are spacious (around 40 m²), ideal for families with a beautiful mosquito swathed four-poster king-size bed clad with the prettiest blue floral bedspread and bunk bed for the kids.

At night, you’ll walk to camp with the most powerful of flashlights keeping an eye on the bush in case of lurking monkeys, or even leopards who have been known to slip under the park’s nearby electrified fence. www.leopardsafaris.com

The Food 

The team will make you feel ultra special by setting up tables in various locations in the shade and serving up local Sri Lankan flavours, and the odd international dish. If you can’t cope with the local spice levels, just let them know and you’ll be treated to tasty dishes like kottu rotti, shredded roti stir-fried with spices and vegetables, a savory mix that will quickly become a favorite. We also enjoy a spice-free chicken Biryani with green coconut sambo, as well as string hoppers with parippu (dhal) - a type of delicate rice noodle nests with lentil curry.  With plenty of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits, the camp’s chef uses seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, sourced from a local organic farm. You might even sample deep fried curry leaves for an aperitif and find them delicious! The vibe is relaxed yet refined, making dinnertime a highlight along with the game drives! For dessert don’t miss the rich, creamy vanilla and mango ice cream, hot bananas or baked pineapple. At breakfast, you’ll love the scrambled eggs and bacon, followed by pancakes with honey-roasted coconut - the perfect fusion experience!

What to See

Game drives in Yala focus on Block 1 and Block 5, both celebrated for wildlife and scenery. Block 1 (Palatupana) is the most popular and accessible, with coastal grasslands, lagoons, and ancient waterholes that attract elephants, crocodiles, leopards, and monkeys. Block 5 offers rugged terrain with scrub and dry-zone vegetation, rich in birdlife and less visited, creating a quieter safari.

Safaris run as half-day drives—dawn or dusk sessions of 3–4 hours—led by expert guides in sturdy 4×4 jeeps.. Sam, who has 14 years experience, will tell you about the birds’ alarm calls, spot leopard tracks in the dust and give you the lowdown on the creatures habits and names. There’s no guarantee of seeing the elusive leopard (we didn’t) or sloth bears, although the park is known for them, it’s a game of pot luck and that only adds to the thrill as you strain your eyes on the bush to see if you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them…

Stay at Treetops Jungle Lodge

Best for: Off-Grid Eco Adventure

Tucked deep in the dry-zone forest near Buttala, this small eco-camp is detached from the modern world. With just three safari-style tents and a central mud-and-wood lodge, the camp blends into nature. The soundtrack is birdsong, crickets, and sometimes elephants moving through the jungle. In the dry months, they often come right up to the camp’s watering hole.

Inside the tents you’ll find mosquito-netted beds, solar-powered lamps, and brushed concrete bathrooms - simple, functional, designed to be low impact. The lodge also harvests rainwater for washing and bathing, and uses biodegradable materials wherever possible and of course, plastic use is kept to a minimum. There’s no wifi and patchy mobile data so it’s definitely a place to disconnect. www.treetopsjunglelodge.com or www.thehotelguru.com

The Food

At night, delicious Sri Lankan curries, rice, and fresh vegetables are served by candlelight. The great flavours and seasonal, local produce add a real back-to-basics vibe.

What to See

Instead of jeep safaris, the lodge promotes guided walks, mornings and evenings treks through jungle paths, rocky ridges, and shifting cultivation fields, where you might encounter butterflies, birds, and the occasional elephant wandering through the bush. Kamal, the guide will answer all your questions, and advise on how best to navigate around a sleeping herd of elephants…

Pasikuda is renowned for its sweeping bay of shallow, crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. Unlike the busier southern beaches, Pasikuda has a laid-back charm, perfect for swimming, without the ‘energetic’ waves of the south. The area enjoys sunshine for much of the year, especially from April to September, making it an ideal beach escape. It’s the perfect spot for some beach R&R and snorkelling in the clear waters.

Stay at Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa

Best for: Family Friendly Beach Break

Inspired by a traditional Sri Lankan fishing village, the resort is all thatched wooden chalets crafted from recycled wood and palm leaves, facing the turquoise ocean and white sands as far as the eye can see. 

There’s everything you’d expect from a beach resort and more. Gently swaying coconut palms, daily kid’s activities and games, and a friendly staff on hand at any time of night or day. The resort feels intimate with a relaxed family friendly vibe. Each chalet room comes with a private balcony, overlooking the vast central pool and the ocean, as well as essential comforts like air-conditioning and Wi-Fi. The mixture of cool white linens and dark exotic woods gives a simple yet elegant feel.

The resort is also eco-friendly focusing on solar energy, reducing single-use plastics, and recycling, as well as partnering with local fishing communities to support livelihoods. Marine conservation is also part of its ethos, educating everyone on protecting coral reefs thanks to their coral museum on the beach. www.themacollection.com

The Food

With two restaurants, there’s always a choice of options. Karadiya is the main restaurant with international and Sri Lankan buffet spreads, along with a  la carte choices too. There’s even a “Batticaloa Corner” for local East Coast flavors. Don’t miss the elaborate buffet breakfast with everything from Dahl to eggs and bacon, pancakes, waffles or fruit. At White Sands, it’s all about the seafood,  although they can also whip up a great burger. Settle in the ‘boat’ bar for drinks and enjoy dinner with your toes in the sand. At Thora, the poolside bar you can always order a jug of deliciously zingy freshly squeezed lemonade or a cocktail, or a plate of french fries to keep the kids’ hunger pangs at bay.

What to See

Pasikuda is famous for its shallow, reef-sheltered bay where you can wade hundreds of meters into calm, clear waters. The resort offers plenty of entertainment, from karaoke nights to pool, and fussball, but most seem to enjoy the frisbee and tennis ball marathons in the pool. 

Beyond, there’s also paddle boarding, and snorkelling trips with the resident naturalist - a real highlight. Hop on a boat for an hour-long trip to the nearby reef to swim with a rainbow of fish. 

The resort can also organise bikes for village tours, or cycling trips along the coast, while boat trips offer opportunities for dolphin watching too. Need a cultural hit? Head to Polonnaruwa, an inland city that was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just the spot to visit ancient ruins, royal palaces, temples, stupas, and huge Buddha statues.

Stay at Uga Bay by Uga Escapes

 Best for: Beachfront Luxe

Uga Bay is one of those places you could easily lose track of reality in. It’s just the place to unwind with a good book in a hammock or hit the beach and while the days away. 

The resort’s clever semi-circular architectural design means everyone gets a view over the tropical paradise that lies along the sparkling Indian Ocean. Exotic blooms abound reminding you where you are. And, with a huge infinity pool, there are plenty of ways to keep cool in the steamy climate. 

The spacious rooms come with private terraces leading to palm-fringed lawns beyond. Oversized deluxe bathrooms, not to mention designer touches like four-poster beds and crisp linens add to the sense of luxury. To really treat yourself, book the Beach Villa with its own plunge pool, or the luxurious Bay Suite that comes with private butler service. 

Eco-friendly, the resort also harnesses solar power, reduces waste through recycling, and minimizes single-use plastics to reduce environmental impact. Sustainability is also on the agenda working with local farmers, and fishermen and involving the community in the resort, keeping things local.  www.ugaescapes.com

The Food  

Whether opting for traditional Sri Lankan cuisine or international dishes, the food is excellent. From the finest scrambled eggs and hoppers (paperthin coconut dough baskets with an egg inside) to the best waffles, breakfast is definitely worth getting up for! 

The buffet dinners are great too offering everything from local curries to shepherd’s pie to pasta dishes, lemongrass fish, or roast beef - each meal is a treat. To really indulge, book the Sand Dining experience where the team will set you up in a man made sand ‘bunker’ with sofa and table and serve up an incredible seafood extravaganza complete with lobster, giant prawns, fish and crab. A dinner to remember for both the extraordinary setting and the incredible seafood. .

What to See
It’s mostly about the beach where you can join in a sunrise yoga session or try water sports like paddle boarding, or kayaking - or jetskiing or banana boating if you like some speed. The nearby Great Basses Reef is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous underwater sites, rich with corals, shipwrecks, and shoals of fish for those who like to dive

On land, borrow a bicycle to explore nearby villages. For a dose of culture, day trips to Batticaloa, with its lagoons and colonial history, reveal Portuguese and Dutch forts, centuries-old churches, lively Tamil traditions, and the serene beauty of the Kallady Lagoon, famous for its ‘singing fish’.

Uga Ulagalla, Anuradhaphura

Best for: Remote Old World Luxury 

Set in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, Uga Ulagalla is like nowhere else. Utterly beautiful, from its 150-year-old mansion to its contemporary pool villas and its stunning scenery. The luxury boutique resort blends heritage charm with modern indulgence, wonderful staff and a real “can do” vibe..

On 58 acres of lush forest, paddy fields, and lakes, the resort’s thatched villas are spaced out for privacy, each with their own plunge pool overlooking the jungle. You will definitely see the odd monkey, and even possibly spot one doing lengths in your pool! 

The decor oozes colonial chic, with dark exotic timbers, shiny hardwood floors, a huge four-poster bed swathed in netting, and opulent bathrooms. Everywhere,  framed antiques add to the charm with giant copper lamps and cane daybeds as well as ornaments like exotic bookends and teacaddies all adding to the look. But rest assured, there’s aircon, ipad controlled lighting and turndown service that brings sweet treats in glass jars every evening.

The resort is of course focused on sustainability: solar power provides most of the energy, while the organic gardens supply the kitchen, and the property actively works hand in hand with the local community to protect its surrounding ecosystem. 

The Food
Start your day with a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast—string hoppers, sambols, and coconut curries or their very own take on eggs benedict, with carmelised onions, beef and curry leaves—or go continental with the finest fresh pastries (those croissants are amazing!) and tropical fruit. Don't miss the fresh passion fruit juice, superbly sweet and sour all at once. 

The chef, who has spent 15 years in the UAE, curates seasonal menus for lunch and dinner. These include everything from aromatic curries to melt-in-your-mouth tuna tartares, seared local fish, tender parmesan encrusted lamb chops or Sri Lankan favourite kottu rotti.

For something extraordinary, the team can also organise dinner by the lake, a personalized barbecue in your villa, or a feast of 25 local dishes in the Kamatha, the area in the middle of the rice fields. Whatever your choice, you will be blown away by the quality and the rituals and service that accompany each meal. 

What to See
The resort is vast, so there is plenty to do on site. Take a leisurely cycle ride past rice fields and out to the nearby village to see the local farmers whose kids will wave enthusiastically, see the temples, or take a hack out on horseback thanks to resident horse Santos. The scenery really is cinematic. There is also a chance to try your hand at archery, or go kayaking on Ulagalla’s serene lake. 

To spot some wildlife, especially birds, take a guided nature walks or a scenic drive led by the lovely Narmada, who will tell you all about the area, local farming and even set up an incredible picnic at sunset by the lake including tasty BLTs, butter cake, Ceylon tea and the best roasted cashew nuts you have ever tasted. 

For a safari experience, book a trip to Minneriya National Park home to the biggest herd of elephants in the country, though you might be lucky and spot one of Sri Lanka's largest, tusked elephants within the resort, like we did. No wonder Uga opened its first Elephant Research Centre at Ulagalla in 2020.

Also within easy reach are heritage sites like the ancient citadel of Anuradhapura, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the cave temples of Dambulla.

www.ugaescapes.com