My favorite Sri Lankan resorts
I have been lucky enough to travel to Sri Lanka with my mom in the summer of 2023, and to truly fall in love with everything this wonderful island had to offer.
Like I always do, I am going to share with you some of the prettiest places we got the chance to sleep in, hoping that one day you’ll also e lucky enough to enjoy them as well.
The Notary’s House
After flying from Paris to Sri Lanka, we stopped by the Notary’s House property to enjoy a gorgeous breakfast, peace and a cold shower (on purpose). We didn’t spend the night, as our journey was only beginning and we had more driving to do, but enjoyed the calm and still beauty very much.
“The Notary’s House is a unique luxury six bedroom boutique hotel set amidst large gardens and a coconut grove, conveniently located just 45 minutes’ drive from the Colombo international 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 travel experience.”
Taru Villas - Maia
What a place! And I think they did a great job describing the atmosphere on their website:
“Beyond a narrow, wooden bridge set discretely above the clear, flowing waters of a local stream, an elevated central pathway parts the surrounding wilderness and draws you into the scenic luxury of Taru Villas - Maia. A fresh interpretation of old-world Sri Lankan architecture, Maia weaves with its canopied corridors an enchanting rustic oasis through the forest and fields of Habarana until it reaches the calm, glistening waters of the Habarana Lake, where one can clearly take in the awe-inspiring sight of Pidurangala Viharaya and the Sigiriya rock fortress.”
This resort was the perfect resting spot in between our hike to the Lion’s Rock and our safari. It was quiet, close to nature and felt luxurious while remaining environmentally respectful which, if you know me by now, is something very important when picking an accommodation.
Karpaha Sands
This remains one of my favorite accommodation ever. It had everything to dream of: it is intimate, quiet, beautifully designed with a lot of local art, and respectful of the environment and holding the most gorgeous sunrise view I have ever seen. As it is a place to simply enjoy and stay at, they offer a lot of different types of activities within the hotel for any type of guest!
These 3 days were a refreshing break in the middle of our journey and a gorgeous way to refill our energy and relax.
Gal Oya Lodge
Sri Lanka being an island, it doesn’t stop this country to have a ton of diver landscapes and regions to offer. This resort is located in the middle of the Jungle, completely cut from technology and distraction but the silence interrupted by nature sounds.
“Discover an ancient land untouched by time; a haven of serenity in which to reconnect with the rhythms of the earth. Immerse yourself in nature. Soak yourself in local culture. Explore the rich wildlife of Gal Oya, one of Sri Lanka’s most remote and least visited wilderness areas.”
It felt like a total immersion to stay there and enjoy the different activity the property had to offer: safaris, nature walks, tastings etc.
98 Acres
Finally, here is a property that I hesitated to put in this list, simply because it was a bit too touristy for my taste. While being there, I could feel that the activities and the facilities were designed to please a “commercial” crowd. Despite that feeling, the view on the mountain and the scenery was beautiful. I enjoyed sunrises on top of the hill in front of our room, sunsets on the deck and delicious tea tastings from the mountain.
“The uniquely designed resort blends well with nature, and consists of charming chalets mostly made of recyclable substance. Discarded railway sleepers are put to good use in the making of decks and walls at the resort. Rough, hewn granite lend simple elegance to the floors of chalets adorned with thatched roofs of ‘Illuk’ straw that adds to their rustic beauty. The exquisite country side, breathtaking views and exciting nature trails will assure you of a memorable holiday at one of the most breathtaking Ella hotels in the region.”
