Our Favourite Luxury Getaways

Staying at Shinta Mani Wild is also a great choice for those looking to make a positive impact through travel, as the property is partnered with the local Wildlife Alliance. The Wildlife Alliance rangers have a station on-site that helps look after the precious wildlife corridor, allowing guests to enjoy the natural surroundings without negatively affecting them. With everything from mountain biking to cooking classes on offer, Shinta Mani Wild is an ideal choice for a luxury getaway with a difference.

Set up by founders Alissa and Josh Ruxin, The Retreat also has a strong focus on telling the stories of the local Rwandan community. From fashion tours where guests meet local women’s cooperatives making incredible jewellery to genocide survivors being given a platform to tell their stories, this luxury retreat is doing some truly incredible work. Find out more here. 

Uninhibited access to some of the country’s most spectacular wildlife makes this an unforgettable luxury getaway for animal lovers, with everything from wallabies to kangaroos roaming the grounds. There’s plenty to get involved in – guests are able to help out with many conservation projects, enjoy open top safaris or even take a scenic flights over the surrounding landscapes. 

Dubbed a ‘living museum,’ the aptly-named Museum Hotel is steeped in history. Each of the 30 cave rooms and suites are all decorated with priceless antiques and authentic old-world touches. In fact, no two rooms are alike, adding to the hotel’s overall character. With unrivalled panoramic views out across fairy chimneys, a delectable on-site restaurant and a Roman-themed infinity pool, there’s nothing that Museum Hotel doesn’t have. 

The authentic Sri Lankan feel continues throughout, with tropical gardens and 14 swimming pools adding a slice of island luxury. The 60m crescent shaped infinitely pool with fine sea views is the showstopper, with on-site restaurants serving the catch of the day the perfect dinner spot for dinner. There’s plenty of opportunity to explore beyond the resort too, with two adjacent public beaches and a reef providing safe swimming conditions. For active travellers, PADI dive courses, kayaking and snorkelling trips are all on offer. If you’re after more laid-back excursions, You can also explore Sri Lanka’s lush rural hinterland of sleepy villages, paddy fields, meandering lagoons and ancient temples on guided bicycle rides.

At Mashpi, both employees of the lodge and those living nearby have the opportunity to become shareholders in the business. The majority of the lodge’s employees are local people who have been given specialist training to be able to share their knowledge of the forests with visitors. Guests can really experience Mashpi’s conservation efforts by boarding an aerial tram that delves deep into the protected forest.