Uga Residence

Located within five acres of landscapes tropical gardens is The Wallawwa, a colonial manor house with plenty of character and charm. A short drive from the airport and under an hour from the hustle and bustle of Colombo itself, this is a great option for those wanting a tranquil stay while never being too far from the action. The hotel features 17 elegant rooms and suites, some featuring their own verandah overlooking the garden. For families or small groups, the two-bedroom Mountbatten Suite with private plunge pool and garden is perfect. It is so named because Lord Mountbatten was commander in chief of the south east Asia command, the headquarters of which were in Sri Lanka – then Ceylon. Dine at the Verandah restaurant, which makes use of fresh, local ingredients to create delicious fusion cuisine. You can also enjoy high tea in the garden, enjoyed with a cup of Sri Lanka’s famous tea. When you want to relax and unwind, the Z Spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, and there is an outdoor pool nestled among the lush foliage.

The Ceylon Tea Trails resort is the ideal place from which to explore this breathtaking part of Sri Lanka. Dating back to colonial times, five spacious bungalows feature antique furniture and exemplary, personalised service. With between four and six rooms, they are perfect for families and small groups. All of the 26 rooms and suites, which are named after tea planters who lived there, are elegantly outfitted in natural colours and materials, and make for a tranquil escape. Spend time out on the veranda in the fresh mountain air enjoying the views of Castlereagh Lake, the Bogawantalawa Valley and Dunkeld Estate; or curl up with a book in front of a fire. Take long, leisurely walks through the tea plantations learning all about the ancient process of making tea, enjoy a tempting spread of sweet treats on the lawns or have a light lunch at the pool side. Sri Lankan-inspired meals at Ceylon Tea Trails feature the freshest of seasonal produce with home grown vegetables, herbs and teas from the estate. Rates at Tea Trails are fully inclusive of meals and drinks. Make the most of the calming surroundings and start the day with an aromatic bath, or treat yourself to a selection of therapeutic spa treatments in your room. Get a healthy dose of fresh air and explore some of the walking and biking routes through the mountains, or enjoy a game of tennis or croquet.

A cool retreat from the hot streets of historic Galle, Fort Bazaar takes up residence in a completely and immaculately restored 18th-century merchant’s townhouse right in the heart of town. 18 cool, chic rooms are arranged around a central courtyard, all spacious with high ceilings and four-poster beds. The family suite has two bedrooms. Branching out from the breezy courtyard you’ll find the acclaimed Church Street Social Restaurant, a bar, private cinema, library and spa. Walk out the front door and find yourself close to a range of boutique shops and the 300-year-old walls, making this the ideal place to soak up Galle Fort’s brooding atmosphere.

Kahanda Kanda is a tranquil hideaway set among the lush jungle and tea plantations on the northern fringe of Koggala Lake. Just a 30-minute drive from Galle, you can easily experience the hustle and bustle of the city while enjoying beautiful scenery and the feeling of total seclusion. There are ten villas inspired by local culture and beautifully decorated with a mix of antiques and contemporary design pieces. Each villa has its own unique style, from the colonial air of the Tea Suite and the monochrome Peacock Suite to the cool green and white tones of the Nelum Suite and the elaborate English 18th-century style of the Garden Suite. Three villas come with private pools and many feature verandahs looking out over the treetops towards the Koggala Lake and a working tea estate. Fruit, vegetables and spices are grown on-site and used alongside fresh local produce to create mouthwatering Sri Lankan curries and fusion cuisine. If you’re a whizz in the kitchen, then learn how to create the perfect blend of spices during a cooking class. There is also the option to enjoy a romantic meal in the garden, under a blanket of stars. You are perfectly located to explore the surrounding countryside – take a tour of the local tea estate, visit the bustling markets or enjoy a boat ride on the serene waters of Koggala Lake – and the historic Galle Fort is just a short drive along the coast. There is also a swimming pool and a spa nestle among the tea plantation where guests can unwind with a massage.