Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka

Taru Villas Villu

Nature-forward chalets on the edge of Wilpattu National Park

A long swimming pool at dusk with glowing green lights in the water, loungers, and a modern pavilion.

Bespoke design and wildlife beside one of Sri Lanka’s oldest national parks

Taru Villas Villu sits just outside the entrance of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national reserve. The park is known for its natural villus – rain-fed lakes that draw Sri Lankan leopards, sloths, Asian elephants, spotted deer, mugger crocodiles and migratory birds, including painted storks and Asian openbills.

Seven detached chalets are spread across its leafy grounds, each with a private plunge pool and timber deck that faces the jungle. Two superior rooms have garden-facing terraces with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide open to the trees and shifting light. Nature comes into the rooms through the use of materials like teak, rattan and linens in muted tones.

From Taru Villas, you can take a jeep safari directly into Wilpattu’s forest and open lakeland plains. You will head out with your private guide to track leopards and pause at waterholes frequented by buffalo and wading birds. Between drives, there is time to swim in the infinity pool or enjoy a treatment in the wellness centre.

The Taru restaurant serves Sri Lankan and international dishes, drawing on regional seafood, rice, spices and fresh produce. In the evenings, the gardens are lit by lanterns and the sounds of the surrounding forest soundtrack your dinner.

Highlights

Stay on 11 acres near Wilpattu with just seven handcrafted chalets

Relax in your private plunge pool and on your outdoor deck overlooking the forest

Spot painted storks and Asian openbills around the park’s natural villu lakes

Swim in the infinity pool to the calls of peacocks and local birdlife

Track leopards, sloths and elephants on a guided jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park

Drone shot of a river winding through a forest with several thatched-roof buildings and a swimming pool.

A bright bedroom with twin beds, high timber ceilings, and a large open door leading to a forest-view deck.

A luxurious villa with a thatched roof, a private stone plunge pool, and leather chairs on a sunlit deck.

An illuminated square plunge pool set in a wooden deck with two leather chairs facing a lush forest at sunset.

A spacious outdoor lounge with high timber ceilings, cream sofas, and large woven lanterns overlooking a garden.

A modern open-air restaurant at night with slatted wood walls, warm glowing lanterns, and wooden dining tables.

A wooden outdoor table set with wine glasses and lanterns under trees decorated with hanging lights.

Close-up of a leopard with striking spots and yellow eyes walking through dry grass on a sunny day.

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Places to combine Taru Villas Villu with

Cultural Triangle

Water Garden Sigiriya

Luxury and nature combine at this hotel which boasts a modern-day water harvesting system inspired by the 2000 year old water garden at Sigiriya rock fortress.

Surrounded by lakes and streams, the 30 villas are chic and spacious, and some of them boast their own secret gardens and private plunge pools. The décor is both stylish and rustic, allowing the villas to fit perfectly with the gardens, winding waterways and wildlife. There are four duplex villas which are ideal for families.

Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate dinner in a romantic corner outdoors, or something a little more traditional, the dining options are extensive. Enjoy cuisine from around the world and local specialities with a twist. And admire the panoramic views of the topical countryside as you sip on cocktails at the Twin Level Bar.

Finally, unwind in an oasis of tranquillity at the spa, with a variety of treatments to relax your mind and rejuvenate your body.

Kandy

Clingendael

Stately colonial grandeur meets modern luxury at this elegant hilltop hotel in the grounds of Victoria Golf and Country Resort. Clingendael’s prime positioning offers expansive views of the lush Sri Lankan countryside, the Victoria reservoir, golf course and the Knuckles mountain range.

Travel back to days gone by as you relax in one of the five spacious suites. Each has its own colour scheme and design accents. Artworks, antiques, polished wood floors and carefully-chosen furniture all contribute to the feel of old world extravagance. En-suite bathrooms are modern and feature double, overhead showers. Covered verandas with superb views offer the perfect private space for intimate dining.

Meals are served according to guests’ preferences. Whether you would prefer to dine outside in the cool shade of the trees, at the pool side or in the dining room, you can sample Sri Lankan classics or enjoy gourmet Oriental and Western dishes.

A tranquil garden oasis, the spa offers a variety of treatments designed to relax and wash away tension. Choose from holistic, energising and detox massages. Thoroughly pampered, spend some time on the golf course, or venture out onto the nearby jungle pathways, keeping a lookout for the vibrant bird life of the region. And at the end of the day, enjoy a refreshing cocktail above the water reservoir as you gaze out over the hills.

Tea Country

Thotalagala

Venture into the lush heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country and surround yourself in old-world luxury at Thotalagala, a carefully restored planters bungalow which dates back to the 19^th century.

Each of the seven suites is inspired by prominent role-players in the tea-growing region’s history. Situated on Pitaratmalie Estate, the hotel offers easy access to all tea country has to offer, including Dambatenne where Sir Thomas Lipton lived in the late 1800s.

Décor is elegantly refined, with antique furniture complemented by carefully-chosen artworks. Enjoy a cigar or after-dinner drink in the lavish cigar room, indulge in a sumptuous tea out on the lawns or allow the chef to treat you to a feast of plantation-inspired cuisine in the dining room. For an extra special Thotalagala dining experience enjoy perfectly barbecued meat beneath the stars, while sipping a fine wine from the cellar.

As this is a working estate, guests are welcome to explore the gardens and fields, learning about how tea is produced. Immerse yourself in the history of the area and keep a look-out for memorabilia from the region’s colonial past.

Colombo

The Wallawwa

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.