Best hotels in Sri Lanka

Don't be put off by Wallawwa being only a 20 minute drive from Colombo's international airport, for this serene spot really feels like a world away from planes, trains and automobiles. In fact, we really don't think there's a better spot to recharge your batteries before you start to explore, or to decompress after an adventure. The 200-year old country house hotel is set in lush tropical gardens, filled with gorgeous flowers, and with a beautiful pool to laze by, delicious food to eat, and a spa to work on tired muscles. Add a cool drink and a warm smile, and you may never leave.

If you've read anything about Sri Lanka's tea trade you will surely have come across the glamorous bungalows from times past - and now, why not stay in one? Nine Skies is an exquisitely-restored property that dates back to a bygone era and remains a part of a working tea estate. Whilst the foundations might be old, everything else is brand spanking new - think gorgeous, modern rooms, incredible service, tantalising food and a pool with a jaw-dropping view. It's also superbly located near to all sorts of attractions, namely the iconic arched bridge.

From the verandah of your private villa, it might seem like you're in the middle of the jungle with swathes of lush trees as far as the eye can see. Kahanda Kanda happens to sit in a 12-acre tea estate, which you can saunter through to your heart's content - you may even spot chattering monkeys and a peacock in full colour. Begin your mornings with a spot of yoga at the secluded pavilion, enjoy meals under an ancient mango tree and start your evenings with the resort's signature cocktail - rum, lychee and passion fruit. After enjoying the views at Kahanda, venture out to see the plentiful beaches nearby and float past fishermen on Lake Koggala.

Up a slope from Balapitiya Beach, awash with frothing waves, Kumu Beach has unbroken views of the Indian Ocean. In shades of white and blue, unfussy but elegant furnishings fill the communal areas - whimsical art like giant copper globes and abstract floral paintings. With just 10 bedrooms, the hotel feels quite intimate and you'll rarely see another soul on the powdery beach. The south coast of Sri Lanka is a collection of picturesque bays, which warrant endless strolls, and the Madu Ganga River is a lovely spot for a boat trip.

Those looking for peace, privacy, impeccable service and unbelievable views all tied up with a shedload of style need look no further than Goatfell. A boutique gem with just four rooms that gaze across a tea-country special of pretty plantations, forests and soaring peaks, this is a place to restore your soul. Previously an old colonial bungalow with bags of history, the interiors are a perfectly-chic mix of antiques and furniture that are beautiful and never stuffy. So, what to do with all this beauty? Relax, take in the unparalleled views and dine on sumptuous cuisine...

Steeped in history yet entirely modern, this light, bright and thoroughly beautiful hotel sits high in the Sri Lankan hills offering gorgeous views of Castlereagh Reservoir. With just five bedrooms, it's intimate and relaxing and the service is always second to none (especially when your dedicated butler makes an appearance...). Days are all about taking in the stylish luxury, wandering the beautiful gardens and cooling off in the crystal-clear infinity pool. It's the sort of spot we wish we could teleport you to, pronto.

Ensconced by lush foliage on the banks of Lake Koggala, Tri Lanka is unique in every sense of the word. Designed to mimic the shape of a spiral shell, Tri places great import on wellness and reconnecting with nature. The resort was created with hefty eco-credentials including living walls, roof gardens of dwarf bamboo, and villas built with 100% recycled wood. Dotted across the impressive hillside property, you'll find a secluded yoga venue in a glade of trees and utterly private villas with idyllic lake views. Explore the lake by boat, visiting scenic islands and watching out for flashes of birdlife as you glide by.