Hotels in Sri Lanka | Timbuktu Travel

Thotalagala

Haputale

From $490 per person/night

In a world of lush, green hills, this tea planter's bungalow is a home-away-from-home

Any avid tea drinker will know the name Lipton, and Thotalagala happens to be neighbours with one of the few estates planted by the man himself. The house is a handsome, monochrome affair with high, panelled ceilings that give it a bright and relaxed atmosphere. The views of misty green hills are astonishing (and they stretch all the way to the famous Lipton's Seat), and are best enjoyed over elegant afternoon tea on the lawn or during dips in the infinity pool as the resident monkeys watch curiously. Thotalgala quickly draws you in with is familial feel and soothing air... What's not to love?

Warwick Gardens

Nuwara Eliya

From $180 per person/night

Quaint, tucked away & historic, this old stone home is your ticket to the Hill Country.

Warwick Gardens is the very picture of old-world opulence, its facade an old stone planter's mansion and its interiors, glossy reminders of Sri Lanka 100 years ago. Warwick's setting is Nuwara Eliya, an unblemished mountain town where the hills are green with tea bushes, the rewards of which you'll taste on the sunny lawns. Discover these quaint surrounds on walks along alpine trails and day trips to the grasslands of Horton Plains National Park alongside sambar deer and wandering elephants. Or, if you want nothing more than to pick up a book, put your feet up, and gaze at that view, Warwick will suit you perfectly too.

Rosyth Estate House

Kandy

10 Rooms

From $240 per person/night

Fill your days with with scenic strolls, long tea times and blissfully slow pace of life.

Deep in the nature-bound hills of Kandy is one of the most perfectly-picturesque hotels we've ever laid eyes on. Located on a tea and rubber estate, Rosyth House is surrounded by greenery as far as the eye can see and acres of fruit and spices that oft make their way onto your plate at dinner. The hotel is both an homage to its roots as a tea planter's bungalow and a vision for Sri Lankan hospitality's creative and aesthetically-leading future. Case in point, the pristine, white rooms with splashes of vivid orange and pink textiles and eye-catching art pieces. Rosyth House is certainly no relic.

Ishq Luxury Villas

Colombo

4 Rooms

From $390 per person/night

Winning in the aesthetics stakes, Ishq Luxury Villa is an intimate, garden-bound gem.

Designed by Channa Daswatta, a protégé of the late and great Geoffrey Bawa, Ishq Luxury Villa is the very picture of Sri Lankan style. There are just four rooms, ensuring you'll feel as if you have the place to yourself, and with interiors filled with artwork and evocative carpets, contemporary pieces and antiques, no detail has been left to chance. And that goes for the service as well, which is seen to by a team of managers, butlers and private chef. Speaking of which, the dining is absolutely sublime and revered as some of the best in Colombo.

Fort Bazaar

Galle

18 Rooms

From $420 per person/night

Packed with chilled island charm, history and golden beaches at every corner.

Set within the shaggy ramparts of Galle Fort, this hotel has a whole lot of history. Beginning its life as a 16th-century merchant's home, Fort Bazaar has since been updated into a classy hotel on the central Church Street where the antique shops, cafes and plenty of historic buildings are at your fingertips. Combining its modern design with distinct nods to Middle Eastern style, a stay at Fort Bazaar is all about relaxing spa treatments, afternoon tea in the lovely courtyard and strolls to nearby 'postcard' beaches. And whale watching boat trips for the more adventurous!

Kayaam House

Tangalle

8 Rooms

From $190 per person/night

A darling, well-polished residence right on a private beach on the South Coast.

Nestled between dense jungle and a stretch of golden sand, Kayaam House is the first offering from Reverie, the partner company of Resplendent Ceylon (the mind behind Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge). In fact, many of the team from the other Resplendent properties have come to work at Kayaam, meaning the hospitality is top-notch but never overdone. Up the coast from the sensational Tangalle, Kayaam House is situated in a blissfully quiet corner of Sri Lanka’s South Coast. We recommend beginning your day with a sunrise kayak on the lagoon or learning to surf, before exploring on a cycling adventure between the quaint villages, and rounding off with a lip-smacking local meal back at Kayaam.

Simpson’s Forest Luxury Boutique Resort & Spa

Kandy

From $60 per person/night

A symphony of luxury awaits.

Your haven of tranquility nestled in the heart of Kandy. Immerse yourself in the lush embrace of nature and indulge in the symphony of luxury that awaits. From the soothing rustle of leaves to the opulent comforts within, every moment here is crafted for your relaxation and delight.

Jim's Farm

Kandy

14 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

An escape for the soul on a sprawling organic farm in the Kandy countryside.

Inspired by his father's farm in Suffolk, Kevin created this organic oasis in the shamrock-green hills of Kandy. Built to preserve the Sri Lankan nature, Jim's Farm Villas uses solar energy and rain harvesting (triple-filtered nonetheless) to produce clean, unbottled drinking water. Surrounded by 50 acres of coconut palms and coffee, mango trees and pepper vines, the farm is a sanctuary for its guests, as well as the marvellous birdlife - over 100 species have been spotted. Enjoy R&R at the Ayurvedic spa and discover a simpler way of living at this magical house hidden amongst the trees.

Kumbukgaha Villa

Sigiriya

From $70 per person/night

Enjoy serenity and luxury in the most comfortable hotel in Sigiriya.

Kumbukgaha Villa is a private hotel with Family Villas and Private Chalets in the heart of Sigiriya. The perfect hideaway, secluded and undisturbed for travelers and families.

The boutique bungalows and villas in Sigiriya, Dambulla seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern comfort, ensuring a unique and luxurious stay. Unwind in beautiful swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens, enjoy the flavors of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, and explore nearby wonders like Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock. Perfect for travelers and families seeking both relaxation and adventure, At the Kumbukgaha Villa, we warmly offer adventurers and rest seekers an amazing and unforgettable experience, complete with warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty.

Heritance Kandalama

Sigiriya

From $130 per person/night

A Bawa masterpiece carved into the jungle, where architecture worships nature.

Designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa and completed in 1994, this kilometre-long hotel is tropical modernism at its finest. The architectural triumph seems to grow straight out of the rock face it clings to, the infinity pool seemingly merging with Kandalama Lake beyond... Set within 211 acres of protected forest at the heart of the Cultural Triangle, monkeys swing past your bathroom window and you're perfectly positioned between five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sigiriya Rock that looms magnificently in the distance.

Le Grand Galle

Galle

From $90 per person/night

Nestled on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Le Grand Galle brings together the attentive care of Japanese tradition and the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality. With stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this hotel offers a tranquil escape where heritage and modern comfort meet. Here, every moment is thoughtfully designed to make you feel connected and deeply enriched.

Unwind at the exquisite pool, a true sanctuary at Le Grand Galle. Surrounded by lush greenery, this expansive space invites you to relax all day. Sip a cocktail from the poolside bar, read a book, or simply soak up the sun while enjoying breathtaking views of the Galle Fort.

The Fort Printers

Galle

13 Rooms

From $170 per person/night

An 18th-century abode with a grand heritage, graceful interiors & a fab location.

One of Sri Lanka's aged and fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Galle Fort reveals centuries of history in its fine architecture and crooked lanes. Occupying a corner of one such street, The Fort Printers began its life as a college, evidenced by the name of each room, ranging from the Arts to the Headmaster's Suite. In its latest iteration as a hotel, Printers is modern and oh-so-cool, but the heritage is never far away, with original elements like the antique wooden beams and framed sepia photographs always on show. Right in the heart of Galle, you're well-placed for rampart tours and marketplace wanderings.

Jetwing Lagoon

Negombo & surrounds

55 Rooms

From $150 per person/night

A Bawa-stamped property beside a pretty lagoon – the ideal fly and flop destination.

Set around 20 minutes outside central Negombo, Jetwing Lagoon is known as one of the top spots to stay in the area. Just disconnected enough from the city, the setting is ideal, with a lagoon on one side and the lapping Indian Ocean on the other. The very first hotel to be designed by industry icon, Geoffrey Bawa, Jetwing Lagoon has a fresh, tropical feel that takes every advantage of its seaside locale. There's plenty to do on-site including lazing beside one of the two pools – the central pool is one of the largest in Sri Lanka – or kayaking on the lagoon.

Gal Oya Luxury Glamping

Gal Oya National Park

From $180 per person/night

Out in Rathugala, a remote village on the edge of Gal Oya National Park, you'll find one of Sri Lanka's more unusual places to lay your head. This is home to the Vedda community, the island's indigenous forest dwellers, and Wild Glamping Gal Oya has been built in genuine partnership with them: the tented lodges and public areas were constructed by local hands from eco-friendly, locally sourced materials, spread across a 30-acre organic farm ringed by savannah, medicinal forest and misty mountains. Rustic it may look, but your tent comes with a private bathroom, a proper bed and solar lighting.

Kings Pavilion

Kandy

From $220 per person/night

A hillside haven not far from central Kandy with an idyllic air & unrivalled hospitality.

A scenic drive just outside pretty Kandy, the King's Pavilion is the countryside retreat you've been looking for. From the moment you arrive, you'll be treated like royalty as the staff settles you into one of the exceedingly spacious rooms. With stunning views of the majestic Hunnasgiriya Mountain, there is natural beauty in abundance - and we think it's best enjoyed with tea and cake on the lawns. The King's Pavilion feels wonderfully secluded and yet, it isn't far from the sights of central Kandy, where you can explore overflowing markets and visit the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

KK Beach

Galle

10 Rooms

From $290 per person/night

Equal in aesthetics & soul, KK Beach has everything needed for a top-notch summer holiday

In a sequestered spot along the south coast, KK Beach sits pretty just metres away from the silver sands. Every space at KK is styled to perfection with brazen paintings by Sri Lankan artists occupying the walls and a soft tones throughout the open-plan lounges - a relaxing place to enjoy a book and a chilled beverage. There is much to see and do as well, from very swimmable beaches and diving hotspots, to cinnamon plantation tours and bicycle rides down quiet Galle lanes. And, just a few steps across the well-manicured lawn will have you standing on the beach, where long, ambling walks are a given.

Owl and The Pussycat

Galle

From $110 per person/night

Vibrant and romantic, this quirky hotel on Sri Lanka's south coast is always a favourite.

Sri Lanka's southern coast is like something from a fairy tale. Think languid stretches of soft, toes-in-the-sand beach, gently rolling surf and all the while, a languid sense of peaceful contemplation... It was this palm-lined dream world that inspired the fantastical scribblings of Edward Lear, which the hotel is named after. At the Owl and The Pussycat, everything is rather poetical, each room splashed with bright colours, pleasing artwork and a whimsical name (the Suite Melodies sounds sublime). Head up or down the coast to find surfing and snorkelling hot spots, see the iconic figures of stilted fishermen or Galle's historic fort.

The Fortress

Galle

53 Rooms

From $230 per person/night

A laid-back resort where spa days, beach walks and easy living are the name of the game.

Down a long stretch of sand on Sri Lanka's south coast, The Fortress took its design cue from Galle's famous ramparts - with a spot of modernisation where required! Heavy columns and deep walls keep this spot quiet and undisturbed, and the facilities are impeccable, with rooms boasting 7-by-7-foot beds, jetted bathtubs and in some, an indoor plunge pool. The food dazzles, from homemade 'pol sambol' ice cream to seafood grills, and a special tea making ceremony on the lawn. Sri Lanka's coast is a haven for sea turtles too, where nesting season takes place between October and April every year. You could even help them reach the ocean if you time a visit correctly.

Why House

Galle

10 Rooms

From $210 per person/night

Retreat from the hubbub at this well-run spot in rural Galle with plenty of southern charm

Sri Lanka's south coast is a treat for the soul with its golden beaches and laid-back, holiday-ready atmosphere. Set in a pretty, tropical garden filled with neon bougainvillea and fruit trees, Why House provides a calming retreat that fits right in. There are plenty of places to rest (poolside with a new read from their extensive collection, or at the massage pavilion to name a couple) and when you're ready for some activity, wander off to find a sunny spot on the beach of your choosing. This is the kind of hotel where you'll have barely departed before you're planning a speedy return.

20 Middle Street

Galle

From $1.2K per person/night

Historic, charming & stylish, this hotel has captured the best of Galle's past and present

Down Sri Lanka's southern coast and sitting between some of its finest beaches, Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a far-reaching history. Fitting in with this fascinating past is 20 Middle Street, the erstwhile home of a Dutch merchant that was revitalised to become one of Galle's most prominent hotels. With the expertise of Sri Lankan architect, Channa Daswatte, the house retains its distinguished exterior and art-filled hallways but with a soft, shabby-chic style. Located on a quiet lane, most of Galle is reachable on foot so walking the ramparts and sniffing out the best street food is a given.

Victoria Golf Resort

Kandy

3 Rooms

From $60 per person/night

The Victoria Country Club is the “jewel” of the Midlands, quite simply, the place to be. You will experience the excitement of their superb facilities, our service excellence, and the sought-after-world-class golf course, within the Club’s safe and tranquil surroundings. Whether gathering with friends and family, or networking business opportunities, The Victoria Country Club is the ideal destination. Experience the unique amenities at the Victoria Country Club by spending a night or two in one of their three ensuite air conditioned, tastefully decorated guest rooms with spectacular views.

Bougainvillea Retreat

Kandy

From $110 per person/night

Nestled in the mountains of Sri Lanka, Bougainvillea is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Bougainvillea sits on the shores of the Victoria Lake, less than an hour’s drive from Kandy. Playing host over the years to several talented wandering chefs, Bougainvillea Retreat has evolved the menus to go a little beyond the delicious staples of Sri Lankan cuisine ensuring that you have the best gastronomic experience during your stay.

W15 Ambuluwawa

Kandy

7 Rooms

Ambuluwela Hotel offers a sublime accommodation experience with 7 Deluxe Rooms that comes with all the amenities as well as a surreal view exclusively found at the hotel. The Master Suite comes with elegant architecture working in harmony with a 180-degree view of the fantastic landscape.

The Kandy House

Kandy

9 Rooms

From $430 per person/night

The Kandy House is a beautifully restored 200-year-old manor tucked into the lush hills just outside Kandy, with only nine rooms meaning you won't be fighting for a sun lounger. Each room is named after a local butterfly species, which tells you something about the attention to detail here. There's a lovely pool set among tropical gardens, a spa, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes for a wonderful retreat from the hubbub of tuk-tuks and temple crowds. It's a perfect base for exploring Sri Lanka's cultural heartland without sacrificing comfort once you're finished exploring for the day.

Ashburnham Estate

Kandy

6 Rooms

From $70 per person/night

A boutique guesthouse-hotel on a beautiful 100 acre working tea estate within easy reach of Kandy. Private waterfalls, gorgeous sunsets and picnics in the hills. There are only six rooms - all in the original ‘bungalow’. Each is a little different. The Ashburnham Suite is the largest; the aptly-named Family Room perfect for multi-generational guests.

Theva Residency

Kandy

The Theva Residency promises serenity, romance and rejuvenation. Ideally located along the slopes of the Hantana range, it offers commanding views over the surrounding mountains and the bustle of Kandy town located only three kilometers away.

Ru Boutique

Kandy

14 Rooms

From $130 per person/night

Ru Boutique is located in the last kingdom of Sri Lanka: Kandy. A beautific abode offering you the comfort of privacy, this luxury hotel is conveniently placed in front of the Kandy Lake. A hand of warm Sri Lankan hospitality is extended to all its guests at Ru. Expect to find a few steps away the Temple of the Tooth, which is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Ru is a well-structured place of comfort and is ideally situated to experience the Kandy Esala Perahera. This is known as the The Festival of the Tooth, a historical procession to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.