Horathapola Estate

A stately home, Horathapola is brimming with colonial-era furnishings from rattan rocking chairs on the veranda to Dutch-style wardrobes and gilded antiques. In the foyer, a sweeping staircase leads past framed sketches of birdlife, much of which you can see in the garden, and shelves are laden with books. Tables laid with coral napkins under the ancient frangipani are the setting for authentic Sri Lankan dinners and on warm days, there's a saltwater pool and whirlpool tub for enjoying a dip and a cocktail.

There are just five bedrooms, each adorned with antiques, wicker loungers and fetching artwork. A hand-carved bed dominates each room, and all extend onto a private patio well suited for reading, snoozing, sundowners and starlit dinners. The bathrooms are simple and functional and some are partially open-air. A short walk away from the main house, the family lodge has two bedrooms, a private garden area and roof terrace with an idyllic view of the surrounding estates.

Easy walks amongst the fruit and spice plantations are a given, but there are longer trails to enjoy on foot or bicycle. Join a member of staff on a buffalo cart ride and listen to tales of local life and the area's history. Head into town and visit the local 'pola' (farmer's market) where you'll learn a thing or two about haggling at the colourful stalls and tuck into treats like vadey (yoghurt fritters). Or, make some time for a spot of R&R and take it easy with a lazy afternoon by the pool.