Jim's Farm

With traditional peaked roofs and wrap-around verandas, Jim's Farm has a trio of villas. In the foyer, there are rattan planters chairs and plenty of whirring ceiling fans. Meals are served in the Mango Villa, where you'll tuck into breakfasts of fresh fruit, homemade jams and egg hoppers, and enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dinners. Ask the chefs and they'll share a few secrets too! Visit the Bamboo Spa for a much-needed massage and recline poolside on the moss-green loungers. The, at sunset, head to the yoga pavilion for a class as the sky turns orange, pink and indigo.

There are 14 bedrooms in total, dotted across the three villas. The large teak beds are draped in vivid bedspreads, from burnished red to metallic blue. The entire farm was designed to showcase Sri Lanka's craftsmanship, using kumbuk wood flooring, vaulted ceilings and white lime plaster walls. The Hilltop Villa can be booked exclusively and the rooms share a wide balcony, while the Spice Garden rooms enjoy an outdoor bathroom, private balcony and ground floor library. Each villa has a dining area, lounge and TV room.

Leave the sanctuary of the farm, and in its lush surrounds there are scenic hikes to Buddhist temples, tuk tuk tours into the village and bicycle rides down quiet lanes. The Cultural Triangle offers plentiful diversions too, from hot air balloon rides over the Sigiriya Rock Palace to the stunning temples at Dambulla and visits to the sacred bodhi tree in Anuradhapura. And don't miss a peaceful stroll across the farm, especially for avid bird watchers.