Ulagalla Resort

Once the home of the village chief, the restored mansion houses the Liyawela restaurant, which serves up fusion cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients and a selection of wines from the cellar. Enjoy a game of pool or sit on the upper deck and admire the far-reaching views of the countryside. Take a dip in the large and inviting pool or visit the wattle-clad spa where you can indulge in a Balinese sun soother wrap after a day out.

Tucked away in their own piece of the garden, the thatched villas have an elegant style with glass walls to let in the light and a private pool each. The bathrooms are immaculate with a deep tub, walk-in rain shower and wide mirrors. Nikawewa Villa is the largest with a full-length pool, plush lounge area and two bedrooms connected by an open-sided passageway crossing the lotus pond. Special mentions include jars of homemade biscuits and two bicycles with each villa!

Spend time at the Wannemaduwa lake, where you can kayak amongst islands of floating lotus blossoms, ride horseback at the water's edge or take birding walks. Feel like a local on a fast-paced tuk tuk ride through rice paddies and aged temples, finishing off with lunch at a village home. In nearby Anuradhapura, visit the sacred Bo Tree (the oldest in history) and see the cave temples of Abhayagiri Monastery. At the resort, join the staff for a game of archery or an afternoon of kite-making before flying them in the breeze.