Buckingham Palace - Tangalle
Truly Royal treatment
With
airy and exhilarating rooms and bathrooms overlooking a lagoon in Tangalle,
this is the zen hideaway of Nick Buckingham, a hospitality pro who has
personally researched the island from end to end, in pursuit of a vision, which
is to make Buckingham Place a simply outstanding experience. His understanding
of what people want in a dream vacation resulted in the creation of this
comfortably contemporary deep South escape which you can either enjoy on its
own or as a highlight in combination with an entire agenda of activities.
Guests
are made to feel like royalty. With 99% ratings for excellence, Buckingham Place
has won the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2012 – you will luxuriate
in the landscaped grounds, airy interiors and “Great service and amazing food’ as a Trip
Advisor review put it. There are 12 spacious, air-conditioned suites and
bedrooms in separate units set in a tropical garden where Ginger the adorable
pet pony welcomes guests and cheerfully accepts breakfast offerings. Satellite
television and mobile phones are available in bedrooms on request although
guests mostly just chill out without distractions. Bicycle and canoes for
village and lagoon exploration are also available, and the beach at Rekawa
boasts turtle hatching sites.
This
is indeed an ideal place to ‘stop and allow Sri lanka’s beauty to get to you.”
Nick adopted Sri Lanka in 2002 and has never looked back. A place which “stacks
delight upon delight” as one charmed guest wrote, you will find it hard to
forget Buckingham’s Place.
www.buckinghamplace.lk
The Ark – Matugama
A cooling green wonderland
If
it is the mysterious cooling greenness of highland rain forest you prefer, the
Ark’ is a contemporary style elevated estate villa nestled on a raised plateau
of a 40 acre estate in Mathugama, where rubber plantation gives way to pristine
jungle terrain.
The
Ark’s unique and elevated setting allows a breathtaking view of the estate, the
valley below and hills beyond, leaving you in lush dreamlike green seclusion.
Bordering the tropical Rainforest ‘Sinharaja’, ‘The Ark’ tempts both
adventurers and people looking for a relaxing hide-away, with this natural
escape to paradise. Its 40 acres of private reserve offer various possibilities
to discover through hours of exploration. You can spend your days discovering
nature trails, bird watching, mountain biking, photography and filming, or
maybe take a quick drive to the beach to indulge in water sports. You might want to try your hand at the
centuries old art of tea-plucking & rubber-tapping, or perhaps you’d fancy
a dip by the secluded, refreshing stream that runs alongside the boundary of
the property. Such a range of possibilities and breath-taking indeed. The Ark
is situated in Matugama, approximately 64 km to the south of Colombo and just
2.45 hours’ drive from the Colombo International Airport.
The Frangipani Tree – Talpe
Sensuous and Spiritual
Located
on the west coast of the delightful Talpe Bay on a long stretch of pristine
beach, the Frangipani Tree is an intimate and elegant beach sanctuary featuring
sun, sand , sea, culinary, sensuous and spiritual delights. This is a modern
and luxurious resort for the discerning, consisting of air-conditioned suites
and villas of elegant contemporary design, set on the white sands the Bay.
Apart
from the luxury offered by the suites, the Frangipani tree offers a 35 meter
pool facing the ocean, a tennis court and private yoga lessons. The discrete
and personable staff will graciously cater to your every whim. Relax right down
and chill to be pampered in this sunshiney beach escape.
Aditya Resort – Rathgama
Seduction of the Soul
The
12 beautiful suites at Aditya are named after the solar deities of Hindu
Mythology with Surya being the Crowing glory;
they are individual in their elegance, furnished tastefully with
exquisite art and antiques as well as a private plunge pool , with outdoor
bathrooms, a novelty for guests who can bathe facing the sea or in a garden of
their own. Apart from the usual beach side diversions, Aditya boasts of Eastern
Spa treatments at its Nirvana Spa or in guests’ own rooms, and the hotel is
also the first in the island to afford hydrotherapy technology. The sumptuous
made-to-order meals are another of its high points and guests are spoilt
senseless being served anything they want, at any time. Ideally located to afford access to the
attractions of Hikkaduwa and Galle, and then some.
Galle Fort Hotel – Galle
Winner
of the World Travel Award for Sri Lanka’s leading Boutique hotel, and named the
‘Hidden Gem of Asia,” by TripAdvisor, Galle Fort Hotel describes itself as the
perfect base for beaches, temples, tea-plantations…and turtles!
Galle
Fort Hotel is a charming, spacious historical hotel set in one of the most
characterful parts of the Fort,in Galle, Southern Sri Lanka, served by
friendly, attentive and helpful staff and presenting great cuisine, supreme
relaxaiton and of course, wonderful memories. The airy suites and rooms are
individually designed with tasteful neo colonial décor enlivened by imaginative
personal touches, a truly inspiring environment and, according to The Austrailian … one of the ten most
romantic places to stay!
A favorite haunt of international authors during the yearly
Galle Literary Festival, Galle Fort hotel has been appreciated by such famous authors
as Alexander MaCall Smith, Paul Theorux, and Lonely Planet, the Times and Vogue
USA among many, while also winning the
UNESCO Award of Distinction for Heritage Conservation in the Asia Pacific
region.
www.galleforthotel.com
Anilana Craigbank
Private, peaceful and secluded, situated just above Nuwara Eliya
town, Anilana Craigbank is a stately colonial bungalow more than 160-years-old,
set in an acre of landscaped gardens.
Ideal for groups of families and friends who will love its serene
yet central location, it is rented exclusively to one party at a time and can
accommodate up to eight adults and two children. The villa is set within
magnificent gardens, with sweeping verandahs that overlook a golf course and
rolling hills, with misty mountains beyond. If youd like to be taken back to a
truly bygone era with a cosy colonial
atmosphere this is the location for you, with its carefully chosen antiques,
shelves filled with leather bound books, brass candelabras beside mounted
hunting antlers, stretched snake skins and olden times fireplaces which offer
extra warmth at night . This is a place of history. But rest assured, all
modern amenities have also been provided and your every need is anticipated.
Nuwara Eliya town is only a short walk away and activities such as
golf, riding, nature trekking and visits to tea factories can be arranged when
you feel like a little action. For the most part though the point is to truly
relax, unwind and recharge in this serene and salubrious environment
Tamarind hill
Tamarid hill is a 19th century manor located in breathtaking
environs in Galle, southern Sri Lanka.
Lounge chairs by the pool provide a relaxing spot to enjoy views of the surrounding greenery. Tamarind
Hill Hotel offers car and bicycle rental for guests to explore the area.The
on-site restaurant serves international dishes and barbecue facilities are
available at the hotel.Hotel Tamarind Hill is a 3.5-hour drive from
Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
The River House
-absolute tranquility- -
112 km from the airport and 2 hours from Colombo, The River House
is a secluded 7-acre haven lying along the borders of the beautiful Madhu River
in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, and provides a wonderful escape into surrounding
nature without necessarily letting go of luxury. You can access a number of
activities such as Tours to Galle Fort, the National Wildlife Reserve, turtle
hatchery, and other attractions, Water sports such as canoeing and kayaking,
and In-room Ayurvedic massage, fitness centre and gym for the health conscious.
Superb amenities ensure utmost pampering and tranquillity.
While the main villa is situated inland, a beautiful location that
provides it with a magical serenity, there is also a fabulous private beach
house located just five minutes by tuk-tuk (provided by the The River House)
allowing you to relax by the poolside overlooking the Madhu Ganga's lush valley
or beside the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The villa is inspired by
traditional South Asian designs and makes imaginative use of endemic Sri Lankan
woods such as kitul and jak fruit. Handpicked antique furniture blends with
hand-carved reproduction furniture based on traditional designs. Ample rest
areas, inside and out, make use of rattan sofas, easy chairs, tapestries and
carpets and drapes from India, Thailand and Indonesia.
The Park Street Hotel
A stylish stopover
Sumptuous rooms are decked with first class amenities and services
include a gym, swimming pool, in-room
massage service, Jacuzzi, Cable TV,DVD player, Mini-bar, Internet access and
IDD phone, Room service and Daily breakfast. There’s also a fully equipped
meeting room and conference facilities. Gracious, friendly and attentive staff
and an overall atmosphere of elegant relaxation, a perfect start or end to your
Sri Lanka adventure.
Amorvilla
A hopelessly romantic sea side escape
While you will probably just want to lie back, sunbath and let go
of time, a couple of quiet outings can
be planned from Amor Villa, to the nearby Gall Fort, or the wild islands of the
Pol Oya, Sri Lankas biggest natural lake, or for the really adventurous, Whale
and Dolphin spotting off Kalpitiya.
And then, the best way to unwind after
excursions is to lie, at dusk, in deck chairs overlooking the ocean watching
the blinking lights of distant fishing boats, with fruit drink in your hand
rhapsodizing about serendipity and relaxing to your hearts content as the
crimson sun sets.
Dolphine Beach Kalpitiya
Marine adventure
Breezy, blissfully secluded and ideally
located for both beachside romance and the thrill of marine adventure, a most
unlikely tropical holiday experience awaits you at Dolphin Beach Resort,
Kalpitiya. For this is an escape like no other- spacious, comfortable and
unforgettable, the Dolphin beach resort offers luxury tented accommodation on Alankuda Beach, an unspoilt peninsula of
golden sand and azure skies. Set amidst a grove of coconut palms, the
custom-made tents are named after the different species of dolphins – Spinner,
Bottlenose, Humpback, Risso’s, Fraser, Spotted and Striped, etc. Excellent food
and attentive, hospitable service complete the package to ensure a complete
vacation.
Experience the thrill of sea safaris to
the nearby Bar Reef for the best Sri Lanka has to offer in snorkeling and be
entertained by the dolphins and whales on your way. April to November offers
one of the best places in the world for kite surfing. Enjoy the tranquil ocean
with the most beautiful coral gardens of Sri Lanka. Wilpattu National Park is
only about an hour away, for wildlife enthusiasts. Remember to work hard on
your tan when you return to the beach. The sunsets over Dolphin Beach are a
spectacular finale to balmy golden days you will never forget
Kahanda
Kanda
Winner of the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for 2012, Kahanda Kanda is a
sensational 8 room boutique hotel, offering personalised five-star service,
haute cuisine, luxury and exquisite décor, all in a panoramic setting of a 12
acre working tea estate, with
breathtaking views of the nearby Koggala lake and verdant jungle.
Close to Galle, near the south coast of
Sri Lanka. KK is a perfect getaway for total
relaxation with a choice of stylish accommodation in air-conditioned
suites, stunning interiors, divinely
crisp bed linen, attractive out door showers among the orchids, an infinity
swimming pool, friendly and attentive staff, mouthwatering, sumptious cuisine
--- all this with intoxicating elevated views over tea plantations and lake.
Thorough attention to detail is evident
from the little touches such as beautiful Asian art work and antiques, well
pillowed rattan couches and an overall Zen vibe. Nature
lovers will thrill to monkeys, ignuanas and mongooses scampering about in the
gardens, as you relax at tea.
You can decide to experience the magic
of Galle which is just 15km away, borrow
a mountain bike and discover the nearby farming villages with their pristine
white Buddhist temples shimmering against brilliant blue skies, visit a nearby
tea plantation to learn about tea, cinnamon and rubber production, take a walk around the historic citadel of
Galle, or venture further to go whale and dolphin watching at Mirrissa…then
return and relax in the garden with a book from the well stocked library…ahh,
true serendipity.
Nisala Arana
“A rare gem”
Winner of the Trip Advisor
Certificate of Excellence for 2012 Nisala Arana is quintessentially tropical
nirvana inland minutes by the sea in sleepy downsouth Bentota, boasting
authentic colonial inspired suites on an expansive 4 acres of grounds. The
Doctors House was once the property of a local Ayurveda doctor, Mango Wing and
Coconut Wing are equally quaint with airy verandahs, cool polished cement
floors and antique furniture to complement the colonial architecture of this
charming environ. Delicious Sri Lankan fare and fine wines are on offer
throughout your vacation. Outside, the landscape is dotted with huge lolling
palm trees, tropical foliage and medicinal and fruit trees of all shades, host
to a variety of indigenous and migratory bird life and other small wildlife.
You can loll in the swimming pool, read old tomes in the library, keep fit at
the badminton court and then there is the “temple” for meditating your cares
away. There re also bikes and a private threewheel for excursions nearby where
you can find turtles, go for river cruises, wind surfing and deep sea fishing
or simply go sight seeing among the paddy fields and Buddhist temples. Further
out nature buffs can also arrange a tour through the Sinharajah Rain Forest, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and haven of tropical fauna and flora.
Southern luxury at its best!
Apa Villa Illuketia, still in Galle, but
further inland, is a characterful 200- year-old colonial plantation house
located five kilometres inland set in amazing lush greenery and nature. Grey
Languars swing from tree to tree, monitor lizards wonder quietly across the
lawn, the chirping of birds and chipmunks fills the trees and nightfall is
entrancingly tropical with the hum of croaking frogs, cicadas and other
nightlife under the twinkling stars. Clay tiled sloping roofs, elegant pillars,
ancient hardwood doors saved from a temple, and wood-steel-and-glass furniture
add up to the aesthetics and charm of the house and garden. If you love the
colors and sights of hot tropical plantations and paddy fields with authentic
age old agricultural traditions in progress,
you’ll enjoy some lazy exploration of the fascinating villages around this villa. Trips
to Unawatuna, Marissa and Galle Fort are all 15 to 45 minutes away in a tuk
tuk. Illuketiya is rather a hidden gem, so make sure you are clear about the instructions
on getting there.
Excellent Sri Lankan food awaits you at
both Apa Villas as well as “Impeccable service from courteous and professional
staff”-as commented on Trip Advisor.
www.apavilla.com
www.apavilla.com
Aman Resorts/ Amangalla and Amanwella
chic escapes
You can also take a walk on
the wild side and go further inland from this plush base, to visit the Bundala
and Uda Walawae National parks, explore Koggala or any of the various beach
side attractions of the area.
Amanresorts offers a guest
experience that is intimate and discreet while providing the highest level of
service. Each resort and setting is unique, but certain elements characterise
all of them — a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional
service and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy.
