Sri Lanka has had a rough ride at times – but this teardrop island has gone from strength to strength and is now back riding high as a sublime sunny destination. It’s as dynamic as it is diverse with alluring beaches , serene hill country and ancient ruins. There are also splendid national parks teeming with elephants, leopards and umpteen birds.
However, it’s not just about the places. There are the people, too, who are super hospitable, kind and friendly. The delicious spice-laden food, topped off by a cup of famous Ceylon tea, seals the deal.
When it comes to places to stay, there are myriad options. There are many heritage homes and hotels, often sporting a tropical modernist look spearheaded by star Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. But things are changing and the past few years have seen a handful of new hotels in Sri Lanka crop up, pushing the boundaries of hospitality and introducing another level of buzz to the country.
What is the best part of Sri Lanka to stay in? Cosmopolitan capital Colombo is a quietly rising scene of stylish coffee shops, cool galleries and great shops. But you want to spend your time on the south coast, with its idyllic beaches, oceanfront café buzz and exceptionally warm weather. There are beautiful beachfront hotels but equally good are the properties, a short tuk-tuk ride inland for a bit more peace.
It’s tempting to stay close to Galle but continue around the coast to leopard-dense Yala National Park which has fantastic lodges. If you have time, combine the beach with the Hill Country, particularly Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most sacred shrines. There’s the Cultural Triangle, too, in the centre of the island, which includes the extraordinary Sigiriya Rock, alongside a fascinating array of age-old monuments.
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