Offering sublime golden beaches, lush rainforests, elephant-filled national parks, delicious seafood, and exotic cultural sites, Sri Lanka, known as ‘the pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is the ideal location for your next escape. As part of its unrivalled portfolio of the world’s finest independent hotels, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) offers travellers a distinct Sri Lankan experience at each of its luxurious properties on the island. From the contemporary chic of The Fortress Hotel, to relaxing world-class spa treatments at Serene Pavilions, to stunning over-water cabanas at Jetwing Vil Uyana, discovering Sri Lanka won’t get any more luxurious than an SLH hotel.
THE FORTRESS, Galle – coastal city in the South, two and a half hour drive from Colombo.
The Fortress Hotel is styled after the Dutch Fort in Galle, a fusion of contemporary chic and five-star luxury, overlooking Koggala beach and set in a walled garden. The rooms offer large comfortable beds and a private courtyard or balcony, while the two suites provide 24-hour butler service and have a private plunge pool. There’s a Sri Lankan tea room, Ayurveda spa, yoga pavilion, free-flowing pool and restaurants serving both international and Sri Lankan cuisine.
Double rooms are priced from US$230 per night in May 2013. Visit www.slh.com/hotels/the-fortress-hotel/
SERENE PAVILIONS, Wadduwa – Beach town on West coast, 45-minute drive from Colombo.
Serene Pavilions comprises of just 12 Balinese-style pavilions set in a seven acre coconut grove next to a white sandy beach and overlooking the Indian Ocean. As well as a private plunge pool with each pavilion, there’s also a large central pool set within the hotel’s lush gardens and Serenity Spa with an open-air Jacuzzi.
Double rooms are priced from US$500 per night in May 2013. Visit www.slh.com/hotels/serene-pavilions/
JETWING VIL UYANA, Sigiriya – Central Province, four hour drive from Colombo.
Jetwing Vil Uyana is made up of spacious thatched cabanas, which stand on stilts over water, paddy fields, reed beds or in the lush jungle. Each room has a private deck from where guests can enjoy the surrounding local wildlife, and some feature a private plunge pool. The resort is located within the World Heritage Site of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s most popular historic site, in the midst of a man-made nature reserve.
Double rooms are priced from US$329 per night in May 2013. Visit www.slh.com/hotels/jetwing-vil-uyana/