Sri Lanka, known as the Teardrop Island, offers a myriad of enchanting experiences for travelers. To fully savor the country’s wonders, it is highly recommended to hire a driver and car for a week or two. However, navigating through Sri Lanka’s bumpy and congested roads can be quite tiresome. Thankfully, there are sanctuaries along the way where visitors can rest and recharge. Rosyth Estate House, located just two hours from Colombo’s bustling airport, is the perfect landing pad for weary travelers. This tastefully extended 1926 tea-planter’s bungalow offers a warm welcome with a cooling cocktail, a chilled flannel, and a rejuvenating foot massage. Guests can choose to stay in the original bungalow, which is conveniently located near the glass pavilion restaurant and swimming pool, or opt for one of the recently built suites with stunning views of the tea-covered valley. During your stay, make sure to indulge in bathing and feeding the gentle giants at Pinnawala before visiting Kandy’s famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth. And for those eager to learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine, the Rosyth kitchen offers a cookery course where guests can discover how to create classic Sri Lankan dishes using herbs, spices, and vegetables grown on the estate.
If you’re looking to venture off the beaten path, Gal Oya National Park is a must-visit destination. Situated far from the bustling cities of Colombo and Galle, this park is Sri Lanka’s least visited, offering a tranquil and immersive wildlife experience. As you disconnect from Wi-Fi and mobile reception, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the park’s stunning landscapes, including Sri Lanka’s largest lake, where elephants gracefully swim between its 47 islands. Stay at Gal Oya Lodge, the gateway to tracking down the park’s “Big Three” – crocodiles, elephants, and leopards. The lodge also provides guests with the opportunity to learn about local wildlife at the adjacent Jim Edwards Wildlife Research Centre. Each suite at Gal Oya Lodge is designed as a thatched and detached villa, inspired by traditional rice stores. The suites are within walking distance of the bar, restaurant, library, reception, and swimming pool. Don’t miss out on the boat safari, complete with a picnic breakfast or lunch, or the enlightening walk with the chief of the Veddha tribe, to make the most of your Gal Oya experience.
Pay homage to Sri Lanka’s golden age of tea plantations with a visit to Stafford Bungalow, nestled close to the hill station of Nuwara Eliya. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a butler who offers hot chocolate and marshmallows, perfect for warming up on chilly days. Stafford Bungalow, reminiscent of Little England, brings together the rich history of Sri Lanka’s tea industry with tasteful elegance. Take a leisurely walk through the tea plantation, learning about the art of tea picking and pruning while spotting various bird species with the provided binoculars. In addition to exploring the local area on foot, guests can also embark on sections of the newly opened Pekoe Trail or use the bungalow as a stopover on the full 300-kilometer walk. With its serene location between surf and forest, Malabar Hill and its 10 secluded villas offer a unique and luxurious retreat near Weligama. This off-grid hotel, devoid of televisions and mobile phone reception, encourages guests to disconnect and fully immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. Yoga mats in every suite and yoga lawns further enhance the atmosphere of tranquility. The hotel’s design combines elements of Indian and Middle Eastern styling, creating a contemporary and cosmopolitan ambiance. Malabar Hill is ideally located for a trip to Galle, a picturesque city just a short 40-minute drive away, as well as the charming fishing village of Welligama.
After a journey through the heart of Sri Lanka, it’s time to unwind and enjoy the coastal splendor. Jetwing Lagoon, situated between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean, provides an idyllic coastal retreat. Located just a short drive from Colombo airport, this elegant hotel boasts a restaurant specializing in local cuisine, offering tranquil views of the lagoon. Relax by the 100-meter pool, complete with cabanas and sun loungers, before bidding farewell to the island. Originally designed by the renowned architect Sir Geoffrey Bawa, Jetwing Lagoon showcases his signature Tropical Modernism, creating airy spaces with locally sourced materials.
Sri Lanka’s immense beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a captivating travel destination. From the soothing sanctuary of Rosyth Estate House and the hidden treasures of Gal Oya to the golden age charm of Stafford Bungalow and the coastal bliss of Malabar Hill and Jetwing Lagoon, there are endless opportunities to rest, recharge, and explore Sri Lanka at your own pace. As you embark on this blissful journey, be prepared to discover a land of breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, and unforgettable experiences.
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