Having visited Sri Lanka in February 2020, I can confirm that Sri Lanka is totally deserving of its title as “pearl of the Indian Ocean”.  But as the victim of a 20-year civil war, a tsunami, terrorist attacks and now, of course, the coronavirus pandemic, the island has suffered from a drop in tourism.  Since … Continue reading Sri Lanka: a whistlestop guide to a paradise island

Tourists rarely spend time proper in the capital, instead hopping to the south coast or heading straight up to the Cultural Triangle.  Yet Colombo has a lot to offer: new cafés, fusion restaurants, hip hotels and independent boutiques are sprouting up all over its 15 districts.  With its palm trees, restored colonial buildings, action-packed markets … Continue reading Colombo

Ulagalla:  Though guests only tend to spend two or three nights at Ulagalla by Uga Escapes, using the hotel as a base for exploring the Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya), it’s worthy of a week-long stay in its own right.  A stay here feels like a total retreat.  Set in 58 acres of lush … Continue reading Cultural Triangle

Santani: Located high up in totally remote mountains around Werapitiya, Santani is around an hour’s drive from Kandy and so a good base for seeing this beautiful city and its impressive Temple of Tooth.  The windey drive up to Sanatani is totally worth it and you won’t regret the detour. Occupying 48 acres of tea … Continue reading Kandy and Tea Country

Why House: Located outside of Galle Fort and a short tuk-tuk ride away from Wijaya Beach, Why House feels very bijou chic.  Minutes away from the Sri Lankan town of Unawatuna, you’re immediately transported as soon as the gates open into a world of colonial elegance, set in three-acre tropical gardens.  Welcomed with a glass … Continue reading Galle