Sri Lanka in Detail: Luxury Villas, Artsy Hotels and Impressive Culture

Wake up to beautiful views across southern Asia as you prepare to land in Sri Lanka’s pulsating capital city. A private driver will be waiting on arrival to welcome you to this beautiful island nation and whisk you off to your first hotel: a fabulous architect-designed property located in a quiet, upmarket neighbourhood. After taking the time to settle in, freshen up and recharge your batteries, spend the rest of the day discovering the delights of the capital in the company of a clued-up local guide. In contrast to the thick jungles, misty mountains and peaceful villages that occupy the rest of the island, Colombo thrums with a dizzying yet delightful energy. Think colourful tuk-tuks and flamboyant buses hooting and tooting their way through streets lined with spice markets and street food vendors. The walk is relaxed, informal and based around you, which means you can be entirely spontaneous. As for dinner this evening, our team can arrange a meal at one of two fantastic restaurants: the renowned Gallery Cafe or a charming spot specialising in tasting menus designed to celebrate Sri Lankan flavours.

Wave goodbye to the pulsating capital as you travel four-and-a-half hours to your next destination: a splendid property nestled on the shores of Lake Kandalama. You’ll be privately driven by a seasoned chauffeur, making it possible to kick back, relax and enjoy the changing scenery as you leave urban Colombo for the wilderness. After settling into your new home, spend the rest of today taking the pulse of your new surroundings. We recommend enjoying a gentle hike along the water’s edge before heading back to your hotel for an evening of indulgent wining and dining.

Rise and shine, you only have one day to soak in the vast and varied historic treasures of Dambulla and there’s not a moment to waste. Begin today with a private visit to Polonnaruwa, the former royal capital of the island and the second oldest of all Sri Lanka's kingdoms. The ancient city is home to a host of remarkable monuments, including several Buddha sculptures and the 12th-century rock temple of Gal Vihara. You’ll be driven from site to site by a knowledgeable guide in a tuk-tuk. Continue on to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress built by King Kashyapa during the 5th century. The architectural wonder is throned at the summit of a high block of red granite that rises to a height of nearly 700ft. The hydraulic development of the site is highly sophisticated, as are the beautiful rock paintings of the Maidens (royal concubines) as they are the only surviving images of females during this period. Round off your day of sightseeing with a visit to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. This monastery, comprising five sanctuaries, is a major place of pilgrimage. It is also one of the largest and best-preserved groups of cave temples in Sri Lanka.

Swap lakeside lounging for mountain adventures as you travel two-and-a-half hours to Kandy, a beautiful city nestled in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. On arrival, settle in for the night in a stylish hotel perched at the heights of the city that offers a blend of quality facilities and fabulous views across the surrounding area. On the agenda for the rest of today: private visits to both the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Located in the heart of the former Kingdom of Kandy royal palace complex, the Temple of the Tooth houses a precious relic of Buddha’s canine tooth. The complex thrums with an excitable feeling as hundreds of pilgrims come to venerate the tooth every day. Continue on to the beautiful botanical gardens, the largest in the country, to admire a beautiful collection of plants, including renowned orchids and palm trees. Those keen to delve deep into the world of sub-tropical flora can opt to discover the gardens in the company of a knowledgeable botanist. Spend this evening relaxing and unwinding at your luxurious hotel, or, if you’d prefer, learn the ancient secrets of Hatha Yoga in the home of a skilled yoga teacher.

Your adventure across Sri Lanka continues today with a five-hour journey to Bentota, a charming resort town on the island’s southwest coast. Your home for the next two nights here is a beautifully designed villa that combines the charm of yesteryear with contemporary comforts. Spend the rest of the day settling into the laid-back rhythm of life on the coast. We recommend heading straight to the beach for an afternoon of swimming in the sea and relaxing under the shade of a palm before heading back to your hotel for a delicious meal based on local Sri Lankan specialties.

After a day of beach relaxation yesterday, it’s time to get out and about and discover this region’s cultural landmarks. First up: a private guided visit to Brief Garden to admire the enchanting labyrinth of landscaped gardens, terraces, tropical trees and fountains. Continue on to the fascinating Galle Fort, the largest fortress built by Europeans in Asia and a proud UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century, the complex was later embellished by the Dutch using the riches of the fabled Dutch East India Company. Explore the site in the company of a researcher and history enthusiast to truly understand the monumental heritage of the fort. Round off your visit with a stroll through the old streets of Galle, popping your head into the many arts and crafts shops that have come to characterise the place. The rest of today is then yours to play with. You can head back to the coast for an afternoon of downtime on the beach, or our team can arrange for you to continue soaking in the cultural heritage of Bentota with a visit to the fabulous architect-designed Lunuganga Estate or high tea in the luxurious Amangalla Hotel.

There’s just enough time to squeeze in one more beach destination before you head back home, so after breakfast this morning, hop back into your vehicle and relax as you’re driven two-and-a-half hours south. Your final stop in Sri Lanka is the beautiful coastal town of Tangalle, where you’ll be hanging your hat for two nights in a stylish property nestled on the shores of the well-preserved Mawella beach. After settling in, stroll down to the beach for an afternoon of beachside relaxation in this tropical paradise.

Spend your final full day in Sri Lanka relaxing and enjoying the slow-paced rhythm of life on the island’s tropical shores. You can drift effortlessly between poolside loungers at your hotel and the soft golden sand of the paradisiacal beach on your doorstep. The hotel also provides any beach equipment you may need to make your final day as fun, chilled or exhilarating as you want it to be.