5 Hotels and Resorts in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, known by many names including the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is celebrated for its stunning beaches, lush tea plantations, and ancient cities rich with history. It’s also a place where you can scuba dive in crystal-clear waters, visit elephant orphanages, explore dense jungles, and discover serene shrines and temples, all in one idyllic getaway.

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) ATMs are readily available in the larger towns and cities and accept most major western cards, but if you are heading to somewhere more remote, please make sure that you take enough cash with you. Still the most important form of payment in the country, you will need cash to pay tuktuk drivers, shop keepers and roadside vendors, preferably small banknotes.

Cambodia has two main seasons: dry (October to April), which is hotter with temperatures reaching the mid-30s°C, and wet (May to September), which is humid with temps in the high 20s to low 30s°C. Despite the weather, it’s a great year-round destination.

Most visitors will fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Make sure you have a valid passport and a tourist visa, which you can usually get online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.

For your first visit, start with Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an iconic landmark, and then explore the cultural heritage of Kandy. Experience the lush tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and relax on the beaches of Mirissa or Bentota. For an adventurous safari, head to Yala National Park, where you can spot leopards and elephants in the wild.

Key attractions include the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the stunning Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and Kandy's revered Temple of the Tooth. Wildlife lovers will enjoy Yala National Park, while Galle Fort’s colonial charm and Sinharaja Forest Reserve’s biodiversity are must-sees. Don't miss the peaceful tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and the picturesque landscapes of Ella.

Sri Lankan cuisine is vibrant and flavourful, with rice and curry as a staple. Curries vary from meat, fish, and vegetable to fruit-based, often served with sambols like seeni sambol (sweet and spicy onion relish) or pol sambol (coconut with chili, garlic, and lime). Hoppers, a bowl-shaped pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk, are enjoyed at any time, especially with an egg for breakfast. Kottu, a popular street food, combines flatbread with vegetables, eggs, and spices. Don’t forget to try traditional dishes like ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) and Kola Kana, a health-boosting herbal mix.

Sri Lanka is brimming with vibrant celebrations. If you're in the country for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April, expect family gatherings, fun traditional games, and plenty of mouthwatering food. Vesak is a special time when you’ll see lanterns lighting up the streets, commemorating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Poson Poya, which marks the arrival of Buddhism, brings a serene atmosphere. The Kandy Esala Perahera is a memorable experience, with a grand procession of dancers, drummers, and elephants. And during Deepavali, the Hindu community fills the air with lights and joy.

Just an hour from Bandaranaike International Airport, Anantara Kalutara Resort invites you to a secluded beachfront haven where the Kalu Ganga River meets the Indian Ocean. Relax in luxurious spaces, designed with Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural touch, and let your wanderlust take over.

Nestled on Bentota Beach, NH Bentota Ceysands Resort offers the best of the golden sands, stunning sunsets, and exciting water sports. With the ocean at your doorstep and Bentota Ganga behind, you’ll feel exclusive and connected to nature.

In the heart of Colombo, NH Collection offers an unforgettable city escape with spacious rooms and suites that showcase breathtaking views of the city and the Indian Ocean.

Avani Kalutara Hotel offers adventure right at your doorstep. Whether it’s jet skiing, archery, or rock climbing, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant resort on a peninsula.

For a more serene retreat, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort sits on a rocky outcrop on the southern coast, where you can unwind by a golden beach with coconut palms and the roar of the Indian Ocean in the background.

A stay at any of our Minor Hotels offers a warm, welcoming experience where innovative design, thoughtful service, and unforgettable moments come together to make your dream escape truly special.