Day 1:
We will meet you at the Airport and transfer you to
The Beach Hotel in Negombo, a short drive from the airport where
you can relax and unwind.
Accommodation profile: The
Beach offers luxurious five-star accommodation in Negombo, a
west coast beach resort north of Colombo. The resort offers
a perfect place to recuperate after a long flight being just
10 minutes drive from the international airport. The Beach is
arguably the best thing to have happened to Negombo in the past
decade. The five-star hotel was reopened in Jan 2005 after a
complete refurbishment, which has transformed the property into
a chic and stylish hotel offering great luxury and a warm and
attentive level of service.
Day 2, 3, 4 & 5:
The long and wide beaches of Bentota have long held
a special appeal for travelers and Taru Villas is one of the
best hotels in which to explore its charms. The hotel, famous
for its chic design, tranquil atmosphere and delicious food,
is setback behind a coconut grove but only a short stroll away
from the quietest stretch of the beach, well away from the large
package hotels. Four days will quickly slip-by relaxing beside
the poolside and swimming in the turquoise blue waters of the
Indian Ocean. Other possible attractions include watersports
on Bentota L agoon as well as visits to the beautiful Brief
Gardens or to Lunuganga, the country estate house of Geoffrey
Bawa, Sri Lanka’s iconic architect.
Accommodation profile: Taru Villas
was conceived by Nayantara Fonseka, one of Sri Lanka’s
foremost fashion and lifestyle designers, as a source of inspiration
and a means of escape from the stress and tensions of contemporary
living, Taru Villas is one of the jewels in the crown of Sri
Lanka’s south-western coastline. Cool cement floors, a
garden full of frangipani blossoms, a turquoise pool, individually
designed antique-furnished rooms, king size beds and an uncrowded
beach just a few steps out of the garden, across the still-rural
railway line, all combine to make Taru Villas a very special
hideaway.
Day 6, 7, 8 & 9: Your next destination
is Galle, one of our favourite corners in this magical island.
The Galle Dutch Fort is a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site
and a melting pot of cultural influences. Several hours
can be spent wandering along the narrow roads and the ramparts,
shopping at some of the newly opened boutique shops and browsing
through art galleries.
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There are also lovely beaches just
south of Galle, including Unawatuna and Mirissa that are also
well-worth visiting. Excursions can be made inland to see rural
temples, Kovils and churches. If you are in need of some pampering,
visit Amangalla Baths, the best spa in the island.
Accommodation profile: The renovation
of Galle Fort Hotel is a triumph. The hotel evokes a subtle
sense of colonial grandeur, skillfully updated for the modern
age. The inner courtyard, with a tiny garden and 10-metre swimming
pool, offers a tranquil and exclusive area for guests. But a
sense of history does not mean that the Galle Fort’s guests
will gather dust; far from it. The small bar-cum-verandah cafe
is becoming a favoured meeting point, with the two Australian
owners encouraging a convivial atmosphere where intelligent
opinions are to be shared, not hidden. An exciting restaurant
offers classic Asian-West dishes all made with freshly and locally
bought ingredients. The friendly staff ensures a warm and welcoming
atmosphere.
Day 10, 11, 12 & 13: Transfer along
the spectacular southern coast to Amanwella, a secluded and
luxurious beach resort now widely considered the best beach
hotel in the island. Spend four nights in this perfect oasis,
which also serves as an ideal base for exploring the southern
beaches, cultural heritage and natural wildlife. Indeed, the
south’s cultural heritage stretches back to the 2nd Century
BC to the times of the Ruhunu kings that developed the agricultural,
religious and cultural life of this area. Visit the tranquil
town of Tissamaharama, dominated by lakes and gigantic semi-circle
shaped Buddhist Dagobas (temples) built by these kings, or Kataragama,
surrounded by mountains and perched on the banks of the Menik
Ganga (river of jewels), a pilgrimage site with great religious
and historical significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and
Christians. Wildlife lovers can visit Yala National Park, home
to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Bird
lovers will enjoy Bundala wetlands and for a taste of rainforest,
travel inland to the majestic Sinharaja Rainforest, another
World Heritage Site.
Accommodation profile: Amanwella
is set amidst a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent shaped
beach near the village of Tangalle. This is a super-luxurious
and chic escape developed and managed by the exclusive Aman
Group, and already recognized as Sri Lanka’s leading beach
property. Amanwella has 30 stylish contemporary suites, each
with their own private pool and sun-lounging terrace. A 45-meter
infinity swimming pool and many reflecting pools scattered around
the property adds to the calm and serene ambience of the hotel.
Cool, classy and ever so stylish is Amanwella’s attitude.
Day 14: We recommend using SriLankan’s
Air Taxi to transport you back to Katunayake Airport in time
for your return home. Alternatively, the drive will take around
6 hours and you may wish to consider a night’s accommodation
in Colombo.
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The 'Southern Comfort' has been designed for beach lovers
wanting to indulge themselves in Sri Lanka leadings boutique
hotels, from Taru Villas on the west coast to the award-winning
Galle Fort Hotel and super-luxury Amanwella on Tangalle’s
undiscovered beaches. However, Bentota, Galle and Tangalle
are not only the best beach destinations in the island, they
are also excellent bases for exploring its major wildlife
parks and an interesting cultural heritage.
