Day 1 & 2:
Red Dot will meet you at the airport in the early afternoon
and transfer to the River House located in Balapitiya, a four-hour
drive through Colombo and along the West Coast (you may also
consider taking the SriLankan Air Taxi to save time). Relax
and unwind for two nights at this luxurious riverside boutique
hotel, one of the finest properties in the island and a jewel
in the Taru collection of small, luxurious, boutique properties.
Spend the day admiring the views from the poolside over the
Madhu Ganga valley, or relax at Taru’s beach house –
a short 5-minute tuk-tuk drive away – and relax next to
the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in a picturesque and
private ocean bay. You may also explore the vibrant cultural
and religious heritage of the west coast.
Accommodation profile: There
is no more entrancing holiday location in Sri Lanka than the
River House, which looks down to the Madhu Ganga over seven
acres of private hillside, is a haven of style and tranquility
for the luxury traveller, proving that Sri Lanka can bear comparison
with the best. This is the ultimate property to finish or start
any journey to Sri Lanka. While the main villa is situated inland,
a beautiful location that provides it with a magical serenity,
there is also a fabulous private beach house located just five
minutes by trishaw (provided by the River House) allowing you
to relax by the poolside overlooking the Madhu Ganga's lush
valley or beside the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The River
House is thoroughly escapist; truly magnificent.
Day 3 & 4:
Your next destination is Bentota, famous for its long
beaches and mangrove-lined lagoons, where you will stay for
two nights at Taru Villas Taprobane, the first of Taru’s
properties in Sri Lanka. Recognised as one of the leading boutique
properties in the island, famous for its stylish interiors,
tranquil atmosphere and superb cuisine, the property is set-back
from the beach behind a small coconut grove. If you are feeling
active, Bentota’s lagoon is ideal for jet skiing, water
skiing, banana-boating, sailing and boat trips along the river.
For those interested in Sri Lankan architecture, a visit to
Lunuganga is a must. Designed by Sri Lanka’s iconic architect,
Geoffrey Bawa, Lunuganga is a garden retreat that was originally
an old rubber plantation. |
The Bawa Brief Gardens in Bentota,
a fascinating landscaped garden created by Geoffrey’s
brother, Bevis, is also well-worth a visit. Located an hour
away from Bentota is the historic city of Galle. The 18th century
Dutch Fort belongs to the exclusive set of Sri Lanka's UNESCO
World Heritage sites. Entering through the 'new' English gate
or the 'old' Dutch gate is akin to stepping into a different
realm. Several hours can be spent inside the Galle Fort wandering
along narrow streets, taking in the sites, visiting museums,
and browsing through art galleries and shops, including the
newly opened `Barefoot’ on Peddler Street. There are several
newly renovated interesting boutique hotels with excellent cafes
and restaurants within the Fort, where you can stop for a meal.
Accommodation profile: Taru Villas’
Tabrobana, tucked away down a by-lane of Bentota, is a romantic
haven and an ideal escape from the stress and tensions of contemporary
living. 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 5:
Early next morning, drive on to Colombo for your final
night where you will be staying at Taru’s latest creation,
the Park Street Hotel, a luxurious retreat in the heart of the
capital city. Colombo’s main attractions include the National
Museum, various temples and kovils, the Fort and Pettah Bazaar.
Many people also enjoy shopping in Colombo, which has a reputation
for excellent value when it comes to gems, clothes, home ware,
porcelain and fabrics. Shops worth visiting include Paradise
Road, Barefoot and Odels. During the evening we recommend a
farewell dinner at The Gallery Café.
Accommodation profile: The Park Street hotel
is located on a leafy street in the heart of Colombo and offers
an ideal alternative for visitors preferring to get away from
the larger city hotels. Park Street offers the perfect combination
– a haven of luxury and relaxation in the heart of the
bustling Colombo.
Day 6:
Depart in good time to the Bandaranaike International Airport
for your flight. home. |
Experience Sri Lanka’s vibrant southern heritage, rural
fishing villages, sun-kissed beaches staying in the magnificent
boutique hotels and villas created by Nayantara Fonseka, one
of Sri Lanka’s foremost fashion and lifestyle designers.
