You may well have been to Sri Lanka before. Perhaps you simply want to return to your favourite places, without a long tour. If so, this is the trip for you. It is very much a luxury holiday, a way to let the winter sun rejuvenate you. So it combines the outstanding Ceylon Tea Trails with the two Aman hotels on the south coast. Better still, there is no long drive to the coast. Instead, you fly by seaplane from the lake.
Begin with a gentle first night near Colombo at the Wallawwa. Then drive up into the hill country for three nights at Ceylon Tea Trails. Here you simply put your feet up. So spend your days on gentle walks through the tea fields, perhaps with croquet on the lawn. For the more active, there are walks on Horton Plains and World’s End. You can even climb Adam’s Peak for incredible views. Most guests, though, simply sip tea over the reservoir.
Next, fly by seaplane from the lake to Koggala. From there, you transfer to the historic Amangalla, within Galle Fort. Over a couple of days, explore the surrounding area. So take a guided walk through the fort. Equally, head out cycling through the countryside, past traditional villages and paddy fields.
Finally, drive down the coast to Tangalle. Here you end on the beach at the beautiful Amanwella. Again, you do as much or as little as you wish. Nearby, Yala National Park offers a spot of wildlife. Otherwise, simply enjoy your beach time.
The real joy of this trip is its hotels. Each is among Sri Lanka’s finest. First, Ceylon Tea Trails brings planter-era romance in the hills. Then Amangalla offers serene grandeur within Galle Fort. Finally, Amanwella delivers barefoot luxury by the sea. So each stay is a destination in itself. Of course, we know all three personally.
Throughout, the logistics are made to feel effortless. So a seaplane spares you the long drive south. Meanwhile, your own driver-guide is on hand for the experiences. The days, in turn, are entirely yours to shape. As a result, the trip is pure, unhurried luxury.
Generally, the drier months from December to March suit the hills and south coast best. By contrast, the south-west sees the monsoon in summer. So we usually favour the winter window. Either way, we advise on the ideal timing for your dates.
Above all, this suits travellers who want to relax in real style. For example, it is ideal for a returning visitor. Equally, it rewards honeymooners and couples. As a result, it is one of our most indulgent Sri Lankan escapes.
The hill-country days are pure relaxation. So you might walk between the Tea Trails bungalows. Equally, take afternoon tea on the lawn. For the active, there are excursions to Horton Plains and beyond. Most guests, though, simply sip tea over the reservoir. As a result, the batteries recharge completely.
The south-coast hotels are equally special. First, the historic Amangalla sits within Galle Fort. Then Amanwella brings barefoot luxury to Tangalle. Both are serene, understated and beautifully run. So the contrast with the hills is delicious. In short, you experience three of the island’s finest stays.
The whole trip is designed to feel effortless. So a seaplane spares you the long drive south. Meanwhile, your driver-guide is on hand for the experiences. The days, in turn, are entirely yours to shape. As a result, nothing ever feels rushed.
Finally, the route flexes around you. For example, add a safari at Yala. Equally, extend your beach days at Tangalle. As ever, every detail is shaped to suit your plans.
Above all, this trip is built to restore you. So the days are slow and the comforts are high. Meanwhile, the settings could hardly be more beautiful. From tea fields to fort to beach, each is a tonic. As a result, you return home thoroughly rejuvenated.
The route is short, yet full of contrast. First, the cool green hills of the tea country. Then the historic streets of Galle Fort. Finally, the warm sands of Tangalle. So three very different worlds, in one easy trip. Meanwhile, the seaplane keeps the travelling brief.
As ever, this route is only a starting point. So we shape the pace, the hotels and the experiences to suit. In the end, it is entirely your own.
For those who already love the island, this is the ideal way back. So you revisit favourite places in real comfort. In the end, it is pure, restful indulgence.
Not at all, though it suits them especially well. First-timers wanting pure luxury enjoy it too. We can always add a little more sightseeing.
You fly from the lake by the tea estate down to Koggala. So you skip the long drive to the coast. We arrange the whole transfer for you.
Yes. Yala National Park is close to Tangalle. So a safari slots in easily if you wish.
Generally, December to March is most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.
| £5000P.P |
|---|
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Negombo | The Wallawwa |
| Day 2-4 | Hill Country | Ceylon Tea Trails |
| Day 5-7 | Galle | Amangalla |
| Day 8-12 | Tangalle | Amanwella |
| Day 13 | Fly home |
Arrive in Colombo and transfer just 15 minutes to the lovely boutique Wallawwa.
Drive into the hill country for three nights at Ceylon Tea Trails, in a charming tea bungalow. So spend your days on gentle walks through the tea fields, perhaps with croquet on the lawn. For the more active, there are walks on Horton Plains and World’s End. You can even climb Adam’s Peak for incredible views. Most guests, though, simply sip tea over Castlereagh Reservoir.
Fly by seaplane from the nearby lake to Koggala for three nights at the superb Amangalla. Over two days, explore the surrounding area. So take a guided walk through the fort. Equally, head out cycling through the countryside, past villages and paddy fields.
Finally, drive down the coast to Tangalle to end on the beach at Amanwella. Again, you do as much or as little as you like. Nearby, Yala National Park offers a spot of wildlife. Otherwise, simply enjoy your beach time.
Sri Lanka has it all; amazing luxury boutique hotels, fantastic experiences, breath-taking scenery, sumptuous cuisine and you can even hop around in a private helicopter.
If you are looking for the ultimate luxury adventure to Nepal, then it has to include helicopters! Delve into remote corners of the Himalayas that take weeks to reach on foot.
We arrange totally bespoke trips and design an itinerary that is designed around you. You may have seen a suggested itinerary that we can base your plans around, or we can start with a blank sheet and paper and design something from scratch. You can leave a phone number and suggest a time to call you back, and we can also arrange to do this during the evenings or at weekends if you are busy during the daytime. We can also meet up with you in you fancy a coffee and are based in and around London.