…and so much more
Sri Lanka is an interesting mix of potential tourism opportunities. It’s renowned as a good place to learn surfing (because of tides and currents), and the beach life is actually very strong. It’s also one of the most important parts of the world for tea production, so you can go and learn how to ride waves — or sip tea in the late afternoon. Sacred pilgrimages are an option, as with most of SE Asia.
U.S. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter Sri Lanka.
US Department of State Sri Lanka Information
Most likely you will fly into CMB Bandaranaike International Airport. An entertaining but frumpy airport.
Getting around Sri Lanka can be quite difficult, and I highly suggest having transfers all pre-arranged. Car or bus will be the main options, unless you can arrange one of the few air transfers in the country. Cinnamon Air offers a few scheduled flights and air charter services.
The Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka. Credit Cards are accepted at many shops, but Cash is highly suggested for most local Transactions.
Historical Galle Fort
Loved my stay at Amangalla, I always enjoy the older Colonial Hotels when they are kept up. If posible, get into the Garden House.
Amangalla derives its name from aman, or “peace” in Sanskrit, and galla, the Sinhalese name for the town of Galle. The resort provides the perfect base for exploring the Fort and the historic town of Galle. It offers a twin experience of the island’s southwest coast in conjunction with sister property, Amanwella.
There are four categories of accommodation at Amangalla. Seven bedrooms are located adjacent to Amangalla’s reception, on the ground level of the Middle Street Wing. Six chambers are located within the Church Street Wing and face the Fort ramparts. There are eight Suites, of which six are located in the Church Street Wing and two in the Middle Street Wing. Situated within the resort gardens, the Garden House is a two-story, 140 square metre house featuring a private terrace and balcony offering leafy, treetop views.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY AMAN PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Tangalle, Hambantota
I spent an amazing week here, and never wanted to leave.
Amanwella is situated amidst a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent shaped beach close to the village of Tangalle in southern Sri Lanka. The resort derives its name by combining the words, aman, or “peace” in Sanskrit, and wella, the Sinhalese name for beach.
All 30 suites of this beachfront resort feature their own private swimming pool and terrace. All suites are identical in layout and design and fall into two categories based on their location and views. The suites and ocean suites are contemporary in design yet blending local material and styles like the distinctive terracotta roof tiles and hand-hewn stone walls. The suites open on both sides letting in cooling sea breezes. Suites, linked by pathways, are interspersed along the hillside to the west of the public areas. Most are within comfortable walking distance and a small resort vehicle is available for transport to the more elevated levels. There are sweeping views of the ocean and the beach, flanked by two rocky headlands.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY AMAN PREFERRED PARTNER PORTFOLIO
Weligama
Where trade winds carried legendary explorers like Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Fa-Hsien past Sri Lanka’s soaring southern cliffs on some of history’s most celebrated nautical journeys, Cape Weligama has become the most celebrated among Sri Lankan Beach Resorts, along this fabled island’s palm fringed shores. Thirty minutes east of Galle, Cape Weligama inhabits 12 manicured acres atop a singular promontory rising 40 metres above the Indian Ocean. Stunning panoramas await you, naturally complementing the 39 private retreats designed by one of Asia’s most celebrated architects, Lek Bunnag. The hotel offers an array of international dining venues captures Weligama’s iconic sunsets, as does the 60-metre crescent-shaped infinity pool that appears to flow seamlessly into the shimmering sea, while those timeless breezes ensure elegant swells unfurl onto the sun kissed sand.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
Dambulla
Dambulla, in central Sri Lanka, is home to a number of ancient Buddhist temples, many comprising an underground cave complex — and just outside of Dambulla is a man-made lake, and on its shores a more contemporary architectural wonder, nestled into a cliffside: Heritance Kandalama. This unique situation is the handiwork of the famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, who personally selected the site with an eye to the dramatic possibilities. The building itself is low-slung, unassuming, unspectacular, stretching for a kilometer along the shore, difficult to take in all at once; the view that counts, of course, is the view of Kandalama Lake from the hotel’s balconies.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
PART OF MY TABLET BOUTIQUE HOTEL PORTFOLIO
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Resplendent Ceylon / Relais & Chateaux
Ceylon Tea Trails
Resplendent Ceylon / Relais & Chateaux
Sri Lanka is definitely a place I would work with a Destination Specialist, especially on your first visit.
The Fabulous Getaway – Sri Lanka
Is one of my favorite suppliers in the region.
A few good resources for easy tours, advance tickets & activities planning:
GET YOUR GUIDE
A curated source of Tickets, Tours and Activities.
VIATOR
A wide variety Tickets and Tours from the folks who bring you Trip Advisor.
My Sri Lanka Information Page at Virtuoso
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels and Activities.
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
Let me know.
page updated: April 2020
Leave a Reply