Into the Wild: National Parks of Sri Lanka

Situated just 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, The Wallawwa is an old colonial home that has been restored and converted into 17 guestrooms and suites-- The Mountbatten Suite, two Family Suites, two Wallawwa Bedrooms, and twelve Garden Suites. The property offers well-manicured, lush gardens, a library, a study with computer and complimentary internet access, a swimming pool, and a spa. The Verandah offers Asian Fusion cuisine and is set overlooking the property's beautiful gardens.

Nestled amongst reed beds and paddy fields on top of a man-made lake lies Jetwing Vil Uyana, a premier luxury eco resort in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Hailed by Harper's Bazaar as the "best eco luxury hotel in Sri Lanka," this one-of-a-kind resort comprises 36 dwellings that merge sophisticated modern comforts with ecological rural simplicity. Located on a property that spans 28 acres, the resort's structures have been carefully placed to best allow the surrounding nature to thrive, inducing 36 species of butterfly, 120 species of bird, and 20 species of mammal that regard the resortas home. Guests can attempt to identify all the species from the comfort of their dwellings or participate in any of the various wildlife observation tours organized by the resort’s staff. Magnificent views of Sigiriya rock are also offered from the resort's fine dining restaurant serving Eastern and Western dishes alike. There is also a café for light bites and a fully stocked bar.  Strategically located, getaways to elephant gatherings at Minneriya National Park, a wildlife safari at Wilpattu National Park, and other tours of nearby natural wonders and cultural relics are easily accessible. The resort itself is equipped with a spa, yoga treatments, gymnasium, coffee makers, Wi-Fi, and more.

Located just six kilometers away from the historic Sigiriya Rock, Water Garden Sigiriya resort provides visitors to Sri Lanka with world-class comfort and second to none service. With one and two bedroom options, the resort's 30 villas are chicly designed, spacious, and imbued with an air of mystique thanks to their secret gardens and private plunge pools. Havens of relaxation and excellently positioned to observe the lush outdoors and roaming wildlife, the villas are also equipped with such modern comforts as flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. The expansive resort property can be traversed via a traditional buggy, swimming across the outdoor pool, or aboard a helicopter from the resort’s helipad that provides aerial tours of the adjacent countryside. Master chefs cater to diverse appetites with dishes from around the world at the outdoor dining sites and traditional indoor venue. Quality is ensured with an emphasis on organic produce and imports from top quality suppliers.  At the resort's spa, various treatments can be enjoyed including renowned Balinese massages. On-site, there is plenty to keep guests entertained with activities as diverse as billiards, biking, and archery while travel off the premises to explore such nearby attractions as the ancient cities of Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa is easy and convenient.

The former residence of Sir Edward Barnes, Governor of Sri Lanka from 1830 to 1850, the Grand Hotel is a Tudor-style mansion set amidst boxwood and fir trees overlooking the calm waters of Lake Gregory. Hunting and fishing trophies decorate the walls, infusing the property with the tranquility of times past. The hotel has 156 elegantly furnished rooms including three presidential suites and three deluxe suites that overlook the property's magnificent, award-winning gardens filled with beautifully laid out flower beds. Rooms in the new golf wing overlook the golf course and present a soothing view of the rolling greens, and junior suites are equipped with fireplaces and well-appointed bathrooms. The main restaurant, Barnes Hall, is located on the ground floor of the hotel and overlooks the gardens, and offers a wide choice in both Western and Eastern cuisines. There is also a coffee shop, an Indian restaurant, supper club and three bars on the grounds. Other amenities include three lounges, a small shopping arcade, fitness center and sauna, spa, wood-paneled bar and billiard room with three tables. There is no Internet access at the hotel.

This environmentally-friendly four-star resort, covering seven acres of land, is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind resort in the north of Sri lanka. The resort offers 53 Deluxe and Superior rooms and four suites. With its magical flora and fauna that can be seen on- and off-site, it’s in a prime location, offering the perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Udawalawe National Park and Ath Athuru Sevana Elephant Orphanage are both within walking distance to make for exciting, action-packed days, while a picturesque swimming pool allows guest to relax in the warm sun, with excellent service at hand. Expect to dine in style at the hotel’s restaurant, which can can serve up to 250 guests at a time. The resort’s piece-de-resistance is its stunning free-form swimming pool, surrounded by loungers, and complete with adjoining bar. 

Set right on the coast in southern Sri Lanka, Chena Huts occupy seven acres of the rainforest and dunes beyond Yala National Park, so its 14 cabins are surrounded by unspoilt beauty and natural wonders. With the ocean on one side and the country’s oldest natural reserve on the other, to stay here is to utterly escape into nature. In thatched huts with private pools, guests will find a little oasis of comfort and convenience, where crisp bed linens and wifi come as standard and flamingos and storks wade in the lake nearby. Nautical-themed Basses restaurant offers fine dining on the beach or in romantic private locations, and the poolside bar serves cocktails from behind a waterfall. Guests seeking a little pampering during their stay in paradise can retreat to the spa for a range of indulgent treatments, to heighten the sense of peace and tranquility.

Returning to the golden era of colonial British safari explorers, Leopard Trails offers the jungle experience in comfort and luxury, as the intrepid adventurers of the 1800s enjoyed it. Romantic and elegant, their tented camps are located in two of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful national parks, Yala and Wilpattu. While the former is famed for its roaming leopards, the latter draws nature enthusiasts for its populations of deer, sloths, bears, elephants and a solid contingent of leopards of its own. A stay at Leopard Trails allows guests to retreat to their beautifully-appointed canvas safari tent at night, to emerge in the morning, well rested and right in the midst of glorious flora and fauna. Delicious meals, meanwhile, are cooked freshly and served al fresco for a complete sense of immersion in nature.

Adjacent the world famous Yala National Park that is home to a dense population of leopards lies the Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala, overlooking the shimmering blue waters of the Indian Ocean. A consortium of Dutch, English and Sri Lankan designers devised the the resort's man-made structures that seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape. The premises 28 tents form the shape of a leopard's paw print when seen from above. The room's interiors fuse colonial expedition chic with contemporary design innovations. Teak floors and canvas walls mixed with dark leathers and metallic hardware bring these rooms to the forefront of fashion while air-conditioning and Wi-Fi guarantee guests’ comfort. At the Dining Pavilion and natural beach garden, guests can enjoy gourmet safari cuisine with a Sri Lankan flair. The resort is also equipped with a free-form swimming pool and luxurious spa. The resort offers vehicular tours to the furthest corners of Yala National Park while expert naturalist guides are on hand to discuss all flora and fauna that emerges such as elephants, sloth bears, and leopards.

Leading the way in sustainable tourism for Sri Lanka, the Rainforest Eco Lodge sits on the edge of the country’s only natural World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja Rainforest. Guests can immerse themselves in the nature and mystic history of this glorious ecosystem, named for the legendary Lion Kings from whom the Sinhalese are supposedly descended. Consisting of 16 chalets, each built from reclaimed shipping containers based on the principles of ‘reduce, re-use and recycle’, the lodge combines responsible tourism with creativity and design, without compromising on luxury and comfort. Set in tea gardens, with stunning views of the rainforest, each room boasts its own private deck and en suite facilities. The restaurant at the lodge specializes in scrumptious cuisine prepared freshly, using organic ingredients. And of course, the expert staff can organize natural adventures for guests, including bird watching and jungle trekking.

Situated in the midst of a coconut grove on a secluded bay, the Amanwella resort is one of the world's most exclusive beach retreats. The resort sits on a perfect crescent of white-sand beach and is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, national parks and exotic wildlife and a 5 and 1/2 hour drive from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). There are 30 suites, each equipped with a plunge pool, terrace, and floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides. A number of ocean suites are located further down the hill and have uninterrupted views of the coconut palms and the beach. The Amanwella restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and uses its location next to the ocean to cook up fresh Asian- and Mediterranean-style seafood. The Pool Terrace also serves meals in a more laid-back setting. When not enjoying a safari, snorkeling, or swimming in the pool, there is a library with Internet access and reference books on Sri Lanka. The spa offers massages and traditional therapies using local, natural ingredients, which can be given either in the spa's suite or in selected garden locations. There is no fitness center.

Set on a cliff overlooking the South Indian Ocean, the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle enjoys secluded peace. Yet, as it is located in the very centre of Sri Lanka's south coast, some of the best attractions on the stunning island are within easy reach. Colonial towns and national parks are just an hour's drive away, while a beautiful beach lies just a stone's throw from the property. From comfortable rooms to sprawling two-bedroom suites which boast their own plunge pool, there is accommodation to suit all guests and parties. All rooms feature modern comforts with charming traditional designs. Dining options are diverse, allowing for everything ranging from light snacks by the pool to full-blown Chef's Table degustation menus - complete with wine pairing. The facilities are top notch, and include a well-equipped kids'club and play pool for the little ones. Meanwhile, adults can take a break by indulging in the spa, joining yoga classes on the beach or simply relaxing by the water.

Located along the beautiful coastline of Dickwella, southern Sri Lanka, the beautiful Ani Sri Lanka estate is the handiwork of Reda Amalou and AW2 of Paris. Contemporary tropical architecture is merged with the finest bespoke finishes and furnishings across the 15 bedrooms of this two-villa estate. The Villa Monara has eight suites while the Villa Divia has seven. Either of the villas can be rented separately, or the whole estate can be rented at once. Both villas have their own oversized infinity pools and are located right along the beach. Rooms are spacious and lavishly appointed. They can be fitted with a king-size or two twin beds. Bathrooms feature both showers and tubs, and many rooms even have private plunge pools. There is a lot to do at the estate besides basking under the sun; namely, there is a private spa, state of the art fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, yoga pavilion, and a shuffleboard court. All meals are provided by the estate’s kitchen according to guests’ preferences, whether this means authentic Sri Lankan meals or International favorites. There are also several places worth visiting nearby, such as the Galle Fort, tea plantations, and Uda Walawe National Park.

Located in the center of a preserved 17th-century Dutch Fort, the sumptuous Amangalla resort is also a beautifully restored UNESCO World Heritage site that perfectly captures the charm of the historic trading port of Galle. Amangalla has 17 rooms, eight suites and the Garden House, a two-story house with treetop views. Rooms are decorated in a style that blends luxurious contemporary amenities with a perfectly rendered colonial-era aesthetic. Sri Lankan curry and other traditional dishes are served in the dining room, and the Veranda is a cool spot to have a drink during the day; the fort's Zaal (Dutch for Great Hall) serves light meals and a classic afternoon tea. The pool is located in the resort's gardens and has five shaded pavilions where you can relax post-swim. A library with Internet access houses information on Sri Lanka and the history of the Fort. The Baths, Amangalla's spa, offers Ayurvedic massage, hydrotherapy pools, and a steam room and sauna, among other treatments. There is also a garden pavilion for yoga practice or meditation. There is no fitness center. The resort is roughly a four-hour drive from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).