Situated only five minutes away from the 1991 World Heritage Site, Dambulla Cave Temple, and 20 minutes away from the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress, design resort Jetwing Lake takes over an area of 18 acres and makes a great base to visit these sites. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to leave the resort, as you can enjoy the mountainous backdrop contrasted against the sky right from their spacious balcony.
Jetwing Lake features 94 earthy, contemporary rooms fully equipped with a luxury shower area and king-sized beds, while the resort’s signature restaurant allows guests to take their meals in full view of the gardens by the lake. The 71-meter infinity pool is another bonus, along with its stunning views (the resort has done its best not to interfere with the region's natural beauty).
Even more recently, the Jetwing brand has also launched Jetwing Seven Colombo, centrally located close to sites like the Viharamahadevi Park and the National Museum. Introductory rates start at B3,500, available at www.jetwinghotels.com.
Located on Sri Lanka’s ancient Spice Route along the southern coastline, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa made its debut last year for luxury travelers looking to explore the nature and wildlife reserves at Yala Bundala and Udawalawe National Parks, hop on their surfboards and fight the waves at Arugam Bay, or do some whale-watching in Mirissa. Exploration packages are tailored to your liking under the curation of the resort. Spoiled for choice? We think so.
There’s also much to love about the property if you don’t want to leave the site. Arts and craft fans can visit the hotel’s Artisan Village to enjoy the region's local handicraft skills, whole golfers can check out the resort’s 18-hole course, which is said to be the only one of its kind in the country. It also makes this one of the largest resorts in Sri Lanka.
Each of the 300 contemporary rooms and suites comes with either sea or golf-course views, with elements of local designs seen throughout. Rates start from around B5,900, available at www.shangri-la.com/hambantota/shangrila. Note that Shangri-La Colombo is also set to open later this 2017.
Heading to Sri Lanka’s capital, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts Colombo is one of the first international five-star properties to debut in the city in 25 years. All of the hotel’s 219 rooms and suites come with floor-to-ceiling windows for the best view of the capital’s business district or the ocean. Each floor comes with a different theme, while the interior boasts a blend of modern design and hanging plants.
Movenpick comes with seven dining options, including French and Japanese,but the highlight is Vista Rooftop Bar which boasts views of both the city and the ocean. Another perk is the gym facilities, which also have stunning citry views—because who doesn't love a change of scenery during their workout of the day?
The location is primed within close proximity to the local “Pola” market, Liberty Arcade and the National Museum. Rooms start from B4,550 inclusive of breakfast, available for booking here.
Over on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Amari Galle is set to open this May 1, with its 172 blue-and-white rooms and suites paired with coastal scenery and sea views. There are also plenty of things to check out in the area, such as the world heritage Galle Fort and the Historical Mansion Museum to get a feel of its Portuguese heritage, as well as the Unawatuna Beach.
Pre-opening rates are available for booking now, starting from around B5,500 at www.amari.com/galle-srilanka.
*The best time to visit the west and south coast is from Dec-Mar, and the east coast is from Apr-Sep.
Advertisement
