15 Gorgeous Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka: Check In, Bliss Out!
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Planning a luxury trip to Sri Lanka – lucky you!
Sri Lanka dishes up an exotic mix of fascinating temples, ancient cities, beguiling beaches, eight epic UNESCO sites, tea plantations and cool forested mountains.
Now you have the pleasant task of deciding where to stay in Sri Lanka.
Our stays ranged from 5-star beach resorts and boutique villa hotels to eco-chic lodges with private pool suites.
Each location was a new adventure, from the vibrant streets of Colombo, the historic Cultural Triangle and Kandy’s temples to the lush hills of Ella and the coastal charm of Hambantota and Galle.
Here’s our curated list of the 15 best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, complete with detailed reviews. We cover the pros and cons, along with insider room tips, for most of them.
Contents: Top 15 luxury Sri Lanka hotels
Top hotels in the Cultural Triangle
Deluxe hotels in the Central Highlands
5-star hotels in Colombo
International flights arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, where several of the country’s finest hotels await.
Take a day or two to recharge before starting your tour of the rest of the island.
1) Shangri-La Colombo
Heat and traffic chaos may reign outside, but all is cool and serene inside this 5-star Colombo hotel.
When we arrived, a hostess in a sari gracefully led us through the glittering glass-walled lobby, lit by an enormous lotus-shaped Swarovski chandelier.
We were delighted to discover a rooftop pool, which was great for a late afternoon swim after a day of sightseeing.
We also appreciated the hotel’s convenient location near the colonial Fort district and restaurants inside the old Dutch Hospital. (Too tired to walk there? The concierge can arrange a complimentary tuk-tuk for you.)
Rooms
All 541 rooms and suites, decorated in soft hues of teal and ivory, offer the same level of comfort – from silky-soft linens and marble bathrooms with rain showers right down to mother-of-pearl amenity boxes with scissors, gold-embossed letter paper and a USB hub.
If you’re booked in Club Level, check-in is done in your room.
Room tips
Swing for a Club Level room for access to the Shangri-La’s Horizon Club lounge – one of the best we’ve experienced.
The evening food spread is a standout, offering salads, cheeses, lamb tarts, shrimp satay and more. Plus, unlimited pours of fine South African wines (a rarity in Sri Lanka) are a real bonus.
Staying long-term or with family? The hotel’s serviced apartments come with kitchens plus washers and dryers for added convenience.
Dining
The hotel offers a range of dining options.
In particular, the international breakfast buffet is a big hit, featuring everything from Sri Lankan dishes to classic eggs.
And for a memorable dinner, head to the hotel’s signature Shang Palace for authentic Chinese cuisine. Don’t miss the must-try Peking duck!
What we especially like about Shangri-La Colombo
The Shangri-La is a luxurious enclave with all the Western comforts. Known as one of the best hotels in Sri Lanka for business travelers, it’s equally suited for couples and families (with well-behaved children) on vacation.
For us, it was the perfect chill-out spot for shaking off jet-lag after a long international flight and to gently ease us into the exoticism of Sri Lanka.
Take note
Later in the afternoons, the pool can get busy, and you may not find a free sun lounger.
Shangri-La Colombo, Sri Lanka: Check rates and availability
2) Uga Residence
The boutique Uga Residence occupies a former Victorian mansion and is an elegant oasis in the city. It’s the type of hotel where the manager makes a point of talking with you to see how your stay is going.
It offers a swimming pool and gym too (along with the largest collection of whiskeys in Colombo).
Rooms
All suites are classy and spacious, decorated in colonial style and featuring private outdoor courtyards. We had a peek at one – and it was beautiful.
Dining
While we didn’t stay at Uga Residence, we did have a superb dinner here one night. Read the reviews on Tripadvisor, and you’ll see everyone else raves about the fabulous food too.
Uga Residence, Colombo: Check rates and availability
Top hotels in the Cultural Triangle
After exploring Colombo, many Sri Lanka travelers kick off their circle tour of the island by hitting the Cultural Triangle. As the name suggests, the Cultural Triangle is a region packed with historic and cultural attractions, including several UNESCO cities and monuments.
One gem is the sacred city of Anuradhapura, located at the northern point of the Cultural Triangle.
Then there’s Sigiriya.
Once crowned with a magnificent sky palace, this monumental 650-foot roc is perhaps Sri Lanka’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing the stairs up the rock, past sculpted lions’ paws and colorful frescoes, is a highlight of any trip to Sri Lanka.
3) Uga Ulagalla Resort
There are few (if any) 5-star hotels in Anuradhapura itself. So the best place to stay near Anuradhapura is Ulagalla – a wonderfully secluded and luxurious eco-resort.
Nestled in a 58-acre estate, Ulagalla is built around a 150-year-old mansion, housing the restaurant and reception. The mansion overlooks the resort’s pool, large enough to energetically swim laps.
The property feels like a private nature reserve, teeming with peacocks, tortoises, troupes of cheeky monkeys and monitor lizards. Kayaking on the neighboring lake one sunset, we spotted kingfishers, egrets and storks among the water lilies.
Ulagalla is also eco-friendly, with a solar farm supplying half of its energy.
Rooms
The 25 thatch-roof chalets or villas at Ulagalla, built from biodegradable materials, offer maximum privacy. All come with private plunge pools.
Most are 850 square feet. But there’s also a spacious 2,100 sq. ft. one-bedroom villa and a 3,343 sq. ft. two-bedroom villa.
Our chalet had a four-poster king bed, colonial-style furnishings (like beaten brass bedside lamps), a Nespresso maker and a bathroom with a glass shower overlooking the lush vegetation.
Each chalet also includes two free bikes for exploring the property, or you can request a golf buggy ride to the restaurant or reception.
Well-heeled couples and families will feel quite at home in these private villas!
Room tips
For extra seclusion, ask for one of the private plunge pool villas tucked away in the jungle, furthest away from the main mansion, or overlooking the rice paddy fields.
Dining
Dinner is served in the open-air restaurant on the second floor of the main house mansion. With swaying overhead fans and candles, the setting is decidedly romantic!
You choose from several 3-course set menus (same price).
Do try the local Sri Lankan curry. You’ll be served more than a dozen small bowls on a wooden tray (placed on a stand beside your chair), filled with beef, prawn, chicken, dahl and vegetable curries!
What we especially like about Ulagalla
Being surrounded by unspoiled nature is quite magical. How can we forget the monkeys jumping on the roof of our chalet and swinging in the trees outside our windows!
We also love villa resorts with private pool suites. (Who doesn’t!) So having your own private pool is pretty special too.
Take note
Because Ulagalla isn’t close to any outside restaurants, most guests book on a half-board basis (where breakfast and dinner, except alcohol, is included).
Ugua Ulagalla Resort: Check rates and availability
4) Water Garden Sigiriya
This is one of those 5-star hotels in Sri Lanka with a true sense of place.
From the reception building, the iconic Sigiriya Rock looms just four miles away, and the hotel’s serene water gardens mirror Sigiriya’s ancient ones. It’s an unforgettable first impression.
Rooms
At Water Garden Sigiriya, spacious thatched-roof villas on stilts perch beside ponds and irrigation channels.
The one- and two-bedroom villas have separate living rooms and bedrooms, with most offering private turquoise-tiled pools, surrounded by tall grasses for privacy.
The modern L-shaped villas sport a Scandinavian-meets-60s-retro décor – think black-and-white-striped tub chairs and scarlet drop lamps. Cool stone floors are softened with wool rugs, and huge bathrooms boast egg-shaped tubs, glass rain showers and lovely cinnamon-scented bath products.
For early morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up, there’s an in-room Nespresso coffee maker, jar of coconut cookies (replenished daily) and fresh milk in the mini-bar/fridge.
Room tips
Ask for a villa with a great view of Sigiriya rock. Also, villas furthest away from the dining room and main swimming pool are more private.
Dining
Breakfast at the restaurant, overlooking the main pool, runs until 10:30 am.
Perfect! We were able to beat the heat and climb Sigiriya Rock early one morning – then return for a delicious late breakfast of fresh-squeezed OJ, bakery treats, pancakes, fruit and eggs (all à la carte, no buffet).
As the resort is remote, a half-board plan (with dinner included) is a smart choice. Otherwise, the à la carte menu offers Sri Lankan and international dishes. Don’t miss the crab bisque – it’s especially tasty!
What we especially like about Water Garden Sigiriya
At dusk, egrets, spoonbills and hordes of other birds gather in the lagoon right in front of the main swimming pool.
It’s magical to watch them, along with the peacocks that strut about the grounds.
Take note
The resort is quite spread out, but golf buggies are available to ferry you around if you don’t feel like walking.
Also, wine is shockingly expensive here, as it is at most of the top hotels in Sri Lanka. You’d be wise to develop a taste for beer – the local Lion Lager is good.
Water Garden Sigiriya: Check rates and availability
Best hotels in Kandy
Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second-largest city after Colombo, marks the southern tip of the Cultural Triangle. As the last capital of the Sri Lankan kingdom, Kandy is packed with fascinating sites, including the renowned Temple of the Tooth.
The city pulses with vibrant energy, and there are plenty of Kandy hotels to choose from – here, we’ve selected two of the best.
5) Elephant Stables Kandy
Located on a hill a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away from Kandy, Elephant Stables is an old colonial mansion formerly owned by an aristocratic family who kept elephants on the plantation.
It’s now been converted into a luxury boutique property with six newly renovated rooms, suites and stand-alone cottages, plus a luxury tent. The hotel welcomes families, with three suites accommodating additional beds for kids.
It also has a large infinity pool set in lush gardens, offering lovely views of the forests around Kandy.
Elephant Stables Kandy: Check rates and availability here
6) Santani Wellness Kandy
The Michelin recommended Santani Wellness Resort & Spa is your ultimate escape near Kandy.
Set on a 116-acre former tea plantation, this dreamy retreat blends sleek minimalist design with serious wellness vibes. Think hillside rooms with jaw-dropping views through floor-to-ceiling windows and a spa inspired by ancient meditation caves.
You’ll find a cedar sauna, hydrotherapy pool and Ayurvedic treatments to bliss you out completely. Whether you’re sipping fresh herbal tea or diving into the infinity pool at sunset, Santani has relaxation dialed in.
If you can tear yourself away from all the pampering, the resort also offers a range of guided excursions, from high-octane mountain treks and bird watching to a tour of Kandy city.
Santani Wellness Kandy: Check rates and availability
Deluxe hotels in the Central Highlands
The Central Highlands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-central Sri Lanka, are famous for their emerald hills, misty rainforests, waterfalls and lush tea estates.
One highlight is the small laid-back town of Ella, which we reached via the wonderfully scenic Kandy-to-Ella train – highly recommended! At 3,415 feet above sea level Ella’s cooler climate is ideal for hiking and tea plantation tours. Surprisingly, despite being beach lovers, we found Ella to be one of the best places to stay in Sri Lanka!
Other charming towns in the area include Hatton and Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England.”
7) 98 Acres Resort and Spa
The top accommodation in Ella for romantics and nature lovers is this scaled-back eco-luxury resort. It’s the sister resort to the hotel we stayed at (currently closed for extensive renovations).
Rooms
Spread out on a 98-acre tea estate, the honeymoon-worthy 98 Acres Resort and Spa comprises thatch-roof chalets, built from old railway sleepers and other recycled materials.
Accommodations feature timber floors and traditional stone showers. Clinging to a steep hillside, they offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills.
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What we especially like about 98 Acres Resort
The trail to Little Adam’s Peak starts right by the resort – you can hike up at sunrise and be back in time for breakfast.
And then? The resort’s freeform pool is so inviting you might be tempted to hang out there all day, just blissing out in nature.
Take note
There are lots of steps to get up and down from the chalets to reception and the restaurant, so you should be reasonably mobile.
Also, there’s no air conditioning, so in the hot months you may find it warm. (We stayed in Ella in winter, also without A/C, but we didn’t need it – the fresh air was cool enough.)
98 Acres Resort and Spa: Check rates and availability
8) Ceylon Tea Trails
Set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country near Hatton, Ceylon Tea Trails offers a luxurious throwback to colonial-era tea plantations.
Accommodations comprise 27 rooms spread across five bungalows, scattered across the emerald hills of the Bogawantalawa Valley.
They blend old-world charm with modern luxury. Picture sipping tea on a wrap-around terrace, playing croquet on the lawn, exploring by bicycle, touring a tea factory and diving into your bungalow’s infinity pool with forever views.
You also have a personal butler and chef on hand to make everything seamless, from afternoon tea to exceptional 4-course dinners. Not surprising, though, considering this is an exclusive Relais & Chateaux property!
Ceylon Tea Trails: Check rates and availability
9) Camellia Hills
A hidden gem, Camellia Hills is a beautiful boutique bungalow with just five individually decorated bedrooms in the tea-fringed Castlereagh Valley, high in the hills near Hatton.
The country views are mesmerizing – mist-shrouded mountains and the blue waters of Castlereagh Lake.
Walk emerald hills and swim lengths in the garden pool. Relax by a crackling fire. And dine on some of the best Asian-British fusion food in all of Sri Lanka.
Camellia Hills, Sri Lanka: Check rates and availability
Lovely boutique hotels in Galle
Steeped in history, the UNESCO-listed city of Galle boasts a centuries-old, coral-walled Dutch fort, colonial European buildings and an iconic lighthouse overlooking the sea.
It’s the hip heart of Sri Lanka – with funky shops, cool cafés and scads of new boutique hotels built within the Old Town as well as along the coast.
10) The Why House
Staying at the Why House is like being at a British country club in the tropics.
You have your own private room in the main house or villa, surrounded by gardens of bougainvillea, breadfruit and cinnamon trees. But you join other guests for gin-and-tonics before dinner and usually dine together, family-style, in the breezy restaurant.
Why House is family-friendly, but we found it very romantic – it’s one of our favorite boutique hotels in Sri Lanka!
Rooms
The 10 air-conditioned rooms are individually decorated and exquisite. They feature polished wood or concrete floors, colonial-style furniture and covered verandas with cushioned seating.
The British innkeeper Henrietta Cottam (“Hen” for short) has thought of everything – fresh flowers, organic lime-and-grapefruit bath products (but strangely, no body lotion), paperback novels and magazines – and even headache pills in a welcome wicker amenity basket.
Room tips
We prefer the two Cabana rooms. Reached by a sheltered walkway, each has a king-size bed and large open bathroom.
Modern and spacious, they’re very private and have either a view over the pool or rice fields beyond.
Dining
There’s no need to go out, as Why House serves 3-course dinners by candlelight (with ingredients sourced daily for top quality).
Hen asks in the morning if you’re dining in.
Say “yes” if the “Modern Sri Lanka” menu is on! You’ll savor Mulligatawny soup, chop-chop (fried chicken and veggies) and curries like chicken liver, prawn and spinach-coconut. Finish with warm sticky-date pudding and toffee sauce – it’s seriously divine.
What we especially like about Why House
The large outdoor swimming pool (indeed, all of Why House!) is a tranquil escape from the buzz of Galle, a short drive away. Some mornings, Hen organizes water aerobics led by an instructor.
And just a free 5-minute tuk-tuk ride away is lovely Dalawella Beach. Here, you can rent beach beds and umbrellas for a song, and enjoy wood-oven pizza and drinks from Wijaya Beach Bar.
Take note
The family room in the main house only has a small four-poster bed (plus an additional child’s bed). It’s not ideal for a couple, especially if you like a larger bed.
Why House: Check rates and availability
11) The Fortress Resort and Spa
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Fortress is a 5-star boutique hotel near Galle (in the town of Koggala).
The first thing you see when you walk through the open lobby is the enormous fiber-optic-lit pool and the blue, blue Indian Ocean beyond.
And after two weeks of touring, we were ready to do nothing but relax by that beautiful infinity pool, read in the hanging bubble chairs on the hotel’s lawn and stroll the golden sand beach.
Rooms
Rooms and suites come in several categories.
All have super comfy king-sized beds (with Frette linens imported from Italy), arc floor lamps, modern lighting and ensuite bathrooms with rain showers, bathtubs and Bulgari toiletries.
The spacious “Fortress Rooms,” with courtyard views, offer the best value. All other rooms (which are timber paneled) are sea-facing and split-level; they have corner lounges.
“Residence Suites” have their own outdoor pools.
Room tips
For direct access to the garden, pool and beach, choose a lower floor “Beach Room.” Some come with indoor plunge pools. (These rooms are less private, however.)
For more privacy, ask for a top floor “Ocean Room” with a balcony.
Dining
Dining at this boutique hotel is excellent, which is key since outside restaurants aren’t nearby. Most guests therefore book half-board (breakfast and dinner included).
The lavish weekly seafood buffet is a hit, drawing even guests from other Galle hotels for grilled lobster, calamari, shrimp and fresh fish.
Candlelit poolside tables under the stars add to the charm.
What we especially like about the Fortress Resort
It’s the perfect place to relax by the beach at the end of a busy Sri Lanka adventure. Yet the Fortress is only nine miles away from Galle, which merits a full day’s exploration. (Galle’s famous 17th century fort inspired the hotel’s buttressed walls.)
Take note
The low-rise hotel fronts a pristine wave-washed beach that stretches for miles to the west. But the beach isn’t recommended for swimming – the surf is strong. (The golden sand is ideal for long walks, though.)
The Fortress Resort, Sri Lanka: Check rates and availability
12) Amangalla
One of the most luxurious hotels in Sri Lanka – and ranked among the world’s 50 best – Amangalla is a colonial treasure within the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort.
Once the Dutch headquarters in the 17th-century, the property has been meticulously restored by Aman Resorts.
The 28-room hotel oozes timeless charm with four-poster beds, teak floors and a refreshing lack of TVs. A serene garden with a jade-tiled pool, surrounded by towering palm trees, and a spa offering indulgent treatments add to the allure.
Amangalla, Galle: Check rates and availability
Grand luxury Sri Lanka beach resort
13) Shangri-La Hambantota
The Shangri-La Hambantota has everything you could want in a luxury resort.
Set on 59 tropical acres along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, it features a wild beach, an 18-hole golf course, three pools (including an adults-only option), a kids’ water park, and several restaurants.
There’s even an artisan village, plus the Chi spa for aromatherapy and Ayurvedic treatments.
Rooms
The 300 luxury rooms (516 sq. ft. in size), including 21 suites, are spread over three breezy low-rise buildings, thoughtfully sectioned off into family and adults-only areas.
Rooms feature polished wooden floors, spacious marble-filled bathrooms and glass-enclosed rain showers.
Room tips
The terraces of ground floor rooms lead out directly to well-maintained lawns, so they’re convenient for walking to and from the pool and your room.
But the balconies of upper-floor rooms (which have sea or golf course views) are more private.
Dining
There are four restaurants to choose from at the Shangri-La Hambantota.
Try Sera for hawker-style stalls, each tempting you with a variety of Asian cuisine flavors.
Or for a special occasion, reserve the Chef’s Table, where you’re treated to a bespoke menu at a private table. We were seated by the beach, with tea candles and lamps surrounding our table for two – very romantic!
What we especially like about about the Shangri-La Hambantota
Attentive pool butlers bring drinks and fluff your cushions as you lounge by the pool. Relaxing in the hanging birdcage chairs is equally blissful.
We also enjoyed the hotel’s complimentary guided bike ride through a quiet Sri Lankan village, past a Buddhist temple, to a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea.
Take note
The Shangri-La is far from any other restaurants. It’s a destination resort, where (apart perhaps from doing a tour), you stay put at the resort.
And while the beach, streaked with different colors of burgundy and gold, is great for walks, it’s not safe for swimming.
Shangri-La Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa: Check rates and availability
Other beautiful hotels in Sri Lanka
14) Tri
No beach? No problem! This eco-luxury resort offers jaw-dropping views of tranquil Koggala Lake instead.
Get ready to be blown away by Tri’s stunning architecture. Crafted from recycled materials and cinnamon wood, this sustainable boutique hideaway is perfect for privacy seekers who crave both nature and indulgence.
Some villas have plunge pools. Mind you, the lake-edge infinity pool is heavenly enough.
Unwind with yoga and an Ayurvedic massage at the top-notch spa. Then finish off your day with a 6-course organic dinner guaranteed to gratify foodie palates.
Tri Lanka: Check rates and availability
15) Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Want to go glamping?
A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a luxurious tented camp located next to Yala National Park on a wild secluded beach.
After venturing out on safari (keep your eyes peeled for leopards and elephants!), take a dip in the huge freeform pool.
At night, retire to your tent (one of 28) shaped like a cocoon, with its teak floors, four-poster bed and freestanding copper bathtub. Each tent also has a private plunge pool.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge: Check rates and availability
That’s it for the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka!
As you can see, Sri Lanka offers many stylish accommodations – from tea plantation estates and modern beach retreats by the Indian Ocean to architect-designed safari camps with private pools.
These unique luxury escapes highlight the island’s diverse beauty. They certainly helped make our trip truly magical!
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Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is perfect for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Cruises: CruiseDirect offers amazing deals on cruises (including Holland America, Viking Ocean Cruises, Seabourn and other lines we’ve reviewed).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 2, 5, 7, 13, 15, 17 to 20, 22, 25, 26, 37, 45, 48, 50, 53, 54 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 1 Fortress Resort, Sri Lanka | Remaining photos courtesy of the respective hotels
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