Sri Lankan retreats: From sustainable hotels to tented resorts
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With its living walls and roofs, solar panels, and recycled materials, the new Tri is one of Sri Lanka's first sustainable hotels. The property, which is due to open in mid-December, is made up of a main house and 11 suites, set around Lake Koggala on the island's south coast. The hotel is built around a looming central water tower, from which guests can take in a 360-degree view. The multi-tiered main house is open-plan, with large sunbathing terraces and a pool on the upper level, and indoor and outdoor dining areas on the lower level, all with lake views. The 11 suites feature contemporary interiors, while the wooden doors, flooring, and cladding are all crafted from recycled local materials.
Koggala Lake, Galle (00 94 777 485 132; trilanka.com). Doubles from $250 (£167) half-board.
Cape Weligama, Weligama
Modelled on a traditional Sri Lankan village, this terracotta-roof topped resort is on a headland jutting out into the Indian Ocean. It's made up of 39 residences, all set behind eight stone-ringed gardens. Each garden comes with its own 15-metre pool, shared between two or three residences. Inside, the rooms are generous, with free-standing tubs, and private verandas. Activities include diving, surfing, yoga, whale-watching, or simply taking high tea.
Weligama, Sri Lanka (00 94 11 7 745700; capeweligama.com) Doubles from US$710 (£471), all-inclusive.
Dolphin Beach, Kalpitiya
On the north-west coast, Dolphin Beach claims to be Sri Lanka's first tented resort. The seven tents are made from natural materials and all feature sea-facing verandas with large sofas, hammocks and deck chairs, while the interiors are decorated with mirrored fabrics and have double beds. Each comes with its own private bathroom. There is also an infinity pool and a beachfront dining deck overlooking the Laccadive Sea.
Dolphin Beach Resort, Illanthadiya, Kalpitiya (00 94 32 738 8050; dolphinbeach.lk). Doubles from $100 per night, B&B.
Chena Huts, Yala National Park
Set to open in January, these luxury huts are the latest addition to Uga Escapes' portfolio. Neighbouring Yala National Park, the detached, thatched cabins are tucked away among the trees. They offer views of the surrounding wilderness and seascape, as well as private swimming pools, individual decking areas, and contemporary décor. A cocktail bar and restaurant are also only a short walk away.
Diyabunwala Kele, Yala, Tissamaharama Palatupana (00 94 11 2331 322; ugaescapes.com/chenahuts). Cabins from £650 all inclusive per night.
Villa Maggona, Maggona
This family-friendly holiday home on Sri Lanka's west coast has four bedrooms, each of which opens out on to a shared veranda overlooking the swimming pool. There is a full kitchen but this isn't your standard self-catering villa – there are staff on hand, including a chef. The decor is simple and has an Asian theme that employs stone floors, wicker furniture, and low-slung beds.
Galle Road, Maggona (00 94 777 486 866; villamaggona.com). Doubles from $350 (£232) per night, full-board.
Soul and Surf, Ahangama
This brand new resort offers a combination of yoga sessions and surf coaching, as well as Pranayama meditation. Guests stay in one of nine rooms set in two riverside villas, between Galle and Weligama Bay. They are surrounded by tropical gardens and at their centre are two swimming pools. The decor is relaxed with flagstone floors and colourful artwork. Communal dinners are taken in the villas, and the resort also has a number of treatment rooms.
Duwa Villas, Ahangama (00 94 777 695 870; soulandsurf.com). A week-long retreat costs from £775, B&B.
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