The Wallawwa almost certainly will not have been on your list of ideas, but we include it so you know that when you get off your 10 hour flight from London, you've got a magical sanctuary to recover in. Just minutes from the airport, the beaches of Negombo and the city of Colombo, The Wallawwa is not your average airport hotel. This boutique gem is a destination in itself with stylish rooms, spa, glorious garden, mouth watering food and an exquisite atmosphere. The Wallawwa is a luxury private hideaway and the perfect start, middle or end to any visit to this enchanting island.

Romantic, tropical boutique hotel filled with original colonial antiques, set on a stunning beach on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, and just a couple of hours from Colombo airport - making this beach retreat another great hideaway that's ideal at the start or finish to your holiday in Sri Lanka. With just 7 suites, Reef Villa & Spa is a gorgeous adult bolt hole.

Dating back to 1764, this sophisticated manor house exudes colonial elegance with soft contemporary touches. With only 12 rooms and suites, this boutique property was once the official residence of the British Admiral of the Peninsula and is now a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, making Tamarind Hill an excellent base from which to explore the fascinating city of Galle, a UNESCO Heritage site.

Cape Weligama is a luxury resort - perfect for both families and couples - located on the south coast about 30 minutes from historic Galle. With jaw-dropping views over the Indian Ocean, Cape Weligama is set within 5 hectares of beautiful gardens and is one of the best hotels in Sri Lanka, with an extensive range of facilities and services.

Luxurious and contemporary beach front resort (part of the Aman Resorts collection) with just 30 gorgeous suites, all with private pools. Overlooking pristine beaches and the Indian Ocean, situated on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, Amanwella is a truly chic retreat. With its laid back atmosphere and exemplary service, it's the perfect place to relax and unwind - but all this serene luxury and first class service comes at a price!

Hidden on a rocky outcrop along a secluded stretch of Sri Lanka's southernmost coastline, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is set amidst a coconut plantation and golden beaches with wonderful Indian Ocean views. This luxury beach resort, classical in design and inspired by traditional Sri Lankan architecture, is perfect for both couples and families.

Bordering Yala National Park, Cinnamon Wild has been created to reflect a nostalgic game lodge, with a rustic chic, contemporary ambience that blends seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. Cinnamon Wild Yala is an excellent option for those who wish to experience the beaches and wildlife of Yala National Park but would prefer to not to camp. Children are welcome. They'll love spotting leopard and families of elephant as much as the grown ups!

Ceylon Tea Trails is located in south central Sri Lanka, a couple of hours south of Kandy. It consists of five colonial bungalows scattered around Castlereagh Lake which have been converted into luxurious lodges. It's the first Relais & Châteaux hideaway in Sri Lanka and the atmosphere at each bungalow is more akin to a house party than a hotel. The scenery is spectacular and you can walk between the bungalows or simply relax in the beautiful gardens or beside your pool. The unique Tea Experience tour with the tea planter in residence is a real highlight and will show you the wonders of Camellia Sinensis (the botanical name for tea). Enjoy a cuppa at Ceylon Tea Trails 

Set on a hillside, overlooking the luscious Hunnasgiriya Mountains, Kings Pavilion offers ultimate relaxation within an idyllic tropical haven - yet it's just a mile from the centre of Kandy. Around this delightful boutique hotel you can explore great stretches of scenery on gentle afternoon hikes or sit back and enjoy them from the spectacular infinity pool. You can also find inner harmony at the private spa at Kings Pavilion Kandy

Spanning over 100 acres, Santani is Sri Lanka's finest Ayurvedic spa and wellness retreat, specialising in anti-ageing, detox and weight loss programmes. It's a peaceful haven enveloped by an abundance of natural beauty: a place to re-connect, slow the pace and gain perspective. Tucked away in the hills, this hideaway is an hour from the sacred and historic city of Kandy in the heart of the Hill Country. Santani Wellness Retreat

Overlooking Sigiriya rock, set within 23 acres of abandoned paddy fields, Vil Uyana is a stilted resort with a modern Thai/Balinese style and a wonderful haven for those who wish to escape to nature and be pampered in luxurious comfort. Located a couple of hours drive north of Kandy, Vil Uyana is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and makes a lovely boutique hideaway perfectly positioned for exploring the Cultural Triangle 

Jungle Beach is a relaxed eco-retreat set in shrub jungle close to the remote village of Kuchchaveli on the north east coast, about 30 minutes north of Trincomalee. This Robinson Crusoe type idyll sits on a near-deserted beach, with a treehouse-style restaurant and bar threaded through with exotic foliage, and castaway-chic villas cloaked by mangroves – perfect for privacy-seeking couples and families with older children. Head to Jungle Beach

For inspiration, why not take a look at our suggestion for a 13 night luxury tailor-made journey combining the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Ceylon Tea Trails, Galle and Wadduwa. This itinerary can easily be amended to suit you or our Sri Lanka specialists can create a completely different tailor-made holiday, of any duration, for you...

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