We’ve discovered all the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka for your next vacation

You’ve probably noticed that we have a thing for design-led properties here at The Hotel Journal. From urban centres like Tokyo and Hong Kong to tropical getaways such as Phuket and Phu Quoc, we’re always on the hunt for the sleekest resorts, hotels, and B&Bs to add to your next holiday. For this very reason, we’ve put together an ultimate guide to the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka for when you next visit this jewel in the Indian Ocean.

The best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka

1. Galle Face Hotel | Colombo

When you land in the nation’s capital, treat yourself to a few nights at the stunning Galle Face Hotel. Originally built in 1864, this heritage boutique hotel faces the ocean, so many rooms and suites offer superb views.

Spend time in the city’s only salt-water swimming pool, visit the private museum on the second floor, and enjoy sampling some of the best cuisine and cocktails in Colombo. Don’t miss scheduling a tour with the hotel’s historian or having a game of croquet on the lawn, plus The Galle Face Hotel Spa by L’OCCITANE is always available for post-exploring relaxation.

Take a look at our guide to the best boutique hotels in Colombo too.

Find out more about Galle Face Hotel or Book through Booking.com

2. Santani Wellness Resort & Spa | Kandy

If it’s a boutique wellness offering that you’re after, look no further than Santani Wellness Resort & Spa. There’s a reason that this stunning property also makes our list of best hotel architecture. The contemporary chalets are surrounded by greenery to enhance your wellbeing with minimalist interior design to let nature do the talking.

Equipped with state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facilities, book yourself in for one of their many Ayurveda, yoga, or detox packages. Nourish your body and sample a selection of local and international cuisine during your stay, and don’t forget to spend some quality time by the pool.

Read our full story on the best design hotels in Kandy.

Find out more about Santani Wellness Resort & Spa or Book through Booking.com

3. Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes | Trincomalee

If you’ve always dreamed of staying in a luxe treehouse, then you need to discover Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes. This coastal resort is surrounded by flora and fauna making it the perfect spot for complete relaxation or fun-filled adventures.

Once you’ve finished luxuriating at the beach and being massaged at the spa, head out for a spot of dolphin watching or take in the views on the local cycling trails. Dinner can be enjoyed at the resort’s restaurant or privately in your room, plus the jungle pool is not to be missed.

Read our full story on the best boutique hotels in Trincomalee.

Find out more about Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes or Book through Booking.com

4. Kalukanda House | Weligama

Nestled in Weligama to the south, Kalukanda House is a luxe villa that puts an emphasis on purposeful slow travel. Home to just four double bedrooms, you’ll fall in love with the colonial architecture, four-poster beds, and attention to detail here.

Learn to surf at some of the best breaks in Sri Lanka or enjoy a day out on safari nearby. Best of all, a portion of all revenue made from guest stays goes to Their Future Today, a charity that helps families out of poverty and the education expenses for young girls.

Find out more about Kalukanda House

5. The Kip | Ahangama

A former fisherman’s house, The Kip has been transformed into a gorgeous four-room B&B. We love the fact that it’s super close to a secluded beach and surrounded by verdant jungle, so you can get a dose of pure escapism. Rooms are minimal with loads of natural touches and odes to Sri Lanka on show throughout.

Sustainability is hugely important here. Guests can enjoy local produce from the shared table or shop a selection of artisanal products from around Sri Lanka. Don’t miss a trip to The Kip Cafe where you can sample delights made from the veggie patch.

Take a look at our full guide to best eco-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka.

Find out more about The Kip or Book through Booking.com

6. Gal Oya Lodge | Gal Oya National Park

If it’s a slice of the Sri Lankan wilderness that you’re after, then we can’t recommend Gal Oya Lodge highly enough. Nestled on the fringes of the expansive Gal Oya National Park, a stay here allows guests to get close to nature through a range of experiences including Boat Safaris, and Jungle Drives.

The lodge itself was designed using a range of local materials, connecting the architecture to the site with a humble sense of place. The bungalows are spread across the grounds and allow easy acccess to the pool, bar, and restaurant.

Discover more about Gal Oya Lodge orBook through Booking.com

7. The Villa Bentota | Bentota

Just a short drive from Colombo, The Villa Bentota sits on two acres of land and was Sri Lanka’s first boutique hotel. Converted into accommodation in the 1970s by acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa, in 2007, the property was refurbished thanks to the delicate hands of Udayshanth Fernando.

Home to just 15 individually designed guestrooms, expect lots of stripes, dark woods, and natural finishes here. Spend time on the coconut palm filled lawn, bliss out at one of the two swimming pools, dine at The Villa Café or peruse the onsite art gallery.

Learn more about The Villa Bentota or Book through Booking.com

8. Kahanda Kanda | Galle

Kahanda Kanda blends culture with ultimate luxury and refined wellness. Stay at one of the 12 unique villas and settle in for some exquisite relaxation. Each villa was inspired by local culture and features antiques and art by regional makers.

The cuisine features fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs grown on the estate, with meal times at your discretion. Enjoy a cooking class from one of the hotel’s chefs, spend time by the pool, explore the tea estate or book in for a massage at the spa. The hotel is also just a short ride away from UNESCO world heritage site Galle Fort.

Discover more about Kahanda Kanda or Book through Booking.com

9. The Last House | Tangalle

Originally designed by beloved Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, The Last House is the perfect beach house with direct access to the Indian Ocean. Offering just five rooms, guests will fall in love with the breezy, barefoot luxe vibes here, complete with a blend of antique and contemporary crafts and curios.

Opt for your own personal bbq on the beach on sample fresh local cuisine. A range of experiences can be arranged, including massages, yoga sessions, surf lessons, and day excursions to neighbouring temples.

Find out more about The Last House or Book through Booking.com

10. Tri | Lake Koggala

In the heart of southern Sri Lanka, Tri is a stunning  and secluded boutique hotel with exquisite design detailing. Nature lovers will quickly fall in love with this location that was designed by architect Raefer Wallis  to envelop the existing topography, leaving all existing trees untouched.

The property offers a range of accommodation options from rooms inside the Water Tower to Villas and Suites complete with private pools. We adore the modern Sunset Villas with Pool that allow epic sunset and lake views.

At the breezy restaurant, dishes, both local and international are crafted from the freshest local ingredients. There’s a Signature Spa for when you need some pampering plus a Yoga Shala where you can drop-in for a range of classes.

Learn more about Tri or Book through Booking.com

11. Nine Skies | Demodera, Ella

If you’re looking for somewhere stunning to stay close by the famed Nine Arch Railway Bridge, then Nine Skies is the perfect spot for you. The refurbished former tea bungalow is now a luxe five-bedroom hotel complete with butlers and epic views across the surrounding valley.

Each room is finished with a blend of period and custom-made furnishings and private terraces from which to enjoy the elegant garden. Enjoy a hearty daily breakfast and a range of local delights at the restaurant, or even better, take a Sri Lankan cooking class and then enjoy your creations.

Learn more about Nine Skies or Book through Booking.com

12. Kumu Beach | Balapitiya

Ideally located on the tropical southwest coast of the country, Kumu Beach is one of our favourite boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. We love that it’s home to just 10 rooms, which gives a really intimate vibe to your stay, and this coupled with the attentive nature of the team makes it a truly special experience.

This is where we go when we want to switch off and relax, with an ‘open-air living’ feeling across the resort. Three room types offer both ocean or garden views, plus the 23-metre pool provides sun loungers for moments of quiet relaxation.

Afternoon tea and G&Ts are complimentary during your stay plus a selection of wellness treatments can be arranged at any time.

Find out more about Kumu Beach or Book through Booking.com

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