Sri Lanka
A trip for lovers of luxury and spectacular cuisine. Explore Sri Lanka's ancient cities, climb the magnificent Sigiriya rock and pilgrimage site, Adam's Peak. Trek among lush, green tea fields as we bungalow hop in style. Discover Sri Lanka's south coast paradise by bicycle.
Luxury adventure
Be seduced by the spices, fresh flavours and aromas of Sri Lankan cuisine and rest your head in luxury accommodation of the highest order, from an antique manor house replete with infinity pool to a boutique hotel with private plunge pools, to colonial-era luxury bungalows. Most days of your Sri Lankan luxury adventure will include a moderate amount of trekking, climbing or cycling, and ample time for taking in spectacular sights and new cultures.
Ancient cities and wildlife
The UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient city of Polonnaruwa is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. The royal capital of the ancient Sinhalese and Chola kingdoms between the 11th and 13th centuries, Polonnaruwa was once a thriving commercial and religious centre, which contained royal palaces, bathing ponds, monasteries, dagobas, and image houses. Shaded by sprawling trees, we explore the stunning ruins on foot before swapping archaeology for a wildlife safari to make our way to Minneriya National Park in search of its famous herds of elephants. At the end of the day we unwind around an over-water bar, continue our magical discovery of Sri Lankan cuisine, and retire in style.
Trekking in the tea fields
Known as "The Golden Valley" on account of its verdant tea bushes, the Bogawantalawa Valley is situated at an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level and is famous for tea. Rolling hills carpeted with lush, green plantations of tea, tall eucalypts, and colourfully clad tea pluckers together paint one of Sri Lanka's most scenic landscapes. Spread throughout the valley are four classic colonial bungalows – originally built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, they have been beautifully restored. With a cool mountain climate, trekking is the ideal way to experience the rhythm of life in tea country – moving from bungalow to bungalow, we follow the trails of the planters of old Ceylon. Luxury comforts and seasonally inspired dishes from our executive chef await us at the end of each day.
Cycle and climb the magnificent Sigiriya rock
Home to five of Sri Lanka's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sri Lanka's cultural triangle comprises one of the most important archaeological grounds in the world. A highlight of this area is the magnificent Sigiriya rock. Believed to have been home to a royal palace in the 4th century, this natural rock formation rises to 370 metres, surrounded by a moat and flanked by gardens and ponds. Cycling is the perfect way to explore the famous rock and its idyllic surrounds. Our climb is rewarded with glimpses of exquisite ancient frescoes and, at the summit, spectacular views over the surrounding plains. At the end of the day's luxury adventure we return to our luxury boutique lodgings and begin our discovery of superb local Sri Lankan cuisine.
Join the pilgrims to Adam's Peak
With a sparkling trail of lights illuminating our way in the pre-dawn darkness, we join Buddhist pilgrims on their journey to the sacred Sri Pada, or Adam's Peak (2243m). Sri Lanka's holiest mountain, Adam's Peak has been a site of pilgrimage for over one thousand years, with every good Buddhist expected to make the journey at least once in their life. Most of the country's religions claim it as the site where Adam, Buddha, Shiva, and St Thomas came to earth. Joining this ancient pilgrimage, we set out early and following a path of flickering lights arrive at the peak in time to witness the sunrise over Sri Lanka's spectacular hill country.
Cycle Sri Lanka's south-coast paradise
Southern Sri Lanka's heady mix of idyllic Indian Ocean beaches, swaying coconut trees, lush green rice paddies, and crumbling Dutch-colonial architecture ignites all the senses. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 17th century, the Galle Fort's amazing collection of colonial buildings, surrounding ramparts, and artisan vendors makes it the perfect base for our cycling discovery. Taking the scenic rural backroads, we pass by villages, tea and spice plantations, paddy fields, coconut groves, and temples, and soak up Sri Lanka's intoxicating south coast. Lunch at an exquisite private villa one day and an organic farm the next. A swim and sunset cocktails at Wijaya Beach round out this magical experience. Each night we enjoy dinner in stylish yet relaxed settings at our favourite Galle restaurants.
