THE PEARLS OF SERENDIP

On arrival into Colombo airport, you will be transported to Sri Lanka’s 17th century Dutch Fort of Negombo where you will stay at the beautifully restored colonial manor of The Wallawwa. Unwind after your long flight with a gentle swim in the pool in the hotels secluded tropical gardens, or, head to the Z Spa for a revitalising treatment. 

Find your Sri Lankan feet with a gentle stroll around town taking in the local fishing community and old architecture from its colonial past. Heavily dominated by the Christian faith make a visit to St. Mary's Church, a lavish 12th Century Roman Catholic church, or visit the local fish market to awaken your senses. 

Once you have found your feet you will be transported to Sri Lanka’s vibrant and cultural heart, Kandy, where you will stay amongst the scenic country side and lush tropical of The Kandy House.  Once a colonial manor house from the early 1800s the hotel still retains a homely atmosphere which lends itself perfectly to rlaxation after a day of exploring. 

You’ll be taken on a tour of the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth, where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4th Century A.D, trek the knuckles forest range taking in the spectacular sights of the mountain range and finally visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, accompanied by a botanist, to learn more about Sri Lanka's flora and fauna. 

Heading into the cooling hills of Hatton, your next two nights will revolve around Sri Lanka’s fragrant tea. You’ll stay in the Ceylon Tea Trails beautiful bungalows, which are poised high above Castlereagh Lake with views down over the tea fields of the Dunkeld estate. Here you’ll enjoy high tea on the lush lawns with fresh-out-of-the-oven baked goodies, spend the afternoon in the divine spa soaking up the tea-infused essentials oils with a massage and then go on an exclusive experience with the resident tea planter, who will demonstrate the age-old tea making process. Having walked along the straight rows of the plantation and wandered through the jungle foliage surrounding the estate, you can then cool down in the scenic infinity pool, get wet by going white water rafting or enjoy a refreshing drink on the veranda.

From Hatton, you’ll take a seaplane to Galle and stay in its very heart at the stately Amangalla. Built within the 17th century fort walls of this colonial harbour town, Amangalla is wonderfully evocative with its antiques and genteel dining room, and here you can relax beside its courtyard pool, and treat yourself to yet more spa treatments.

During your stay discover the flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine with a visit to a local market  to see the wide array of tropical fruit and vegetables on offer, then get a hands-on cooking experience in the traditional setting of a wattle and daub mud hut. The end product is a feast of eight unique dishes served in a lotus leaf which you can eat local-style with your fingers if you are up for the challenge!

For a touch of history enjoy an exclusive morning walking tour of Galle Fort accompanied by resident author, historian and photographer Juliet Combe.

With secluded beaches and a laid back beach vibe, Tangalle is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. With long stretches of deserted coastline Tangalle really is the place to get away from it all and indulge in forget-about-everything lounging.

Your last three nights will be spent in a coconut palm-fringed cove at the tranquil yet contemporary Amanwella. With only 30 suites Amanwella is for the privileged few, and with exceptional levels of service and attention to detail you'll not want to leave. For a sense of adventure join one of the hotel's wildlife walks exploring the local surroundings and landscape, or grab your snorkel and explore the underwater marine life unique to this region - get your timing right and you maybe joined in the ocean by a float of whales. If that all sounds like too much action, head to the outstanding Aman Spa and enjoy a massage for the ultimate relaxation.