Globalista

Lying just north of the equator off the southeast coast of India, the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka has beguiled travellers for centuries. Marco Polo called it ‘the finest island of its size in all the world’, and countless traders, explorers and travellers have flocked there for the stunning beaches, jungles, mountains, Buddhist monasteries and temples that lie dotted all over the island. It is not much larger than Ireland, but has a surprising amount to see: from the leopards and wild elephants of the national parks to the colonial tea stations and ancient cities of yesteryear to the architecture of Geoffrey Bawa and the beach towns of today with their fabulously chic villas and hotels. For many years the country has been troubled by the conflict with the northern separatists and by the devastating tsunami of 2004 that ravaged much of the southern coast. But it remains a legendarily gentle (with the exception of the north) and friendly place, perfect for families and couples who will easily fall in love with its beauty and laid-back charm.

You can preview the Best Hotels featured in our Globalista Report below. Or buy the full Globalista Report for this destination, available at the bottom of the page.

Founded in 1864, the Galle Face Hotel's colonial appeal (grand pillared entrance, antique furnishings, verandas overlooking palm-fringed lush lawns) has kept the hotel busy for decades. There’s an air of faded grandeur and in places the hotel is a little tatty, but the renovated Regency Wing is absolutely lovely with 82 rooms, some with four-poster beds and Jacuzzis; the Oceanic Spa Suites are best.

The super-slick Casa Colombo is a gorgeous heritage property turned 12-room hotel by architect-owner Lalin Jinasensa. The design is flamboyant, but may not be to everyone’s taste – the bright pink swimming pool surrounded by translucent loungers is certainly a talking point.

Tintagel, once the home of Prime Ministers Solomon Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Bandaranaike, is seeped in history. It was turned into a gorgeous 10-suite hotel in 2005, with sumptuously decorated rooms, a lovely lap pool, a small spa and two excellent restaurants.

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Globalista's Pick of the Press

28 February 2009 - The Financial Times - Off Sri Lanka's coast
18 October 2008 - The Times - 6 wintersun breaks at the hottest prices
21 September 2008 - The Times - Your complete guide to Galle Fort
16 August 2008 - The Guardian - Sri Lanka beach

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