From a hidden cave stay to Colombo’s newest jewel

Hotels Worth the Detour

2025’S NEW PLACES TO DISCOVER IN SRI LANKA

A trip to Sri Lanka, just to stay at these properties would be money well spent. In our eyes, these hotels are destinations upon themselves, warranting a dedicated stop in your itineraries. Unique accommodation, stellar service and oozing pure charm, each of these featured properties helps elevate Sri Lanka’s already illustrious hotel industry, raising the bar just that much further. We have curated a list of our favourites in 2025. These properties are relatively new and in addition to an amazing stay, you will have secured bragging rights. Watch out for updates as we continue adding properties set to open this year.

Hilton Yala Resort

A literal oasis bordering Sri Lanka’s largest national park, the Hilton Yala Resort is a masterclass in non-intrusive architecture, seamlessly blending in with Sri Lanka’s wild south. Roaming elephants, sand dunes and the rugged coast of Yala frame the perfect narrative for your romantic interlude.

The brand Hilton needs no introduction, but the Hilton Yala Resort has a habit of taking everything up a notch. The rooms are tastefully appointed and spacious, with the Premium Pool Villas possibly the largest rooms in all of Yala. With six accommodation options to choose from, each room boasts a host of amenities designed for luxurious comfort. The separate bathroom areas with large bathtubs and rain showers are a feature of every room.

Yala is all about safari and adventure and the property employes expert rangers geared to enhance the famous Yala Safari experience. Take a guided walk through the sand dunes or grab your cameras and capture the ‘Big Five’ of Yala: the Leopard, Elephant, Crocodile, Buffalo, Sloth Bear.

Not to be missed is the Eforea Spa. Expert therapists will whittle away the stress of the day, leaving you revitalised in both mind and body. We recommend a of two nights.

Location: Yala, Sri Lanka

W15 Ambuluwawa

A suburb of Gampola, Ambuluwawa is a short drive from the historic city of Kandy. While the famous Ambuluwawa Tower has put Gampola on the tourist map, it is W15 Ambuluwawa that elevates this town into a luxury honeymoon destination.

The hotel feels like something out of a fairy tale; an infinity pool off the edge of a mountain, the white décor and soft earth tones of the bungalow and ground to ceiling glass windows that let you watch the sunset in bed are just a few of the things that complete the almost ethereal ambiance of this property.

Each room boasts breathtaking views and springing a little extra for the Master Suite is completely worth it just for that gorgeous bathroom. The sky deck roof top terrace is possibly Sri Lanka’s most beautiful location for sundowners as you have a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. And not to be missed is W15’s very own W15 Spritz adding just the right flavour to end the perfect day.

The property is situated on the same mountain as the Ambuluwawa Tower and nature reserve, which also includes a man-made lake. We recommend a minimum of two nights.

Location: Gampola, Sri Lanka

ITC Ratnadipa

As tourists increasingly opt to hop on the Southern Expressway from the airport and head straight down to Sri Lanka’s tropical beaches, ITC Ratnadipa might just be that ‘X factor’, inviting them back to Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s first ITC luxury collection hotel, this 352-room LEED platinum-certified property is transforming the luxury scene in Colombo. Every space and experience has been carefully crafted to create a memorable and cherished experience for guests. Listen to soft jazz at the Ahasa bar while you sip on cocktails inspired by local flavours. Or swing-by The Islander, perched on the rooftop, this restaurant serves amazing seafood while you take in the breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. If fine dining is more in line with your palate, Avartana reinvent South Asian cuisine, presenting course after course from a carefully curated menu.

100 meters above ground, is their gorgeous infinity pool; sip sundowners and savour the spectacular orange hues of the sunset against Colombo’s skyline.
As with everything else, ITC Ratnadipa’s rooms have set the bar for luxury accommodation in Colombo. We recommend the ‘Tower Suite’, with its expansive views and tasteful décor. Honeymooners will love the sunken marble bath and large private balcony.

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Kahanda Kanda

Perched above the stunning Koggala Lake, Kahanda Kanda has been setting the benchmark for luxury in Sri Lanka for quite some time. 12 gorgeous suites and villas are nestled amid a working tea estate, set somewhat inland from the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The property is designed to offer complete privacy, magnificent views of the natural landscape and intimate experiences through personalized service.

Owned by the famous British interior designer George Cooper, each villa boasts its own style and theme. Frankly, we think multiple visits to experience each villa on its own would be worth it! For honeymooners the ‘Dubu’ Pool Villa would be ideal. Created in the style of a Javanese Joglo house, this villa offers a private swimming pool, a four-poster bed, rattan couches, window-seat daybeds, enchanting China, and a mini library.

Completely eco-conscious, the hotel offers a rainwater infinity pool and true farm-to-table dining experience as most fruits, herbs and vegetables served are grown in their own gardens. An extensive spa menu for wellness and rejuvenation helps completes the honeymoon experience.

If the beach is on your mind, don’t worry - Kahanda Kanda provides complimentary shuttles to its sister property, KK Beach, which is merely 18 minutes away.

Location: Koggala, Sri Lanka

Lunuganga

Lunuganga is a tranquil destination set on the shores of the pristine Dedduwa Lake in Bentota, approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Colombo. It was once the personal estate and passion project of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s legendary architect, who dedicated over forty years to lovingly restoring and transforming this formerly abandoned rubber estate into a lush tropical garden landscape.

Geoffrey’s former residence on the estate is now the hotel, with ten rooms and suites, each with its own distinctive character.

For most, a visit to Lunuganga is as close as one can get to entering the mind and seeing first-hand the vision of a creative genius. However, a stay at the Lunuganga Estate offers new perspective on Bawa’s vision through the spaces, décor, sculptures and other myriad touches that made this architect a global brand. The hotel’s infinity pool overlooking the stunning lake is a couple’s favourite.

Location: Bentota, Sri Lanka

The Cavern - Agrapathanana

The Cavern is a one of a kind in Sri Lanka. Nestled in the stunning Agrapathana region in the district of Nuwara Eliya, a rock cave in the sprawling 50-acre Totum estate was carefully converted into this stunning villa. Surrounded by a lush cloud forest it is not uncommon to see Sambar deer grazing in the distance from your doorstep.

Featuring three tastefully decorated suites and common areas modelled along the cave contours, this property is worth a minimum two-night stay. Floor-to-ceiling windows, an intimate fireplace and soft lighting that dances off the cave walls, creates an ambiance that awakens something primal.

The property features a mineral spring water-fed pool that is temperature controlled and equipped with spa jets. A yoga deck, elevated outdoor fire pit, sauna, and therapy room with an in-house therapist provide spaces, views, and relaxation to enhance your stay.

At The Cavern, couples will enjoy a unique experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul, with a working animal farm, a lush tea estate, plenty of hiking trails to explore, and an organic vegetable garden, all within the estate.

Location: Agrapathana, Sri Lanka

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