The best hotels in Sri Lanka for the perfect Indian Ocean getaway

Fancy waking up to jungle forested mountain vistas covered in magical rolling fog? This collection of luxe mountainside tents is dotted around the wild, secluded greenery near the UNESCO Knuckles Mountain Range, each one is kitted out with hardwood floors, king-sized beds, ensuites with rolltop baths and wrap-around terraces where you can have breakfast looking out over the Sri Lankan countryside. There’s an infinity swimming pool, for top-notch Insta shots, you can book personalised spa packages at the onsite wellness centre, and the bar and restaurant serve dishes with organic vegetables picked in the hotel garden. 

Mood? Wilderness luxury. 
Location perks? Right in the heart of a UNESCO-certified mountain range.
Budget range? Super affordable.
Time Out tip: Ask staff to arrange trekking and day trips, as well as campfires and visits to the nearby tea factory. 

Kurulu Bay, Sinhalese for ‘bird island’, describes itself as a ‘private sanctuary’. Its chic and minimalist, but cosy buildings overlook Koggala Lake – one of the largest in the country and filled with sea turtles. The 14 suites and cottages are surrounded by lush jungle greenery, while inside you’ll find calming cream interiors accentuated with art deco and blonde wood furniture. On-site restaurant ‘The Kitchen’, serves up ‘sea-to-table’ which you can eat alfresco underneath trees filled with playing monkies. Or, sit by the lake-side pool with a cocktail. 

Mood? Scandi-style chic on Sri Lanka’s south coast. 
Location perks? Views of Koggala Lake and a short walk from both Ahangama Beach and Kathaluwa West Beach. 
Budget range? High end.
Time Out tip: Treat yourself to a spa day for the ultimate relaxation sesh. 

Nestled in an isolated patch of the Sri Lankan jungle, Gal Oya Lodge lets you explore one of the most remote and least-visited parts of the country. The palm leaf-thatched, bamboo-walled huts have four-poster beds hung with dreamy white gauze, open rainfall showers, furniture made by local villagers and terraces where you can sit and look at the misty mountains beyond. Swim in the shadow of Monkey Mountain in the outdoor pool and feast on plates made from home-grown herbs and vegetables grown on neighbouring village farms. As you’d expect the place also has sterling eco-credentials including energy conservation and sustainable materials. 

Mood? A luxe getaway for adventurers. 
Location perks? In the middle of the Gal Oya National Park, perfect for trekking and wildlife spotting. 
Budget range? High end.
Time Out tip: The main draw here is the experiences on offer. Hotel staff will help arrange walks, wildlife visits and tours with local village chiefs.   

The Cinnamon Grand Hotel is a hive of activity exuding an energetic and lively atmosphere; giving it an air of ‘the place to be’. Rooms of various categories (including a swish executive floor) are located in two wings in the quiet section of this opulent five-star hotel. There are 14 restaurants and bars differing in style from elegant dining in a genuine 1970’s cellar grill restaurant to eating in a flourishing fish market as well as Italian and Indian restaurants, a Noodle Parlour and a re-creation of a traditional rural village for local dishes. The Crescat Shopping Centre and Angsana Spa and gymnasium, are within the hotel compound.

Mood? Eclectic luxury. 
Location perks? In the centre of Colombo right next to landmark shopping complex Crestcat Boulevard. 
Budget range? A range of options.
Time Out tip: There are a veritable goldmine of dining options here, but we particularly love Chutneys, filled with spicy aromas and where you can order signature Indian dishes.

Tintagel lends itself to the discerning traveller seeking comfort, seclusion and exclusivity. The 1930s building opened its doors as a hotel in 2007 and, since then, has established itself as a top-notch boutique hotel in the prestigious residential area of Rosmead Place. The colonial-style building has a palatial air outfitted with modern amenities and plush comforts. Tintagel’s discerning taste extends to the cuisine, serving fusion dishes be it authentic Sri Lankan or Italian.

Mood? Colonial-style boutique. 
Location perks? A private, walled retreat with pool and gardens. 
Budget range? High-end.
Time Out tip: Take a dip in the hotel’s private pool within a secluded walled courtyard surrounded by beautiful stone statues and palatial ceilings.

Theva is a modern resort located in Kandy, which is gaining popularity for its simple yet alluring charm. Accommodation is in suites, deluxe, and superior rooms, and there’s a penthouse if you really want to splash out, all with minor differences in views and availability of balconies. The tiled rooms have a modern, sleek appearance and the superior rooms have white décor with dashes of vibrant colour. Georgian windows look out on a spectacular view and there are plenty of facilities for a recreational holiday are available. 

Mood? Tropical bohemian paradise. 
Location perks? Right on the slopes of the Hantana mountain range.
Budget range? Mid-range.
Time Out tip: The hotel’s glorious infinity pool is perfect for sun-drenched holiday snaps with the mountainous jungle in the background.

This riverside guesthouse is filled with intricately designed aesthetic furniture and beautifully simple comfortable plush sofas. The living room extends into the spacious and creatively designed dining room with a large dining table set with neatly embellished cutlery and crockery. Guests can choose from a large spectrum of delectable dishes to pamper their taste buds. The friendly staff is one of the main reasons several guests revisit the Villa, and the swimming pool is perfect for a morning dip, or afternoon swim with family and friends with views od the elegant, well-manicured lush garden. It’s an intimate spot with four bedrooms: two placed symmetrically on either side of the dining area, each with its own private entrance and offering necessary facilities, en-suite bathroom equipment with rain showers and aromatic bath amenities. 

Mood? Laidback and intimate. 
Location perks? Right next to Bentota Lake. 
Budget range? High-end.
Time Out tip: Watersports such as boat riding, kayaking, jet skiing and windsurfing are organised by the staff on request.

Set in shady, tranquil gardens close to the sacred town of Kataragama in Sri Lanka’s south-east, this bright, airy hotel has 52 well-appointed, fully air-conditioned rooms which are spacious and cosy with tastefully furnished facilities including satellite TV, telephones with IDD facilities, in-house movies and mini bar. Make a beeline for the swimming pool, which is the largest in the region with a novel underwater music system. 

Mood? Slick and comfortable. 
Location perks? Yala and Bundala are within easy distance, as is Yala National Park for wildlife spotting trips. 
Budget range? Affordable.
Time Out tip: Check out the ayurveda spa for traditional and signature treatments after a long day’s sight-seeing. 

The Peacock Reach Hotel has a welcoming ambience thanks to the friendly staff and comfortable lobby lounge. The main dining room, the Monara Restaurant, serves Sri Lankan and international cuisines in a buffet style,
while the rooms are minimal but comfortable, with tiled floors, dark wood furniture and ocean views.

Mood? Family-friendly fun zone. 
Location perks? Next to Kirinda beach with ocean views from the rooms.
Budget range? Super affordable.
Time Out tip: The palm-tree-lined swimming pool is the perfect place to while away a sunny day.