Looking for a dead easy tropical escape destination? Sri Lanka has a little something for every lad on the move: pristine beaches, great surf breaks, lush national parks, and a rich heritage. These savvy Sri Lanka hotels cater to every budget for blokes with the tropics on their minds.
Affordable Fun
If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday without breaking the bank, check into Hotel J (above), located in the beach resort town of Negombo, just 20 minutes from the international airport.
A cool, no-frills retreat, Hotel J offers 35 rooms with every basic amenity you need for a comfy stay (the ocean-facing rooms have massive private balconies overlooking the pool and beach), including air-conditioning, free wifi, cable TV and spacious bathrooms. The hotel’s sole suite even has a kitchenette if you feel like getting creative with the local spices.
Don’t forget to shake off the summer heat in the swimming pool before catching the cheapest happy hour this side of Karachi at the hotel’s rooftop bar, which boasts a stunning view of the Indian Ocean and a well-stocked bar.
Beachside Action
To enjoy the golden sands of Negombo in a more opulent style, book one of 75 Deluxe Rooms at Jetwing Beach. The property is operated by one of the largest Sri Lanka hotels groups, with resorts across the island. Decorated in earthy tones, each guest room offers a spacious bathroom with bathtub and separate rain shower; and a private terrace, the perfect spot from which to enjoy a sunset over the Indian Ocean with your significant other.
Continue the romance with a fine dining experience at Black Coral, famed for its wide selection of authentic Sri Lankan dishes, before treating your lady love to an Ayurvedic treatment at the spa while you to swim a few laps or hit the gym to train up your muscles for more important business.
Nature Lovers
Want to make an impression without sacrificing creature comforts? Jetwing Vil Uyana has the answer for you. Situated in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, this conservation project-meets-luxury eco-resort is only 5km away from the rock fortress of Sigiriya and boasts a unique approach to eco-living.
You can choose from five unique accommodation options, ranging from water villas to forest-dwelling, all of which are designed to blend in the fragile eco-system of the region.
Make sure to reserve a spot of Tree House Dining, which requires diners to climb up a ladder to reach a private treetop nook for a delicious feast for two; embark on an elephant watching safaris into the nearby Minneriya National Park, or join the resort’s resident naturalist in search of endangered slow lorises in the surrounding jungle.
Ultimate Privacy
For those seeking seclusion from the city’s hustle and bustle, the newly opened Cape Weligama, perched on natural slopes atop Weligama’s striking headland, is bound to impress.
Designed by one of Asia’s most celebrated architects, Lek Bunnag, the ultra-luxe retreat comprises only 39 private Residences and Master Rooms, all of which come with hot and cold running butler service; large terraces with dining and spa facilities; Sonos wireless audio systems with extensive music libraries; private steam rooms; and spacious bathrooms with stone bathtubs.
If you’re able to tear yourself away from your own little slice of paradise, electric buggies are available to carry you and your loved one for a little adventure around the resort; think savouring the day’s freshest catches at the ocean-facing De Mauny Restaurant or enjoying nightcaps under a canopy of stars at the Taylor Pavilion.
Peace of Mind
With a focus on sustainability and wellbeing, Tri Lanka is another new resort catering to urban warriors looking to soothe their minds and release stress.
Flanking peaceful Lake Koggala and featuring green roofs, solar hot water and recycled wood, Tri was created by British photographer Rob Drummond and his wife, Lara Baumann, and offers only ten contemporary suites, many of which boast private gardens, terraces or plunge pools.
The hotel also has a 21-metre infinity pool and a restaurant serving Sri Lankan classics with a modern twist. Leave time for an early morning yoga class, led by Lara, an acclaimed yoga instructor.
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