Top 12 Luxury Resorts in Sri Lanka to Visit in 2022

Santani Wellness Resort is the first and only purpose-built wellness resort in Sri Lanka. Named for the Sanskrit word meaning “in harmony with,” Santani stands for a sustainable luxury retreat in one of the world’s lushest environments. The minimalistic open architecture of the resort embodies a holistic approach to your wellness, allowing nature to lull you back to life. A vacation on the hillside is a must among the things not to miss in Sri Lanka. Located 32 km away from the country's sacred city, Kandy, Santani sits on 48 acres of land on a hilltop embodying the purity and tranquillity of the surrounding natural environment. True to their vision, Santani takes your wellbeing and recovery to the next level by providing yoga, meditation, spa, sauna, salt bath and Ayurveda treatments. The guests can simply choose a wellness package or pick a spa treatment of their choice. They also encourage digital detox at the resort where the internet is accessible only in the communal space. They truly bring about the essence of recovering and rejuvenating amidst nature to life. The premises consists of 20 chalet-style rooms with an ensuite bathroom equipped with rain showers and private balconies. The 16m infinity pool is ideal to both get a quick workout in the evening or just lounge while watching a scenic sunset. The menu is extensive with carefully curated nutritious gourmet food and non-alcoholic beverages. Food can be customized for those who choose a wellness package. You can also hike the surrounding area and explore the flora and fauna. If you are looking for the best luxury resort in Kandy, Santani is your one and only choice. Their wellness packages begin at $440. They also have exclusive offers for several packages!

Aarunya, meaning first rays of the sun in Sanskrit, is an award-winning collection of luxury private villas located on a mountain top surrounded by spice and tea gardens in the central province. The resort consists of 6 private villas scattered over 7 acres of area on the mountain top with an infinity pool overlooking the world-famous UNESCO heritage site Knuckles mountain range. With magnificent views, it’s just an hour's ride away from Kandy and Dambulla towns. Their carefully curated packages include complimentary meals, cocktails, guided nature walks and spa treatments. Prices per night begin at $450. Just 20 minutes away from Kandy railway station, it is convenient to visit nearby tourist attractions.

An exclusively designed luxury resort to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka’s breathtaking scenic hills. Located in Kandy, just 17 km away from the famous Botanical Gardens of Kandy, this resort provides you accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge. The scenic hillside and its stunning views along with heartwarming hospitality assure you of a well-spent holiday experience. From having a casual outdoor get together to host a destination wedding, Green Acres has got you covered. Booking ranges from $120 to $150 per night.

Built amidst 37 acres of luscious forest area, Cinnamon Lodge offers luxurious accommodation to explore wildlife and man-made sites. It is located in Habarana allowing you to be in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. The suites and rooms are scattered around the property in two-storied buildings with the former being bigger in space and featuring a private terrace or balcony. We recommend you hire a bike and explore the wilderness around or go on a guided bird watching tour to spot some of the famous bird species on the island. Habarana is roughly about 4 hours drive from Colombo. The resort is situated at the edge of a beautiful lake and closer to the historical sites such as Sigiriya, Minneriya lake and Dambulla cave temple. Their packages have attractive early bird offers starting from $174 per night.

Water Garden Sigiriya is located in a national park in Kimbissa. It is approximately a 3 hours drive from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo. Their fully equipped luxury villas are partially submerged in water while overlooking Sigirya Fortress. The resort is only half an hour's drive away from famous tourist spots like Pidurangala rock and Dambulla cave temple. If history and culture are your interests, you can visit the Sigirya museum and explore the ancient city of Sigiriya which is only a 7 minutes drive away from the resort. Water Garden offers early bird discounts of up to 20%. If you want to experience luxury while exploring internationally famous historical sites we suggest you book your stay here.

With a name that refers to a garden of lakes, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a tribute to Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural history. Designed with sustainable architecture in mind, this resort is truly an ecological luxury. Vil Uyana is located in Sigirya near the famous landmark in Sri Lanka, the Sigiriya Fortress. The resort, only five hours away from Colombo by road, provides you with an escape into nature in a luxury accommodation in the wetlands which is one of the five distinct habitats of the island. It is a perfect place to recharge for those who love to be closer to flora and fauna yet enjoy the comfortable amenities of a luxury hotel. If you are an animal lover, their curated safari and excursions into the wild reserves are highly recommended. The chalet-style rooms, the communal plunge pool and spectacular views of surrounding paddy fields are some of the top preferences of tourists.

Jungle Beach is situated in Kuchchaveli, on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It’s just a half an hour's drive from Trincomalee town. The resort stands for what the name suggests: beaches and adjoining jungles. It is a tropical paradise for beach lovers. The resort has chalets equipped with outdoor rain showers, private decks and private pools. Jungle Beach both looks and feels like a luxurious treehouse. Nestled between the beautiful Indian ocean and a lagoon, this is the most private beach property and the best resort for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka. Their chalets begin at $150 per night for two. Whether it is relaxing by the beach or visiting famous spots like Lover’s leap, Koneshwaram temple or hot springs, Uga Jungle beach acts as the ideal base for your vacation. Drinking and dining are also bountiful with plenty of options ranging from authentic Sri Lankan seafood to international cuisines.

Only an hour by road from Bandaranaike International Airport, Avani Kalutara resort is located in the Kalutara district. Sandwiched between the ocean and the Kalu Ganga river, Avani is the best luxury resort on the western coast. They’ve recently unveiled a new look inspired by the world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, giving the resort a contemporary, swanky vibe. Surrounded by water from three sides and jungle on the fourth, their suites and rooms come with mesmerising ocean views and tropical charm. Their rates begin from $120 per night for two people. You can engage in water sports, archery, fishing in the lake or take cooking lessons and also indulge yourself in the exploration of the Brief garden by Bevis Bawa and explore the famous Lunuganga estate, home of late Geoffrey Bawa.

Anantara Tangalle sits on the southernmost coast of Sri Lanka in the Hambantota district, overlooking the sandy shores of the Indian Ocean. A 2.5-hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport and just 30 minutes drive from Mattala Rajapakse International Airport, the resort is set amidst a coconut plantation with access to historical and cultural highlights like Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara. For wildlife lovers, there are plenty of options to explore including the Ridiyagama safari and Walawe Ganga safari while the latter is highly recommended for bird watchers. Anantara offers spectacular rooms, 141 to be exact, with curated packages starting from $200. If you are looking for a destination wedding, Anantara is the ideal place for you.

Melheim Resort is a nine-bedroom hotel in Beragala town located on the edge of the southern hillside. A 3.5-hour drive from Colombo will get you to the resort. Every minute of the drive is worth it because you get to see the city slowly transforming into a scenic quaint little town. Major tourist spots like Arugam Bay, Yala and Kataragama are just three hours away. Equipped with a jacuzzi, steam room and a swimming pool Melheim provides you with the utmost luxury. Beragala is a good base to explore the nearby towns like Ella, Haputale and Badulla. With an in-house restaurant, infinity pool and spa the travellers can relax and unwind overlooking panoramic views of hills.

This is another chalet-style resort located in Ella, the most scenic hillside town on the island. Like the name, the resort stands on 98 acres of tea estate overlooking stunning plantations. Other than simply unwinding and relaxing in the cool weather with hypnotic views, Ella offers a range of activities to entertain you. There are plenty of nature trails filled with waterfalls and streams hidden amidst the plantations to hike and trek. Ella town is Sri Lanka’s best-kept secret with stunning scenic sites like the nine-arches bridge and Flying Ravana zipline which took social media by storm before the pandemic. The resort provides you with transport facilities and will arrange to pick you up from wherever you are in the country.

Living Heritage Koslanda is a luxury boutique hotel located in the hill country. Within close proximity to the famous Lipton’s tea estate and Little Adam’s peak, the resort is one stop off the scenic train route from Kandy to Ella. Living Heritage has 9 rooms that come with options of private courtyards and long verandas providing a traditional ambience equipped with modern amenities. The infinity pool overlooking the paddy fields below is an ideal place to unwind and relax. There are plenty of private spaces for your morning yoga or meditation sessions. Food and drinks consist of a plentiful menu ranging from Sri Lankan cuisine to western food. Their rooms and suites start from $206 per night.