On an island famed for its boutique hideaways, these luxurious and intimate retreats showcase the best of Sri Lankan hospitality.

A destination that’s seen more than its fair share of ups and downs, anyone who’s been to Sri Lanka will tell you that the teardrop-shaped island is home to captivating culture, unforgettable landscapes and warm, welcoming people and the best way to experience the real Sri Lanka is via its unique, boutique hotels, each of which is a story in itself. Here are three of our favourites.

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The Warden’s House, Yala

The Warden’s House is an ultra-luxe, four-bedroom safari lodge by homegrown Sri Lankan chain Maitland and Knox Heritage Hotels. Located on a sprawling 2.8-hectare estate near the iconic Yala National Park and the culturally rich town of Kataragama, this boutique safari lodge offers guests an immersive wildlife experience with direct access to Yala.

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Thoughtfully designed with curated decor, The Warden’s House reflects the natural beauty and aesthetics of Sri Lanka’s unique wilderness. We love the Wilpattu Suite, which pays homage to the wilderness of Sri Lanka’s northwest coast and features a four-poster bed, elegant furnishings and a spacious ensuite.

Sundara by Mosvold, Balapitiya

Sundara by Mosvold is an eight-room luxury villa by Mosvold Boutique Hotels, located in Balapitiya, along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast. Named after ‘Sundara,’ the Sanskrit word for beautiful, Sundara is steps away from one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches and showcases tropical minimalism with modern interiors, gorgeously curated furniture and objets d’art, creating a post-colonial aesthetic that’s perfectly Instagrammable.

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Be sure to book ahead for the Two Bedroom Family Villa, which comes with its own private pool, a living area and manicured gardens.

Galle Fort Hotel, Galle

Nestled inside the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, the historic Galle Fort Hotel is housed in a 300-year-old Dutch mansion. Originally a warehouse and later home to a family of gem merchants, the hotel underwent a heritage restoration in alignment with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Archaeology to preserve its historic walls and facade.

The hotel now features 12 luxurious suites with curated antique decor, and the stunning Palladian colonnade verandah, which hosts the Galle Fort Hotel Bar with its exclusive global gin collection. We quite like the Library Suite, the ideal spot for a quiet weekend escape with a good book. It boasts a king-size four-poster bed and an ensuite with a deep soak tub for quiet contemplation.