Haritha Villas + Spa

Sri Lanka

THE PERSONALITIES

Wellness aficionados. Yogies. Lovers and families looking for a private luxury escape.

MOMENTS

Tropical architecture. Modern design meets history. Peacocks wandering the property. Floating breakfast. Themed picnics. Ayurveda spa. Private plunge pools. Sunrise yoga among lilly pads. A break from the everyday.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The best time to visit southern Sri Lanka, including popular destinations like Galle, Mirissa, and Unawatuna, is typically from December to April. During these months, the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it perfect for exploring beaches, surfing, and visiting historical sites. This period corresponds to the dry season on the island's southern coast, offering pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, which enhances the overall travel experience. The rainy seasons are from September to December and between April and May.

COST

WHY STAY

Haritha Villas + Spa is a boutique hotel embraced by the jungle, the golden beaches and the azure waves of the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Nestled approximately 900m from the ocean and less than 20km from Galle, the tropical sanctuary is located on a verdant hill amidst lush flora and sprawling paddy fields and features two Colonial mansions and seven contemporary villas adorned with saltwater plunge pools.

Haritha embodies the essence of Sri Lanka with its landscape-enhanced accommodation, attentive service and serenity, drawing inspiration from Colonial Ceylon and modern tropical architectural styles. The contemporary villas are nestled atop lush hills with picturesque views of palm trees and paddy fields. Glass walls open to covered outdoor dining areas and private plunge pools, inviting the outside in. The Colonial Mansions exude grandeur with regal white columns, outdoor bathrooms, and shared infinity pools, ensuring the utmost privacy. From artistic sculptures to chic locally-sourced furniture, the indoor and outdoor spaces exude refined elegance and set the hotel apart.

Visit the Haritha Spa, a wellness sanctuary that merges the healing elements of winds and lake waters with 100% natural spa products found in Sri Lanka. Indulge in Ayurvedic, Acupuncture or Singing Bowl treatments and rejuvenating massages like Pinda Sweda, aimed at harmonizing the mind, body, and soul. Indulge in a personalized wellness experience curated by the in-house Ayurvedic doctor. Practice yoga and meditation in the pavilion overlooking the lake. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of elegant peacocks and playful monkeys that inhabit the lush surroundings.

WHY WANDER

At Haritha Villas, a dedicated Villa Master provides personalized butler service both within and outside the resort. Each guest experience and excursion is tailored to individual needs, ensuring a customized and attentive journey to explore Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

From the lush greenery of its tropical rainforests to the pristine beaches that fringe its coastline, the island nation boasts a diverse tapestry of natural wonders. Explore the misty peaks of the central highlands, where tea plantations carpet the hillsides in vibrant green hues, or embark on a safari adventure through one of its many national parks, where you can encounter majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a myriad of bird species. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Sigiriya rising dramatically from the jungle, or immerse yourself in the serene beauty of its Buddhist temples and sacred sites.

Feel the thrill of whale watching in Mirissa, where you'll sail into the vast Indian Ocean in search of the magnificent creatures. Dive deep into the rugged beauty of Sinharaja Rainforest, guided by experts, and witness its diverse flora and fauna, from giant squirrels to toque macaques. Cruise along the tropical waters of Madhu River, discovering the thriving ecosystem. Embark on a specialized tour to the Virgin White Tea Estate, learning about the rarest form of tea untouched by human hands. Experience a hike to Rumassala hill and Peace Pagoda, offering panoramic views of Galle. Explore ancient sites like Yatagala Temple and Galle Fort, delving into their rich history and architectural wonders. Engage in traditional stilt fishing at Talpe Beach, witnessing fishermen poised against crashing waves. Venture into the depths of the Indian Ocean on a deep-sea fishing excursion. Discover the secrets of an ancient moonstone mine and visit a local sea turtle hatchery, contributing to the conservation of these majestic creatures. Glide through the refreshing waters and surf in Sri Lanka's southern coast, guided by certified coaches. Conclude your journey with a guided scuba diving expedition, exploring the vibrant marine life and hidden shipwrecks of the Indian Ocean. Every moment offers unforgettable experiences and memories that last a lifetime.

INDULGE IN

Fresh catch of the day. Mud crab curry. Coconut-infused dishes. Chefs source the finest ingredients from local fish markets at dawn, ensuring every meal is prepared with the freshest organic produce, including fruits and vegetables from the villa's garden. Don't miss out on the signature cocktail, the Haritha Colada. Take part in High Afternoon Tea highlighting Sri Lankas best and handpicked teas. Visit The View restaurant serving creative, international cuisine. Indulge in Haritha’s Destination Dining for a unique gastronomical experience, where guests have the freedom to order anything, anytime, anywhere.

Unscripted Menu, From Farm to Table and Destination Dining” Concepts:
The chef customizes meals based on Ayurvedic recommendations, ensuring a personalized dining experience. The philosophy centers on providing spectacular food in stunning locations while offering a unique gastronomical journey. The hotel prioritizes guest freedom, allowing them to request any dish at any time, without being confined to menus or dress codes. Whether it's breakfast for dinner, champagne in bed, or casual dining, a relaxed atmosphere is embraced where guests can enjoy exceptional, tailor-made cuisine.

GETTING THERE

To reach Haritha Villas in Sri Lanka, start by flying into Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo. From there, you can arrange a private transfer directly to the villas or opt for a rental car for flexibility.

Wild INITIATIVES

Haritha is completely built around its natural environment, with no trees cut down to make room for the development.

*Photos property of Haritha Villas and Spa

Santani

SRI LANKA

THE PERSONALITIES

Wellness seekers. Detox dreamers. Slow travelers. Yogis. Writers. Design lovers.

MOMENTS

Mist rising over the Knuckles Mountain Range. Sunrise yoga in an open-air pavilion. Ayurvedic tea shared after a consultation. The sound of rain on a tin roof. A silent walk through the jungle. Nights spent in meditative stillness, stars flickering over the valley.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Santani is a year-round sanctuary, but the best visiting months are December to April, when Sri Lanka’s central highlands are at their most lush, skies are clear, and the weather is ideal for hiking, outdoor yoga, and wellness treatments. The May to September monsoon brings mist and rain, wrapping the resort in an even deeper stillness, perfect for detox and reflection.

COST

WHY STAY

Santani Wellness Kandy is not just a hotel—it is a sanctuary, 2,800 feet above sea level in the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka. Once a tea plantation, the property is now a restorative retreat surrounded by jungle, rice paddies, the Hulu River, and ancient meditation caves where Buddhist monks once sought clarity. Every element here is designed to help guests pause, reset, and rediscover stillness, making it one of the world’s most celebrated wellness escapes.

The chalets, whether Mountain View or Garden View, extend this philosophy of serenity into architecture. Minimalist in design, with clean lines and natural materials, they frame uninterrupted views of mist-cloaked valleys, terraced fields, and forested hills. It is simplicity elevated—spaces that let the landscape do the talking while giving guests the freedom to disconnect from the noise of modern life.

Wellness is personalized at Santani. Guests can embark on programs curated to their needs—yoga immersions, Ayurvedic treatments, detoxes, sleep therapies, weight loss, or post-illness recovery. At the heart of this experience is the tri-level spa, sculpted into the hillside with a steam room, cedarwood sauna overlooking rice paddies and the Knuckles mountain range, and a salt soak pool that draws the body back into balance. Here, health is not prescriptive but holistic—an invitation to slow down, heal, and breathe in the pure mountain air.

WHY WANDER

Located in Sri Lanka’s spiritual heartland, Santani sits an hour outside Kandy, high in the central highlands. Guests can hike into the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for rare biodiversity and endless viewpoints. River swims, jungle treks, and meditation walks through tea plantations remind you of the island’s deep natural abundance.

Cultural excursions are equally rewarding: nearby Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics, while further afield lie ancient cities and rock temples. Yet, for many, wandering at Santani means turning inward—days spent in digital detox, silence, or stillness. Whether moving through the forest or sitting on your balcony with a cup of herbal tea, the journey here is one of return: back to body, back to balance, back to self.

INDULGE IN

Food at Santani is as nourishing as it is beautiful. The menus are personalized to your wellness goals - whether detox, weight loss, or simply balanced nourishment. Fresh Sri Lankan produce is woven into both traditional Ayurvedic cuisine and contemporary fine dining. Think red rice congee for breakfast, jackfruit curry for lunch, and grilled fish with local herbs for dinner. Alcohol is absent here, but herbal tonics, teas, and infusions replace it with grounding rituals.

Meals are served in a stilted, glass-walled dining pavilion that floats above the valley. The view itself becomes part of the nourishment - jungle-clad hills unfolding as far as the eye can see. Dining here is not indulgence in the ordinary sense, but a deeper, more conscious luxury: food as healing, food as memory, food as energy.

GETTING THERE

Santani is located about 1.5 hours from Kandy and roughly 4.5 hours from Colombo International Airport by car. Guests often combine the journey with a scenic train ride into Sri Lanka’s hill country, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. Private transfers can also be arranged directly through the resort.

WILD INITIATIVES

Santani is rooted in sustainability and regenerative design. The property was built on a former tea plantation, with structures elevated on stilts to minimize disruption to the land. Local materials and recycled wood shape the architecture, while renewable energy powers much of the resort. The focus on digital detox and minimalism is a conscious rejection of overconsumption, offering guests a rare chance to reset their relationship with technology, consumption, and themselves. By championing Ayurveda and local wellness traditions, Santani also supports the preservation of Sri Lanka’s cultural and ecological heritage.

At its heart is the “Architecture of Silence,” a renowned design concept created specifically for Santani. Here, chalets and pavilions are delicately integrated into the verdant landscape of Dumbara, dissolving the boundaries between inside and out. The design fosters mental freedom and serenity, creating an atmosphere that encourages rejuvenation and deep rest. Indoor and outdoor spaces flow seamlessly into one another, inviting guests to breathe in fresh mountain air and reconnect with the quiet power of nature.

*Photos property of Santani Wellness Resort

Wild Coast Tented Lodge

SRI LANKA

THE PERSONALITIES

Wildlife enthusiasts. Adventure seekers. Ocean lovers. Sunrise chasers. Nature photographers. Families and couples looking for an immersive escape.

MOMENTS

Sunrise spilling over the Indian Ocean. Morning safaris through the jungle, leopards slipping silently by. Elephants crossing wide savannahs. Kayaks drifting through hidden estuaries. Candlelit dinners on private decks. The sound of waves against untouched beaches. Sunset cocktails as stars emerge. Plunge pools reflecting the fading light. Nights spent in quiet wonder, lanterns flickering, the wild all around.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

December to April offers dry weather, ideal for safaris and coastal exploration. March and April bring warm, sunny days perfect for beach walks, ocean kayaking, and wildlife spotting. Monsoon months (May to September) see lush landscapes and quieter lodges, but some trails may be less accessible.

COST

WHY STAY

Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a luxury safari camp on the shores of the Indian Ocean, bordering the wilds of Yala National Park. The lodge’s architecture, designed collaboratively by Dutch, English, and Sri Lankan designers, seamlessly blends with the environment. Using natural materials and subtle design cues, the 28 tents are shaped and colored to echo the surrounding rock formations and even form the aerial silhouette of a leopard’s paw print. Each tent, whether a Cocoon or an Urchin, offers privacy and immersion in nature, with jungle or ocean views, private plunge pools in some, and interiors that marry expedition chic with local craftsmanship.

Inside, the details invite quiet indulgence: copper bathtubs, four-poster beds, handwoven textiles, and furniture that honors Sri Lankan artisanal traditions. Private decks and outdoor showers create a feeling of living within the landscape rather than atop it, where the sounds of the surf and jungle are your constant companions. After a morning exploring the coastline or Yala’s wild interiors, cool off in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, or lounge with a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon.

The experience is completed with the Sanctuary Spa, offering traditional Sri Lankan treatments using Ceylon Tea and Ceylon Cinnamon, designed to soothe, restore, and reconnect guests to the land. Every element at Wild Coast Tented Lodge is curated to create moments of calm and wonder, allowing you to truly escape, slow down, and dwell in this extraordinary corner of Sri Lanka.

WHY WANDER

Yala National Park, adjacent to the lodge, boasts the highest leopard concentration in the world and is a haven for wildlife lovers. Daily safaris led by expert naturalist guides reveal exotic flora and fauna, from elephants and sloth bears to a vibrant array of bird species. Each safari offers a glimpse into an ecosystem alive with movement and sound, where encounters with leopards, elephants, and other rare species feel both intimate and awe-inspiring.

Beyond the park, the southern coast of Sri Lanka invites endless exploration. Stroll along untamed beaches, kayak hidden estuaries, and wander through dense mangrove forests teeming with endemic wildlife. Coastal trails, dotted with fishing villages and ancient ruins, offer a chance to witness daily life interwoven with the rhythms of nature. Every journey here feels guided by curiosity rather than a map, as the landscape unfolds in unexpected, enchanting ways.

History and culture also call to the wanderer. A day trip to the region’s ancient Buddhist sites immerses visitors in centuries of tradition, architecture, and spiritual heritage. Whether tracing sacred paths, observing rituals, or simply absorbing the calm of remote temples, these excursions deepen the connection to the land and its people, complementing the raw thrill of safari and coastal adventure.

INDULGE IN

Freshly caught seafood grilled over open flames. Traditional Sri Lankan curries, rich with spice and coconut, served in clay pots that carry. Tasting menus that weave local ingredients like crab, jackfruit, and lagoon prawns into contemporary dishes. Sundowners on the beach. Dinners beneath star-bright skies.

GETTING THERE

The lodge is approximately a 4–5 hour drive from Colombo International Airport, through scenic southern coastal landscapes. Private transfers or chartered vehicles are recommended. Some guests combine flights to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport with a shorter 2–3 hour transfer to the lodge.

WILD INITIATIVES

Wild Coast Tented Lodge is committed to conservation and community engagement. The lodge actively supports wildlife protection programs, particularly for leopards and elephants, and participates in habitat restoration and anti-poaching initiatives. Local communities benefit from sustainable tourism projects, education programs, and employment opportunities, ensuring that each visit leaves a positive impact.

One of the key sustainability initiatives is the hotel’s eco-construction and design. The structures are harmonized with the natural landscape, using locally sourced and sustainable materials wherever possible. The tented lodges are designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, minimizing disturbance to surrounding ecosystems. Solar power systems reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and help minimize carbon emissions, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully.

The lodge works closely with local conservation organizations to protect the rich biodiversity of the area, including endangered species such as the Sri Lankan leopard and elephant. Guests can engage with these efforts through eco-walks, beach cleanups, and wildlife awareness experiences, making every stay both immersive and responsible, leaving a lasting positive imprint on this extraordinary coastal wilderness.

*Photos property of Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala

Cape Weligama

SRI LANKA

THE PERSONALITIES

Surf seekers. Sunset chasers. Families craving spacious serenity. Wellness devotees.

MOMENTS

Morning yoga. Waves crashing against cliffs. Whale tails breaking the waterline. Cinnamon gardens. Afternoon tea on a shady veranda. Iconic Sri Lankan sunsets. Infinity horizons meeting sky. Stars scattered over jungle silhouettes.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Late November to April is the prime season: skies are clear, seas are calm, and whale-watching is at its best. These months are also ideal for surfing, diving, and coastal exploration. May to October brings lusher landscapes and fewer visitors, making for quieter escapes.

COST

WHY STAY

Cape Weligama crowns a clifftop on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, offering panoramic views where the Indian Ocean stretches unbroken to the horizon. The resort unfolds like a village across twelve lush acres, its terracotta-tiled villas and pavilions inspired by traditional Sri Lankan design. Set amid tropical gardens and shaded by palms, each suite and residence is oriented toward the sea, creating an ever-present connection to the shifting blues of water and sky.

Architecture here is both rooted and expansive - crafted with hand-hewn stone, timber, and clay that honor local heritage, while vast verandas, infinity pools, and open-air living spaces invite the ocean breeze inside. The result is a place where modern luxury dissolves seamlessly into its surroundings, balancing refinement with the raw power of the landscape. From sunrise over the eastern bays to sunset blazing across the western horizon, Cape Weligama offers two oceans in one.

Life at the cape moves to a slower rhythm. Mornings might bring whale-watching voyages or surf lessons in the warm southern swells. Afternoons drift into tea on the terrace, spa treatments infused with island botanicals, or long swims suspended above the cliffs. Evenings belong to candlelit dining with the sea spread wide below; moments where land and water fall away, leaving only horizon and sky.

WHY WANDER

Learn to surf on Weligama’s gentle waves. Kayak through the still waters of Koggala Lake. Take a PADI certification course and discover a new underwater world below the cliffs. Wake with the sun and set off for big game fishing.

For slower days, cycle through sleepy villages and lush paddy fields, or wander into town for glimpses of daily life. Head further out for whale-watching excursions, where blue whales and dolphins breach just offshore.

Adventure deepens inland at Uda Walawe National Park, where elephants roam, sloth bears stir, and crocodiles bask on riverbanks. Whether water or wilderness, each journey feels like another layer of Sri Lanka revealed.

INDULGE IN

Sri Lankan seafood feasts like tuna in cinnamon wood smoke. Spice-rich curries. Seasonal menus shaped by the island’s produce. . Ceylon High tea.

GETTING THERE

Cape Weligama is about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Colombo International Airport via the Southern Expressway. Alternatively, guests can transfer from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in around 2 hours. Private transfers or scenic charter flights to nearby airstrips can also be arranged.

WILD INITIATIVES

Cape Weligama is guided by a deep commitment to sustainability and community. The resort works with the MJF Foundation Community Centre to support education, vocational training, and local livelihoods. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, with menus designed to minimize food miles and celebrate Sri Lanka’s rich culinary traditions.

The property is working toward zero-waste practices, rethinking single-use plastics, and finding new ways to transform waste into value. Each stay contributes to a model of luxury that uplifts the community and protects the island’s natural heritage.

*Photos property of Cape Weligama