The Soul Of Sri Lanka

The first three nights are spent at Uga Riva, a restored manor house enclaved by tropical gardens outside Negombo. It’s a gentle place to land after the flight, with time to unpack and adjust to the new time zone before joining a Sri Lankan cooking masterclass. Working with local ingredients and aromatic spices, you will learn the techniques behind familiar dishes, then sit down to enjoy what you have made.

From here, travel north to Uga Ulagalla in the Cultural Triangle, where villas sit among peaceful paddy fields and acres of green countryside. A guided visit to Sigiriya climbs past ancient frescoes and palace ruins to the summit, with stories of this fifth century citadel bringing its history to life along the way.

A night at Fox Kandy by Kandy Resorts breaks the route towards the highlands, bringing you into Sri Lanka’s cultural capital where the rhythm dials up.

The road then climbs towards Uga Ghiri, where cooler air and tea-covered hills replace the verdant lowlands. Here, an artisanal tea experience explores one of the country’s most important traditions, following the process from carefully picked leaves to the finished cup, with time to taste the results for yourself.

The landscape changes dramatically at Uga Chena Huts, set between dense vegetation and the Indian Ocean beside Yala National Park. Just 18 secluded cabins create a real sense of privacy, each with its own pool and freestanding bathtub.

Whilst here, you’ll visit Yala on a private safari in search of elephants, crocodiles and an impressive variety of birdlife. The park is also one of Sri Lanka’s best places to look for leopard, although sightings are never guaranteed.

After searching for Sri Lanka’s most-loved wildlife, continue to Amanwella near Tangalle. Opulent suites look through palms towards the Indian Ocean, with private plunge pools and a long sweep of beach just below. Between climbing ancient fortresses, exploring tea country and tracking animals, this is time for warm sea swims, spice-laden food and a restorative wellness programme designed around switching off.

The final stay takes you west along the southern coast to Haritha Villas + Spa, a small hideaway set among tropical greenery on the hills above Hikkaduwa. Set apart from the contemporary villas, stay in the Colonial Mansion which offers a more characterful stay, with generous indoor and outdoor living spaces and a large saltwater pool. Personal butler service keeps everything effortless, while gardens create a sense of privacy despite the beach being steps away.

This stay is all about wellness and it starts at the Jungle Spa. Ayurveda, yoga and meditation are combined with treatments tailored to the individual. Have a consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor, settle in for a tranquil massage surrounded by greenery and spend an afternoon between the sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi. It makes for a fitting close, combining a little more discovery with enough space to do absolutely nothing at all. Bliss.