Resplendent Sri Lanka

Overview

Travel through Sri Lanka on this wonderful 11 night itinerary. Stay at the country's only Relais & Chateux properties and be inspired by the spectacular scenery and outstanding hospitality and service. From quintessential Ceylon tea country, to the magic of Yala National Park and finishing on the beautiful southern coast, this journey through the pearl of the Indian Ocean will create magical memories that last long after you have returned home.

Day 1 Accommodation

Colombo

The elegant rooms in this lovingly restored 200-year-old Colonial manor house, complete with broad pillared verandas, retain their original period features, enhanced with luxurious details and contemporary pops of colour. Situated amidst five acres of manicured tropical gardens with an outdoor pool and soothing spa, the Wallawwa is the perfect stopover for your first or last night in this magnificent country.

Day 2 Accommodation

Colombo - Hatton

This morning after a good breakfast, start the drive to the hill country of the island. During the drive you will be able to see the rolling tea hills and the ladies plucking the tea. Enjoy a fresh cup of Ceylon Tea. Ceylon Tea Trails comprises of five restored historic tea planter residences, called bungalows, perched at an altitude of 1250 metres in Sri Lanka’s panoramic Ceylon tea region. Complete with period furnishings, gracious butler service, and gourmet cuisine, the non-hotel ambiance has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury in Sri Lanka.

Ceylon Tea Trails

Type: Luxury Hotel
Summary: An authentic heritage experience
Feature: Follow in the footsteps of the tea planters of old Ceylon
Rooms: 5 unique bungalows
Location: Bogawantalawa, Sri Lanka
Star rating: Member of 'Relais & Châteaux'

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MEAL BASIS

Full Board

TRANSFERS

Private transfer with guide

Day 3 to 4 Accommodation

Hatton

This morning visit a Tea Factory, which was built during the British rule in Sri Lanka. Learn about the whole processing procedure and how different types of teas are created. The afternoon is at leisure to choose from a variety of options. A leisurely walk or an adventure trek is a delightful way to experience the varied landscapes, exotic flora, abundant bird-life and the sweet rhythm of life in a tea garden. Take in vistas of mountain lakes, manicured tea gardens, forests and doll house villages. A guide can be provided or self-walk on marked trails.

Ceylon Tea Trails

Type: Luxury Hotel
Summary: An authentic heritage experience
Feature: Follow in the footsteps of the tea planters of old Ceylon
Rooms: 5 unique bungalows
Location: Bogawantalawa, Sri Lanka
Star rating: Member of 'Relais & Châteaux'

View Property

MEAL BASIS

Full Board

Day 5 Accommodation

Hatton - Yala National Park

Today following an early breakfast take a scenic long drive to the wilderness of Yala. During the drive you will witness the scenery morph from lush green tea fields, to drier valleys and thick jungles. Check in at Wild Coasted Tented Lodge in time for lunch. Adjacent to the Yala National Park, a spectacular beachfront safari lodge awaits. The unique design – which mirrors the boulders scattered across the golden beach beyond - sees it blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, whilst a clever layout in the shape of a leopard’s paw alludes to the area's most famous resident. Embark on an experiential journey of rediscovery, where adventure and relaxation welcome you. Arrive at your home amidst the wilderness.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Type: Luxury Tent
Summary: Luxurious wildlife camp on the beach
Feature: Curated wildlife experiences
Rooms: 28 cocoon suites
Location: Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Star rating: 5 Star

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MEAL BASIS

Full Board

TRANSFERS

Private transfer with guide

Day 6 Accommodation

Yala National Park

Yala National Park consists of dry-mixed evergreen forests and scrublands along with open grasslands, water holes, brackish water lagoons and riverine forests. This park's diverse habitat supports large numbers of mammals, such as spotted, barking and mouse deer, sambhur, wild boar, water buffalo and the endangered sloth bear. This is also one of the best places in the country to see wild elephant, and the rare Sri Lankan Leopard, having one of the highest Leopard densities in the world. Large water holes and lagoons support the high density of endangered crocodiles. You can also see large flocks of migratory and resident birds—142 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Of particular note is the rare black-necked stork, the largest bird in the country.

Day 7 Accommodation

Yala National Park - Weligama

This morning after a good breakfast, we will start our drive to our beach stay in the Southern Coast of the island. Where trade winds carried legendary explorers like Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Fa-Hsien past Sri Lanka's soaring southern cliffs on some of history's most celebrated nautical journeys, Cape Weligama has become the most celebrated resort along this fabled island's palm-fringed shores. The golden sun rising from the east. The morning calling of our peacocks. The rolling ocean below. The coconut trees swaying to the salty breeze. Pause and reset. From the palm-fringed shores, tropical gardens, and pampering villas and suites that blend into our headland, Cape Weligama is your own slice of paradise. The gateway to southern Sri Lanka envelops you in a world of culture, community and cuisine.

Cape Weligama

Type: Boutique Hotel
Summary: Luxurious suites and villas atop a striking headland
Feature: An Adventure Centre offers a wealth of outdoor pursuits
Rooms: 39 suites & villas
Location: Sri Lanka
Star rating: Member of 'Relais & Châteaux'

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MEAL BASIS

Breakfast

TRANSFERS

Private transfer with guide

Day 8 to 12 Accommodation

Weligama

Today will be at leisure to relax and unwind. If you would like to explore the area, additional activities include; Galle fort walk with a local host, cinnamon plantation visit, bicycle rides in the outskirts of Galle, culinary experience in Galle. On your final day, enjoy the morning at your leisure before your return flight to the UK.