After an eight-month standstill brought on by Covid-19, Sri Lanka is set to resume international flights on December 26 (fingers crossed!). To mark the occasion, we’re allowing ourselves to dream of future adventures on the teardrop shaped island.
Just before the pandemic hit, Sri Lanka was having a Moment. The country had been named Lonely Planet’s destination of the year in 2019 and our Instagram feeds were flooded with dreamy images of paradise beaches, idyllic train rides and breath taking safaris all captured in Sri Lanka. In late 2019, we had flown our own team over to experience everything Sri Lanka has to offer. You can read all about our adventures in our previous blogs – Sri Lanka Diaries Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
What was true then and is true now is that there is something about Sri Lanka. The country had that je ne sais quoi that leaves you wanting more. The kind that has you planning your next visit even as you’re sitting at the airport, waiting to board your flight back home.
And so, once it’s safe to travel again, we’re making a beeline for these five dreamy villas that are perfect for soaking up Sri Lanka’s unique magic – all the while social distancing in style.
The Seaside Escape
Talalla House – Talalla, Sri Lanka
7 Bedrooms
Sea, sand, sun, repeat – that pretty much sums up your daily routine at this stunning beachfront villa. Perched on the edge of a crescent shaped beach on the southern coastline, Talalla House captures the essence of epic villa holidays. The architecturally ambitious villa is a what is microcosm accessible only to your very own travel bubble, with a private pool, rooftop deck and bar exclusive for your posse’s to enjoy.
There are seven bedrooms in the villa, meaning there’s room for 14 guests to enjoy this epic mansion by the sea. The villa’s remote locale means you don’t need to worry about avoiding the crowds or disturbing the neighbours. The dedicated staff will look after your every need (including gourmet meals and poolside snacks) while also giving you all the privacy you need.
The Hilltop Hideaway
The Hermitage – Kandy, Sri Lanka
3 Bedrooms
Over the hills and far away… an epic luxury villa steeped in history awaits.
True to its imposing name, The Hermitage sits on the grounds of an actual historic hermitage, built some 600 metres over sea level on the lush hill country surrounding the ancient city of Kandy. Built over six acres of natural forest, the villa’s grounds are populated by exotic flora and fauna, including exotic birds, monkeys, deer and other wildlife. After experiencing all this natural diversity right in your backyard, visiting the island’s famous safaris might seem redundant.
Owing to its spellbinding history and jaw-dropping surroundings, The Hermitage offers a rare retreat from the hectic pace and constant demands of the modern world. The three bedrooms and gracious living areas are styled in classic tones excluding timeless elegance and a dash of opulence, allowing the villa’s lush surroundings to take centre stage. Complete with a private spa and an infinity pool overlooking the lake below, this mountainside retreat offers the ultimate escape from the rest of the world – something all of us could use after making it through 2020.
The Safari Sanctuary
Villa Yala – Yala, Sri Lanka
2 Bedrooms
If months of being stuck indoors have you left you yearning for the great outdoors, exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning national parks will more than scratch that itch. Villa Yala offers the ultimate home base for exploring its namesake, the Yala National Park, famed for its near guaranteed elephant and buffalo sightings. This remote villa is a heavenly hideout away from the madding crowd – your very own private safari sanctuary where your only neighbours are exotic birds and countless species of Sri Lanka’s unique flora.
Villa Yala was designed as the end-all off-the-grid escape in Sri Lanka without forgoing any of the plush conveniences and mod cons modern travellers have grown accustomed to. Styled with subtle touches of safari chic, the villa boasts two bedrooms, lavish living areas and an 11-metre swimming pool surrounded by Sri Lanka’s pristine wildlife. Aside from safaris in the nearby national park, Villa Yala offers little reason to venture out at all, with full-board gourmet meals included in your stay.
The Lakeside Retreat
South Point Cottage – Koggala, Sri Lanka
3 Bedrooms
Nothing says soothing quite like enjoying your afternoon tea sitting on a private jetty, gazing out at the placid surface of a tranquil lake. This reverie is a reality at South Point Cottage. During our inspection of the villa, we first fell in love with the property’s secluded locale: looking out at Lake Koggala, there are no neighbouring houses to distract from those heavenly views. A private jetty flanks the villa and its private pool, beckoning guests to enjoy leisurely boat rides on the lake.
South Point Cottage exudes classic Sri Lankan charm with its design relying on natural tones and timeless furniture. Though the property sits only a 10-minute drive from the famously picturesque southern coastline, gazing out to the lake makes you feel like you’re alone in the world in the best possible way. We particularly love the panoramas visible from the upper floor bedroom balcony.
The Ultimate Escape: Your Own Private Resort
Ani Sri Lanka – Dickwella, Sri Lanka
15 Bedrooms
At this point, it is a fact universally acknowledged that 2020 was a rough year. If you’re in need of a more substantial pick-me-up – or perhaps a complete reset – spending a week or two at your very own private resort might be just the ticket. Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Ani Sri Lanka.
Boasting an absolute beachfront position on the south coast, Ani Sri Lanka is a true mammoth of a villa. With 15 bedrooms, the villa was truly designed for an entourage – but it’s not just the sheer size and grand design that make this jaw-dropping villa stand out. Ani Sri Lanka really is your own private resort; the ultimate playground for you and your chosen companions to explore and enjoy.
Ani Sri Lanka’s outrageous facilities range from those 15 bedrooms to double waterslides (30 and 37-metre long, respectively) and from a private spa to a state-of-the-art gym and exclusive games room. And these ritzy facilities are only one half of the equation. A stay at Ani Sri Lanka also includes a whole plethora of fun-filled activities, from luxe spa rituals to kayaking and from cooking classes to daily kids’ activities. And yes, all meals are also included in your stay – this translates into a full-board gourmet menu covering breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with premier spirits, house wines, soft drinks and juices. There really is little to no reason to leave this heavenly bubble during your stay in Sri Lanka.
Our team stayed here – read all about our six-star stay at Ani Sri Lanka.
Looking for more inspiration?
Explore our villas in Sri Lanka.
Check out our Sri Lanka travel guide.
View the most stunning villas in Sri Lanka on our YouTube channel.
Contact our team of villa specialists to help plan your Sri Lankan itinerary and find a villa that ticks all the boxes.
