1. Trebartha East

Set atop a working Cinnamon plantation, Trebartha East is downright spectacular.

Tucked away in the jungle above Ahangama, overlooking paddy fields and lush greenery, ‘The Round House’ was designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Professor Narein Perera and is a true architectural masterpiece.

What struck me most was that this circular work of brilliance feels as though it has been part of the landscape for centuries. Through its use of locally sourced timber, traditional Sri Lankan influences, and sweeping panoramic vistas, the architecture beautifully blurs the line between manmade and natural grandeur.

With just 3 rooms and 1 duplex suite, this jungle retreat is as intimate as it is adventurous. The Tarzan-esque rooms feature thoughtfully curated interiors that highlight local craftsmanship, while the floor-to-ceiling windows welcome the surrounding jungle in.

Following its shape, the 18-metre curved infinity pool adds to that aesthetic, providing endless views over the surrounding landscape, made all the more spectacular at golden hour, when the sun slowly drops below the horizon.

Breakfast is a highlight in its own right, with an extensive spread of local favourites, including eggs of choice, kola kanda, a fresh fruit platter – the mango and passion fruit are to die for – and, of course, coconut roti with onion sambol.

Given its remote jungle setting, you might wonder what the on-site dining options are like. Rest assured, Trebartha East has you covered, with a well-balanced menu catering to vegetarians, meat enthusiasts and those craving a taste of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. 

During my stay, I opted for two Sri Lankan staples: Rice and Curry and Kottu with Chicken Skewers; both were packed with flavour and well worth trying.

As spectacular as the setting was, it was Trebartha’s exceptional team that truly made my stay here memorable. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, I felt completely at home, thanks to their sincere warmth and attentiveness.

2. Kayaam Wellness

Sometimes, the greatest luxury is the opportunity to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and simply be. If that’s what you’re after, look no further.

Set along a secluded stretch of beach just west of Tangalle, Kayaam Wellness is a luxury resort where Ayurveda and holistic wellbeing are at the heart of it all.

Here, mornings are spent embracing the ocean breeze, reading a good book poolside, or getting some yoga or a workout in before indulging in a nourishing breakfast – with little inclination to do anything beyond that.

The days carry on that unhurried rhythm, whether you’re having an Ayurvedic treatment, taking a stroll along the beach, or simply enjoying a swim in the palm-lined, ocean-facing infinity pool. 

The rooms reflect this same philosophy, providing calm, thoughtfully designed spaces to settle into and unwind. Understated yet elegant, they strike a pleasant balance of space and comfort, inviting you to shift down a gear, or two.

You see, at Kayaam, there’s little pressure to fill your days. 

On my first morning, when periodic rain showers kept me from doing anything photography-related (yup, I’m actually running around with a camera in hand 24/7), Kayaam’s true essence beautifully revealed itself to me. 

Before I knew it, I found myself easing into the rhythm that defines this place, embracing a rare chance to slow down, switch off, and be fully present.

I decided to try Shirodhara, where warm medicated oil is slowly poured over the forehead to calm the nervous system, and Udwarthana, a herbal-powder massage said to support circulation; both treatments were soothing, and unlike anything I’d experienced before.

In a world where even travel can feel like something to optimise (especially if you’re a travel photographer and writer like me), Kayaam gently encourages you to do the opposite – and I loved every minute of it.

3. Malabar Hill

When it comes to top-tier boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, Malabar Hill will always be part of the conversation. Rightly so.

Rising high above the paddy fields, overlooking Weligama and the Indian Ocean in the distance, Malabar Hill offers a blend of tropical solitude and understated luxury.

With just 14 villas, facing either the ocean or the wetlands, each villa keeps an inviting sense of intimacy and seclusion. Here, thoughtful open-plan layouts make the surrounding landscape feel like an extension of the living area itself.

Villas remain true to traditional Sri Lankan heritage, with characteristic concrete roofs and locally sourced materials, while Moorish-inspired furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows and saltwater chlorinated infinity pools add a touch of flair.

The walk to your villa is equally impressive. A winding path guides you through lush tropical vegetation, while birdsong and an occasional glimpse of wildlife remind you the area is still very much home to them. Yes, the hill was left largely intact, with the villas carefully built around the trees and boulders that have stood here for ages.

Then there’s the Hill House, an exceptional restaurant where Beef Smore and Malabar Rice & Curry are among many traditional dishes, while the Malabar Mezze Platter and Moroccan Chicken are standout Mediterranean alternatives.

Slow morning coffees at the Hill House were among my favourite moments, with endless views over the surrounding jungle and the Indian Ocean shimmering in the distance.

And while I usually skip breakfast, I happily gave up my fasting routine for the weekend. You see, as with everything at Malabar Hill, breakfast is done remarkably well, with a varied spread of local staples and Mediterranean classics – it was, simply put, too hard to resist.

All in all, it’s hard not to fall for Malabar Hill, and the staff’s warmth and hospitality only add to that – esthuti (thank you) for the many early morning espressos, Vijitha.