Tranquil retreats in Sri Lanka

It's easy to relax in Sri Lanka, and if you want to take your R&R one step further we can recommend a number of tranquil resorts where you can take time out from the world -whether you want to practise yoga on a retreat, or simply head into the countryside to feel your feet touch the ground...

Tri, Koggala Lake

A sustainable boutique retreat on the shores of Sri Lanka's largest lake, Tri has been designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape and offers every opportunity to feel at one with nature and to truly relax. There's plenty of space, and soothing amenities such as a steam cavern, a luxurious spa and a yoga shala, and the setting encourages even the tensest visitor to relax and breathe in the clean air.

Rukgala Retreat

Anna particularly loves Rukgala, a superb retreat in the mountains of central Sri Lanka. The property offers structured R&R retreat packages, along with daily yoga classes and one-off guest retreats that are typically focused on healing and yoga. Contact your Selective Asia Adviser for details.

Owl and the Pussycat

A charming, homely boutique by the Indian Ocean, this is the place to go if you want to relax without heading too far off grid. We love the open-air therapy hut, where your massage is accompanied by the sound of the ocean, and the saltwater pool by the beach. If you like to relax with a good meal, the seafood here is excellent, and you're not too far from historic Galle if you fancy a jaunt into town.

Heritance Kandalama

An eco-focused retreat with a Six Senses spa, this stunning property was designed by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, whose methods built on local ways to create cool tranquil spaces in the tropical climate. Built into a cliff-face and festooned with green plants, the building is like somewhere James Bond might retreat to, although in reality it's a far more relaxing proposition, with its tranquil setting, indulgent spa and range of pools where you can stretch tired muscles and rinse away the dust of everyday life.

Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge

This deluxe boutique resort offers tented lodges on a forested mountainside, with a stupendous view over the surrounding valley and its vibrant green tea terraces. The resort takes a sustainable approach but is nonetheless luxurious and comfortable. You can relax by exploring the Lodge's own tea estate, taking some yoga classes, indulging in the spa, breathing in the fresh air... and of course, by drinking some of Sri Lanka's finest tea.

Reef Villa and Spa

This peaceful seven-suite property tucked away from the crowds is the kind of place where our Product Manager Gemma would happily hide away for at least a week! Sitting in a three-acre tropical garden by golden sands in South-West Sri Lanka and furnished with beautiful antiques, the villa is perfect for relaxing in style. Amenities are simple - a beachside pool, a tennis court, and a lovely spa - but the ambience, location and level of luxury are such that these are all you need.

Banyan Camp, Udawalawe

Off the grid, eco-focused and deeply rural, this 'very unique' camp is Andrew's recommendation for a real retreat into the Sri Lankan countryside. You'll stay in one of a handful of gorgeous and unusual lodges, set in sparsely populated countryside, surrounded by birds and butterflies and within easy reach of Udawalawe National Park. Contact our Sri Lanka Specialists for more details.