SRI LANKA ON THE RISE ONCE AGAIN…

A lot has changed in Sri Lanka ten years on this December from the tragic Indian Ocean tsumani. The country continues to grow its tourism offering in its own unique way and this year the opening of some small, boutique properties around the country just adds to the increasing interest in the country.

The new launches offer travellers a mix of colonial luxury as well as nature, wildlife and beach experiences. Ampersand Travel is the Sri Lanka specialist operator and offers tailor-made tours around the country with exceptional style and exclusive access thrown in. Here are the hotspots for the year ahead, opening up untouched regions of Sri Lanka…

GAL OYA LODGE – A NEW ECO WILDLIFE LODGE IN THE SOUTH EAST

Set in Sri Lanka’s forgotten National Park Gal Oya in the eastern part of the country, the Gal Oya Lodge is situated next to the country’s largest lake and opened in June 2014. The nine-room lodge, which is constructed from natural materials, is spread across 20 acres of private forest, and is the ideal place to get back to nature. Eight spacious bungalows are nestled in the forest canopy, each one specially placed to take advantage of the spectacular views. For the ultimate luxury there is a two-bedroom villa perched at the highest point of the lodge, which has breathtaking views from its open-plan living room. Excursions include jeep safaris through the jungle to the mighty Nigala river which famously flows under a huge boulder field or met the aboriginal people of Sri Lanka – the Veddas – in a private gathering. 

CAPE WELIGAMA – A LUXURY CLIFF TOP RESORT IN SOUTHERN SRI LANKA OPENING OCTOBER 2014

Cape Weligama opens this October and located just 30 minutes east of Galle on the country’s southern coast, it will be home to a collection of 40 free-standing luxury villas and suites. 270-degree panoramas of the Indian Ocean and rugged coastline are visible from every corner of the landscaped 12-acre property which is perched on a cliff top rising up to 36m above the sea. There is a breathtaking crescent-shaped infinity Moon Pool as well as pathways that lead down to the secluded cliff top. Cape Weligama's accommodation consists of stone encased Watts (gardens) and Walauwas (mansions), in an intimate collections of villas and suites, which each come with private butler service, bespoke dining and in-room spa facilities. The resort further boasts innovative cuisine to suit all tastes, from enjoying the day's fresh catch to eating Sri Lankan style at the alfresco Kumbuk. Swimming and snorkelling in the sea below the resort can be enjoyed all year round, while neighbouring coves can be explored by kayak or surf on Weligama's famed waves. A Dive Centre will also offer PADI dive courses and exciting dives while further activities include big game fishing, seasonal whale and dolphin-watching trips and banana boating. 

TAYLOR'S HILL – THE BOUTIQUE BUNGALOW IN KANDY CENTRAL SRI LANKA 

Set within the scenic Petiyagama Tea Estate, Taylor's Hill is just a 30 minute drive from Kandy town and home to 5 beautiful en-suite bedrooms following its renovation from heritage property to a boutique bungalow in early 2014. The property is owned by one of the sons of the famous Senanayake family of Kandy, who decided together with their partners to invest in the recent conversion. Having been built by a leading British engineering firm, the interior reflects an English country manor including large drawing rooms, spacious bedrooms and balconies which take in the views of the famous Kondagala mountain range, reputed for its Leopards and rare Flora and Fauna. The interior resembles a tasteful restoration with vintage furniture and modern amenities with 24 hour butler service to the 5 en-suite bedrooms. A highlight of the property is its superb infinity pool which overlooks the picturesque Hunnasgirya mountain range. 

LEOPARD TRAILS – BRITISH COLONIAL CAMPING SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH EAST SRI LANKA

Leopard Trails offers classic mobile camping and takes guests back to the original spirit and true essence of ‘safari’, reminiscent of a golden era - an era of elegance, romance and adventure. Leopard Trails safari camp has all the luxurious modern-day amenities, all the while staying true to the romantic ambience of a by-gone British colonial era filled with adventure. Guests can look forward to enjoying predominantly local cuisine specifically prepared for a foreign palate with the freshest ingredients by the camps specially trained cook and served by attentive staff. Located within Yala National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the country, its main attraction is the leopard and it is said to be one of best places in the world to view leopards. Yala national park has been rumored to have the highest density of leopards in the world. On a two night stay it is possible to spot and identify over a 100 species of birds, the density of mugger crocodiles within Yala is also quite an underrated feature of the park.

CLINGENDAEL – A FAVOURITE OF AMPERSAND’S TO EXPLORE CENTRAL SRI LANKA

Clingendael is one of Sri Lanka’s finest boutique hotels, which is surrounded by spectacular views and nestled beneath the ravishing Knuckles Range on a beautiful hillside setting. The five rooms are all individually designed, decorated with a fine collection of Dutch colonial artwork, paintings and antiques expressing old world charm yet combined with modern day luxury amenities. Clingendael is perfect for those keen on golf since the hotel neighbours Victoria Golf Course - rated as one of the world’s most scenic golf courses. Other facilities include an outdoor infinity pool, heated Jacuzzi, bird watching and jungle trails and horse riding at well-established ‘Victoria Stables’ located close to the hotel.