With the diverse landscape that can be enjoyed in a small country like Sri Lanka, we compiled a list of unique holiday bungalows / hotels that you can stay in and make your holiday an unforgettable one. Our team at Blue Lanka Tours can arrange an interesting itinerary to take you to all the popular tourist attractions around Sri Lanka and also give you an experience at one or more of these interesting locations.
Amidst Tea Plantations
Dining Verandah, Ceylon Tea Bungalows is the name of the place, located in the hills of Bandarawela. Opened in July 2016, this luxury property offers elegant style, ultimate comfort and personalized service. The bungalow has five cozy double rooms that are named after neighboring villages in the area. Each room has a dedicated butler to cater to every requirement of the guest. The property is located on a tea estate hence guests can wander around the plantations, enjoy a tea plucking session or even hike up to popular viewpoint such as the Lipton’s Seat – favorite spot of British tea supplier Thomas Lipton.
Farm Stay at Amba Valley
This is a factory and bungalow in the midst of an organic farm in the beautiful hills of Amba Estate. Just a 30 minute drive from Ella, this family-friendly guesthouse started out as a century old four bedroom bungalow in 2013. A little later, two more cottages were added, bringing the total number of rooms in the guesthouse to 11. Eligible workers from neighboring villages are employed as staff at this community based guesthouse, and the staff are given a 10% share of the total revenue. Activities at this farm include tours of the farm, hiking, mountain biking and tea rolling. The estate manufactures artisanal teas and spices which you can take back home as gifts or memorabilia.
www.ambaestate.com
Family Bungalow with pool (near Galle)
If you are visiting Sri Lanka with your family, or friends and families, then this is an ideal alternative to an expensive hotel or villa booking. Thalpe Bungalows, south east of Galle, is a collection of three one bedroom cottages, each with a lounge, fold-able beds for children, a kitchen area, and a beautiful long veranda beside a leafy walled garden. A common pool is available for use of residents of all three cottages. Murray, Seema and their daughter are friendly owners of this bungalow who live on site and keep the property well maintained. If you need any additional equipment for children, they will be glad to help. Just 25 minutes walking distance is a swimmable lagoon at the Dalawella beach.
Coffee shop with Chic Rooms
Looking for out-of-the-box accommodation in Colombo? Bedroom at Black Cat is a vintage café that has rooms with an atmosphere of a 1920s house. Located in Colombo’s Cinnamon Gardens district, there are plenty of galleries, cafes and shops around this area. The concept was created by a young team of husband and wife, who upgraded the existing rooms in luxury style. They invested in air conditioners, king size beds, bathrooms and rain showers to create a modern minimalist living style. All the basic luxuries they deemed as necessary, based on their past travels, have been assembled here. The café is popular for its excellent coffee and deep-filled sandwiches.
Lakeside living off-the-grid
This property is a recycled champagne bottle chalet near the pristine setting of Lake Hambegamuwa (close to the Udawalawe national park). Known as Banyan Camp, this magical off-grid living style is combined with a carbon-neutral lodge. The main chalet has a palmed roof and can accommodate up to six persons on mattresses protected with mosquito nets. A smaller lodge has been recently built from 22000 recycled champagne and wine bottles, an ideal dream room for a couple. In 2016, the owners introduced a range of festival-style bell tents as well as some tentsile tree tents. This type of accommodation is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Included in your package is freshly cooked local food, drinks, activities such as canoeing and trekking, and also a safari at the National Park.
www.banyancamp.com
Beach Hostel with surfing and sushi
Hangtime Hostel in the southern coast of Weligama is the best destination for those wanting to indulge in a surf holiday in Sri Lanka. This nautical-themed three storey building has both female and mixed dorm rooms bang opposite the beach. Each dorm has a balcony with brightly colored chair hammocks to observe surfers. A few private double rooms are available on the ground floor with beds made from old fishing boats. There is a café at the rooftop with amazing views of the Weligama bay. The café also serves exclusive sushi food and a wide range of burgers. The rooftop is always lively, particularly during weekly beer pong sessions and when open mike nights are held.
www.hangtimehostel.com