Boutique hotels in Sri Lanka

There is a wide range of hotels in this teardrop island country ranging from simple rustic character properties to best luxury boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. Whether you are luxury stay or a quirky characterful stay or an intimate family run hotel, options across the island can be varied. To us what really matters is to clearly and simply explain to you what we are suggesting and why we are recommending it to you for your stay. We understand that getting under the skin of a destination is what many travellers are looking for these days, and these hotels offer just that. They are much more than just fabulous rooms for your stay. Set in distinct and key locations across the island – each one is a mini destination in itself – they have conceived a collection of experiences that helps their guests make the most out of their stay. What an exciting way to explore each destination! The hotels recommended here have almost without exception been visited and inspected by us. 

Kumu Beach- Sunset view from pool

Kumu Beach, Balapitiya

Why we love this property

Fantastic Oceanfront location: The hotel’s private elevated palm-shaded garden sits above a pretty boulder-scattered, sandy beach

Personalised service: High-end, personalised service which is a trademark of Teardrop Hotels 

Perfect for longer stays: Relaxing coastal locale invites stays of a few days to a week or more

Superb food: Excellent international fusion menu by Teardrop executive chefs

Kahanda Kanda- view from dining terrace

Kahanda Kanda, near Galle

Perched in the misty hills of southern Sri Lanka, Kahanda Kanda isn’t just another boutique hotel in Sri Lanka – it’s a hidden sanctuary where luxury meets nature. As one of the best Sri Lanka boutique hotels near Galle, this intimate retreat offers just 10 exquisite suites, each one a masterpiece of tropical elegance blending contemporary luxury with timeless charm.

Wake up to the gentle rustle of tea leaves and tropical birdsong in suites scattered throughout the estate like precious gems. Every corner tells a story through hand-picked local artwork and custom-crafted furniture that captures Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

What makes this haven extraordinary? It’s perfectly positioned within a working tea estate, yet just a short drive from historic Galle and sun-kissed southern beaches. The adults-only policy ensures genuine tranquility, whether you’re floating in the infinity pool, enjoying a garden-view massage, or finding your zen during a private yoga session.

The cuisine celebrates the estate’s bounty, with fresh ingredients from the hotel’s gardens transformed into culinary masterpieces. Savor these delights in settings ranging from intimate candlelit corners to breezy verandas overlooking rolling hills.

At Kahanda Kanda, you’ll discover more than just accommodation – you’ll find your own slice of Sri Lankan paradise, where every moment is crafted for unforgettable memories.

Why we love this property

Unique location: Amidst a working tea estate yet still close to south coast beaches and to Galle 

Quiet & relaxing: Tranquil grounds, private nooks and a no kids under 12 years’ policy

Wellness: Yoga, massages, personal training & swimming

Nutritious, fresh cuisine: Much of it sourced from the estate

Camellia Hills- view from terrace overlooking the reservoir

Camellia Hills

An all-inclusive, 5 room, luxury tea bungalow-style boutique hotel on the hills, amid tea estates with scenic views of the Castlereagh reservoir. You’re in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, where lush green tea plantations give way to colonial churches, island-dotted lakes, waterfalls and forests.

Why we love this property

Jaw-dropping views: The Castlereagh Valley is one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular regions, and the mountain/forest/lake/tea estate panoramas from the hotel are stunning

Scenic walks & picnics: Scenic trails wind through tea estates, up to lake- and valley-viewpoints, and to spectacular locations for picnics and sundowners

Tea County experience: Visit a local tea factory during your stay as the bungalow is surrounded by acres of tea plantations and historic colonial-era sights

Kandy House- central garden surrounded by lush trees

Kandy House, Kandy

This former manor house is one of Sri Lanka’s original boutique hotels, carved out of an understated 18th-century abode. It has just nine suites and private verandas so you can be as peaceful and relaxed as possible. Modern comforts are seamlessly blended with elegant antique furniture and local fabrics in the bedrooms, all of which are named after Sri Lankan butterflies.

Why we love this property

Historic heritage home: Intimate and beautifully renovated ancestral abode amidst tropical garden with individually designed rooms, some with a private terrace.

Relaxing & romantic: Welcomes guests over 12. Private yoga classes can be arranged in the ambalama as well as massages

Close to Kandy: Easy access to the Botanical Gardens and the Temple of the Tooth. Kandy City walks can be arranged as well as day trips to Loolecondera Estate

Superb food: Delicious fusion menus and fantastic Sri Lankan curries

Water Garden- freestanding villas

Water Garden Sigiriya

This boutique hotel has villa accommodation, picture-perfect gardens and Sigiriya views. This beautiful hotel has one of the spectacular setting. It overlooks one of the Cultural Triangle’s key monuments – the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, one of eight World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka. It’s 30 free-standing villas (many with private pools) are vast and hugely indulgent, and all are arranged around a series of wildlife-rich lakes.

Why we love this property

Within eyeshot of Sigiriya: The views from Water Garden Sigiriya are fabulous due to its location overlooking Sigiriya, a World Heritage Site.  amidst tranquil rural surroundings and with access to all major Cultural Triangle sites

Extremely spacious villa rooms: Bedrooms are in freestanding buildings and comprise a bedroom and separate living area, and 17 villas have private plunge pools

Fabulous facilities: The hotel sits in spacious landscaped grounds and has a 31-metre swimming pool, a separate children’s pool, an air-conditioned restaurant, bar, spa & gym

Great for families: There are four two-bedroom duplex villas, which have a ground floor twin bedroom and a first floor king bedroom, plus a private plunge pool

Santani Wellness- aerial view showcases the tranquil setting

Santani Wellness

Santani is Sanskrit for harmony. This is heavenly wellness resort with atmospheric spa facilities set amidst calm, hilly surroundings near Kandy. Its intelligent design concept focuses on nurturing guests. A perfect place to switch off, practice yoga, go for a trek and dine on nutritionally balanced meals.

Why we love this property

Pure natural setting: The striking hilltop location was chosen for the purity of its natural setting and tranquility, which encourages rest and relaxation

Minimalist award-winning architecture: Linear, simplistic, eye-catching architecture channelling intelligent luxury that’s been designed to celebrate the views and minimise distractions

Bespoke wellness packages: The spa focusses on Ayurvedic principles and guests can choose to partake in a totally personalised wellness package or simply pick a treatment or two

Nutritious food: Excellent gourmet food, and individually personalised menus based on the intelligent eating concept of rasa haya-six tastes – a solution to balancing out food cravings

What Next?

If you like what you’ve read here and want to find out more about boutique hotels in Sri Lanka and how they can be part of your tailormade Sri Lanka Holiday , do get in touch. We are passionate about Sri Lanka and travel is what we do best.  We will listen, explain and answer all sorts of questions you might have and make bespoke suggestions to you for your India holiday. Whatever stage you are at in your Indian holiday planning, the first discussions are always the most inspiring. Give us a call for a quick chat.