From ocean-front retreats to hotels surrounded by tea gardens, Aitken Spence Hotels offers 10 distinct stay experiences in Sri Lanka. By Rashima Nagpal
When you travel, you must immerse yourself in each destination within the destination. Known for world-class services and an inimitable Sri Lankan hospitality, the Aitken Spence Hotels are sprinkled across the tiny island nation. Much like the country Sri Lanka—a cornucopia of flavours, heritage, culture, and natural beauty—the hotel chain offers a curious mix of properties, each imbibing qualities native to the location.
In the culturally abuzz town of Dambulla, Heritance Kandalama is an oasis of calm. It is an eco-hotel located in the middle of a lush jungle, along a one-kilometre-wide cliff. A stay here means waking up to bird song, witnessing endemic flora and fauna, lounging to views of a shimmering lake in the distance, and knowing that sustainability is factored into the service. A similarly rich, yet experientially different, stay can be enjoyed at Heritance Tea Factory, which is set amidst an endless expanse of tea-growing land in the village of Kandapola.
On the other hand, Heritance Ahungalla is a tropical paradise. Located on the southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka, this resort caters to your tropical needs with earthy rooms, surrounded by soothing blues, and a spa aptly named Bliss.
In the picturesque hilly town of Kandy, famous for its misty weather, eponymous lake, and Buddhist sites, Earl’s Regency offers a premium getaway for the luxury traveller.
Enjoy sweeping views of the mountains and River Mahaweli, or step out and explore the rich history of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Related: A 5-Day Definitive Itinerary To Experience Sri Lanka Like A True Local
