Accommodation in Sri Lanka

Close to a lake and surrounded by bush on the eastern edge of Uda Walawe NP, Big Game Camp provides ample opportunity for good wildlife viewing. Daily jeep safaris make the most of the animal-rich location. Tented rooms are comfy with private bathrooms that have a hot shower, sink and toilet, plus there's space to sit out while you look for wildlife. Meals are served al fresco with regular BBQs, and there's a nightly campfire for sharing tales from the bush with your fellow travellers.

The long-established Calamander is a top-end 3* resort centrally located on Unatwatuna's pretty crescent-shaped beach. Not only does it boast 135 metres of beach frontage, the longest in Unawatuna, but it also has three swimming pools including a glass-fronted lap pool. There are two bars and a restaurant with many others just a few minutes walk away. All rooms are large and light with balconies and either a garden or sea view.

Located on the golden sands of Hikkaduwa beach, the Chaaya Tranz is an excellent choice for an end of holiday beach break. All rooms are ocean-facing and come with private balconies and seating areas. There are two restaurants, several bars and a spa to enjoy, plus the hotel offers a range of activities including glass-bottom boat safaris, snorkelling and whale watching excursions from nearby Mirissa or Dondra Head.

This boutique, beachfront hotel is situated on the quieter side of Unawatuna Beach and has far-reaching views across to Galle Fort. All rooms have private balconies with seaviews, minibars and air-conditioning, whilst the generous bathrooms have a spa bath and rain shower. The resort has a restaurant by the beach, outdoor pool and lounge bar, and also offers massages and yoga sessions.

Surrounded by tropical forest and set on the secluded banks of Girthale Lake, the Deer Park offers an oasis of tranquility. Charming cottage rooms are dotted throughout the grounds. Each is well-furnished with a good range of amenities. Many of the rooms come with semi open-air bathrooms. For relaxation the hotel has a pool, fitness suite and spa as well as a selection of dining options.

Built in 1864, the Galle Face is Sri Lanka's most historic hotel and is situated on Colombo's seafront facing the Galle Face green. The hotel retains much of its colonial-era charm and character blended seamlessly with modern-day comforts. Rooms are styled in keeping with the hotel's past, yet are well-equipped with plenty of contemporary conveniences. The hotel has several bars and dining options as well as offering evening entertainment.

The Fort Bazaar Hotel sits in a historic heritage building right in the heart of 17th-century Galle Fort. A newly developed boutique hotel, it offers chic, modern interiors and a welcoming ambiance. Rooms are stylish and very comfortable with light-wood furnishings, four-poster beds and en suite wet rooms. There is an excellent restaurant serving a fusion of Middle-Eastern and Sri Lankan dishes as well as a first-rate spa and wellness centre.

Situated at 1,876m, not far from Nuwara Eliya, the Hotel Black Pool sits high in the misty highlands of central Sri Lanka. The hotel has its own restaurant, tea rooms and billiard lounge plus a heated pool and welcoming sun terrace. Rooms are cosy and decorated with traditional Sri Lankan designs, most offer good views of the hotel gardens or the surrounding hills.

Hotel Topaz is situated on top of Anniewatte Mountain ensuring extensive views of Kandy and the surrounding highlands. The hotel offers a wide selection of facilities including an outdoor pool, tennis court, fitness centre, two restaurants and a rooftop bar with 360 degree views of the city and hills. Rooms are modern with good amenities and picture-view windows to make the most of the hotel's elevated position.

Situated just outside of Galle, atop the highest point of the area, the Lady Hill enjoys magnificent, sweeping views, particularly from its rooftop Panorama Bar. The rooms are all modern, very comfortable and well equipped, and have either a patio or a balcony. The hotel has a small swimming pool and spa as well as a multi-cuisine restaurant.