Sri Lanka: A journey that Stays with you

A Journey That Stays With You

Ancient wonders. Emerald tea plantations. Extraordinary wildlife. Spectacular coastlines. And above all, unforgettable people.

Some destinations surprise you. Others captivate you from the moment you arrive. Sri Lanka managed to do both.

I've recently returned from an extraordinary journey through this beautiful island, travelling with a wonderful group of fellow travel professionals as guests of Rebecca Recommends and Ventours.

Over ten remarkable days, we experienced a country of incredible contrasts — from the energy of Colombo to ancient kingdoms, mist-covered tea plantations, the wilderness of Yala National Park and the breathtaking southern coast.

But what made this journey truly special wasn't simply the places we visited or the beautiful hotels where we stayed.

It was the people.

The warmth, generosity, humour and genuine pride of the Sri Lankan people were evident everywhere we went. From our exceptional guides and hosts to the chefs, tea planters, naturalists and hotel teams who welcomed us, each added something memorable to our journey.

And that, to me, is what makes travel extraordinary.

COLOMBO

A City of Character, Culture and Creativity

Our adventure began in Colombo, a fascinating introduction to Sri Lanka's history, architecture and evolving contemporary culture.

We explored the remarkable architectural legacy of Geoffrey Bawa, including a private visit to his former residence, Number 11. His distinctive approach to tropical modernism is woven throughout the island, and discovering his work gave us a wonderful appreciation for Sri Lanka's architectural heritage.

A guided walk through historic Colombo with Mark Forbes brought the city's colonial past to life, while visits to local galleries, boutiques and restaurants revealed its creative energy.

There were memorable meals, fascinating conversations and a wonderful introduction to Sri Lankan hospitality.

Where we stayed: Shangri-La Colombo, an elegant base from which to explore the capital.

We also visited several smaller properties, including Ishq Colombo and Maniumpathy and the beautiful Galle Face Hotel, each offering a different perspective on the city's hospitality scene.

THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE

Ancient Kingdoms and Timeless Traditions

Leaving Colombo behind, we travelled into Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, where centuries of history unfold against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes.

Exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa by bicycle was a wonderful way to experience its extraordinary archaeological treasures. Temples, palaces and magnificent stone carvings offered a glimpse into a remarkable civilization.

And then there was Sigiriya.

Rising dramatically above the surrounding countryside, this ancient rock fortress is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic sights. Its scale, history and setting are extraordinary.

Our journey continued through the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, a visit to a spice farm and onward to Kandy, where we explored the revered Temple of the Tooth.

A private performance of traditional Kandyan dancing and drumming was another wonderful introduction to the island's rich cultural traditions.

Where we stayed:

Water Garden Sigiriya — A beautiful retreat surrounded by lush landscapes, with spacious private villas and plunge pools.

Kings Pavilion, Kandy — An intimate boutique property offering a peaceful setting above the city.

What I particularly loved about this part of our journey was how naturally history, culture, local life and hospitality came together.

CEYLON TEA COUNTRY

A Little Piece of Heaven in the Highlands

If there was one part of Sri Lanka that completely stole my heart, it was the tea country.

Imagine rolling emerald hills, beautifully preserved tea planter bungalows, mist drifting across the valleys and a gentler pace of life.

Welcome to Ceylon Tea Trails.

Set among working tea estates in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, this extraordinary collection of historic bungalows offers an experience that feels both intimate and wonderfully indulgent.

We stayed at Norwood Bungalow and explored several of the other beautiful properties, each with its own character and setting.

Days were spent learning about the history and production of Ceylon tea, visiting the Dunkeld Tea Factory, enjoying a private tasting with a resident tea planter and discovering the art of Sri Lankan cooking.

There were beautiful lunches, traditional afternoon teas, exceptional dinners and plenty of opportunities simply to enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

What makes Tea Trails so special is the atmosphere. The gracious hospitality, beautiful gardens, thoughtful service and sense of history create something far more personal than a conventional luxury hotel.

Where we stayed: Ceylon Tea Trails — Norwood Bungalow.

My impression: This is a destination in itself, and somewhere I would encourage travellers to spend enough time to truly appreciate.

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Where Wilderness Meets Extraordinary Luxury

From the tranquillity of the tea country, our journey took us into a completely different landscape.

Yala National Park is a place of rugged beauty, where wilderness, wildlife and the Indian Ocean meet.

Our home for two nights was the remarkable Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

This is no ordinary safari lodge.

Its distinctive cocoon-shaped suites blend into the surrounding landscape, creating a wonderfully luxurious retreat on the edge of the wilderness.

Early mornings brought exciting game drives with expert naturalists, while afternoons offered opportunities to explore the surrounding bush and learn more about the region's extraordinary wildlife.

And then there were the evenings.

Watching the sun set over the dunes, enjoying beautiful meals and listening to the sounds of nature was a reminder of just how magical these remote places can be.

Where we stayed: Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

My impression: An exceptional combination of adventure, thoughtful design and genuine luxury. Perfect for travellers who want an immersive wildlife experience without sacrificing comfort.

THE SOUTHERN COAST

Barefoot Elegance and Ocean Views

Our final destination brought us to Sri Lanka's beautiful southern coastline and the magnificent Cape Weligama.

Perched above the Indian Ocean, this extraordinary property is all about breathtaking views, beautiful villas, exceptional dining and relaxed sophistication.

It was the perfect place to finish our journey.

We explored the historic streets of Galle Fort, visited a working cinnamon plantation and discovered traditional stilt fishing along the coast.

A home-cooked lunch at the cinnamon estate was another reminder that some of the most memorable travel experiences happen away from the usual tourist attractions.

Back at Cape Weligama, the combination of spectacular scenery, gracious service and outstanding cuisine made it very difficult to contemplate leaving!

We also visited Kayaam House near Tangalle, another beautiful coastal retreat offering a more intimate, wellness-focused experience.

Where we stayed: Cape Weligama.

My impression: A wonderful choice for travellers seeking understated luxury, exceptional food and a spectacular coastal setting.

THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

The True Heart of Sri Lanka

As beautiful as the properties were, and as extraordinary as the experiences, what I will remember most are the people.

The guides who shared their country's history with such enthusiasm. The tea planters who brought generations of tradition to life. The chefs who introduced us to wonderful local flavours. The naturalists whose knowledge transformed our wildlife experiences.

And of course, the wonderful group of travel friends who shared the journey.

There was endless laughter, lively conversation, unforgettable meals, a few very enjoyable glasses of Scotch (Arrack - Sri Lanka’s signature traditional distilled whiskey) and more than a handful of moments that will have us smiling for years to come.

Travel has an extraordinary way of bringing people together, and this journey was a beautiful reminder of that.