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The best hotels in Sri Lanka, tried and tested for 2025
Sri Lanka has had a rough ride at times – but this teardrop island has gone from strength to strength. It’s now back riding high as a sublime sunny destination and where better to enjoy it than at one of the best hotels in Sri Lanka? The country is as dynamic as it is diverse with alluring beaches, serene hill country and ancient ruins. There are also splendid national parks teeming with elephants, leopards and umpteen birds. However, it’s not just about the places. There are the people, too, who are super hospitable, kind and friendly. The delicious spice-laden food, topped off by a cup of famous Ceylon tea, seals the deal.
When it comes to places to stay, there are myriad options. There are many heritage homes and hotels, often sporting a tropical modernist look spearheaded by star Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. But things are changing and the past few years have seen a handful of new hotels in Sri Lanka crop up, pushing the boundaries of hospitality and introducing another level of buzz to the country.
For more recommendations see our guides:
What is the best part of Sri Lanka to stay in?
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s ever-changing capital with a slew of stylish coffee shops, chic galleries and lovely shops to peruse. But realistically, you want to spend your holiday on the south coast to enjoy heavenly beaches, vibey seaside cafés and deliciously warm weather. The beachfront properties are stunning, but there are equally as beautiful (and slightly more peaceful) inland hotels just a quick tuk-tuk ride away. we know Galle is tempting, but trust us, head around the coast and you’ll find fantastic lodges in leopard-dense Yala National Park. If you’re not in a rush then combine the beach with the Hill Country. More specifically, Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most sacred shrines. You’ll find the Cultural Triangle in the centre of the island, where you can see the extraordinary Sigiriya Rock, alongside a fascinating array of age-old monuments. For more inspiration, see our two-week itinerary for Sri Lanka.
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Though it’s hard to pinpoint a time of year that Sri Lanka’s tropical climate will be predictably lovely, December to mid-April is considered the opportune time to visit. It’s a tropical country, so there are distinct wet and dry seasons, but you’re still likely to find sun in certain parts of the island during the rainy season. The weather is at its most unpredictable during the south-west (yala) monsoon between May and August, and the north-east (maha), which impacts the east coast and cultural triangle from November to January. We recommend packing accordingly to prepare for the odd rain storm as well as sunshine to cover all eventualities, and beware: December to April is considered peak season so prices at the best hotels in Sri Lanka will likely escalate. For more information, visit the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
How we choose the best hotels in Sri Lanka
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve. For more information on how we review hotels and restaurants, please look at our About Us page.
