Colombo’s Luxury Bolt Holes Perfect for a Honeymoon in Sri Lanka
It’s no surprise that Sri Lanka fits the bill for every kind of honeymoon you could dream of.
Whether you are a newlywed looking to laze around by a fabulous beach or want to combine your honeymoon with a touch of adventure, a bit of spa, a walk up a mountain and of course, some wonderful R&R, planning a honeymoon in Sri Lanka is like opening up a Pandora’s box.
Ayu in the Wild are specialists in curating the most unique luxury honeymoon holidays to Sri Lanka where we could fly you to a remote corner of the island, we have explored ourselves or we whisk you off on a perfect honeymoon adventure you will never forget. All you need to do as a couple is to enjoy the indulgence of our private guides, fantastic chauffeurs, hand-picked accommodation and the insider knowledge of the best local secrets.
This tiny island is full of surprises.
Surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, you could fly into cosmopolitan Colombo City with it’s fantastic foodie culture before heading into every shade of green up in the Ceylon tea plantations for a luxury honeymoon holiday in those perfect British heritage tea bungalows. There’s also some serious wellness indulgence for a week of spa and Ayurveda in Kandy. Or we could show you the charms of the island’s centuries old heritage in the Cultural Triangle exploring the stunning ruins of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Sigiriya with hand-picked local guides who are great story tellers. If you love the monsoon architecture of Geoffrey Bawa designed luxury hotels then a few nights of fine dining, discreet service and the perfect thread count can be handpicked from beautiful villas that dot the south coast from Galle to Tangalle. Never miss the excitement of wildlife in Sri Lanka where privately guided safaris inside remote national parks including Yala, Kumana and Wilpattu turn into wonderful learning holidays with Ayu in the Wild’s insightful Naturalists with their snippets on the behavior of leopards, sloth bear, colourful birds, deer and elephants.
If waking up to sound of waves rolling onto fabulous palm speckled Sri Lankan beaches in Mirissa, Thalpe, Tangalle, Pasikuda or Kalpitiya leaves you yearning for more beaches, a perfect luxury honeymoon can combine the excitement of Sri Lanka with the oh-so-dreamy beaches of the Maldives.
In the first of our series of perfect honeymoon hotels in Sri Lanka, we spotlight the eclectic city of Colombo and its luxury bolt holes for you to start or end your island honeymoon.
Honeymoon Hotels in Sri Lanka's Cosmopolitan Capital Colombo
Here’s a list of Ayu in the Wild’s pick of the most stylish and luxurious honeymoon hotels in Sri Lanka’s Capital city, Colombo.
— 1 —
PARADISE ROAD - TINTAGEL COLOMBO
An unforgettable escape to a historic hotel with a story to tell.
In the heart of Colombo’s most elite neighborhood is an abode steeped in history. The home of Prime Ministers, legend and Royalty, Tintagel Colombo is now a work of art, combining exclusive designs, antiques, detailed embellishments in the suites, contemporary paintings and a lovely blend of old world decor and impeccable service. The formal interiors are an ode to the artistic flare of its management. This 5-star honeymoon hotel is our perfect boutique choice in Colombo to start or end your honeymoon evoking a sense of the Raffles vibe in a city that is constantly evolving.
Perfect for: Couples who seek a stylish, contemporary honeymoon hotel.
What’s special about this honeymoon hotel in Sri Lanka..
“Beautiful. Royal suites with private pool and courtyard ideal for honeymooners”.
In-House Dining Options:
The Courtyard alfresco restaurant offering an à la carte menu of international cuisine. Perfect for breakfast.
The Dining Room, indoor restaurant is just the right ambiance for dinner.
The Private Dining Room, an ideal location for a personal dining experience with butler service. Celebrate the start of your honeymoon in style.
The Red Bar – Intimate and stylish bar for a romantic nightcap.
Other Facilities: A curated library of rare leatherbound volumes of books when you want to unwind without technology. A Pool, Gym and Spa with style and charm.
— 2 —
MANIUMPATHY COLOMBO
Paying a tribute to the wonderful town of Manipay in Jaffna far up north in Sri Lanka, Maniumpathy was the stately home of a family originating from Jaffna. Staying true to it’s origins, the ambiance of Maniumpathy blends style borrowed from Sri Lanka’s colonial past with more than a strong hint of the Hindu culture. A century of history embraces the property that has belonged to generations of this family.
Perfect for: Couples who seek vintage luxury with discreet service.
What’s special about this honeymoon hotel in Sri Lanka..
“The suites have nice sitting areas with private balconies or quiet back garden terraces. Vintage furniture including large four poster beds, beautiful mahogany writing cabinet, huge bathroom with his-and-her’s sinks”.
In-House Dining Options: The Nandi - set in the courtyard overlooking the pool is perfect for local cuisine with flavours from Jaffna. Just right for a romantic candlelight evening by the pool.
The Grand Ebony Room - Is more suited for private dining with its muted lighting and the finest crockery and cutlery.
Other Facilities: Beautiful gardens and pool.
— 3 —
VILLA TALANGAMA
Away from the bustle and lights of the City is a three bed-roomed villa escape in the southern suburbs of Colombo. Hand-picked flowers with every meal, candlelit dinners, peaceful music and the most attentive staff.
Perfect for: Couples who seek a high-end but friendly and relaxed kind of getaway.
What’s special about this honeymoon hotel in Sri Lanka..
“Spacious rooms tastefully decorated with beautiful antique furniture. The rooms have delightful open air bathrooms and all furnished to a very high standard”.
In-House Dining Options: Authentic homemade Sri Lankan food served with a view of the pool and garden.
Other Facilities: The Thalangama wetlands are a bird watchers paradise and the private veranda, pool and hammocks overlook the wetlands. Perfect to unwind at any time of day. A Purple-faced Leaf Monkey could be a regular visitor during your stay.
— 4 —
COLOMBO COURT HOTEL AND SPA
A welcoming but subdued fusion of contemporary style and art created from an array of recycled materials, this is trendy hotel in the hub of the city.
Perfect for: couples who want trendy style, entertainment, spa, food and wine.
What’s special about this honeymoon hotel in Sri Lanka..
“Choice of deluxe rooms and suites. Suites are spacious and very comfortable with a big bathroom and a huge bathtub”.
In-House Dining Options: Cloud Café - A popular venue under the stars perfect to enjoy a night in the city’s sought after rooftop terrace with great food by a celebrity chef, entertainment and a real buzz.
Loft Lounge Bar – A trendy bar with an enviable list of cocktails and mocktails
Amber Poolside – Perfect for a dip, a casual lunch, a long drink and even a chilled out shisha experience.
Grape Expectations Wine Lounge - Wine and food pairing at its best with sumptuous tapas, cheeses, Spanish delicacies and more.
Other Facilities: The Amber Spa.
— 5 —
CINNAMON GRAND COLOMBO
A hallmark in the City, Cinnamon Grand has offered outstanding value for guests with its beautifully modern interior, impeccable service and an amazing choice of restaurants. A walk by the Beira Lake is a must.
Perfect for: Couples who love a luxury city hotel close to the ocean, with a choice of restaurants serving outstanding cuisine.
What’s special about this honeymoon hotel in Sri Lanka..
“The “Apartment” Suite has a great view of the sea and is extremely spacious with a lounge, dining and bedroom spaces. The Courtyard Suite offers a living room, a big bedroom and even two full bathrooms! Great amenities and beautiful quality bedding.
Complimentary wine, free upgrades and chocolates for honeymooners”.
In-House Dining Options:
Noodles Bar: Perfect for dinner
Breeze Bar: for those sundowners by the pool
Nuga Gama – Carbon neutral Sri Lankan traditional culinary experience. A must try!
Shisha Bar – Simply unwind
London Grill – phenomenal!
The Lagoon – Indulgence
Tao – Lovely ambiance and great fusion food
Chutneys – Tali is divine.
Other Facilities: Spa, sauna, a roof top pool and a garden level pool, tennis courts, two gyms and just steps away from great shopping.
— 6 —
JETWING COLOMBO SEVEN
That rooftop view though! Jetwing Colombo Seven is a delicious oasis in the city.
Perfect for: Couples who love indulgence for the senses.. quite the 5 star experience.....
What’s special about this honeymoon hotel in Sri Lanka..
“Spacious rooms fitted with all modern amenities, elegant and minimalistic decor. The Suites are very spacious and have a well-fitted pantry which include an oven, gas cooker, cutlery and crockery. fitted with bath tubs which allows you a good soak at the end of the day - Complimentary chocolates in the room for honeymooners”.
In-House Dining Options:
57 –main restaurant serves some of the most exquisite dishes in the city. Perfect to try a choice of traditional local specialties to international dining options.
Ward 7 – Rooftop restobar. Just right for relaxed cocktails that refresh, great views and delicious food.
Other Facilities: Roof top infinity pool - did we mentione the view? A Spa, Bar, Gym.
— 7 —
GALLE FACE HOTEL
Sea-front, old-fashioned grandeur. Learn about the rich history at the small dedicated museum on the 2nd floor of this charming heritage hotel that still retains the olde-world charm of the colonial era. The palm fringed lawns sweeping out to the sea is everyones favourite hangout for sundowners watching blue skies turn to orange by dusk and an inky black curtain at night for the twinkling fairy lights that light up around the lawn.
Perfect for: Couples who love the luxury of heritage stays that have been graced by celebrities from around the world.
What’s special about this honeymoon hotel in Sri Lanka..
“The huge room with a four poster bed, massive bathtub and a spacious sun terrace overlooking the pool & sea is perfect to enjoy the complimentary champagne whilst you rest after a long flight.
- Complimentary bottle of bubbly and congratulations cake in the room for honeymooners”.
In-House Dining Options:
The Chequerboard Perfect for al fresco cocktails at sunset
The Verandah, Ocean front fine dining
The King of Mambo, vibey music and deco
1864 -the fine dining restaurant with exemplary service and an exception choice of wines
Other Facilities: Spa, Library and Pool
What Makes Colombo One of the Best Places to Honeymoon in Sri Lanka
It’s an exciting city. There’s plenty to do for a night or two in Colombo before heading off to explore the rest of the beautiful honeymoon hotels that dot the island’s mountains, jungles, cultural sites and beaches.
The fantastic 5 star luxury hotels are surrounded by a city-scape that stays up late. You are never short of a rooftop bolt hole for a late night cocktail, jazzy tunes, delicious food options or a sun-downer by the beach.
Take in the delightful sites of old-Colombo with a curated food and history walk hosted by an Ayu in the Wild Guide.
Indulge in elegant shopping by day and fine dining at night.
Visit the stylish Dutch Hospital Precincts, the vibey Park Street Mews, elegant shops in One Galle Face Mall, or walk though the Museum if you’re a history buff.
Enjoy an early morning train ride to the World Heritage Site of Kandy or a mid morning coastal rail journey with endless ocean views all the way through to Galle or beyond.
Explore the Wetlands for some great bird watching.
Be pampered at a a traditional Ayurveda treatment and healing spa.
Learnt the art of mindfulness meditation.
Combining a Honeymoon in Sri Lanka and the Maldives
The excitement of Sri Lanka’s diverse experiences pair well with the calm snorkeling and scuba diving in the Maldives on honeymoons that can be curated all year.
Explore the vibrant culture of Sigiriya, Dambulla and Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. Spot leopards and elephants on land safaris and Whales and dolphins on a speedboat or Yacht. Trek in the Ceylon tea mountains driving through carpets of lush green tea fields and milky white waterfalls before heading to the Maldives for the calmest of blue oceans from December to April. Note: this is the peak season in the Maldives.
The low season from May through September could be considered the best time to visit the Maldives for couples who want to avoid crowds and enjoy great rates. Conditions for scuba diving and surfing are optimal. Rainfalls are possible, but storms usually move quickly. Sri Lanka offers unlimited adventures during this season with magnificent cultural festivals in Kandy and Jaffna, the world famous ‘Gathering’ of elephants, wilderness walks, dolphins in the east coast and foodie options and culture.
Flight Connections: On average four flights a day connect from Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport) to Male (Velana International Airport). These short hop Colombo - Male flights take a mere 90 minutes making the Sri Lanka and Maldives honeymoon a popular choice among newly weds.
Is it Safe to visit Sri Lanka and other Sri Lanka Travel Advice