Explore The Finest Hideaways During Your Honeymoon In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been regarded as a romantic destination for centuries the Romans called
it Taprobane; it was the place that Sinbad the sailor is thought to have washed up; its beautiful maidens inspired the stunning Sigiriya wall paintings and it was the inspiration for Bizets opera, The Pearl Fishers.Sri Lanka is an attractive honeymoon destination because of its selection of luxury hotels, its golden beaches and romantic landscapes. In the Cultural Triangle honeymooners can take a hot air balloon and enjoy a champagne breakfast whilst flying over the Sigiriya rock fortress, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Luxury hotels such as Jetwing VilUyana and Kandalama have grand spas, which offer relaxing ayurvedic treatments and massages. Hours can be whiled away being pampered using ancient methods such as hot oil treatments and herbal baths.
In the Tea Country couples can enjoy romantic walks through emerald plantations, and enjoy the coziness of staying in luxurious boutique hotels such as Tea Trails. The rooms are beautifully decorated, the living rooms have log fires and couples can enjoy romantic high teas on the manicured lawns. Long walks can be taken through stunning landscapes and you will meet tea pluckers and friendly villagers en route.
For more adventurous types a luxury-tented safari in Yala National Park can be an attractive option. You can enjoy meals under the stars and staying in comfortable tents with proper beds and hot showers. The excitement of a safari drive is well worth it, particularly as Sri Lanka is the best place in the world for spotting leopards. You are also likely to see elephants, wild boar, sambar deer and even sloth bears and pythons.
From here it is only two hours to Tangalle and its unspoilt golden beaches and coves. Many VIP couples and honeymooners stay in this part of the island for a week or two. Helicopter transfers can be organized from Colombo. There are a handful of stunning luxury villas here, as well as boutique hotels such as Amanwella, which has played host to many famous couples including Gwyneth Paltro and Chris Martin.
Here couples can while the days away by the beach and pool, enjoying delicious food and soaking up the tropical Sri Lankan sun. The water is clear between November and March and is fantastic for snorkeling.
The area inland from Galle is also romantic with boutique hotels such as Kahanda Kanda set amongst tea bushes with beautiful views over the surrounding jungle and paddy fields. The suite rooms are private and ideal for those who want to be left in peace and quiet. The showers are designed with an open roundel above them so that at night you can look up to see the glittering stars. There are various good beach restaurants along the Thalpe stretch of coast, which can organize special candle-lit dinners.
For honeymooners, a convenient and spectacular way to travel around Sri Lanka is by seaplane or helicopter. By flying you get a real sense of the beauty and diversity of the island. It is incredibly romantic to land on Castlereagh Lake in the Tea Country, close to the Tea Trails bungalows or on Koggala Lake just in front of the Indian Ocean, close to Galle.
The magic of honeymoons Sri Lanka is in the details the fresh flowers that decorate rooms, the friendliness of the people, the hot air balloon and elephant rides, the candle-lit dinners and the spectacular scenery.
by: Shani Silva