en
- Signature
- 14-day trip
- From €15,785 p.p.
Sri Lanka and Maldives trip | Luxury trip Relais & Châteaux
This 16-day luxury culinary trip takes you through fascinating Sri Lanka and concludes in the paradisiacal Maldives. You will stay overnight in Sri Lanka in 3 accommodations belonging to the exclusive Relais & Châteaux association known for the art of fine living. The owners of these extraordinary accommodations are all passionate about their craft and deeply committed to protecting and promoting the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions. You will fly by seaplane from Colombo directly to the verdant tea fields and hilly landscapes of Hatton. Stay here in a luxury tea planter's bungalow amidst the tea plantations, then join a ranger to search for the leopard in Yala National Park and stay in a unique glamping tent. Then completely unwind on the beautiful beaches of Weligama and take a trip to historic Galle, before flying on an international flight and then taking a seaplane to an idyllic island in the Maldives for the perfect end to the trip.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Sri Lanka
- Day 2 Arrival in Sri Lanka
- Day 3 Seaplane to Hatton
- Day 4 Sri Lanka’s tea plantations
- Day 5 Seaplane and transfer to Yala National Park
- Day 6 – 7 Safari in Yala National Park
- Day 8 Transfer to Cape Weligama
- Day 9 Visit Galle with a historian
- Day 10 Journey to the Maldives
- Days 11–13 Ultimate enjoyment in the Maldives
- Day 14 Departure from the Maldives
Arrival in Sri Lanka
Ayubowan! We warmly welcome you to Sri Lanka! Your first encounter with the island will be upon your arrival in Colombo. Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer.
Your stay in Colombo will be in style, in a stately house with a beautiful garden close to the main attractions. A highly recommended afternoon activity is a visit to the Dutch Hospital, which served as a hospital during the Dutch colonial era and has now been converted into a pleasant gallery with delightful eateries.
Includes:
• Meet & Greet on arrival at the airport
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Seaplane to Hatton
You’ll return to the airport and fly by seaplane to your next destination. In the heart of Tea Country, five luxury villas are nestled amongst the tea plantations and around Lake Castlereagh. You’ll land here and be taken to your villa in short order,
Relais & Châteaux, founded in 1954, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants across the globe, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – mostly families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to protecting and promoting the richness and diversity of the world’s culinary and hospitality traditions. The preservation of local heritage and the environment is also a top priority for organisations affiliated with Relais & Châteaux.
The history of tea and Sri Lanka are inextricably linked, and it is on the hills surrounding Hatton that the tradition of tea cultivation still thrives. The plantations around your Ceylon Tea Trails accommodation are still fully operational, just as they were in the late nineteenth century when the first Scottish planters arrived. Since its foundation, Ceylon Tea Trails has been associated with the renowned Dilmah tea brand. Dinner at the hotel is included this evening.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• Panoramic seaplane flight to Hatton
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Accommodation on an all-inclusive basis
Sri Lanka's tea plantations
Start your day here with the tradition of tea in bed, served by your butler. Your chef will prepare meals for you using fresh produce and home-grown vegetables and herbs. Guests can enjoy Western dishes, traditional Sri Lankan classics and tea-inspired dishes. The afternoon cream tea is truly delightful!
In the morning, you’ll meet your personal guide for the day, a retired tea planter. With him, you’ll learn all about the tea-making process and pick up the finer points of tea tasting. Afterwards, you’ll visit the nearby Warleigh Church, built in 1878 by British planters and situated in a stunning location. One idea for the afternoon might be to go on a pleasant cycle ride along the lake, enjoy an authentic high tea at one of the other Celyon Tea Trails villas, and be driven back to your villa.
Should you wish to explore the surrounding area, a vehicle with your private chauffeur will be at your disposal.
Included:
• Excursion: Learn all about tea with the estate’s tea planter
• Lunch with the planter during your stay
• Activities organised from your hotel, or a vehicle with a private driver (up to 80 km) on day 5
• Accommodation on an all-inclusive basis
Seaplane and transfer to Yala National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, you will be taken to Castlereaghmeer and fly from there to Hambanthota. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and taken to your next Relais & Châteaux accommodation.
Adjacent to Yala National Park, the spectacular Wild Coast Tented Lodge awaits you right on the beach. Its unique design – which mirrors the boulders scattered across the golden beach behind it – ensures the lodge blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, whilst a layout shaped like a leopard’s paw pays homage to the area’s most famous inhabitant. Arrive at your home in the heart of the wilderness.
In the afternoon, you’ll set off in a private jeep for your first safari in Yala National Park.
Included:
• Private transfer to Castlereagh Lake
• Seaplane flight to Hambanthota and transfer to the hotel
• Afternoon safari in Yala National Park, on a private basis
• Accommodation on an all-inclusive basis
Safari in Yala National Park
Over the next few days, you’ll be exploring the extraordinary wildlife of Yala National Park. Yala is Sri Lanka’s best-known national park and is particularly popular for leopard spotting. It’s no exaggeration to say that this is one of the best places in the world to encounter these magnificent animals. You’ll also have the chance to spot sloth bears, crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, water buffalo, deer and wild boar. There’s also a huge variety of bird species, including flamingos, peacocks and pelicans.
On day 6, a morning safari is on the programme; the following day, you’ll have a free morning to relax by the pool or at the spa, before heading out on another safari in the afternoon to explore other parts of the park.
Tips from the Travel Specialist
There is no guarantee of seeing (specific) wildlife; however, the rangers are very experienced and will do their utmost to give you a fantastic safari experience. Although Yala National Park is renowned for its leopards, there is only a small chance of actually spotting these elusive animals.
Included:
• Excursion: Morning (day 6) & afternoon (day 7) private safari in Yala National Park
• Accommodation on an all-inclusive basis
Transfer to Cape Weligama
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to Weligama in around 3 hours, where you can relax and unwind in the afternoon. You will once again be staying at a Relais & Châteaux property, where you will be thoroughly pampered.
Where trade winds carried legendary explorers such as Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Fa-Hsien along Sri Lanka’s towering southern cliffs on some of the most celebrated nautical voyages in history, Weligama has become the most celebrated seaside resort along the coasts of this legendary island. With its palm-fringed coastline, tropical gardens and luxurious villas and suites, the Cape Weligama Resort is your very own slice of paradise for the duration of your stay.
Included:
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Accommodation including breakfast
Visit Galle with historian
You will be driven to the historic city of Galle. Galle Fort juts out like a teardrop from the Sri Lankan mainland; this peninsula was completely walled and fortified by the Portuguese and the Dutch. Since then, the fort has protected the lucrative trade in spices and, later, coffee and tea, before the British took over. Specialist historian Thara Liyani Arachchi, who obtained his PhD in the history of the Dutch and British colonial periods, will accompany you on a walk through narrow streets, past old VOC buildings and along the fort walls.
Outside the fortified town, you’ll cycle through the countryside surrounding the town, getting to know village life, sampling fresh juices sold by the roadside, and taking in the sight of green rice fields.
Included:
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Walking tour of Galle with a historian and a cycle tour
• Accommodation including breakfast
Travel to the Maldives
It’s time to swap one paradise for the next: the Maldives. In 2.5 hours, you’ll be driven back to Colombo Airport, where you’ll fly to the ‘String of Pearls of the Indian Ocean’, the Maldives!
The Maldives, comprising more than 1,200 coral islands that form around 25 natural atolls, is separated from the rest of the world by the seemingly endless Indian Ocean, creating a remote paradise. These beautiful tropical islands are best known for their white powder-sand beaches, glistening blue lagoons and vast reefs that are home to a wide variety of colourful marine life.
The St. Regis Vommuli Resort is one of our preferred luxury resorts in the Maldives. St. Regis offers the discerning holidaymaker the perfect picture: an idyllic setting in Dhaalu Atoll, spacious, tastefully furnished villas offering plenty of privacy, and an unrivalled level of service. But that’s not all. Here, you can expect top-class dining and a stay brimming with romance and special activities.
Included:
• Private transfer to the airport
• International flight to Malé
• Seaplane to St. Regis Vommuli Resort
• Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Ultimate enjoyment in the Maldives
You’ll have your days in the Maldives entirely at your leisure. Enjoy all the beauty that St. Regis Vommuli has to offer and treat yourself to culinary delights in the various restaurants. You won’t be bored for a moment, as there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing, as well as a game of tennis, beach volleyball or table tennis. Of course, you can also simply relax and let the memories of your trip through Sri Lanka sink in.
Included:
• Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Accommodations
Wallawwa
The boutique hotel Wallawwa offers colonial charm and exceptional service within a 5-acre tropical garden. The 17 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, the Z-spa, the à-la-carte restaurant and the dedicated team of butlers ensure that all needs are met. A stay at The Wallawwa can be...
The boutique hotel Wallawwa offers colonial charm and exceptional service within a 5-acre tropical garden. The 17 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, the Z-spa, the à-la-carte restaurant and the dedicated team of butlers ensure that all needs are met. A stay at The Wallawwa can be spent relaxing in the beautiful gardens, visiting Negombo beach, sightseeing, enjoying luxurious cuisine, revitalising spa treatments and not forgetting: Taking a relaxing dip!
Maniumpathy Hotel
A luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Colombo, Maniumpathy is surrounded by art galleries, chic boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, malls and national monuments. It is also just minutes from the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Maniumpathy offers a range of facilities to make your stay not...
A luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Colombo, Maniumpathy is surrounded by art galleries, chic boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, malls and national monuments. It is also just minutes from the Royal Colombo Golf Club. Maniumpathy offers an array of facilities to make your stay not only enjoyable, but unique and memorable. Maniumpathy offers its guests a personal butler service to meet your individual needs. The Grand Ebony Room is the ideal venue for private events and fine dining.
Your stay: 1 night
Ceylon Tea Trails Castlereagh Bungalow
Castlereagh Bungalow is one of Ceylon Tea Trails' original buildings. It once served as the official residence of the planter family who established the tea fields here in a very convenient location. Now it has been converted into a luxury villa, where above all, you will still find old British atmosphere, a personal butler who will make it u...
Castlereagh Bungalow is one of Ceylon Tea Trails' original buildings. It once served as the official residence of the planter family who established the tea fields here in a very convenient location. Now it has been converted into a luxury villa, where above all, you will still find old British atmosphere, a personal butler who will make sure you lack nothing, and a picturesque location above the eponymous lake. Enjoy a traditional high-tea on the veranda, grab a bike and explore the surrounding villages or grab binoculars and go in search of motley sunbirds.
Your stay: 2 nights
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Ceylon's stunning latest creation is Wild Coast Tented Lodge, adjacent to the world-renowned Yala National Park, known for its leopard population. This spectacular luxury tented camp is set in a stunning location where the jungle meets a pristine beach and overlooks the blue waters of the Indian...
Ceylon's stunning latest creation is Wild Coast Tented Lodge, adjacent to the world-renowned Yala National Park, known for its leopard population. This spectacular luxury tented camp is set in a stunning location where the jungle meets a pristine beach and overlooks the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The unique design of Wild Coast Lodge, developed by Nomadic Resorts, sees man-made structures blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape thanks to the use of carefully selected natural materials.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a member of Relais & Châteaux; a global community of luxury hotels and restaurants owned and managed by a family, valuing the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Ceylon's stunning latest creation is Wild Coast Tented Lodge, adjacent to the world-renowned Yala National Park, known for its leopard population. This spectacular luxury tented camp is set in a stunning location where the jungle meets a pristine beach and overlooks the blue waters of the Indian...
Ceylon's stunning latest creation is Wild Coast Tented Lodge, adjacent to the world-renowned Yala National Park, known for its leopard population. This spectacular luxury tented camp is set in a stunning location where the jungle meets a pristine beach and overlooks the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The unique design of Wild Coast Lodge, developed by Nomadic Resorts, sees man-made structures blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape thanks to the use of carefully selected natural materials.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a member of Relais & Châteaux; a global community of luxury hotels and restaurants owned and managed by a family, valuing the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions.
Your stay: 3 nights
Cape Weligama
Cape Weligama resort, nestled in the undulations of this dramatic headland, create the illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village, but beneath the terracotta-tiled roofs lie stylish, contemporary interiors, sized between 130 and 300 square metres. Wattas (gardens) with stone enclosures contain...
Cape Weligama resort, nestled in the undulations of this dramatic headland, create the illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village, but beneath the terracotta-tiled roofs lie stylish, contemporary interiors, sized between 130 and 300 square metres. Wattas (gardens) with stone enclosures contain 2 or 3 detached villas and a swimming pool. Walauwas (mansions) offer 4 spacious suites, all with private butler service, and bespoke dining and spa facilities.
A breathtaking crescent pool curving 60 metres around the top of the promontory drinks in every inch of the spectacular 270-degree view of the coast. Paths lead to secluded cliff viewpoints for watching iconic stilt fishermen balancing on slender poles and whales silently breaching the distant horizon of the sea. A fully equipped air-conditioned gym helps you stay in shape after overindulging in the resort's delicious cuisine.
Cape Weligama is a member of Relais & Châteaux; a global community of family-owned and family-managed luxury hotels and restaurants that value the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions.
Cape Weligama
Cape Weligama resort, nestled in the undulations of this dramatic headland, create the illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village, but beneath the terracotta-tiled roofs lie stylish, contemporary interiors, sized between 130 and 300 square metres. Wattas (gardens) with stone enclosures contain...
Cape Weligama resort, nestled in the undulations of this dramatic headland, create the illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village, but beneath the terracotta-tiled roofs lie stylish, contemporary interiors, sized between 130 and 300 square metres. Wattas (gardens) with stone enclosures contain 2 or 3 detached villas and a swimming pool. Walauwas (mansions) offer 4 spacious suites, all with private butler service, and bespoke dining and spa facilities.
A breathtaking crescent pool curving 60 metres around the top of the promontory drinks in every inch of the spectacular 270-degree view of the coast. Paths lead to secluded cliff viewpoints for watching iconic stilt fishermen balancing on slender poles and whales silently breaching the distant horizon of the sea. A fully equipped air-conditioned gym helps you stay in shape after overindulging in the resort's delicious cuisine.
Cape Weligama is a member of Relais & Châteaux; a global community of family-owned and family-managed luxury hotels and restaurants that value the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions.
Your stay: 2 nights
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is situated on Vommuli Island in the Maldives. Units feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, soundproofing, coffee machines, minibars, safety deposit boxes and ironing equipment. There are various on-site dining options available for guests. Additional...
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is situated on Vommuli Island in the Maldives. Units feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, soundproofing, coffee machines, minibars, safety deposit boxes and ironing equipment. There are various on-site dining options available for guests. Additional amenities include swimming pools, a fitness centre, a hot tub, 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is situated on Vommuli Island in the Maldives. Units feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, soundproofing, coffee machines, minibars, safety deposit boxes and ironing equipment. There are various on-site dining options available for guests. Additional...
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is situated on Vommuli Island in the Maldives. Units feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen televisions, soundproofing, coffee machines, minibars, safety deposit boxes and ironing equipment. There are various on-site dining options available for guests. Additional amenities include swimming pools, a fitness centre, a hot tub, 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Your stay: 4 nights
Experiences
Transfer seaplane Sri Lanka
Visit tea factory with tea planter Tea Trails
Destinations
Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital and largest city, is a city that travellers have mostly avoided for years. The city has a reputation for being boring, but today it has so much to offer! Unlike Jakarta or Bangkok, it is an orderly city and therefore easy to explore. Traffic is as in any Asian capital - chaotic. But, once you have had some time to get used to this and can proverbially 'look past', you will see a brilliant side of the country.
Sri Lanka
Dickoya
Bright green hills, dense dark forests, farmlands and traditional houses characterise the landscapes of Dickoya. Located in the Nuwara Eliya district of Sri Lanka's central province, this photogenic town is known for its fertile tea plantations, spectacular views and charming historic churches. Delve into its colonial and religious past by visiting the 18th-century Christ Church, which has beautiful stained-glass windows and a well-preserved Bible from 1878. The church is one of the oldest Anglican churches in the country. Warleigh Church, with its serene atmosphere, pipe organ and antique furniture, is also worth a visit. Nearby attractions include the beautiful St Clair Major Falls and Devon Falls, and Castlereigh Reservoir, adorned with beautiful hiking trails and viewpoints.
Ceylon Valley
The Ceylon Valley is the 'Tea Country' par excellence. This is the setting for an idyllic stay high in the hills, in a colonial home built during the time of the British, for example. Enjoy tea-inspired days, in the form of (of course!) delicious tea, the tempting and traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with tea-inspired dishes, but also through excursions ranging from a visit and tasting at one of the authentic tea factories, to mountain walks and cycling through the green carpet of Ceylon tea gardens.
Yala
Yala, Sri Lanka, is a picturesque region in the southeastern corner of the island. This beautiful area offers breathtaking landscapes and rich animal life. For nature lovers, Yala National Park is the highlight of the island, with a leopard density probably higher than anywhere else on the planet and a varied landscape from dense forests to wetlands.
Yala National Park
Yala (Ruhuna) National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park covers an area of 151,778 hectares, consisting of five blocks, not all of which are open to the public. The park is located in the arid semi-arid climate region of southeast Sri Lanka, stretching from Trincomalee to Hambantota. Topographically, the area is a flat and slightly undulating plain running to the coast with an elevation of 30 metres to the coast while inland it rises to 100-125 metres. The landscape is characterised by green, low forests interspersed with water bodies, open plains and rocky outcrops.
Maldives
The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, consist of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands. This archipelago is renowned for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity. Each island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and luxury, with countless resorts ranging from traditional bungalows to modern overwater villas. The underwater world is a highlight, ideal for diving and snorkelling, where colourful coral reefs and exotic marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles can be admired.
The Maldives also offer a range of activities, from water sports and fishing trips to romantic sunset cruises. The local culture is fascinating, with a blend of South Asian, Arabic and African influences, which is reflected in the music, dance and cuisine. The climate is tropical, with warm temperatures all year round, making it an ideal destination for a sun holiday. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the Maldives offer an unforgettable experience in truly breathtaking surroundings.
Dhaalu Atoll
The Maldives' Dhaalu' Atoll stretches over a total of 56 islands - only seven of which are inhabited - and extends 23 kilometres wide and 38 kilometres from top to bottom in the Arabian Ocean. Adorned with numerous luxury resorts, the atoll is a popular diving destination, fringed by beautiful reefs with rich marine life. Other activities on offer include swimming in the crystal-clear waters, participating in numerous water sports, spa treatments and visiting some intriguing sites.
Weligama
Weligama is a serene resort with a beautiful beach stretching around a wide, crescent-shaped bay. It is located just a 40-minute drive from Galle and a short distance from Mirissa, which is known for its good whale-watching opportunities. A stay here is therefore the perfect base if you are looking for these huge mammals.
Ahangama
The small town of Ahangama is located in Sri Lanka's southern province. This quiet town is located almost at the southernmost tip of the island. It is known for its beautiful coastline and ample surfing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy surfing the waves at Wellingama Bay, you can take a local tuk-tuk to explore the area, enjoy a turtle experience at the Turtle Bay Activity Centre and relax at an inviting beach bar to enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie or a nice cold local beer . Other highlights include the Handunugoda Tea Estate, the pristine Midigama Beach and the nearby Koggala Lagoon. Don't miss the chance to watch the famous stilt fishermen.
Sri Lanka and Maldives trip | Luxury trip Relais & Châteaux
We offer the described trip from €15,785 per person.
The tour price is an indication and is subject to availability and travel dates, amongst other factors.
Included
• International flight from Sri Lanka to the Maldives in Economy Class
• Scheduled seaplane flights in Sri Lanka and the Maldives
• Accommodation in excellent and unique lodges and hotels
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’, including jeep safaris in Yala National Park
• Private transport with an English-speaking private guide/driver
• Entrance fees where applicable
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• International flights
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Contingency Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)