Kahanda Kanda
Near Galle Not really a villa, but eight suites spread across separate buildings — including an antique Joglo house from Java, this is the best of both worlds. Private terraces and verandas take advantage of the KK tea estate and jungle views, overlooking Koggala Lake. The look is sumptuously traditional: Dumbara-weave furnishings, grand teak or wrought-iron four posters, louvred shutters and wood-beam ceilings. Tariff $365–460; Contact +94-(0)91-4943700, kahandakanda.com
Maya
Near Tangalle Aranwella Walauwa was a typical 19th-century manor house — until it fell into the hands of interior designer Niki Fairchild. Thoughtfully restored and extended, elegantly furnished with colonial and contemporary furniture, the five-suite villa is surrounded by two acres of trees. All rooms have direct access to the 20m pool. The Indian Ocean is 15 minutes away; beach hat and bag are provided. Tariff $210–320 per room; Contact +94-(0)47-5679025/6, mayatangallesrilanka.com
Casa Colombo
Colombo The dozen suites at this 200-year-old mansion are where the hip stop in Sri Lanka’s capital. Eclectic décor, concrete waterfalls cascading into footed porcelain tubs, surprising murals, and a personal Casa Domo to meet you with champagne and a vintage car at the airport — these are some of the reasons. All the furniture, fabrics and lights are designed by owner Lalin Jinasena — and possible to purchase for your own home. Tariff From $200; Contact +94-(0)11-4520130, casacolombo.com
Turtle Eco Beach
Madehi Bold, clean-cut and colourful is the aesthetic at this 18-room property consisting of five refurbished village homes, run by our own Dune Eco Group. Rooms and look deceptively basic but prove very thoughtfully appointed with the polished concrete contrasting with bright-hued textiles and walls and tropical greenery. The restaurant serves innovative Sri Lankan-European fusion cuisine, and exceptional coffee. Tariff $80 (introductory); Contact +94-41-2223377, duneecogroup.com
Theva Residency
Near Kandy Personalised service and Perehara décor are the twin USPs of this private property with 11 rooms, including a penthouse, on a slope near the Hantana rainforest. The aesthetic is arty, with streamlined spaces and the simple processional colour schemes highlighting the handmade. Lots of white is punctuated by the Perehara colours of red, blue or yellow. Soaking tubs in the suites offer glorious mountain views. Tariff $150–350; Contact +94-081-7388296/99, theva.lk
The Mudhouse
Near Anamaduwa As basic as it gets, this is how you get communing with the wild. The original thatched mudhouse in a real farming village has been joined by a stilted lean-to with loft bed, the twinned Family and Honeymoon huts, the six-bedded Palu and five-bedded Maha Gadera with rammed-earth floors. Two lakes flank the forested property. All accommodations come with binoculars, bikes and birding books. Tariff $135 per adult; Contact +94-(0)77-3016191, themudhouse.lk