Authentic Kerala and Sri Lanka

From Kochi, travel on to Muhamma, where you’ll spend two nights at Purity Lake Vembanad, a beautiful property set on the banks of Lake Vembanad and lined with interesting artwork. In the morning, rise to breathtaking views over the lake whilst practising yoga in the pavilion. Then, unwind by the lake-side pool, uncover the surroundings by bicycle or indulge in Ayurvedic massage treatments. A must-do is a day cruise on the backwaters where you’ll taste traditional food and watch as the sun sets over the peaceful and picturesque palm-fringed waters. Sandy shores are within easy reach for those craving the beach.

From Kerala, fly to Sri Lanka where you’ll spend just one night at The Wallawwa, a beautiful boutique hotel offering more than just a pre or post-flight stopover. Nestled in a peaceful corner of Negombo’s rural backcountry with a high-class spa and acres of tropical gardens, this is the perfect place to rest your head and unwind before visiting the Hill Country. Soak up the serenity by dipping in the jungle pool and indulging in a spa treatment. In the evening, the hotel can reserve a table for you at The Verandah, an Asian fusion restaurant with expansive garden views.

Continue to Kandy and retreat into the mountains, where you’ll spend three nights in a mountain view chalet at Santani Wellness Resort. Set in a former tea plantation and within 48 acres of tropical gardens, this purpose-built wellness resort offers total rejuvenation in a truly peaceful setting. Spend your days on nature walks with a naturalist, touring the Botanical Gardens with a botanist, as well as a cultural excursion to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth and a Tea Factory. In the evening, lounge around the outdoor campfire and stretch out in the yoga pavilion.

Travel to Gal Oya National Park for three nights at Gal Oya Lodge, a one-of-a-kind eco-lodge that’ll bring you closer to the natural world as well as transport you back in time. Sprawled over 20 acres of private jungle, soak up the lodge’s atmosphere before venturing out for a day of jungle cycle rides, interactive excursions with the Vedda tribe, or a Sri Lankan jungle cooking course. Enjoy game drives, trek through the jungle and embark on a boat safari in the national park, where you’ll spot swimming elephants in the country’s largest body of water.

Drive high up into the Hill Country where you’ll spend two nights at Goatfell, a beautiful boutique bungalow retreat. Begin your stay by exploring the bungalow’s own tea estate with a butler guide before heading to Finlays Tea Factory on foot to learn about the production of the world’s favourite brew. At your own pace, uncover the surroundings by meandering through Hakgala’s Botanical Gardens, walking to Lovers Leap waterfalls, visiting Nuwara Eliya’s colonial-era hill station or picnicking in spectacular hillside locations.