The Culture and Beach Balance

Begin your adventure in Sri Lanka, where you’ll spend two nights at Kandy House, a boutique hotel set on the hillside of historical Kandy. As tempting as lounging in the tropical gardens by the pool sounds, a whole world awaits you behind the gates. Home to a fusion of craft, culture, nature and art, your local expert guide will bring the history of Kandy to life. Visit sites such as the Temple of the Tooth and the paintings and statues of Dambulla Caves and Temple, as well as hearing stories at the British Garrison Cemetery.

Travel south by train to the Tea Country where you’ll spend three nights in a boutique bungalow at Ceylon Tea Trails, nestled along the spectacular Castlereagh Lake. For a quintessential tea experience, enjoy a guided tour of Dilhmah’s tea factory before settling down for a picnic lunch in the hills of Dunkeld Bungalow. Perfect for adventurers alike, climb the heights of Adam’s Peak forest reserve, mountain bike through the beautiful valleys, or go hiking through tea garden, jungle and waterfalls.

Continue to the southern coast of Sri Lanka, where you’ll spend three nights at the charming boutique Kahanda Kanda, located between swaying palm trees and tea plantations. For those seeking adventure, we can arrange for you to go whale watching off the coast and elephant spotting in Uda Walawe National Park. For a final taste of Sri Lankan culture, hop in a tuk-tuk to tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, or upgrade to boat trip on Koggala Lake to visit Kahathuduwa Temple and the Spice Garden.

Swap tea plantations for beaches and fly to the paradisiacal islands of the Maldives for five nights at the One & Only Reethi Rah. Here you’ll enjoy a larger island experience with hands-on island experiences in abundance, perfect for those not wanting to simply lie on the beach. During the days, we can arrange for you to set off on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, island hopping and dolphin-spotting. Or you can choose to discover the island by bicycle and brush fins with fish whilst snorkelling in the blue lagoons. Revel in the island’s own ‘sundowner-friendly’ time zone whilst upgrading to a sunset champagne cruise or moonlit beach picnic. Then enjoy the turquoise waters and spectacular views one last time as you hop aboard a boat to transfer back to the airport at the end of your trip.