Hosted Trip Sri Lanka

In May 2025, I was lucky enough to be taken to Sri Lanka, hosted by a fabulous company who have a portfolio of wonderful hotels. 

Secrets of Ceylon was set up by Jean Marc Flambert, who used to head up Sri Lanka Tourist Board, and is one of the most passionate people I have met. 

Secrets of Ceylon specialises in hidden gems, all boutique, typically under 15 rooms (some hotels we stayed in just had 3 rooms), all owner-run, offering totally unique experiences.

I had some preconceived ideas about Sri Lanka, before I left. My eldest daughter had travelled there on her year off, she had told me the food was the best she had had the whole trip, and she wasn't wrong!! We genuinely didn't have a bad meal. 

If you are a foodie, this is the place for you. Most of the hotels we visited grew their own produce, so most of the food eaten is grown within a 1km radius of the property, in this instance, also organically grown. 

Although I knew you could see lots of wildlife, I didn't appreciate quite how much, and how spectacular it was. 

We did two Safaris, one late afternoon, one early morning, and saw an abundance of amazing bird life, monkeys, leopards and elephants. Elephants roam along the side of the road, so you can be driving and pass by an elephant. 

It is true, Sri Lanka is a total hidden gem, although they have some fabulous beaches, Sri Lanka is promoting itself as a touring destination. Most will hire a car and driver, the driver also acting as your guide. Rifaz was our guide, and he was wonderful! 

Sri Lanka is for you if:

• You love the idea of touring 
• You want to see wildlife, we saw Leopard, Elephants, Monkeys, lots of bird life, you can also see sloth bear, but sadly we didn't 
• You love food! 
• You want to stay in authentic, small & boutique properties. There are larger hotels, but the smaller hotels really give you a feel for Sri Lanka, and you will meet amazing people. 
• You want to experience culture, wildlife, mountains &  beaches in one holiday, but never feel like you are on the real tourist trail
• Only 45 minutes by plane to the Maldives, so it makes the perfect twin centre 

When to go to Sri Lanka:

It is a year-round destination, there will be different weather patterns in different parts of the country. The South West coasts are generally better in the UK winter months, whilst the monsoon season hits this area from April - November. This just means the beaches aren't quite at their best. There will be rain; it is a tropical island. If you are visiting in the UK summer, head to the beaches on the East Coast. 

The Elephant Gathering happens July to October in Minneryia National Park, where hundreds of elephants gather around the reservoir to feed and socialise. 

I would love to plan the perfect itinerary for you, so let's have a 10/15min conversation, I can understand what you guys want out of your holiday, and I can create the perfect holiday. Click the button below to get started. 

Where we stayed:

Wild Culture - Yala 
Situated in the "residential" area, rather than the "buffer zone", this hotel has loads of outdoor space. Just 8 rooms it is a haven of luxury, wildlife & amazing food! 

In between your Safari Trips, why not take a dip in one of the two pools, or have a go at Archery, Mini Golf or Basketball. 

 

Kulu Safaris 
The epitome of being at one with nature, this amazing camp consists of just 6 luxury Safari Tents, located in 50 acres of Jungle, surrounding a lake! How about eating breakfast in a tree house, kayaking at sunrise, and waking up to the sounds of the jungle?

Haputales 
Beautiful, 4-bedroom private villa nestled in the hills of Haputale. With the most wonderful host, this cosy villa is tucked away at an altitude of 850m above sea level, with the MOST amazing views. From here you can easily access the Pekoe Trail, Horton Plains National Park, Ella & the Nine Arch Bridge.

Ferncliff Bungalow
Set in the heart of Nuwara Eliya town (known as Little England), set in 2.8 acres with just 6 rooms. At 150 years old, it is steeped in history. The perfect base for Nuwara Eliya Race Course, Golf Links, Botanical Gardens, and so much more. 

Horathapola Lodge 
Just 1 hour from the airport, this is the PERFECT place to relax and decompress either before or after your flight. Totally peaceful, this 50-acre working Coconut Estate is perfect for families, with 2 Family Suites, plenty of room, a fabulous pool and jungle jacuzzi. With so much produce grown on site, this is a foodies paradise. 

Cinnamon Lodge 
A slightly larger hotel with around 130 rooms is the perfect base to explore and climb Sigiriya Rock (30min drive), a true haven situated by a lake. 

Jetwing Colombo 7 
A fabulous, 5* hotel located in the heart of Colombo with views over the city from the most amazing rooftop pool.

Want to find out more - Email me today or give me a call 01483 339397

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