So you want to indulge in some serious beach downtime but want something a bit more special? This experience combines an idyllic island lagoon in the Maldives with the unique culture, colonial history, and jaw-dropping beaches of Sri Lanka. Trust us, it’s a real once in a lifetime type trip.<\/p>\n
This journey will take you from Sri Lanka to the Maldives, creating the perfect mix of colonial history and barefoot beach luxury neatly wrapped into one of the most idyllic trips the Indian Ocean can offer. First stop is Sri Lanka, famed for its natural beauty, colonial history (and of course, its tea production). Chauffeured by your own driver throughout, this adventure begins with three nights at the Cultural Triangle. Hole up at the lush sanctuary of Ulagalla; a peaceful retreat set amid sprawling paddy fields. By day, visit some of Sri Lanka\u2019s oldest historic monuments (think ancient wall paintings, climbing immense historical rocks, and rebuilding history in a UNESCO World Heritage site) before unwinding in your private plunge pool to catch some essential vacation sun.<\/p>\n
From the Cultural Triangle, we’ll take you further inland to the immaculate rolling hills of Sri Lankan tea country, staying in the old tea plantation houses of the Tea Trails. Carpeted in rich tea plantations, this is one of the island highlights, with its sense of home in the aged bungalows and croquet lawns left from the country\u2019s Colonial era – you’ll never want to leave. \u00a0But leave you must, as there’s more of this incredible island yet to be explored.<\/p>\n
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Next, head south-east for a luxury safari like no other with a stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge. \u00a0This is not the traditional African safari but for some, something better. \u00a0With the highest density of leopards in the world, you’ll see these spotted beauties roaming alongside elephants, sambar, spotted and barking deer, water buffalo, abundant (and we mean abundant) birdlife, butterfly swarms, iguanas, mongooses, fishing cats, wild boar, monkeys and crocodiles. Shall we go on? You may even get to meet the rare sloth bear as you park up for sunset quietly watching the night shift of wildlife arrive as the sun goes down. Add slumbering amid extraordinary scenery and dining under the stars, and you\u2019ll be left with memories you won\u2019t easily forget.<\/p>\n
For some history, head to Galle, one of the oldest European fortified towns in Asia and somewhat of a historical mixing pot. You’ll be staying at Amangalla, based inside the walls of the original Dutch fort, and the perfect place from which to explore this colonial gem. Head down the narrow streets on foot, get lost amongst the old houses of the fort, and take a peek inside St Aloysius Cathedral. Spend some serious relaxation time in Sri Lanka\u2019s finest spa, before watching the sunset over the fort from the top floor lounge. The perfect end to the ultimate beach escape.<\/p>\n
How else to end your journey but by taking a short one hour flight and quick sea plane or speed boat adventure to a private tropical island in the heart of the Maldives? Your tropical bolt-hole Gili Lankanfushi is as chic and luxurious as you can get. This is a truly unique resort where you can enjoy treatments whilst watching manta rays and tropical fish through the windows. For a true sense of escapism, opt for one of the Crusoe Residences. Built on stilts over the clear waters of the lagoon, they’re accessible only by boat so as to ensure total privacy. Though fear not, the Mr\/Ms Friday butler service is always on hand to ensure you have everything you need. For now, we’ll leave you to your private water hammock however.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
So you want to indulge in some serious beach downtime but want something a bit more special? This experience combines an idyllic island lagoon in the Maldives with the unique culture, colonial history, and jaw-dropping beaches of Sri Lanka. Trust us, it’s a real once in a lifetime type trip. The emerald isle(s) This journey […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":271351,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1456],"tags":[],"country":["Sri Lanka","The Maldives"],"class_list":["post-183933","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","country-sri-lanka","country-maldives","month-april","month-december","month-february","month-january","month-march","month-november","type-experience","feeling-challenged","feeling-contentment","feeling-freedom","need-to-indulge","need-to-unwind","need-to-challenge","what-beach","who-couple","who-honeymoon","who-with-friends"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n