Couple's Getaway in Sri Lanka
I just had a special week away in Sri Lanka to celebrate a dear friend’s wedding... so thought I’d share my favourite hotels and restaurants with you. We came to Sri Lanka a couple of years ago with the kids, so it was so lovely to revisit it just as an adult only adventure.
The lovely capital of Sri Lanka, Columbo, has lots to visit and see. We spent a few days here last time we came. See suggestions of things to do here.
Colombo - Where to eat
Our favourite restaurant in Colombo is the GALLERY CAFÉ.
Established in 1998, Paradise Road The Gallery Café is housed in the former offices of world-renowned Sri Lankan architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa. Half café and half gallery, this candle light restaurant offers great food in a romantic and stylish setting. One of my favourite places to eat in Sri lanka.
Colombo - Where to stay
Our favourite hotel is the GALLE FACE HOTEL.
Steeped in history as it was built in 1864, the majestic building is calm and solid. The rooms have beautiful old wooden floorboards and the bathrooms are made of marble with wide modern showers as a new addition. With balconies opening out over the sea, the rooms make for a lovely stay. But it’s not the rooms you come for, it’s the fabulous buffet breakfast. Dine on the verandah facing the sea where the long buffet style tables are filled with a huge selection of the normal breakfast offerings like bacon and eggs, homemade muesli and fruit compotes etc but the main game is the traditional Sri Lankan fare of numerous curries as well as specialties like hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk which you can fill with eggs or curry) and medu vada (sort of like spicy savoury donuts).
Another delight is the traditional British bag piper at the bar as the sun sets and the flag is brought down. A fabulous stay.
Learn more about the hotel here.
GALLE - Where to eat
A beach side historic fort town about 2 and 1/2 hours south of Colombo, Galle is a delight with a wonderful collection of shops, restaurants, galleries and hotels all located within the old fort walls. Here's two of our favourite places to drink and eat.
The Fort Bazaar Hotel
Great for drinks at the bar or enjoy a fabulous curry with all the traditional accompaniments... such as chutney, Dahl and creamy potato. Delicious.
The Fort Printers
This stylish restaurant is found inside a stunning old printing house that has been beautifully renovated. The design however is modern and refreshing. The menu is lovely, and they have a good choice of wines. It’s not easy to get nice wines in Sri Lanka so this place is worth a visit.
GALLE - Where to stay
The Why House
We stayed at the gorgeous Why House about 20 minutes out of Galle in a smaller town called Mihiripenna. It’s a collection of stylish bungalows set in jungle like gardens. Meals are taken in a white wooden pavilion that is stylishly decorated... lots of patterned black and white cushions with bench seats. I love a bench seat set at a dining table...
But what makes the Why house so fun is the fabulous Henrietta and her faithful Dachshund Nigella who diligently look after their guests with humour, ensuring everyone has a lovely time with them.
Other lovey hotels just at the edge of Galle and closer to the action include The Sun House and The Dutch House. Both have gorgeous decor and fabulous rooms and gardens.
The Sun House
The Dutch House
Thanks so much for reading this and hope you loved my personal recommendations. Have you been to any of these places or is it on your bucket list? Don't hesitate to share your stories & adventures in the comments below. Would love to hear about them.
Kiralee x
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