5 Safe and Luxurious Level I Hotels in Sri Lanka

I was ecstatic to be returning to Sri Lanka when the country reopened its doors to tourists in September 2021, following the pandemic. With the new Covid criteria in effect, it’s more crucial than ever to find the right hotel – and in Sri Lanka, a level I facility is your best bet as they follow all pandemic guidelines and pledge to keep you safe.

When you enter one of these lavish venues, you know you’ve arrived somewhere exceptional. The entrance, reception, and lounge are all elegantly designed. Each property will elevate your hotel experience, and I’ll reveal some of their highlights based on my personal experience. These upscale hotels have exceptional security. You may be given a special card to enter rooms and even elevators. Security personnel are often present, even if not always visible.

1. Mövenpick Hotel Colombo
   On Galle Road, 45 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, is Colombo’s first five-star hotel in 25 years. Modern, floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the city and the Indian Ocean replace the traditional red carpets in the Mövenpick Colombo. A junior suite with a bathtub elevates relaxation, and the lighting is yet another vital aspect of high-quality hospitality experiences here. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the Vistas rooftop bar, a dip in the infinity rooftop sky swimming pool, and a grand Mövenpick buffet during your stay. Spa Ceylon provides the best Ayurvedic therapies, and there’s also a dedicated 24-hour Sky Fitness gym for a good workout. The Mövenpick Hotel Colombo’s cuisine offers a 5-star experience.

   Insider Tip: I recommend at least one meal at the Robata Grill, a restaurant that will introduce you to seven different types of Asian cuisine.

2. Northgate by Jetwing, Jaffna
   It’s only a short drive to the city’s most famous attractions from the 4-star Northgate by Jetwing hotel in Jaffna. As a discovery, Jaffna sits harmoniously alongside the south, while Jetwing inspires Sri Lanka’s legendary hospitality. The hotel is located just across from the remarkable Sri Lankan railway, which connects the north and south of the country. It’s possible to feel the magic in the 44 deluxe rooms, spacious and decorated with paintings of Jaffna’s most famous landmarks. The hotel’s Northern Station restaurant serves authentic Jaffna cuisine, with everything from Odiyal Kool to Jaffna crabs on the menu.

   Insider Tip: Authentic Jaffna dishes are served daily in the Northern Station restaurant, and the Jaffna crabs and the shellfish broth are a must-try! Conclude your meal with a palmyrah treacle curd.

3. Habarana Village by Cinnamon
   The 4-star Habarana Village by Cinnamon is an hour from Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s sacred capital. During my time in Habarana Village, I stayed in the Kingfisher Lodge, a honeymoon suite overlooking the lake. The suite includes an indoor bathtub and a natural shower, as well as additional seating in the living room and on the patio. The hotel’s open-air pool is well worth a swim. You can pamper your taste buds with authentic Sri Lankan food or a buffet of world flavours at El Hena restaurant. Because of the social distancing standards and the countryside setting, this level I hotel is your best bet near Anuradhapura. Thanks to its lush green surroundings, your visit will be fantastic, and you will undoubtedly have fond recollections of it.

   Insider Tip: Local specialities like prawns Baduma, Polos Ambula, pumpkin mustard curry, and chicken Kalu Pol are must-try at their El Hena restaurant.

4. The Blackpool Resort & Spa, Nuwara Eliya
   Visit the quiet highlands of Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by spectacular natural beauty and ancient colonial glory to rejuvenate your spirit. At an elevation of 1876 metres, level I, Blackpool resort and spa is abutted by extensive tea estates, meticulously kept plantations and stunning hilly terrains. Each tastefully appointed suite includes a bedroom, a luxurious living area, a huge bathroom and a private balcony with views of the verdant landscapes. Adds visual interest to the area with its ornate fireplace. Aromatic Ceylon tea and a gentle mist add to the ambience, and so does Blackpool’s delectable local and international cuisine. During the day, strolling through the hills or cycling through the tea estates is well worth leaving the luxury of your bed. Unu Diya Pokuna, a convivial outdoor hot water pool, is Blackpool’s unique feature. Enjoy this unique mountain experience instead of the traditional hilltop activities.

   Insider Tip: Blackpool in Nuwara Eliya delivers the best carrot muffins and pastries because of its colonial roots. Also indulge in regional specialities, including a variety of seafood and satay.

5. Heritance Negombo
   Experience the coastal culture at Heritance Negombo, a five-star hotel on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, where the sun sets into the sea like a mirror. Hotels in Negombo have long been popular with newlyweds visiting Sri Lanka. Life in this paradise is a never-ending cycle of eating, sleeping, and indulging. Heritance premium rooms are a secluded luxury refuge. The beautiful 430 sq. ft. premium rooms set the tone for a romantic backdrop. But a vacation at Heritance Negombo is about much more than stunning sea vistas. It’s also about trying Sri Lankan cuisine! Enjoy local and international cuisine, cooked to perfection and presented looking fantastic. Bluetan is where you feast rather than buffet, and it is yours to tuck into throughout your stay. In the evening, raise a drink to another spectacular sunset at the bar lounge. If you must abstain, try a freshly blended fruit juice. The views from the top are worth popping a cork! In the morning, stroll along the coast and watch the fishermen as they pull in their hauls of the day.

   Insider Tip: Enjoy some of Sri Lanka’s finest seafood dishes at Heritance Negombo. Must-try dishes include seared tuna tataki, coconut crumbed/lemon jumbo prawns, spicy beef carpaccio, and duck duo. Pair your meal with a Sri Lankan beer or a classic Mimosa.

The level I hotels in Sri Lanka will not only keep you secure in a comfortable ambiance, but they will also give you a wide range of exciting activities to choose from while you’re there. Ayubowan!

Written by Veidehi Gite.

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