Sri Lanka has a fantastic range of hotels. Whether you like some luxury, something quirky and characterful, an intimate family-run hotel or a mixture of all that and more, Sri Lanka has some of the best boutique hotels in Asia. The use of the local vernacular in the architecture, design, Sri Lankan style hospitality (rather than hotel school slickness) and the personal touch very often make Sri Lanka's boutique hotels the best option.
There are the romantic converted tea plantation managers' bungalows, updated traditional manor houses (or Wallawas) and chic modern retreats both on the beach and in Sri Lanka's gorgeous hinterland. Unless they are extraordinary, any hotel in this category will have less than 20 rooms for the original boutique feel – which we define as being all about the personalised service.
The quality of small hotels across the island can be varied, so we only use tried and tested hotels. The hotels recommended on our site have almost without exception been visited and inspected by our travel consultants and feedback is vigorously monitored to ensure the quality of standards.
Talk to our consultants, and they will design a holiday for you that includes Sri Lanka's very best boutique hotels. They have stayed there themselves and will make sure that you only stay in hotels that genuinely suit you.
3 Sisters, Matara
Renovated Dutch colonial property oozing with character, situated on Sri Lanka's southern coastline.
98 Acres, Ella
A stunning resort and spa tucked away on one of the most scenic tea estates in all of Sri Lanka.
Aditya, Dodanduwa
A place to take the breath of the most hardened luxury holiday-maker: Aditya is a lovely small hotel on Sri Lanka's south-west coast.
Amangalla, Galle Fort
Amangalla is a characterful and seriously sophisticated hotel inside the UNESCO world heritage site of Galle Fort.
Amanwella, Tangalle
Total sensual luxury in a dazzling location on Sri Lanka's spectacular southern coastline.
Apa Villa, Thalpe
These lovely villas promise homely privacy with the personal service and friendliness of a small hotel.
Bethany 101, Puttalam
A superb and historic villa-style hotel in little-visited Puttalam.
Bougainvillea Retreat, Kandy
Gorgeous villa-style boutique hotel set within the grounds of the beautiful Victoria Golf Course.
Brook Boutique, Melsiripura
Relaxing and luxurious hideaway surrounded by lush plantations
Buckingham Place, Rekawa
Stylish, fun, contemporary villas with a great atmosphere and a sublime location overlooking Rekawa's lagoon and beaches
Camellia Hills, Hatton
A contemporary tea planter's bungalow with stunning views across the Castlereagh Reservoir.
Casa Colombo Collection Mirissa, Mirissa
A slightly eccentric modern-styled hotel on the main road in Mirissa: great beach location and friendly staff.
Casa Heliconia, Gampaha
Theatrical indulgence close to Colombo Airport
Ceilao Villas, Colombo
A small boutique hotel with just six rooms in bustling Colombo. Ceilao Villas is a converted family home creating an oasis from the energetic city.
Ceylon Tea Bungalows, Bandarawela
Cosy colonial-style bungalows set in the middle of a peaceful, verdant tea estate with lovely mountain views.
Clove Villa, Kandy
A quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of Kandy.
Club Villa, Bentota
A stylish, hip and laid-back beachside hotel with a decidedly Celyonese twist and a train running through the end of the garden!
Coco Tangalla, Tangalle
Chic and cosy, this colonial beach villa would suit a laid back couple wanting personal service.
Doornberg: The Dutch House, Galle Town
For those who dislike large hotels - this is the ultimate in space, luxury, privacy and relaxation in one of the most beautiful settings in Sri Lanka
Elephant Stables, Kandy
A beautiful, colonial-style hotel perched on a hilltop that is only 15 minutes away from Kandy.
Ellerton, Kandy
Great boutique hotel perched atop a hill on the outskirts of Kandy in the lower central mountains
Flame Tree Estate, Kandy
Just out of central Kandy on a hilltop with panoramic countryside views and characterful rooms.
Fort Bazaar, Galle Fort
A beautiful boutique hotel right inside the UNESCO listed Galle Fort.
Fort Bliss, Galle Fort
A homely villa found at the very tip of the old Dutch Fortress, the perfect location to explore the amazing colonial town of Galle.
Frangipani Tree, Thalpe
Luxury villa hotel with private tennis court and wide beach frontage outside Galle
Galle Fort Hotel, Galle Fort
One of the earlier transformations in the historic Dutch Fort, The Galle Fort Hotel has stood the test of time.
Goatfell, Nuwara Eliya
Four-room renovated tea bungalow overlooking plantations and mountains with detailed service, providing an all-inclusive stay.
Horathapola Coconut Estate, Pannala
Beautiful tropical mansion offering unpretentious luxury on a working Coconut Estate.
Jaffna Heritage Hotel, Jaffna Town
Good quality mid-level hotel close to Nallur in Jaffna town, with good service and a sensitive architectural aesthetic.
Jim's Farm Villas, Dambulla
This charming hotel is a great place from which to explore the country's cultural and wildlife highlights.
Jungle Beach, Kuchaveli, Trincomalee
Exotic beach-side resort near Trincomalee, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of Sri Lanka's east coast.
Kahanda Kanda, Inland from Galle
Blissfully relaxing boutique hotel hidden in the hills above Galle. Stylish, peaceful, wonderful food - what's not to like?
Kalundewa Retreat, Dambulla
This small boutique hotel consists of nine chalets and a bungalow, surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes.
Kandy House, Kandy
The 'Walauwe' - a traditional Sri Lankan manor house converted into one of the most beautiful hotels on the island.
Kelburne Estate Cottages, Haputale
Two and three-roomed tea estate cottages with awe-inspiring views and a cosy traditional feel.
Kings Pavilion Kandy, Kandy
Enjoy the peace and beauty of nature at this peaceful oasis set in the Kandy hills.
Kumbukgaha Villa, Sigiriya
A collection of comfortable villas surrounded by wilderness and a veranda to relax on at the end of a long day.
Lake Lodge Kandalama, Dambulla
Elegant twelve-bedroom boutique hotel on the banks of the Kandalama lake in the heart of the Cultural Triangle.
Lantern, Mirissa
Warm, peaceful, and comfortable: a deluxe boutique hotel with a personal feel on the southern coast.
Living Heritage Koslanda, Haputale
Traditional architecture amidst amazing setting in the south-east hills of Haputale.
Lunuganga, Bentota
Architect Geoffrey Bawa's former home - a vast garden fantasy land that reflects a lifetime of labour and love.
Maniumpathy, Colombo
Old world charm and modern comforts in a restored heritage home in Colombo, boasting a relaxing swimming pool.
Max Wadiya, Ambalangoda
Max Wadiya is a spacious villa hotel on quiet west coast beach near Ambalangoda.
Maya Villa, Tangalle
A luxurious inland villa close to Sri Lanka's pristine south coast beaches.
Melheim Resort, Haputale
Small, comfortable and modern resort in a beautiful hillside location south of Haputale.
Mountbatten Bungalow , Kandy
This spacious tea plantation bungalow overlooks Kandy from on high, with colonial character and fantastic service.
Nine Skies, Demodara
A restored bungalow sitting on a working tea plantation providing an all-inclusive stay with personalised service and wonderful views.
Nisala Arana, Bentota
A haven of peace and tranquillity, Nisala Arana is one of the most beautiful properties on the island.
Owl and the Pussycat, Thalpe
A boutique luxury hotel near Galle, right on the beach of Talpe, Sri Lankan-fusion design makes for a relaxing and enriching stay.
Rangala House, Kandy
Three-bedroom hillside villa with stunning views on the outskirts of Kandy.
Ravana Garden, Kalametiya
Pioneering boutique hotel on the southern coast where luxurious comfort and environmentally friendly ethos happily co-exist.
Reef Resort & Spa, Wadduwa
Sumptuous boutique property south of Colombo offering some of the largest, most luxurious suites on the island.
Rosyth House, Kegalle
A beautifully converted planter's bungalow within easy reach of Kandy.
Sanctuary at Tissawewa, Anuradhapura
A simple and charming colonial property set amongst lush gardens in the heart of Anuradhapura Old City.
Serendib Stone Bungalow, Kandy
Excellent value colonial-era bungalow, on the outskirts of Kandy, a short drive from the town.
Sergeant House , Unawatuna
A tropical haven in Unawatuna, this elegant villa with its lush garden surroundings does everything right.
Stone House , Kandy
A high-end boutique hotel just a few minutes from Kandy: incredibly peaceful and decorated with fascinating sculptures.
Sun House, Galle Town
The pioneer of boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, the Sun House continues to set standards.
Tamarind Hill, Galle Town
Luxurious boutique hotel in a beautifully restored 19th Century mansion in Galle.
Taprobane Island, Weligama
What can we say? "(Taprobane)... resembles a 1930's film set, every island lover's fantasy" Conde Nast Traveller.
Taylor's Hill, Kandy
A beautifully restored former tea planters mansion with bags of colonial grandeur in the Kandyan Hills.
Tea Trails, Hatton
Four luxuriously appointed bungalows situated around the beautiful Castlereagh reservoir amongst hill country scenery.
The Margosa Bongo Stay, Chunnakam
10km from Jaffna town, The Margosa is a charming conversion of a traditional Jaffna House.
The Notary's House, Pannala
A charming six-bedroom hotel set amidst manicured gardens, offering a calm and serene space to relax into your Sri Lankan holiday.
The Sandhya, Weligama
A modern and intimate property with the beach on its doorstep.
The Secret Kandy , Kandy
The Secret Kandy offers colonial boutique styling and spectacular service, just a short walk from the city.
The Spice House, Mirissa
A beautiful family run boutique hotel near some of Sri Lanka's best beaches.
Thotalagala, Haputale
A revived tea planters bungalow offering personalised service and sweeping views over the surrounding plantations.
Tintagel, Colombo
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo combines heritage, luxury, and superior service in Colombo’s most elite historical district.
Turtle Bay, Tangalle
Secluded boutique beach property in sleepy Kalamatiya. There is not much to do here, but relax, admire the scenery and enjoy the peacefulness.
Ulagalla Resort, Anuradhapura
Contemporary style amidst a huge forest landscape - Ulagalla is one of the few truly boutique hotels in the 'Cultural Triangle'
Villa Bentota, Bentota
Fully renovated colonial bungalow offering a beautiful setting just off the sea front of Western Sri Lanka.
Villa Mayurana , Koggala
The charming Villa Mayurana is a lovingly maintained and cinnamon-inspired holiday home inland from Galle. Expect comfort, beauty and thoughtful touches.
Villa Rosa, Kandy
A villa style, boutique hotel; offering personal comforts, great food and the finest views of any hotel in Kandy
Villa Sante, Kalpitiya
A hideaway at the top of Kalpitiya Lagoon, great for relaxation or to enjoy kite surfing in season.
Wallawwa, Negombo
Superb boutique hotel located close proximity to the airport
Why House, Inland from Galle
A beautiful boutique hotel combining luxury facilities with the friendliness and relaxed atmosphere of a home.
Wildgrass, Sigiriya
Luxurious resort with 9 villas nestled in the jungles around Sigiriya
