After visiting North India last year on a superbly arranged tailor made holiday, we decided to explore the Eastern Delights a bit more.  We therefore decided to go on a Sri Lanka luxury holiday. Though my son is well travelled and although I shall enjoy the explorative journey; the colonial history, the fascinating culture, the beautiful geography, I would without a doubt opt for the Aman hospitality as they create an exciting and enticing holiday experience for you.  Sri Lanka has, of course, been many things to many people, but to most of us it was this mysterious rich tea country, Ceylon.  Its natural beauty combined with two Aman resorts makes a perfect recipe for a Sri Lanka luxury holiday.

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Nestled in the centre of 400-year old Galle Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Amangalla is housed in historic colonial buildings formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel. The property was founded in 1863 and traded under this name for 140 years. Amangalla is Amanresorts’ first property in Sri Lanka and perfect place to embark on a Sri Lanka luxury holiday. It re-opened in February of 2005 after extensive renovation and restoration. Traders, merchants, and Dutch and English colonists have all left an indelible stamp on the character of Galle Fort. Today it is part of Sri Lanka’s living heritage and Amangalla plays an integral role. It is here that one can explore the history and understand the unique character of a town that has drawn to its port several famous names including national cricket hero Muttiah Muralitharan and, for my sons, this alone is an excellent reason for going.

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Amangalla provides a tranquil and period styled base from which to explore the fascinating culture and tumultuous history of Galle Fort and Galle, which is acclaimed for its Dutch Fort, intricate Galle lace, ebony, woodcarvings and polished gems. It is surrounded by antiques, old prints, polished aged-floors, crisp white linen, pristine walls, rich mahogany, wood and rattan planters together with a gracious, welcoming and warm staff. Gentle strolls directly from the hotel unravel the unique history of this magnificent 36-hectare hexagonal stone fort, revealing colonial buildings still in use today, bustling narrow streets proffering the crafts of many generations, and the ramparts and seawall, where locals and visitors gather alike to fly kites, play cricket or simply inhale the wonders of its maritime legacy.

Entrance corridors, bedrooms, Chambers and Suites offer views overlooking Galle Fort or the hotel’s lush gardens. Suites feature antiques and well crafted reproductions set on polished teak floorboards dating back 300 years. While on a Sri Lanka luxury holiday one would like to certainly like to rest and relax, something quite welcome while travelling with kids. Amangalla’s spa is known as the Baths. An arched hallway leads to five serene treatment rooms. Centered within the resort’s gardens, the Swimming Pool offers five shaded ambalamas and a series of sun loungers. Also nestled in the gardens is a Meditation and Yoga Pavilion.

For families this is an ideal as its one of the best locations in Sri Lanka for whale watching. Located just 40 minutes drive from Amangalla and 90 minutes from Amanwella is Mirissa Harbour. Here one boards an Indonesian fishing trawler restored for leisure cruising and sets sail for Weligama Bay where the giant mammals are known to cruise by. Guests can swim and snorkel from the boat, watch for whales and dolphins, do a spot of fishing with a hand line and have a picnic in a coconut-fringed cove.

Beyond Amangalla one can extend their Aman experience and their Sri Lanka luxury holiday by visiting Amanwella which is situated in a mature coconut grove overlooking the mesmerizing Indian Ocean with a crescent shaped beach. The resort has 30 suites each with a terrace and plunge pool. Architecturally it looks stunning and has used natural materials, clay, stone and timber, to incredible effect. It is modern and calm, serene and stylish, a retreat dedicated to its environment with an innate understanding of what is required to enjoy the spoils of this rich land without compromising on location, authenticity or modern necessities. The scenery is tropically stamped: long white beaches, tall leaning palms, rocky outcrops, dense turquoise ocean, a buzzing local village life, nearby rock temples, and heart-surging wildlife.

Suite interiors are decidedly contemporary, with ocean or coconut plantation views on one side and access to a plunge pool on the other which you will expect whilst on a Sri Lank luxury holiday. Each has a spacious private terrace. The Restaurant offers vistas of the coconut grove and beach. It serves both Mediterranean and local cuisine, with fresh fish delivered daily by the local fishermen. Amanwella offers a number of cultural and nature tours, starting with the famous rock temples at Mulgirigalla. The Uda Walawe National Park is 75 minutes away and is renowned for its large herds of elephants and other wildlife. Even closer to home, there are several beaches where giant turtles lay their eggs every season

For families looking for a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka, Amanwella’s golden sand beach is located in an 800m crescent-shaped cove, fringed with palm trees. During the winter months guests can enjoy swimming on calmer days, while snorkeling is possible along the southern headland, usually protected from the ocean swell during the dry season. During the summer months large waves make swimming conditions less favorable, but beach strolls and sunbathing are particularly enjoyable with the cooling onshore breeze.

Combining these two stays is known to Amanjunkies worldwide as the ‘Aman Sri Lanka Experience’ where culture, history and national treasures are brought to you in unparalleled style. Yes, we are the envy of many, but you, too, can experience this luxury holiday to Sri Lanka first hand.

There are always plenty of holidays to choose from, but why not choose your Holidays for Sri Lanka and the Maldives this year? These are two of the most amazing places to visit and although within easy distance of each other, they are simply worlds apart. They make a fantastic combination for a holiday and one can easily combine the highlights of Sri Lanka with a four night or more stay on any of the atolls in the Maldives. From September onwards the weather is wonderful and these places are not only perfect for sun bathing and diving as you can combine it with sightseeing and culture.

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Sri Lanka offers an amazing variety of scenery across the country with a lot of varied things to see and do – There is the cultural aspect where you learn about the importance of masks to visiting some of the largest built statues on the island; The chance to take part in an unique safari experience in a 4×4 jeep to find the elusive leopard or on elephant back in the northern safari parks; No visit would be complete without seeing the beautiful sandy beaches of the west coast that are always inviting unless you are limited in time to visit the Maldives of course! There is plenty to see in Sri Lanka including the large Sigiriya rock fortress, the ancient cities that are truly fascinating, temples built in caves, Kandyan dancers, the vast tea plantations and the process of making tea or simply enjoying the finest high tea!

Holidays to Sri Lanka and Maldives with IndianExplorations.com

In season, this island provides fabulous boat trips to see dolphins and even up to three different kinds of whales! This is a remarkable island and a perfect place to spend at least two weeks. The accommodation varies in style from simplicity to super luxurious and this is one of the most affordable islands to book too.

Holidays for Sri Lanka and Maldives from IndianExplorations.com

Maldives offers incredibly silky beaches and there are literally hundreds of islands to choose from. The hotel is incredibly important where you stay as it needs to offer great accommodation, good food, fantastic beaches that are not affected by the tides and of course, great activities like snorkelling, diving and other watersports. There are chalets that offer straight access to some of the most tremendous beaches whilst other bungalows are built on wooden decks above the water where one can simply dive in and have a swim. It is all about relaxing on these atolls with the chance to be as active as you like with the amount of sports available on the water. Snorkelling and diving on the majority of the reefs are simply breathtaking and perhaps also the most popular past times. The seafood available is magical! There will be plenty of choice as most hotels have more than one type of restaurant, but the fresh catch of the day is normally enjoyed most. What better way to end off a fabulous holiday with time relaxing on the beach and savouring the delightful fresh food all with great views and tranquillity.