… rooms we actually love for our families!
It will never cease to amaze us, but for some unknown reason many hotels continue to design their allegedly family-friendly hotels without taking a moment to plan for what a family actually needs when sharing a room. This leads a lot of families to head to larger chains, lured also by the tempting facilities, but often these lack charm and give no real experience of Sri Lanka.
Therefore when we stumble across a particularly well thought out property, we do a little happy dance – even more so since both our resident Sri Lanka specialists have little ones of their own joining them on their research trips.
It’s a difficult balance for us in Sri Lanka, where our favourite properties will always be the charming historic boutique ones, carefully developed and honouring the original style of being a merchant’s house or a tea planter’s bungalow… but we have got a few favourites we’ve found over the years, that seem to have actually been designed by someone who has travelled with their children before!
Aliya Resort & Spa – Cultural Triangle
Their handy attic rooms have 2 separate sleeping spaces to sleep 4 people total and they’re proper beds so fine for older kids/teens. Ideal, and no need to book separate rooms at extra cost.
Water Garden Sigiriya – Cultural Triangle
If you’re looking for a more luxurious boutique hotel in the Cultural Triangle, Water Garden Sigiriya is the place to stay. The Duplex Twin Villas with Plunge Pool are spacious and ideal for families. The food, service, facilities and accommodation are superb! You won’t be disappointed.
Rosyth Estate House – Tea Country
A perfect balance – Rosyth have nailed the thoughtful renovation and managed to sneak a family room in the authentic main house (containing a main bedroom and a separate twin room within one suite) PLUS built a couple of modern, stunning suites in the grounds that can accommodate families too, providing options for all price points.
Anantara Peace Haven – Tangalle, South Coast beaches
Arguably the best stretch of beach on the island, and both the area and the resort are well equipped with activities for children and teens – plus the 2 bed beach villas are actually perfect. There are 2 Anantara’s in Sri Lanka, both not too large, they’re a great balance.
Wattura Resort & Spa – Gin Oya, West Coast
A small resort with a good kids water park and game zone, and several of the room types work for children depending on ages. The oceanfront duplex villas are so handy, allowing everyone to go to bed at different times. A relaxing evening dip in your plunge pool while the children sleep is the dream… our tip – take a baby monitor, the properties are so spacious!
Written by Carly Watling
Top Travel Tip
“Either country is amazing standalone – but Sri Lanka and the Maldives are such an addictive pairing. 10 days exploring the highlights of Sri Lanka hits culture, wildlife, breathtaking scenery and incredible food at a good pace, and then you can wind down with a few nights of luxury on the most perfect beaches in the world” – Carly, Asia Specialist
