Small Boutique hotels in CENTRAL

Deep within the lush jungles of Sri Lanka amid spice and tea gardens and on an estate of nine acres is the luxurious Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, the name “Aarunya” means “first rays of sun” which perfectly describes this hillside resort. Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa features the morning’s first glimpse of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Knuckles Mountain Range and the wonderful sunrises stemming from it. The resort provides a luxurious yet authentic ambience of the island via its warm hospitality, gourmet restaurant, Aahaara, traditional yoga instruction, cooking classes, and a spa complete with Balinese and local therapeutic rituals. The resort also features an infinity pool with lounge chairs, and a café and bar. What makes Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa so romantic and secluded are the nine private pool villas. They are completely surrounded by tropical jungle and don their own plunge pool or jacuzzi and terrace for ultimate relaxation and disconnection. The location of Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa is in the center of Sri Lanka and close to the cultural triangle and Kandy. Cultural hotspots such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress are accessible by car as is the mountain range of Knuckles Mountains. In addition, there are many other waterfalls, villages, and hikes to explore.

Located in a heritage colonial bungalow, perched at the top of a hill overlooking the historic city of Kandy, Elephant Stables was once the home of one of the island's most important aristocratic families. Painstakingly restored to its former glory, this charming property offers boutique-style accommodation and fine cuisine in a quiet cul-de-sac setting. Perfectly placed for relaxing stays in this fascinating historic city, Elephant Stables is within easy reach of many of Kandy's most important landmarks and attractions, including the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and the Lankatilaka Temple, among many other fabulous sites. Elephant Stables is the proud owner of a number of perfectly maintained British classic cars from the 50s and 60s, and local drives are possible around the Kandy Lake and Upper Lake Drive Viewpoint, as well as longer excursions to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The Elephant Stables restaurant is open throughout the day, and serves a delicious range of meals and snacks, including traditional Sri Lankan, continental or English breakfasts, snack lunches, spectacular afternoon teas, and fabulous dinner menus, featuring authentic Sri Lankan and fusion cuisine. Special diet and children's menus are also available. After a busy day's sightseeing, guests can wind down at the pool or take advantage of the Aliya Spa Massage Tent, with a range of Angsana massages and treatments.

Kalundewa Retreat enjoys a fabulous location, standing on a lake in the heart of the Dambulla forest. Set in avant-garde designer bungalows and chalets, this ultra-modern boutique resort offers exclusive accommodation and unique experiences in a secluded, natural setting. Each of Kalundewa Retreat's unique bungalows and chalets is built on stilts, and offer luxurious, spacious accommodation, with fabulous natural views on all sides, thanks to the open-plan design, wall-to-ceiling windows and airy verandas and decks. With a skilful combination of brick, steel, teak and glass, décor is minimalist and elegant, with cool fabrics and custom-made hardwood furniture. Ideal for relaxing stays in the heart of nature, Kalundewa Retreat offers a wide range of bespoke activities in and around the resort. These include bird watching, cycling, trekking or fishing on the lake. Nearby attractions include the Minneriya / Kaudulla National Park, with huge herds of elephants, the Sigiriya (Lion Rock) rock fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple. The retreat also offers a range of exclusive packages, from weekend getaways and yoga retreats to romantic honeymoons, all iwith comfortable transportation from Colombo included. Kalundewa Retreat's restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience enriched with fresh local produce, with menus ranging from international haute cuisine to delicious local dishes and typical Sri Lankan favourites.

This fabulous property stands perched on a hillside, surrounded by a lush tea plantation, originally founded in the 1860s. Set in 18 unique tented lodges, and one Honeymoon Suite, Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge offers 'glamping' at its best,with top-class service, great food, and a breathtaking mountain location. About an hour's drive from Kandy, Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge nevertheless seems to be in another world, and is the perfect spot to get away from it all in the heart of nature for couples, families or honeymooners. The 18 tented lodges are spacious and cosy, while the honeymoon suite offers a little more space in a traditionally built timber bungalow. The former plantation house now serves as the reception, lounge and restaurant area. Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge offers a number of exclusive excursions, hiking and mountain biking trips, along with a selection of adventure sports activities. Guests can also visit the tea plantation and watch the tea being plucked by the skilful plantation workers. After a busy day's sightseeing, guests can cool off in the infinity pool, with spectacular views over the mountains, hills and valleys. Firmly committed to ecologically sound, sustainable tourism, all water at Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge is heated by solar power, while 60 % of the fruit, vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen are harvested from the hotel's garden, under the careful supervision of the executive chef. Guests can expect the finest of Sri Lankan cuisine in the restaurant, along with a delicious range of fusion dishes.

With its all-suite concept of luxury accommodation, the Elephant Corridor Luxury Boutique Hotel, Sigiriya, allows you the luxury of relaxation in absolute privacy. Pamper yourself by dining on a private terrace with garden. Take a dip in your own private plunge pool. Unwind with a drink at your en-suite bar. Or, perhaps, just lie in bed and gaze across the jungle plain at the Sigiriya rock on the horizon.All suites are built next to eachother on a plateau for protection from animals, while guest privacy was paramount in the design of the Elephant Corridor Hotel.

Set in architect designed villas and an open-sided, two-storey pavilion, Wild Grass Nature Resort is nestled in the midst of dense tropical forest, lakes and hills, in the Cultural Triangle between Sigiriya and Dambulla. Offering an unforgettable eco-retreat experience, this enchanting property provides luxurious boutique accommodation, great food and a fabulous range of activities in a secluded, tranquil setting. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, whether families with children, couples or honeymooners, Wild Grass Nature Resort features exceptionally beautiful natural surroundings and a structure that pays strict attention to nature conservation and care for the eco-system. Organic farming methods are used to cultivate fruit and vegetables for the resort's own use, with any extra requirements purchased from local farmers in the adjoining village. Surrounded by 30 acres of unfenced forestland, guests can expect to see rabbit, deer, wild boar and monkeys, as well as over 40 species of birds and even the occasional wild elephant. The resort offers nature tours, hiking and hill climbing, yoga courses and meditation, among many other options. Wild Grass boasts a fine outdoor pool to cool off in after a busy day's activities, and bicycles are available for guests, free of charge. Healthy, tastefully prepared food is also an essential part of the Wild Grass Nature Resort experience, and both delicious local cuisine and international favourites are available, always paying particular attention to guests' dietary needs. Dining is available at the TreeTops restaurant, located above the main lounge; under the stars on the terrace, by the pool, or in the privacy of the villas.