Serenity in Nature: A Sri Lanka and Maldives Retreat

A private vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide will transfer you from Colombo to Kandy, which takes about four hours. Take a break from the busy city, put on your walking shoes, and explore the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside to see the real Kandy. Meet your private guide and drive to Pilimathalawa village. From there, walk to the Galdaladeniya and Lankathilake temples, hidden in the hills around Kandy. First, visit the Galadaladeniya Temple, see the detailed wood carvings, and hear about its Buddhist history. Then, follow the path to Lankathilake Temple, stopping at a local home for a king coconut drink. Walk through rice fields, see locals at work, and learn about local plants from your guide. At Lankathilake Temple, admire its white walls and great views of the mountains. Visit a local craftsman who makes lenses using traditional methods passed down from royal optometrists. Finally, your guide will take you back to your hotel.

Kandy is a city steeped in legend. While Sri Lanka was under Portuguese and Dutch rule, the Kings of Kandy stayed independent. It was only during British rule that Kandy finally fell. With your private chauffeur guide, explore Kandy’s rich culture and vibrant local markets. Despite growing into a sizeable city, Kandy still retains colonial touches in buildings like the 19th-century Queen’s Hotel. Walk around Kandy Lake and through the town’s charming neighborhoods to soak in the atmosphere. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the world’s holiest Buddhist shrines, and feel its spiritual significance. After the tour, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel. Explore Sri Lanka’s rich spice history with a visit to local markets. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, and turmeric remind us of Ceylon’s turbulent past under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule. Your guide will help you get the best prices for top-quality spices. For a true local experience, stop at Midlands Café in the market for bread, curry, and strong Ceylon tea. Don’t miss the exotic fruits like wood apple, jackfruit, rambutan, mangosteen, and freshly picked bananas. Your tour will end with a private transfer back to your accommodation.

Today, you will enjoy a scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country. Your English-speaking chauffeur guide will transfer you to the train station and help you board the train to Ella. Upon arrival in Ella, your chauffeur guide will be waiting to take you to your hotel. The total journey time is about 6 hours. This journey is a spectacular scenic experience. The train travels along mountain edges, offering stunning views of lush valleys and tea factories clinging to the hillsides. This stretch of the journey is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Please note that your chauffeur guide will not be traveling with you on the train but will meet you at Ella station.

Today, with your English-speaking chauffeur guide, you’ll head to the highlands of Sri Lanka to explore the charming town of Ella. The cool air, lush vegetation, and abundant fruit make it a prime hiking destination. For a leisurely hike, try Little Adams Peak. The 1-hour hike offers breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding hills. For a more challenging trek, head to Ella Rock. This hike takes you along railroad tracks and over a swinging metal bridge—don’t look down if you’re afraid of heights! The trail continues through a eucalyptus forest and involves a steep climb, so you’ll need to be in good shape. Local farmers will guide you (though they aren’t professional guides and speak little English). The hike to the summit takes about 3-4 hours and rewards you with spectacular views of the peaks and valleys.

A private vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide will transfer you from Ella to Yala National Park, with an approximate travel time of three hours. In the afternoon, enjoy a jungle safari with an experienced wildlife guide at Yala National Park. Your guide will introduce you to the diverse flora and fauna of the Sri Lankan jungle.

Start your day with an early morning drive at Yala National Park with an experienced wildlife guide, aiming for the best animal sightings and photography opportunities in the natural light. Keep your camera ready! Please Note: Programs are subject to change without prior notice. Later, join a jungle walk at Kulu Yala camp with experienced wildlife guides to explore Yala National Park. This walk offers insights into tracking, animal behavior, and provides unique opportunities for birding and photography. Look out for key wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, Asian elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, and various bird species. You can also use the camp’s kayaks to explore the water for a couple of hours, enjoying a different view of Yala’s natural beauty.

A private vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide will transfer you from Yala National Park to Colombo International Airport, with an approximate travel time of six hours and 30 minutes. In Colombo, explore the city’s true character beyond its modern façade with a local expert guide. Begin with a visit to Slave Island, one of Colombo’s oldest neighborhoods, to experience genuine Sri Lankan life. Walk through vibrant alleyways and observe the daily routines of the locals. Next, head to Galle Face Green, a popular spot by the Laccadive Sea. Enjoy street food at a local joint, tasting Kottu Rotti—an everyday Sri Lankan meal best enjoyed on the street. If you’re lucky, you might witness a Pooja ceremony at a local Hindu temple. After the tour, you’ll be privately transferred back to your hotel. In the evening, delve into the history of arrack, Sri Lanka’s traditional spirit made from coconut flower sap. Join a local guide to explore Colombo’s best spots for arrack, from upscale bars to local hangouts. This unique experience offers a deeper connection to Sri Lanka’s capital. After the tour, a private transfer back to your hotel will be provided.

A private vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur guide will transfer you between Colombo Airport and your hotel. Fly from Colombo to Malé, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Note that flights are subject to change and must be booked separately. Upon arrival in Malé, a representative will greet you outside customs with a sign bearing your name. They will provide a welcome package, escort you to your accommodation’s private lounge or pier (depending on your resort), and assist with your luggage and any questions. From Malé International Airport, transfer by seaplane to a local airport in the South Ari Atoll, where your resort is located. This seaplane journey takes about 30 minutes.

At LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas, you can enjoy various extra activities, tours, and experiences (additional fees may apply; ask your Destination Expert for details). Here are some highlights: • Fishing: Try deep-sea fishing for tuna or go sunset fishing and cook your catch. • Catamaran Excursions: Relax on an Exclusive Sunset Cruise or a Dolphin Spotting Sunset Cruise. • Water Activities & Sports: Enjoy a range of exciting water sports with expert instructors: o Flyboarding and Hoverboarding o Wakeboarding and Water Skiing o Paddleboarding o Windsurfing o Kitesurfing o Jet Skiing o Diving: Discover fish, coral, turtles, rays, and sharks o Snorkeling: Look for turtles, whale sharks, or manta rays

Enjoy leisure time at LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas. Relax in your private villa, bask in the sun on the white sand beach, and take in the tropical views. This resort is perfect for both families and couples, offering various activities for kids at the PLAY center and Studio 17, so you can unwind at the LUX Me spa. Treat yourself to unique therapies like Zhengliao Chinese Medicine and Balinese massages. Stay active with a complimentary Body Balance Analysis and a custom fitness program, or find your calm with over-water yoga and meditation sessions.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Today, transfer back to Malé International Airport by seaplane for your onward flight. Please check with the resort reception to confirm your transfer time.