Three Luxe Properties In Sri Lanka That Are All About Giving Back

All three of these Sri Lanka-based properties (below) are owned by Resplendent Ceylon, a company that revolves around doing the right thing, whether it's protecting the environment or giving back to the local community.

This is one of the many placid and scenic spots to lounge at the luxe colonial-era bungalows at Ceylon Tea Trails.  When staying at either the upscale Summerville or Castlereagh bungalow, one never tires of this view: lake, mountains and fields covered in tea plantations. The days can be spent lounging pool side or mountain biking or trekking through the plantations, perhaps stopping at one of the other three colonial-era bungalows for high tea or maybe a game of crochet. 

When staying at the innovative Wild Coast Tented Lodge property, you have the opportunity to be enwrapped with nature -- it's adjacent to Yala National Park -- while also indulging in ultra contemporary architecture and design. These two organic, bamboo-clad structures house the restaurant, bar and den. 

At Cape Weligama, villas huddle in colorful gardens, and guests can take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool and gaze at the Indian Ocean in the distance.  Since I’m enchanted by gardens, I fell in love with this property. 

Check out more about each of these three properties in my recent article for Forbes.

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Sri Lanka in Pictures

The three properties in Resplendent Ceylon's collection reflect the variety of treasures Sri Lanka offers.

At Cape Weligama, one of the three Resplendent Ceylon properties in Sri Lanka, villas huddle in colorful gardens, and guests wake up to this scene where they can take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool and gaze at the Indian Ocean in the distance.

The architecture and design at Resplendent Ceylon's Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka is stellar. But what's even more impressive is how the company upskilled the local fishermen, teaching them how to construct these netted bamboo structures that are covered in recycled teak shingles. Now, when they're not fishing, they have another source of income -- there's lots of interest in these types of structures that are ultra strong and light on the environment.

When staying at either the upscale Summerville or Castlereagh bungalow that are part of Resplendent Ceylon's Tea Trails, one never tires of this view: lake, mountains and fields covered in tea plantations. The days can be spent lounging pool side or mountain biking or trekking through the plantations, perhaps stopping at one of the other three colonial-era bungalows for high tea or maybe a game of crochet.

This YouTube video slideshow provides a window into these three properties as well as excursions in the surrounding areas.

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Zen-Like Hotel Experience in Sri Lanka

If I had to describe my ideal airport hotel it would be one that, though in close proximity to the runway, felt like I was in a botanical garden. I know that’s a tall order, but somehow I found it at The Wallawwa, a luxe boutique property in Sri Lanka. No matter where I wandered on the six-acre lush property, I never was far from blooming flowers and other foliage. Check out my recent article for Forbes on The Wallawwa.

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Luxe Sri Lankan Hotels That Are Socially Responsible

Staying at the innovative Wild Coast Tented Lodge property in Sri Lanka, you have the opportunity to be enwrapped with nature -- it's adjacent to Yala National Park -- while also indulging in ultra contemporary architecture and design. These two organic, bamboo-clad structures house the restaurant, bar and den. This is one of three Sri Lanka-based properties owned by Resplendent Ceylon, a company that revolves around doing the right thing, whether it's protecting the environment or giving back to the local community. (The other two properties are Ceylon Tea Trails and Cape Weligama. Check out my recent article for Forbes where I interviewed the Managing Director Resplendent Ceylon.

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