A Luxury Sri Lanka and Maldives Getaway
Trip Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with a local resident
- Join a ranger on safari in Yala National Park
- Learn about tea harvesting in Sri Lanka's Tea Country
- Escape to paradise in the Maldives
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Fishermen on stilts at sunset in Galle
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An Asian elephant in Yala National Park
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Tea pickers at a plantation
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Aerial view of an atoll in the Maldives
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–3 Galle
- Days 3–5 Yala National Park
- Days 5–7 Tea Country
- Days 7–8 Colombo
- Days 8–13 The Maldives
- Days 1–3 Galle
- Days 3–5 Yala National Park
- Days 5–7 Tea Country
- Days 7–8 Colombo
- Days 8–13 The Maldives
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Discover Galle's timeless treasures
Located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle offers a captivating blend of history, culture and coastal beauty. The city boasts a well-preserved Dutch Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and eclectic assemblage of architecture. The narrow cobblestone streets within the fort are lined with colonial-era buildings, charming boutiques and cafes. Galle’s vibrant atmosphere extends beyond the fort, too, with markets, temples and the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean lapping against its shores.
A personalised walking tour
Set off on a private walking tour with a local resident, tracing the path from the first Portuguese landing to the English departure. Along the way, you’ll discover tales of historic battles, shifting alliances and insider insights into the Fort’s unique blend of cultures spanning three centuries. Explore fortifications, administrative buildings, warehouses, and more, interspersed with churches, temples and mosques.
Where you could stay
Galle
Overview
Built in 1684 and converted into a hotel in 1863, the Amangalla is a beautiful historic property with plenty of old-world charm.
The hotel features 30 rooms and suites, all with high ceilings, original Burmese teak floors and large windows that look out over the gardens, the harbour or the
Extending the length of the hotel on the ground floor is a beautiful verandah with colourful floor tiles and palm trees. Here you can enjoy afternoon tea or a refreshing drink as you sit and watch the world go by. Step inside and you’ll find yourself in the Great Hall with its lofty ceilings, period lighting and overhead fans. The dining room sits at one end, an elegant space with crisp white linen and antique silverwear. Here you can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan dishes centred around what the chef finds that day in the local markets.
At the other end of the hall is the lounge, the perfect place to enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea or an evening cocktail. There is also a library with a range of books on the history, culture and arts of Sri Lanka.
Relax and unwind at the spa which features hot and cold plunge pools and a sauna, as well as treatment rooms where you can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan therapies. Take a dip in the refreshing waters of the outdoor pool, surrounded by the lush greenery of the garden or enjoy a morning yoga class in the yoga pavilion to set yourself up for a day of exploring.
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Two nights in Yala National Park
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s second-largest and most popular, occupies the southeastern corner of the island. Divided into five blocks, two of them (Ruhuna and Kumana) are open for guided game drives. Covering 979 square kilometers of diverse landscapes – forest, wetlands, and savannah – the park is a crucial habitat for numerous species, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild water buffaloes and more than 200 bird species.
The park is renowned for its high concentration of leopards, possibly the highest in the world. Spotting these elusive predators remains a challenge due to their secretive nature, but with a skilled guide and a bit of luck, Yala is one of the best places globally to encounter these mysterious cats.
Where you could stay
Yala National Park
Overview
To the southern edge of Yala National Park, the luxurious Chena Huts sit overlooking a beach where turtles lay eggs at night and elephants venture down from the jungle to play in the surf. It is bordered by forest and a saline lake home to ibises, painted storks and even flamingos.
There are just 14 thatched ‘huts’ set around the property, though calling these sweeping thatched pavilions – each with a living area, bedroom, freestanding bathtub and shaded outdoor deck with built-in 5m plunge pool – is an understatement.
The Basses restaurant takes its name from the nearby reefs and lighthouse and is suitably nautical in its theme. Private dining experiences can be organised, whether on the beach under the stars or by a camp fire surrounded by nature. There’s also a swimming pool with poolside bar concealed behind a waterfall and an Ayurveda spa in which to unwind.
As well as safaris into the Ruhuna block of Yala National Park, other nearby attractions include fabulous birding in Bundala National Park, and the Great and Little Basses reefs, off which blue and humpback whales congregate and dolphins frolic. Kataragama, an ancient forest shrine on the edge of Yala that attracts tens of thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims in July and August, is close by too.
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Two nights in Tea Country
Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush landscapes, Sri Lanka’s Tea Country stands as a testament to the nation’s rich tradition of tea cultivation. The central highlands, particularly around Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Ella, boast picturesque tea plantations that paint the hillsides in vibrant shades of green.
Renowned for its Ceylon tea, Sri Lanka has earned its stripes as a major global producer. The cool climate and fertile soil of the elevated regions create an ideal environment for cultivating tea bushes, and the meticulous hand-plucking of tender tea leaves ensures the production of high-quality tea.
You’ll see the hills dotted with women harvesting leaves by hand, baskets slung across their backs. Skilful workers deftly pluck the most flavoursome and aromatic parts of the bushes – the topmost leaves and buds – which are then dried and processed.
Tea Plantation tour with a tea planter
Guided by a seasoned tea planter, traverse the picturesque landscapes of a renowned estate. On this immersive experience, the planter unravels the tapestry of Ceylon tea, sharing insights into its rich history and cultural significance. What went into creating the perfect cup of refreshing Ceylon tea in 1867 were equal parts science, art, sleight of hand and a spot of luck – and little has changed since. You’ll engage in the age-old art of hand-plucking tender tea leaves, connecting with the very essence of the tea-making process.
Where you could stay
Tea Country
Overview
Venture into the lush heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country and surround yourself in old-world luxury at Thotalagala, a carefully restored planters bungalow which dates back to the 19th century.
Each of the seven suites is inspired by prominent role-players in the tea-growing region’s history. Situated on Pitaratmalie Estate, the hotel offers easy access to all tea country has to offer, including Dambatenne where Sir Thomas Lipton lived in the late 1800s.
Décor is elegantly refined, with antique furniture complemented by carefully-chosen artworks. Enjoy a cigar or after-dinner drink in the lavish cigar room, indulge in a sumptuous tea out on the lawns or allow the chef to treat you to a feast of plantation-inspired cuisine in the dining room. For an extra special Thotalagala dining experience enjoy perfectly barbecued meat beneath the stars, while sipping a fine wine from the cellar.
As this is a working estate, guests are welcome to explore the gardens and fields, learning about how tea is produced. Immerse yourself in the history of the area and keep a look-out for memorabilia from the region’s colonial past.
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Overnight in Colombo
An overnight stay in Colombo unveils a vibrant cityscape. As the sun dips below the horizon, dive into Colombo’s eclectic cocktail scene, where mixologists craft innovative concoctions that mirror the city’s dynamic spirit. Some streets come alive with the aroma of tantalising street food, inviting you to savour local delicacies like kottu roti and hoppers, while elsewhere you’ll find refined restaurants and chic rooftop lounges.
Where you could stay
Colombo
Overview
Located within five acres of landscapes tropical gardens is The Wallawwa, a colonial manor house with plenty of character and charm.
A short drive from the airport and under an hour from the hustle and bustle of Colombo itself, this is a great option for those wanting a tranquil stay while never being too far from the action.
The hotel features 17 elegant rooms and suites, some featuring their own verandah overlooking the garden. For families or small groups, the two-bedroom Mountbatten Suite with private plunge pool and garden is perfect. It is so named because Lord Mountbatten was commander in chief of the south east Asia command, the headquarters of which were in Sri Lanka – then Ceylon.
Dine at the Verandah restaurant, which makes use of fresh, local ingredients to create delicious fusion cuisine. You can also enjoy high tea in the garden, enjoyed with a cup of Sri Lanka’s famous tea. When you want to relax and unwind, the Z Spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, and there is an outdoor pool nestled among the lush foliage.
→ Find out moreColombo
Highlights
- 11 suites
- 180 year old mansion
- Swimming pool
- Private courtyards
Overview
Located close to the lakeside Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Residence by Uga Escapes is one of the finest boutique hotels in Colombo.
The grand Victorian townhouse was built in the 19th century, its halls and expansive gardens once entertaining British governors, Indian maharajas and European nobility.
Today, its 11 unique luxury suites are a calm and secluded oasis despite its central location. The style is elegant, contemporary and comfortable, with numerous hints of its rich heritage.
This urban retreat also has a wonderful swimming pool, private courtyards, a gourmet restaurant, bar and gym within its walls.
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Five nights in the Maldives
Indulge in five blissful days of relaxation at a sumptuous island resort amid the idyllic islands of the Maldives. You’ll have plenty of time to discover this paradise archipelago at your own pace, whether unwinding on the velvety soft sands or immersing yourself in the gin-clear waters to uncover the abundance of marine life. Your upscale lodging provides an ideal retreat for relaxation, fine dining and leisurely spa days.
Where you could stay
Maldives
Overview
The embodiment of minimalist elegance, the 33 overwater villas sit on snaked wooden decks, where you can slip straight into the soothing turquoise lagoon for world-class snorkelling and diving on the private reef.
The suites on Makunufushi island resemble a collection of Kerelan boathouses, each with a private sundeck, vintage-style ceiling fans, whitewashed walls, and lavish en-suite with roll-top bathtub. The ultra-private one-bedroom villas also offer dining bales and outdoor showers.
As one of the smaller resorts, there is a definitive calmness to Cocoa Island that is hard to beat. From the gardens to the infinity and hydrotherapy pools, yoga pavilion to the renowned COMO Shambhala spa, wellbeing is central to life here.
The resorts main restaurant, Ufaa, has a daily-changing menu specialising in Southeast Asian and Mediterranean dishes, using organic vegetables and freshly caught seafood. Romantic candlelit dinners and glamorous picnics are served on the beach.
Diving and snorkelling are the main attraction here, with parrotfish, rays and small sharks spotted in the surrounding waters.
→ Find out moreMaldives
Overview
An inter-island flight from Malé Airport and a short boat ride takes you to this tropical playground, and with 97 beach and water villas, Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll. Sustainability is central to this eco-conscious resort’s operations, and several programmes are implemented to uplift the local community and protect the surrounding ecosystems.
The villas have been tastefully constructed using sustainable materials and all have large private balconies with sun loungers, so you never have to leave the comfort of your island home. The villas also encompass a private outdoor shower and an upper deck for romantic sunset dinners.
Various dining tastes are taken care of on this privately-owned island, with local and international cuisines on offer in an array of settings, including inventive meals at an eatery perched above the garden, Japanese favourites at a live kitchen station, overlooking the sea and 40 flavours of ice-cream in an alfresco parlour. Many of the dishes are created using organic ingredients grown in the island’s gardens, recycling practices are carried out and single-use plastic is banned.
The waters surrounding the Laamu Atoll are wonderful for diving, with schools of tropical fish and colourful coral waiting beneath the surface. There’s an on-site Marine Team at this resort that seek to educate guests about the importance of protecting the marine environment.
As well as the wealth of water sports on offer, other activities such as movie screenings in the jungle, deluxe spa treatments, sunset dhoni cruises, sand dune dining and yoga and aerobics classes are available.
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Your seaplane or speedboat transfer
When the time comes to leave, board a scenic seaplane ride to and from your hotel, offering a unique perspective of the lagoon. If you prefer, we can also organise a speedboat ride, considering the current weather and sea conditions.
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Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
