Sri Lanka Christmas and Year End Getaways

Colombo, Sri Lanka 

12th December, 2023 

Sri Lanka is now visa free for Indians 

Over the years, Christmas has become one of the most celebrated festivals in Sri Lanka and people eagerly wait for it all year around. To witness the Christmas decorations and festivities in Sri Lanka, the best time to visit is between November to January. One can witness the Christmas spirit everywhere, right from the small stores to the big malls, you will spot Christmas trees and decor at all places. From revelling in the Christmas festivities to strolling on the gorgeous beaches, the island’s unique diversity and affordability is a breath of fresh air and will make sure your itinerary includes all kinds of enjoyable experiences. Spread across the island are also many luxurious resorts and boutique hotels where you can experience the best sights of Sri Lanka during this festive season. 

Here are some getaway ideas for Christmas and New Year celebrations in Sri Lanka 

1- Sundara by Mosvold, Balapitiya, Sri Lanka 

Sundara by Mosvold, an eight-room, luxury villa by homegrown Sri Lankan chain, Mosvold Boutique Hotels, is situated in Balapitiya on the southwestern coast of the island. The oceanfront property is named after ‘Sundara’ the Sanskrit word for beautiful. Sundara by Mosvold features rooms with varying themes and decor that reflect the signature style of Sri Lankan tropical minimalism. The rooms and public spaces have been designed and styled tastefully to reflect Sri Lankan aesthetics. The post-colonial, modern interiors with gorgeously curated furniture and objets d’art make the whole space perfectly ‘Instagrammable’.

2- Mosvold Villa (new opening) Ahangama, Sri Lanka 

Mosvold Villa is an ultra-luxe, 16-bedroom, beachfront villa by homegrown Sri Lankan chain, Mosvold Boutique Hotels which specialises in luxury boutique hospitality. Located in Ahangama, Mosvold Villa is a design and experience-led boutique hotel with curated decor and direct beach access. In an exciting collaboration, Mosvold villa has partnered with the renowned Sri Lankan designer Sonali Dharmawardena to craft exquisite handmade batik bed linens and wall panels.The rooftop, offering a breathtaking 180° perspective of Ahangama beach, will undergo a transformation into a vibrant bar featuring tantalising island cocktails and captivating live music performances. Additionally, for those seeking adventure, Mosvold Villa is situated right on the Ahangama strip, where you can take surfing lessons. 

3- Galle Fort Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka (Reopened in 2022 after a three-year restoration) 

Located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, the historic Galle Fort Hotel is housed in a Dutch mansion that dates back 300 years. The property was once a warehouse and served as the residence of a renowned family of gem merchants during the British era. The heritage restoration of the Galle Fort Hotel was done, working in line with the Sri Lankan Ministry of archaeology to ensure that the building’s 300-year-old Dutch walls and facade were conserved as authentically as possible. In its new look, the Galle Fort Hotel features 12 luxurious suites with varying themes and decor. Expert restorers were brought in to work with the antiques, which are seen across the hotel and suites. One of the structural highlights of this property is the stunning Palladian colonnade verandah, which houses the Galle Fort Hotel Bar, with its exclusive selection of gins from across the globe. 

4- Thotalagala, Haputale, Sri Lanka (All inclusive ultra-luxe experience)

Nestled in the hills and tucked away in Sri Lanka’s tea country, in the remote town of Haputale, Thotalagala is considered to be one of Sri Lanka’s most exclusive addresses. This property is located on the Pitaratmalie Estate, amidst some of Sri Lanka’s best tea estates. Thotalagala features seven vintage-themed rooms with gorgeous antique furniture and nostalgic artwork. Luxury offerings at the property include one of the country’s best infinity swimming pools, and a heritage, teak-panelled cigar room serving after-dinner cognac, not to mention the immersive experiences in the nearby tea gardens. 

5- Ropewalk (New opening) 

Inspired by the 1920s flapper era, Ropewalk is the brand new address inside the Galle Fort. This chic bar is situated inside the iconic 300-year-old structure of the historic Galle Fort Hotel. This speakeasy-style space serves delicious crafted cocktails using local Sri Lankan ingredients. After drinks, you can choose to dine at Ropewalks gorgeous verandahs, with a menu that includes modern Sri Lankan classics. 

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