Luxury Travel in Colombo
The metropolitan city of Colombo offers a number of luxury experiences that can rival those of first world countries! Here are some that you should definitely check out.
Accommodation
Colombo has a variety of super luxury and luxury accommodation options to choose from. International five-star hotels such as Shangri-La, Hilton and Movenpick are located in the heart of the commercial district. Galle Face Hotel and Mount Lavinia Hotel are local brands that have converted colonial era mansions into luxury accommodation. They carry an aura of old-world charm that cannot be found in modern glass and steel structures. Both hotels have exclusive suites that elevate the luxury experience.
If you prefer luxury boutique style accommodation instead of a busy hotel, consider Residence by Uga Escapes or Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo, the latter of which hosted HRH Prince Charles when he last visited Sri Lanka in 2013.
Dining
Colombo has a vibrant food culture that has been continuously expanding to include many types of international cuisines. There are many high-end restaurants within the city that serve Sri Lankan, Indian, Italian, French, Thai, Japanese and other cuisines. The London Grill at Cinnamon Grand serves French and continental fare, the Tintagel Restaurant serves international cuisine al-fresco style, Rare Bar & Kitchen offers exciting fusion cuisine, Echo at Cinnamon Grand serves traditional Italian dishes, while Café Francais offers a more chilled out option for classic French fare. Royal Thai at Cinnamon Lakeside is famed for its Thai cuisine, Navratna at Taj Samudra for Indian and Nihonbashi for Japanese. Kaema Sutra, Nuga Gama and Curry Leaf restaurants serve great Sri Lankan food in more luxurious settings than your average local restaurant.
Sri Lanka is famed for its great seafood, and a visit to Ministry of Crab at the Dutch Hospital Precinct or to The Lagoon Restaurant at Cinnamon Grand will show you why.
Shopping
The Odel Department Store has a wide selection of clothing and accessories for men, women and children, while the Arcade at Independence Square and the mall at Colombo City Centre house a number of stores carrying international clothing and accessory brands.
Colombo Jewellery Stores, Careems Jewellers and Lalitha Jewellers produce exquisite and finely crafted pieces of gold jewellery studded with precious gemstones such as Ceylon Blue Sapphires.
Recreation
Relax and rejuvenate with a massage at the Angsana Spa at Cinnamon Grand, the CHI Spa at Shangri-La or the chain of spas operated by Spa Ceylon, which offer traditional Sri Lankan ayurvedic treatments, in addition to other Asian therapies.
Enjoy drinks and entertainment at one of the many bars and lounges dotted around the city, primarily at the luxury hotels. The Capital Bar & Grill at Shangri-La, CÉ LA VI Restaurant and Lounge at The Kingsbury or Baillie Street Merchants in Colombo Fort are great places to enjoy some special cocktails and good music.