Sri Lanka, this jewel of the Indian Ocean where tea flows freely and elephants nonchalantly cross the road, has more than one well-kept secret. And among these treasures are Secrets of Ceylon CollectionThe new "Hotel de France", an exclusive selection of 12 properties where authenticity is matched only by intimacy. Imagine hotels with fewer than 10 rooms, nestled in enchanting settings, each telling a story, imbued with colonial charm, lush nature or personalised service just like home... well, a home where breakfast is served in bed and a butler makes sure your tea is brewed to perfection.
The idea? To experience Sri Lanka in a different way, far from the standardised hotels and frenetic tourist circuits. Here, everything is designed for total immersion, with cultural discoveries, breathtaking landscapes and genuine encounters with the locals. In 8 to 10 nights, you can easily combine 4 or 5 properties to sample different facets of the island: misty tea plantations, wild beaches, colonial towns and national parks full of wildlife.
We'll take you on a tour of 4 gems from this secret collection, where history and authenticity combine with absolute comfort.
Ferncliff Bungalow: A step back in time in the heart of the tea plantations
Set in the middle of a one-hectare garden, Ferncliff Bungalow looks straight out of a vintage postcard. This jewel of 6 bedroomsowned by the same family since 1870It exudes unadulterated colonial charm. Here you can sit by the chimney fireYou'll enjoy refined cuisine and an atmosphere worthy of a British novel.
Far from being a simple bucolic retreat, the site also serves as a starting point for exploring the region. Nuwara EliyaSri Lanka's Little England. A audio-guided tour will plunge you into the unusual nooks and crannies of this high-altitude town, where you'll come across a picturesque church, an old supermarket frozen in time and even the grave of an elephant hunter (1,200 on the clock... a CV you wouldn't validate today).
Idal Villa: a secret mountain retreat
Nestled nearHaputale, Idal Villa is a confidential address that epitomises the art of the slow life. Built by a couple in search of serenity, this property of 5 bedrooms offers a unique immersion in the tranquillity of the Sri Lankan mountains.
Here, it all starts with a shared drink with the ownersWe'll be there to break the ice and hear a few anecdotes about their decision to leave everything behind for this haven of peace. Then it's off to the station for a a timeless train journeyOn the way back, we'll stop off at the local people's house for a bite to eat. On the way back, we stop off at a local's house for a bite to eat. cup of tea which, between you and me, has much more flavour than a simple Earl Grey.
For lovers of absolute relaxation, sauna and therapeutic cold pool are on the programme. Those with a bit more foresight can even book a relaxing massageto take the Zen experience to the extreme.
See also the video ofAnnaliese Dayes.
Wild Culture: untamed luxury at the gateway to Yala Park
If your heart lies between a refined stay and an immersion in nature, Wild Culture is your answer. To only 20 minutes from Yala National ParkThis intimate retreat (just 8 rooms) is a hymn to relaxation. Just imagine it: large green gardens, elegant poolsoverlooking the rice paddies and a exquisite cuisine that would make any Michelin-starred restaurant blush.
The real star here is the proximity with Yalathe country's largest national park, where leopards, elephants and crocodiles put on a show without the slightest concern for photobombing. After a day's exploration, you'll be delighted to return to the peace and quietA cocktail in hand, lulled by the song of the crickets and the gentle breeze from the rice paddies.
Watch the video ofAnnaliese Dayes.
Zylan Colombo: urban elegance in the heart of the capital
Behind its discreet façade, Zylan Colombo hides a refined address where luxury blends with an intimate atmosphere. Located in the very chic Colombo 7This boutique hotel in only 7 bedrooms is a haven of peace in the heart of Sri Lanka's capital. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main roads, it offers a bubble of serenityideal for ending a trip in style or take a sophisticated break between urban explorations.
Sound rooftop with swimming pool is an invitation to relax: you can lounge with a cocktail in hand, enjoying the view over the rooftops of Colombo, while the elegant coffee on the ground floor serves light, refined dishes in a cosy atmosphere. But Zylan's real trump card is its prime location : just a stone's throw from the best trendy shops, restaurants and bars of the city.
It is the ideal place to swap your adventurous clothes for a chic outfitand leave with a wealth of urban discoveries. stylish, relaxed and with a little more luggage than on arrival. Colombo has never looked so welcoming.
Forgotten Colombo on a Landy: Colombo in vintage and epicurean mode
Colombo is a bustling city where tuk-tuks weave their way between colourful markets, where the smell of spices mingles with the scent of the sea, and where colonial history intertwines with effervescent modernity. But rather than discover it with your nose glued to a bus window or your feet worn down by miles of hot pavements, Secrets of Ceylon offers a unique experience: a three-hour drive in a Land Rover convertiblewith your hair blowing in the wind and a cold beer in your hand, for a total immersion in the Sri Lankan capital.
Aboard this vehicle with its vintage charm, you leave the main roads behind and head off into the countryside. the forgotten lanesThese are the places that only the locals know, where time seems to be suspended between the colonial past and disorderly urban planning. Three key decisions This adventure is punctuated by a number of places, each offering a window onto a little-known facet of the city: a hidden temple where offerings are scented with incense, a forgotten building that has seen the passage of time, or an old-fashioned market where you can sample some of Colombo's best flavours.
And because discovering a city also means savouring iteach port of call is punctuated by tastings of local specialities - crispy spicy fritters, an explosive curry or a sweet treat that only Sri Lanka can concoct. To top it all off, local beers are availableJust enjoy the moment with a touch of freshness.
This is a timeless explorationThe tour is guided by an enthusiast who knows Colombo like the back of his hand, distilling juicy anecdotes and forgotten stories. A quirky, unusual and resolutely epicurean way of discovering the capital, the kind of experience that will make you feel at home. leaves a much stronger mark than a simple tourist circuit.
Secrets of Ceylon, or the art of experiencing Sri Lanka differently
With Secrets of Ceyloneach night spent on the island becomes a unique experience, between tradition and modernity, nature and culture, luxury and simplicity. It's not just a journey, it's an immersion in the very soul of Sri Lanka, through addresses that tell a story. And what if the real secret of Sri Lanka was knowing how to take the time to savour every moment?
For more information and to book: 📞 WhatsApp : +94 722 247 661 - 📧 Email : res@secretsofceyloncollection.com - 🌐 Website : www.SecretsofCeylonCollection.com