Capture the peace and serenity of Sri Lanka with a stay at award-winning Aarunya, an exclusive collection of private pool villas overlooking the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range, enjoying world class hospitality, superb cuisine, and dreamy spa.
Let the beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka rejuvenate you at this stunning property surrounded by tea and spice plantations.
Decompress in a Premium Villa with on call butler service, enjoying mountain views from your private Jacuzzi and plunge pool.
Feast on a range of fine dining options in a choice of locations including the veranda, tea pavilion and gardens.
Indulge in exotic therapeutic rituals at the spa or sign up for a 4-night tailor-made wellness retreat.
For those looking to relax amid the beauty of the Sri Lankan countryside while enjoying the country’s legendary hospitality, Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa ticks all the boxes. A collection of luxury private pool villas, the resort is in the central hills close to Kandy, overlooking the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range, an area resplendent with waterfalls, tea, and spice plantations. Aimed at discerning travellers, the resort provides wonderful service with personal butlers, fabulous dining experiences and luxury spa.
With just 6 villas, the vibe is intimate and friendly. Set within stunning gardens and enjoying fabulous mountain views, the spacious villas enjoy plenty of natural light. The upscale décor is a pleasing blend of contemporary and local antique furnishings, with lavish beds, comfortable seating area, climate control, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, Bluetooth speaker, safe and complimentary premium tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Bathrooms are generously sized with double vanities, bathing amenities and professional hairdryer. This is the ideal venue for indoor/outdoor living with large decks furnished with loungers, dining table and chairs, Jacuzzi, and plunge pool (the Superior Villa is the only villa without a plunge pool).
Meals are created with local organic produce, showcasing both international and Sri Lankan cuisine. Choose from a range of locations including the Verandah Restaurant, the Aahaasa Tea Pavilion, poolside, in-villa, and garden dining. Guests can even enjoy a ‘floating breakfast’ in their own pool, while dining experiences include High Tea and a Sri Lankan 9-course curated dinner to enjoy in a sociable setting with fellow guests.
Along with the private plunge pools, the resort has an inviting infinity pool with loungers and parasols, a lounge, library, games area, and café/bar. A highlight is a visit to the spa, where guests can book treatments based on Balinese and Ayurveda therapeutic rituals or check-in for a 4-night Wellness Retreat. This involves a bespoke rejuvenation programme with curated meals, yoga, and meditation. There is also a Yoga Pavilion with private lessons available (chargeable) and a 24-hr gym.
The resort is on the outskirts of Kandy, located between the city and Dambulla with easy access to the main highlights of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, including Sigiriya Rock. Aarunya offers guided village, waterfall, and nature walks (their butlers are also naturalists) and there are complimentary bicycles for exploring. Cooking classes can be arranged on request (chargeable).
When to visit
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Enquire NowAarunya is a 3-hr drive from Colombo Airport and around 45-minutes from Kandy train station. Most of the main attractions of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle can be reached within a 1-2-hr drive.
Adigar's Manor
Adigar's Manor is a restored ancestral home set in the hills on the edge on the historical city. Spend the days sightseeing in and around Kandy, or simply lazing in the tropical gardens by the infinity pool.
Stone House Kandy
Originally owned by a Kandyan family, the Stone House was fully refurbished in 2014 by its new owners and is now a five-bedroom boutique villa offering luxurious accommodation, a private setting and a personalised service.
Kings Pavilion Kandy
Kings Pavilion is based just 15 minutes outside the centre of Kandy, a bustling town which is home to the Temple of the Tooth. Situated on a hill side this boutique hotel gives great views down over the valley and town below.
Rosyth Estate
Built in 1926, Roysth Estate is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set on a 62-acre private working tea and rubber estate. This charming property offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka.
Goatfell
Goatfell is a beautiful and intimate 4 bedroom bungalow retreat located in the heart of the hill country on a working tea estate. Recently opened, this is a hugely exciting addition to the Hill Country and a great base from which to explore.
Ceylon Tea Trails
Ceylon Tea Trails consists of five old colonial bungalows which have been converted into luxurious accommodation. The scenery is spectacular and guests can walk between the bungalows meeting the locals or simply relax in the beautiful gardens.
Camellia Hills
Camellia Hills is a luxurious five-bedroom bungalow nestled in Sri Lanka's tea plantations. It has a dining room, two lounge areas, and a swimming pool. The bungalow boasts breathtaking views across the Castlereagh Reservoir.
98 Acres
98 Acres is located on a scenic tea estate in the hillside town of Ella. A eco-friendly retreat, it has been built almost entirely out of recycled materials. With chalets nestled into its lush green surroundings, enjoy views out over the southern plains.
Nine Skies
Clinging to a tea covered hill, with beautiful views over the hill country Nine Skies offers an intimate stay in a newly refurbished tea bungalow.
Adventure activities on the Kelani River
Experience an exciting combined rafting and canyoning adventure upstream from Kitulgala on the Kelani River, tackling Class II and III rapids, jungle hiking, jumping into plunge pools, and navigating waterslides, concluding with a delicious lunch.
Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species
and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.
Train from Kandy to Hatton
The 2 hour train journey to Hatton is a glorious way to see the rolling countryside from your observation car, as you climb into the hills and tea plantations.
Guided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men
Today head to the centre of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colourful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.
Kandy Temple Trail
Head a little more off the beaten track to explore some of Sri Lanka's more historically and architecturally interesting temples. Gadaladeniya, Embekke and Lankathilaka are set away from the main tourist trail but are still easily accessible from Kandy.
Kandy Market
Visit the colourful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.
Kandy by tuk tuk
Travel through Kandy's unique landscape of hills and rivers, exploring its colonial history and religious sites, riding a tuk tuk to scenic hills and markets, and concluding with delicious treats and Ceylon tea with breathtaking city views.
Trekking in the Knuckles Range
This is a must for trekking enthusiasts, who will love the striking landscapes and ever-changing fauna on this 4-5 hour trek from Illukkumbura to Riverston. Expect sweeping panoramas and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Temple of the Tooth
This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
