The River House – Sri Lanka

The River House by Asia Leisure is situated on Randombe Lake so this boutique hotel has some stunning views. Every morning you’ll wake up to palm trees and mangroves. It’s a one hour and 40 minute drive south down the coast from Colombo International Airport.

The five suites all have different themes, but share design traits. The walls and upholstery are pale with dark wooden furniture throughout. They also take advantage of the location with open air terraces and the Garden Suite – Kirinda even offers a wide door out onto the terrace from the bathroom.

The dining offers not just a range from the menu, but the capability to add your own requests. So if you’ve been to Sri Lanka before, you can ask for a favourite dish from your last trip. There’s a pool close at hand and in-suite massage, as well as yoga and wellness options.

You could take a cookery class at the hotel to take that custom menu home with you. The hotel can also help you arrange diving, whale watching or see a sea turtle conservation project. You could also head to the nearby Ambalangoda Mask Factory and Museum to find traditional Sri Lankan masks.