Sri Lanka - Treasure Island

Aye, there be riches untold on the isle that lies south of India. But who’s talking about gemstones when there is so much more to see, do and experience in Sri Lanka?

- Juliana Chan

We like the idea of being intrepid travellers. To that end, we’ve trekked up famous cliffs, plunged into unfamiliar seas, ventured into subterranean caves and even learnt the Cyrillic script so as to read signs and communicate with the locals in the ancient Philippopolis. After all, what is travelling without some challenge?

Over the years, we’ve also come to appreciate the easier route. Call us pampered, but we read our Sri Lanka itinerary by Aman Resorts with gratitude. The luxury hospitality specialist has two properties in the former Ceylon Amangalla and Amanwella. This makes logistics smoother if you’re planning a holiday in the south of Sri Lanka. Just book it and let the Aman team take care of everything.

After a scenic drive from Colombo, our trip began at Amangalla, within the historic Galle Fort. It’s a beautifully kept property comprised of original buildings from the 17th century, complete with a library that details its rich and colourful past. You may well be inspired to write a steamy period novel while ensconced in one of its lavish suites and fueled by flutes of Mango Bellini.

Galle Fort

A walking tour of Galle Fort is a trip back in time, since the Unesco World Heritage Site is preserved to protect its cultural and historical legacies. You can hear the clickety clack of manual typewriters emanate from offices that are still cooled by ceiling fans.

Souvenir shops dot the old town, but jewellery boutiques outnumber them by far. Sri Lanka is rich in mineral resources and some of the best sapphires, moonstones, zircons and beryls in the world are mined here. If you intend to propose marriage, this might be the place for it. You have gorgeous engagement rings for the picking, and can count on the Aman team to organise the most romantic scene for this life event.