Light Up The Season… By Getting Out Of Town.

This Christmas is the perfect time for Sri Lankans to travel. The usual reason is that card deals really kick in, but the other reason is that ongoing political instability has made hotels available, affordable and in need of local support. So get out there. If you don't do it for yourself, do it for your country!

SOUTH

Heritance Ahungalla

Ahungalla is a popular but not too popular destination down south. Near Bentota, it's reasonably close to Galle and not that far from Colombo, but still far enough away that you can relax.

Of course, if you're staying at Heritance Ahungalla you don't really have to leave the hotel at all. The ginormous pool and the huge stretch of beach in front are entertainment enough. 

As above, staying here is 40% off for all Nations Trush Bank American Express cardholders. Valid till 20th December.

Saraii Village

This is not your usual hotel. For one thing, you can stay literally up a tree. For another, this is an area so isolated that you can see the Milky Way as never before. For me, this is the highlight of Saraii Village – the amazing view of the stars – but it also has excellent food (fresh lagoon crab) and is quite close to Yala.

Though it feels isolated, it's just off the Weerawilla Road and quite accessible via the Southern Expressway. With Nations Trust Bank American Express it's 40% off until the 20th December.

CULTURAL TRIANGLE

Heritance Kandalama

Heritance Kandalama is one of my personal favorite hotels – perhaps architect Geoffrey Bawa's most perfect medley of nature and building – and this season it's 40% for Nations Trust Bank American Express cardholders. Valid till 20th December.

The highlight here is how the hotel seems to emerge from the rock and nature that surrounds it. Kandalama almost looks like a ruin – almost hidden by creeping vines – but inside it's a luxurious hotel with excellent food. Just please keep your room windows closed, the monkeys will get inside.

And of course, don't miss the pool with its panoramic views of the lake.

HILL COUNTRY

Heritance Tea Factory

Another personal fav is the Heritance Tea Factory. The main draws here are that it's gloriously cold. This is basically as close as Sri Lankans can get to the North Pole. 

Tea Factory is a delightful place to sit on the front lawn, drink hot tea, and watch the morning mist rise over the hills.

Did I mention that it's cold? You can snuggle under a duvet, wear a cardigan and everything else you can't do in Colombo. It doesn't snow, but you might catch some frost in the morning.

They offer 20% off exclusively for the platinum cardholders of Nations Trust Bank American Express. Valid till 31st December.

EAST COAST

Sun Aqua Pasikudah

Though it's right on the easily swimmable Pasikudah lagoon, you may not want to leave the Sun Aqua pool. This giant pool gets warmed during the day and gradually eases into a deep end, making it great for kids. In fact, the whole place is lovely for children, with wide expanses of beach and a dedicated play area.

Batticaloa is a bit far, but since you're saving 35% on the hotel (till the 20th December) you can always splurge for a flight, getting you there in about an hour.

WEST COAST

OZO Colombo

Especially if you have kids, sometimes all you need is a staycation. Not necessarily in your home, but in a city hotel. You can still be away from your daily cares, but also near all the Christmas shopping deals, restaurants and of course a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

OZO Colombo is the perfect spot for escaping into Colombo as it's in a great location, but also because they have spent special attention on their beds. This is one of the most peaceful sleep experiences you can get in the city, or anywhere.

For Nations Trust Bank American Express cardholders it's 20% off until the 23rd December.

NORTH

Anantaya Resort & Spa

The new Airport Expressway and generally carpet roads up the north-west coast make Chilaw much more accessible than before, and it is worth a visit if you haven't been. Besides the beautiful sunsets over lagoon and ocean, Anantaya is a beautiful and well-equipped hotel.

They have classic resort activities like badminton, beach cricket and boat rides, but you can also just laze about and enjoy the scenery. I can recommend the latter, with a good book.

This season and until the 30th April it's 30% off, with blackout dates from the 23rd December to 5th January.


 

These are of course just a few of the lodging deals available this season through Nations Trust Bank American Express. You can see them all below. Christmas is always a great season for hotel deals, but this year it's especially good, so enjoy.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Marine Spice: Colombo’s Global Fusion Gem

Indulge in a culinary journey at Marine Spice, Colombo's latest Indian-inspired restaurant. Open daily from

Kamu Trending

Oktoberfest 2023 at Hilton Colombo

The oldest and by far, the most authentic of the Oktoberfest is back with a

Highlights Kamu Trending

“Delightful Vegan Feast: Savor the Flavors of Compassion and Health”

Indulge in an expertly crafted meal featuring an amazing array of fresh healthy and delicious

Highlights Kamu

Sri Lankan flavors with a Mexican Twist at Taco Shack

See here Tacos but make it Lankan? A legacy that began in the humble confines

Kamu Test

Keells : Your one-stop destination for quick meals and more

By Shamrina C In the fast-paced world we live in today, convenience is key, especially

Highlights Kamu

Exploring rich Italian Pasta and Pizza at Penne

By Sahasni Gamage Ambiance Penne Colombo offers a captivating aesthetic ambiance with soft, ambient lighting

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Courtyard by Marriott Colombo partners with Magzter to become Sri Lanka’s first Smart Reading Hotel

With sustainability increasingly taking centre stage in the hospitality industry, hotel chains worldwide are implementing

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted the grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony

Mount Lavinia Hotel hosted the grand Christmas tree lighting ceremony on 26th November 2023. Dignitaries,

Trending

Gary Mehigan: Celebrity Chef and Former MasterChef Australia Judge is finally here in Sri Lanka

Internationally acclaimed Celebrity Chef and former MasterChef Australia judge, Gary Mehigan, has officially arrived in

Trending

Quick Chat with Celebrity Chef Gary Mehigan

Former MasterChef Australia Judge talks about the Culinary Extravaganza awaiting in Sri Lanka! Colombo, 21st

Trending

Unveil the Enchantment of the Tropics: Festive Luxury with Minor Hotels Sri Lanka

An unparalleled host of festive celebrations and getaways await you with Minor Hotels Sri Lanka,

Trending

The most inspired Christmas Tea Gifts from t-Lounge by Dilmah.

Embracing the festive season, and just in time for your Christmas shopping, t-Lounge by Dilmah's

Highlights Trending

Yamu Guide.

“Deck the Halls: Christmas Decor Roundup”

“Top 5 Destinations for Your Christmas Shopping Spree.”   Edys.lk: Unwrap the Magic Edys.lk is

Yamu Guide

11 Reasons not to miss Daraz’s 11.11 Mega Sale!

By Shamrina Carim Are you ready for a shopping extravaganza like no other? Daraz's 11.11

Highlights Yamu Guide

Yaal Virindu – Jaffna Food Festival: A Culinary Journey of Joy

In collaboration with My Sister’s Kitchen by Thushara & Danu Innasithamby By Shamrina C Sri

Highlights Yamu Guide

Where to buy the iPhone 15 in Colombo

By Shamrina Carim If you're on the hunt for the latest iPhone 15 in Colombo,

Highlights Yamu Guide

Spotting Blue Whales in Mirissa with Chaminda Whale Watching

The whale watching tour in Mirissa Start time: 6:30am Duration: 3-5 hours depending on sightings

Highlights Yamu Guide

The Rise of Plant-Based Diets: Benefits and Challenges

By Shamrina Carim In recent years, plant-based diets have surged in popularity, drawing attention for

Highlights Yamu Guide