Sri Lanka: tips for families, honeymooners and final frontier seekers
The Indian Ocean destination is booming for adventure and romance, while the north is finally gearing up to enter the spotlight – we chat to Asiya Zargar, director of marketing at Indus Experiences, about the latest trends
How is Sri Lanka performing for Indus Experiences?
In general terms we are witnessing a big interest in Sri Lanka from families, couples and honeymooners and we are currently very busy supporting agents with itineraries and quotes.
What’s your recommendation for families?
Sri Lanka, with its microclimate zones, is wonderful for families travelling at Easter or during the UK school summer holidays, when other parts of Asia can be uncomfortably hot.
For active families, the Hill Country and Cultural Triangle make a thrilling combination with some of the smaller, more offbeat national parks for wildlife-spotting without the crowds.
After all the excitement, add in a few days to chill out by the Indian Ocean and discover the local marine life. The East Coast feels remote, unspoilt and has the best weather for summer beach stays. Passikudah (in the Batticaloa district) and Trincomalee offer a laid-back beach vibe with palm-fringed golden sands, clear waters and authentic local culture.
What accommodation trends are you seeing?
Many resorts are embracing a new villa concept, giving families the flexibility of self-contained private accommodation where they can all be together and reconnect, with the benefits of top-notch facilities. The Anantaya Passikudah Resort and Spa is one of our best sellers with its multi-room villas, great dining options, gorgeous pool, spa and entertainment for all ages.
Ekho Hotels are a top seller for families or couples on more of a budget. There are six beautiful hotels in prime locations around the country, with a focus on surf and safaris, local culture and warm hospitality. Look out for their latest development in Ella, scheduled to open in time for summer 2024.
It’s Sri Lanka’s small, luxury accommodation sector that’s the fastest growing. Boutique hotels are thriving, with eco-friendly upgrades, authentic cuisine, local experiences and increasingly, a focus on sustainability with lots of initiatives to benefit local communities.
How does this trend benefit honeymooners?
The growth of the boutique sector opens up so many wonderful choices for honeymooners – from the likes of Kumu Beach, a stylish and luxurious 10-room hideaway in Balapitiya with day-beds beneath the palms, to the Water Gardens at Sigiriya, perfect for exploring the Cultural Triangle, with designer villas overlooking the streams that flow all around, and a chic, two-tier bar.
Most of our honeymoon clients are keen to go exploring and touring beyond the beach, and this is where Sri Lanka offers the best of both worlds. Sri Lanka also makes a great twin-centre with the Maldives, for the ultimate combination of desert island luxury and Asian culture.
Is the north of Sri Lanka ready for tourism?
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