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If the call of the Indian Ocean beckons you and your board, then the rugged and powerful Arugam Bay on the East Coast of Sri Lanka is the ideal holiday location. Sri Lanka is world-famous for its surfing and has breaks suitable for everyone, whether you are a hardcore surfer, or an eager beginner, there is tuition available for all levels and there is no better place to stay as a group than at Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing. This beachfront villa is surrounded by water and (at certain parts) offers you a breath-taking view of nothing between you and Antarctica.

The country’s seasonal patterns mean when one coast is choppy, the other is calm ensuring a surfer’s paradise all year round – but nowhere quite beats the adrenalin fuelled East Coast. Along with the almost private 1km beach of Kottukal, you will find the hip hotspots of Arugam Bay, Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm, Crocodile Rock, and more within a few minutes’ drive. In addition, the eastern coastline also serves as a habitat for exotic island wildlife and at Kottukal the gardens are not only home to several species of birds including the majestic Brahminy Kite, but also a family of mongoose and flocks of butterflies, with the occasional visit from an elephant or two! Alternatively, you can hop in a tuk tuk for a safari like no other – unique to Jetwing and guided by a local farmer, guests are invited to get up close to crocodiles, elephants, monitor lizards, snakes and so much more in an experience unlike any other.

Discover the unexplored North at Jetwing Mahesa Bhawan – NEW FOR 2022

https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingmahesabhawan/

A trip to Sri Lanka’s uncharted north is a passport to a largely unexplored land. It’s an opportunity to escape the crowds and make memories that will last a lifetime. This is no quick whirlwind tour, but real adventure to be savoured and experienced – starting with the new luxury train line leading you direct from Colombo to Jaffna.

The Northern province endured decades of strife during Sri Lanka’s civil war, but the beauty of the region is undiminished and guests of Mahesa Bhawan can soak up the atmosphere and explore a range of hidden wonders, from Buddhist temples and ruins to an island inhabited by rare wild horses.

Built in 1935, the original building was abandoned during the 30-year long war, used as a safe house, and left to the ravages of time. It has been meticulously restored to its former glory and today stands elegant and proud offering guests a pool, spacious dining and living spaces, and delicious authentic Jaffna food – which is unique to the region.

Horse Riding at Broomfield by Jetwing

https://www.jetwinghotels.com/sri-lanka-villas/nuwara-eliya/ – New for 2022

What better way to explore Gregory Lake and the other highlights of “little England” than on the back of a noble steed? Resting in the cloud-capped mountains high above the beaches, this colonial bungalow is nestled in the cool climes of Nuwara Eliya in the picturesque central highlands of Sri Lanka. Bloomfield by Jetwing is the latest addition to the villa collection and is designed with old-world, aristocratic living spaces, each bungalow paying tribute to luxury of latter years with its grand bedchambers, vintage décor, traditional English tea, and much more. The highland spirit also extends beyond horse-riding, with a number of upcountry experiences such as visiting a tea factory or riding one of the most scenic railways in the world. The bungalow was formerly a hillside holiday home for the famed Bandaranaike family, which produced three Prime Ministers, one Executive President and the Speaker of the House of Parliament in Sri Lanka. One of the Prime Minister’s – Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike – created world history by becoming the world’s first woman Prime Minister.

The Real Tea Making Experience with Meena Amma

https://www.jetwinghotels.com/meena-ammas-tea-experience

Standing some 6000 feet above sea level on some of the highest grassland in Sri Lanka, Meena Amma invites guests to be part of her Tea Experience located in the quiet pocket of Ambewela on the Warwick Estate.

This authentic experience invites guests to have a brief insight into the day to day lives of Sri Lanka’s tea pickers – accompanied with the heart-warming hospitality of Meena Amma herself.

The tour starts with Meena guiding guests on a walk through the tea plantations offering her first-hand insight into the hard work that goes into producing the tea we take for granted; this is then followed by learning how to cook an authentic Sri Lankan meal; visiting a village temple or school or simply mingling with the village folk and learn about their lifestyles, culture, and traditions. Immersing totally within the community, this is a one-off experience that is suitable for all the family.

Dsicovering Nature at Jetwing Kurulubedda

https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingkurulubedda/

With a name that translates to ‘a jungle of birds’, it is probably no surprise to learn that a stay at Jetwing Kurulubedda is also residing alongside nature. From secluded forest walks to sampling fresh natural produce with your own resident tour guide to a walk around a riverside village – the surrounding forests and mangroves inspire visitors to create their very own jungle book adventure.

Emerging from the forest, you have a host of other experiences on your doorstep, including exploring the famous Galle fort, the Kottawa Conservation Forest, and snorkelling off the famous Unawatuna Beach.

Realigning Wellness at Jetwing Thalahena Villas

https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingthalahenavillas/

This beachfront villa, pinpointed near to the renowned Negombo Lagoon and 16 km from Bandaranaike International Airport, is the ideal escape to either start or end your Sri Lankan journey.  At Jetwing Thalahena Villas, guests can start their day with a refreshing and cleansing rainfall shower, followed by a stroll through coconut plantations to embrace the lagoon, where you can either swim or take part in several water sports including water skiing and canoeing.

Negombo Lagoon is fed by several small rivers and a canal, which is the  the meeting point for all these water sources and can also act as a place to relinquish the stresses and strains of everyday life – sitting here with the tranquillity of water around you are guaranteed a journey of self-discovery and contentment.

Design your own Jungle Book Adventure at Yathra Houseboat

https://www.jetwinghotels.com/yathra/

Only 50 miles from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s only eco riverboat is the perfect post Covid escape. The interior and exterior of Yathra (meaning – The Journey) are built to eco-friendly guidelines and the boat engines are built specifically in order to not produce any sound pollution and the speed of the boat is a max of 4 — 5 knots per hour.

Yathra takes guests for a slow cruise along the winding Bentara River and into the forgotten jungle lands of Sri Lanka. As they silently glide deep into the mangroves, they will encounter wildlife including swooping kingfishers, marsh crocodiles, huge fruit bats and owls, before settling back with a fine wine in hand to dine under the starlit sky.