Ceylon Splendour Feast
Several local Minor hotels will join forces to present an immersive journey, following the natural wonders, tracing the heritage of civilization, and tasting the finest feasts, inviting guests to a feast of Ceylon style.
Colombo: The City of Motion
Once you've arrived in Sri Lanka's capital, the newly unveiled NH Collection Colombo is the ideal base from which to explore this vibrant city. From here, guests can explore the bustling Beta Market to test their bargaining skills and select a variety of goods, such as fragrant agarwood essential oils, vintage glassware and antique curios, or head to Colombo’s creative market, Good Market Colombo, to explore local sustainable brands.
If you're looking for a romantic trip, take a catamaran to chase the sunset over the Indian Ocean, or head south to Mirissa Bay. In these postcard-blue waters, blue whales are sometimes more common than surfers. When it comes to experiencing Colombo’s legendary street food, Hulftsdorp is definitely on the list. The lamb bone marrow soup, shrimp and lentil fritters, and banana leaf rice called lamprais here all represent authentic Ceylon flavors.
NH Collection Colombo starts from $145 per night for a twin room, including breakfast for two and taxes.
Kalutara: A natural paradise
Just a short drive from Colombo is Kalutara, a little-known hideaway. Based in Avani Kalutara, you can visit Asia’s oldest prehistoric site, Faxian Cave, explore Dodanduwa and encounter the cascading waterfalls, and pay homage to the Kalutara Bodhi Temple, which stands by the river. The activities at the seaside are equally exciting. Diving underwater, you can see coral gardens and shipwrecks that create a dreamlike underwater world.
After landing, the delicious freshly caught lobsters and the sweet roadside golden coconuts are unforgettable. Designed by architect Geoffrey Bawa, sister hotel Anantara Kalutara Resort perfectly combines low-key luxury with coastal scenery, and is also a great starting point for visiting the mask village of Umbalangoda and the surfing resort of Hikkaduwa. The latter is also known for its vibrant nightlife and has many cultural landmarks, such as the hilltop Kumarakanda Vihara temple, which offers stunning sea views.
Avani Kalutara Resort offers a twin room starting from USD 100 per night, including breakfast for two and taxes.
Bentota: A symphony of architecture and nature
Continue south along the coastline and you will arrive at the beautiful Bentota. The sea water and the river shaded by mangroves embrace each other gently here, and the scattered islands have become a paradise for wild animals such as monitor lizards, fishing cats, egrets, etc. This is also a great place to appreciate the tropical modernist aesthetics of Sri Lanka's national treasure architect Geoffrey Bawa up close.
Stay at the newly upgraded Yasanohan Bentota Resort, and you will be within walking distance of Bawa's masterpiece, Runuganga Estate, and the dreamy Brief Gardens created by his brother Bevis Bawa. Guests can also visit Richmond Castle, which was built during the colonial era and tell a legendary story of romance and heartbreak. Adventure seekers can enjoy exciting water sports at Bentota Beach, while nature lovers can witness the touching moment when baby turtles return to the ocean at the Turtle Hatchery. If you are interested in aviation, a short drive will take you to the Sri Lanka Aviation Museum, which displays vintage aircraft.
Yasanohan Bentota Resort starts from USD 145 (approximately RMB 1,064) per room per night for a twin bed, including breakfast for two and taxes.
Tangalle: A Time-honored Treasure
Driving south from Yasanohan Bentota Resort to Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, the old town of Galle, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a must-see destination. Within the city walls that have gone through hundreds of years of vicissitudes, there are many fascinating boutiques, spice shops and unique cafes. Not far from the ancient city, guests can also visit the Surya textile workshop to watch artisans weaving colorful striped sarongs, saris and scarves. These unique handicrafts are perfect souvenirs.
Continuing south towards our destination Tangalle, time slowed down as the crowds thinned out. At Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, guests can escape from the hustle and bustle of society and immerse themselves in this ecological paradise. There are not only turtle nesting sites protected by the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project, but also bird-watching secrets at the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary. Adventurous guests can go on safaris in Yala or Udawalawe National Parks, go boating in tranquil lagoons, or hike to the Mulgirigala Cave Temple for stunning panoramic views. Surfing enthusiasts will find perfect waves at Hiriketiya Bay and Medilla Beach. As dusk falls, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting at the hotel with a specially prepared sunset cocktail in hand, enjoying a seafood feast made with the day’s catch, while taking in the stunning views of Sri Lanka’s pristine southern coastline.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort & Spa starts from USD 340 (approximately RMB 2,495) per room per night for a twin bed, including breakfast for two and taxes.
The Menor Hotel is taking you on an immersive journey through the diverse culture of Sri Lanka. From the throbbing city pulse of Colombo to the gentle waves of Tangalle, every residence is imbued with the unique warm hospitality of Ceylon, the colorful food culture, and the touching stories scattered among the coconut groves and coasts.