Tamarind Hill, Sri Lanka

Based in a 250 year old manor house Tamarind Hill is considered one of the most illustrious and romantic historical buildings in Galle. The hotel is situated close to Galle fort and a short distance from the city with excellent opportunities to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Tamarind Hill calls home. The rooms are designed with neutral tones and colonial styles, featuring a selection of colonial furniture such as almirahs, what-nots and a Queen Ann table. The Crayford Room is furnished with a four poster double bed taking centre stage in the characterful bedroom, with adjacent ensuite featuring modern facilities such as a luxury rain shower and superior bathroom amenities.

The restaurant at Tamarind Hill uses a range of locally caught seafood and freshly grown herbs and spices to craft exquisite dishes and recipes from around the world. For a more private dining occasion or celebration, guests can dine on the manicured lawns in the courtyard or under an antique historical ceiling fan in the main building around a 22 seater dining table.

Inspired by local healing practices and treatments, the spa presents an exclusive menu of treatments using local ingredients such as ocean salts, cinnamon and coconut oil paired with spiritually driven techniques to invigorate and restore your mind and body, leaving you feel relaxed and refreshed.

There is plenty to do outside the resort especially around Galle including visiting the Kovila Godella Temple, which is believed to be a site of great healing power, or gliding down the river as you search the verdant banks for signs of local wildlife such as lizards, birds and monkeys or learn local fishing techniques as you try to catch a lula or korali fish.