Manor House Concepts, Exceptional Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an incredibly diverse country which makes it an exciting and wonderful destination for a romantic getaway in Asia. Awe-inspiring cultural sites, mountains covered in lush forests, pristine beaches and vibrant cities; there’s something for everyone. You can enjoy its diversity to its fullest by staying at the wonderfully unique boutique hotels of Manor House Concepts. A collection of seven very small hotels ranging from heritage homes to designer beach houses, discover more about these magical and romantic places to stay in Sri Lanka below.

Manor House Concepts, Stylish and Luxurious Abodes Around Sri Lanka

Manor House Concepts brings together some of the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. Each one is incredibly unique, has modern luxury comforts and with a maximum number of guest rooms between three and nine, guests have unparalleled privacy. For exploring cities they have two heritage homes: The Kandy House, situated in the cultural capital of Kandy, and Maniumpathy, located in the coveted Cinnamon Gardens neighborhood of Colombo. Set within a historic tea plantation bungalow in Nuwara Eliya, the eccentric and cozy SinhaGiri is the ideal base for discovering Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

For relaxing beach stays, on the south coast is Coco Tangalla and Last House, the final creation of famous Sri Lanka architect Geoffrey Bawa, and on the fashionable western beach of Benota is the sublime Boutique 87, also designed by Bawa. Last, but definitely not least, is Casa Heliconia, a grouping of three private cottage rooms with distinct personalities and hidden away in the jungle only a 35-minute drive from Colombo international airport, which makes it perfect for the beginning or end of your trip. Within the group is also the Empire Cafe, a lovely eatery found directly opposite the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy.

I had the immense pleasure of staying at three of their properties during my trip to Sri Lanka, below is some further information on these gems.

Gallery Plugin

Casa Heliconia, a Jungle Hideaway Near the Airport

Due to its proximity to the country’s international airport, Casa Heliconia is the perfect place for a soft landing or relaxing few days before departing Sri Lanka. That said, you would never guess that the hotel is so close to the airport as it’s completely hidden in the jungle. Chirping birds and forest sounds create an magical ambiance, which is amplified in the evening. 

The hotel only has three rooms, each entirely different from the next. These are made of repurposed local building materials and are decorated with antiques, artwork and other curious finds. My room had its own mini temple behind which was an outdoor shower. This also provided an alluring backdrop for a private romantic candlelight dinner. On the other side of the cottage was a long water pool looking towards a historic Buddhist temple. This can be easily visited on foot, in addition to nearby rice fields and a local village with absolutely no other tourists in sight!

There is also a lovely pool shared by all guests which overlooks the jungle and rice fields. You won’t easily find a “hotel” as unique as the Casa Heliconia, in Sri Lanka or anywhere else!

Gallery Plugin

Maniumpathy, an Exquisite Heritage Hotel in Colombo

Set in a historic heritage home in the stylish Cinnamon Gardens district, Maniumpathy is a luxurious oasis and excellent base for visiting Colombo. As soon as you enter through the gates, quiet and elegance reign. Previously the home of a prominent family of doctors, you truly feel like personal guests thanks to family heirlooms and each of the eight rooms is named after a different matriarch of the family.

The accommodation is opulent yet relaxed. The suites have the advantage of private balconies or back garden terraces whereas the deluxe rooms have semi-outdoor bathrooms, adding an element of romance. My suite had a huge bathroom with a large shower and a clawfoot soaking tub. In the central courtyard is a large pool and on the other side, under the veranda, is the hotel’s notable restaurant, beautifully lit and breezy for your evening meal. The cuisine is refined, delicious and has both international and local specialities.

Gallery Plugin

SinhaGiri, an Eclectic Historic Tea Bungalow in Nuwara Eliya

I had read that staying in a historic bungalow was a great option for accommodation in Nuwara Eliya. But there are “bungalows” and then there is SinhaGiri… The spacious bungalow has been entirely remodeled into a fascinating “cabinet of curiosities” villa. Located above town, there are only two guest rooms. This means you truly feel like a guest and not a hotel customer.

There are only two guest rooms, however, there are several “other” rooms. These include a swank lounge for afternoon tea, a room displaying the owner’s collection of vintage kimonos, a smoking room where you can have a before diner drink, a seductive dining room surrounded in hand painted floral wallpaper evocative of Old Master Dutch paintings and the massive Great Room where I could image the coolest “Great Gatsby-esque” party being held! The two guest rooms also have hand painted wall paper as well as a stylish decor and excellent luxury amenities. The chef is truly gifted, so be prepared for one of the best meals you’ll have in Sri Lanka. 

The uniqueness and magic of these hotels will be a highlight of your trip to Sri Lanka. No matter which Manor House Concepts hotel you choose, their wonderfully professional staff will ensure you have an exceptional stay. I hope I’ll get a chance to stay at their other hotels when I return to Sri Lanka.

You can find more information, special offers and can book direct on the Manor House Concepts website here. 

I was a guest of Manor House Concepts, however, all of the opinions above are entirely my own.