Water Garden Sigiriya

The design of this beautiful boutique hotel in the shadow of an ancient rock fortress is based on the 2,000 year old water garden surrounding Sigiriya, one of the main sights on the Cultural Triangle tour of Sri Lanka. The 30 private villas are dotted around the landscaped gardens with stylish and spacious interiors, secret gardens and private plunge pools to ensure a stay here is luxurious and comfortable.

If you fancy swimming a few lengths then head to the large outdoor pool, or enjoy some serious relaxation time in the Water Garden spa with its qualified therapists and wide variety of massages, which use oils sourced from organic garden herbs. There's also a fitness centre, conference room and a helipad which can be used for aerial tours of the surrounding countryside. A dedicated butler service adds that extra bit of polish. The chefs at Water Garden can rustle up Sri Lankan and Western dishes with ingredients sourced from nearby organic farms, all served in your choice of setting, whether in the traditional dining pavilion or an intimate outdoor setting tucked away in the gardens. Finish the evening with a few tipples from the well-stocked bar whilst watching the sun sink below the distant horizon.

In the Water Garden grounds you can try your hand at a spot of archery, cycle around the gardens or explore by buggy if you want to rest those legs. There's also croquet, best enjoyed accompanied by high tea, and cooking classes where you can learn to create your favourite Sri Lankan curries. The hotel can also arrange guided tours to Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Caves and Polonnaruwa, as well as jeep safaris in Minneriya National Park.