In Sri Lanka? Stay At The Eco-Friendly Yet Luxe Gal Oya Lodge

There’s boat and elephant safaris, eco-friendly luxury and a whole different side of Sri Lanka to be discovered in the centre of the island nation at Gal Oya Lodge. We found paradise, peeps!

What do you do when you’ve lounged around the beaches of Bentota, hit up the capital city Colombo and relaxed at the tea gardens at Kandy before? You make your way to the hidden jungle canopy in the heart of Sri Lanka to the quiet and almost forgotten Gal Oya National Park. The Gal Oya Lodge, an eco-friendly high-end resort, is located right inside the park and can well become your home for a few days.

Nine cottages dot the space, and the eco-warrior in us was pleased to know that all the materials are natural and locally sourced, so we really don’t feel guilty lapping up the luxury of the dreamy bungalows decked out in blue and white.

Each cottage has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors that open onto a private veranda. Throw in a bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers and you’ve got yourself a cosy set-up for a honeymoon. Our recommendation: The two-bedroom villa set atop the highest point of the resort. Ah, the delight of reading a book on a fluffy sofa that overlooks the park. Or sitting with a steaming cuppa on your bed, watching the sunrise and sunset.

Co-owners Tim Edwards and Sangjay Choegyal are always up and about planning excursions for guests. Think nature walks, and hikes {Monkey Mountain is fantastic} to see the nearby birds and animals in their natural habitat. The highlight, though, is watching elephants swim from island to island in the mighty Nigala River. Or opt for a boat safari, apparently the only one of its kind in the country.

If you really like to go local, they’ll even arrange for a meeting with the Veddas; the aboriginal people of the region. You can then head home to learn the ropes of farming on an organic patch before you hit the cool waters of the swimming pool, because we all know that it’s always warm in Sri Lanka.

If you’re looking for luxury in a rustic atmosphere where adventure meets swimming pool shenanigans, this place is your ideal spot.