The best beach resorts in Sri Lanka

Accommodation in Sri Lanka has been transformed in recent years. Initially, Sri Lanka’s beach resorts were aimed primarily at the package holiday crowd and traditional travel operators and were only located on the west coast. But the past decade has brought a major change, with the growth of villas, boutique hotels, and small independent hotels offering a huge array of choices. 

Amanwella, Tangalle

The Amanwella resort is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 15 minutes by car from the village of Dickwella. The resort is situated amongst a coconut grove facing onto a white sand beach. Most suites are dotted along the hillside and connected by pathways that also lead down to the main public areas, infinity pool and beach. The Ocean suites enjoy clear views of the ocean and feature a six by four meters private pool. The resort is contemporary in design and constructed with many traditional materials, including Sri Lankan roof tiles and hand-hewn stone.

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has always been known as the party center of Sri Lanka. Famous with the young crowd, surfers, young families and backpackers, Hikkaduwa is a great hang-out spot. Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon is an artful resort full of murals and other great decor. Trance music is the center of attention here, as well as the laid back beach lifestyle.

Dolphin Beach Resort, Ilanthadiya

Not your usual beach resort, Dolphin Beach is more of a glamping experience. With two styles of luxury tent, a communal dome for sundowners and an infinity pool overlooking the beach, this hotel has it all for eco-lovers and peace seekers. Dolphin Beach is located on Kalpitiya Beach, a bit off the beaten path but well known by the kite surfing crowd. Activities at the resort include kite surfing, scuba diving, water skiing and whale watching.

Read more: Best wellness retreats in Sri Lanka

Jetwing Blue, Negombo

Jetwing Blue is located at Negombo, a popular resort town on Sri Lanka’s Western coast. Surrounded by graceful palms, the Jetwing Blue features a total of 112 guest rooms. The hotel was built in 1970, and then named Blue Oceanic Hotel, it marked the beginning of Jetwing Hotels. It has grown from a small 6 room hotel to one of the most prominent beach resorts in Sri Lanka.

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The best hiking trails around Ubud, Indonesia

From a relaxing stroll to more adrenaline-filled treks, these walks are both close to Ubud (Indonesia), and further out of town. Check out our guide to the best walks and hikes around Ubud and put on your favorite walking shoes.

Campuhan Ridge walk

Probably the most Instagrammable walk in Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge walk is a gift for the eyes and soul. Tjampuhan – the ancient spelling of Campuhan – means “place where two rivers meet.” And it’s here that the magic happens: a mesmerizing sunrise and sunset walk, overlooking sacred river gorges and lush tropical forest. Brace yourself with patience to get the ideal photo: it might get busy during golden hour.

To get there, head to the north-west end of Jalan Ubud Raya. Reach the Warwick Ibah Hotel and park your scooter there in case. There’s a narrow downhill stone path leading to the stairs going up the ridge.

Jalan Kajeng walk

Parallel to the Sari Organik path, this walk is another little hidden gem, very close to Ubud center. Less busy than the previous routes, it’s a bit trickier to reach, but will be worth the effort. Go on, explore, stop at one of the local shops on the path and get yourself a refreshing coconut to sip while admiring the kaleidoscopic sunset sky. Jalan Kajeng is a road perpendicular to Jalan Ubud Raya, a right turn before Starbucks. Take the road and keep going until you cross a bridge where the path is narrow and steep. Keep going as while it might appear to lead nowhere, you’ll end up beautifully surprised.

Ubud rice terraces walk

Claimed as a Unesco World Heritage site, the Tegalalang rice terraces are simply dreamy and worth a visit. They are one of the main tourist attractions on the island and have a well-deserved reputation. Several tour companies organize walks around the area and you can also reach the site by yourself and choose your own path. Entrance fee is around IDR10.000.

The magnificent terraces are located 20 minutes drive from Ubud center. From Jalan Ubud Raya, head east and reach the crossroad where the Andong statue rises. Turn left into Jalan Andong and keep heading north on the same road until you arrive at the site.

Penglipuran Village walk

For a walk back in time, head to Penglipuran Village, a traditional Balinese banjar located in the Bangli Regency, roughly a 30-minute drive from Ubud. Imagine wandering into a timeless culture, painted with the golden and vivid colors of ancient temples and the handmade offerings to the Gods. Penglipuran has been named one of the cleanest villages in the world, together with Giethoorn in the Netherlands and Mawlynnong in India. The best time for a walk in the village is during a local ceremony, for example, Galungan, when the streets are adorned with the penjor – ornamental bamboo poles designed to carry religious offerings.

Mount Batur hike

Mount Batur is one of the volcanic peaks on the island of Bali, located north of Ubud. Most of the tour companies who provide guidance to the trek, start the journey from Ubud. The volcano and its caldera, another Unesco World Heritage site on the island, is one of the most popular sunrise spotting places in Bali. Check out our complete guide to a Mount Batur trek to make the most of the volcano hike.

Mount Agung hike

With its 3,031 meters of altitude, Gunung Agung is the highest peak on the Island of Gods, and venerated as the most sacred entity. Mount Agung is a currently active volcano and in normal circumstances it can be hiked. It’s a tough one, usually lasting six hours for the journey to the summit. The view will make you feel as though you’re sitting on the roof of the world, overlooking the whole of Bali, the neighboring island of Lombok and the surrounding ocean. Make sure to research and book with an expert guide: the path is tricky, slippery and ever changing, due to rock-fall.

See more: Must-visit attractions in Ubud, Bali

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Get relaxed beach resorts in the Philippines

The Philippines is a popular tourist destination. Whether you come to visit its many sights around the country or just to spend your holiday in one spot, you’re sure to have a dream vacation here. If relaxation is your primary reason to visit, you won’t be disappointed. Since this Southeast Asian country is made up of many islands, beach resorts in the Philippines abound, each offering a smorgasbord of water activities and relaxation options.

Bohol Beach Club

With an emphasis on healthy outdoor activates, the Bohol Beach Club makes it fun and easy to keep in shape while on holiday. You can choose from activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, and pedal boating or biking. But, if you played too hard in the sun, the Bohol Beach Club offers massages to work out the kinks and ease those tired muscles. Buildings center around an outdoor pool or you can go for a swim in the ocean just steps away. This newly renovated three-star is on Panglao island.

Plantation Bay Resort

Although Plantation Bay Resort is right on the beach, you won’t have to jump the waves to go canoeing and paddle boarding. That is because the resort has its own private waterway, one of the largest in the world. The resort is near a top diving site, with coral reefs and shipwrecks just waiting to be explored. The hotel has all the graciousness of the tropical plantation it resembles. Spacious rooms have specially designed sleeping tubs, while restaurants serve everything from fried bananas to shrimp tempura.

El Nido Resorts Lagen Island

El Nido Resorts on Lagen Island calls itself an eco-sanctuary, a place that is designed to preserve the surrounding environment. On one side of the resort, there’s a lush forest; on the other side, tranquil bay waters. You can relax by going bird- or wildlife watching or looking at the scenery from limestone rock formations to the jungle. You can get your daily exercise by sailing, hiking a nature trail, swimming or working out at the fitness center, followed by a relaxing massage.

Shangri-La's Boracay

Lush vegetation gives Shangri-La’s Boracay a very intimate feel, almost like you’re on a deserted island. Located on Puka Shell Beach on scenic Boracay island, the resort’s white sand beaches and green forest make for a winning combination. Water activities range from lounging on the beach to parasailing to deep sea diving. You can rejuvenate yourself at the full-service spa that offers treatments using Chinese and Philippine techniques. Your dining options include a cliff-top restaurant that specializes in seafood.

Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort

Green is a relaxing, serene color; it reminds us of the great outdoors Which makes Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort the perfect spot for relaxation. Located on Palawan island in the West Philippine Sea, this small resort is surrounded by lush green vegetation. You can walk along the beach, swim in an enormous pool or just walk through the jungle. If you’re looking for different water activity, consider a ride on the nearby Puerto Princessa Underground River — Daluyon is the closest resort to the river.

Read more: Top most beautiful towns in the Philippines

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