Top family-friendly resorts in Sri Lanka

When it comes to family trips, there are many destinations you can choose from. However, not all of them offer a unique array of activities as found in Sri Lanka. Visit tea plantations, go on safaris, and explore old forts from the time spice merchants roamed the ocean. Combining all that with smiling people from the islands of the Indian Ocean, we found the ideal place for our next family trip. I have listed the best resorts to stay at when traveling with children. This allows the whole family to enjoy the entire experience.

Àni Sri Lanka

Although technically a resort, Àri is proud to be a private experience, so it is also a resort where you can only stay if you rent the entire property. And while it may come with a high price tag, you get an insane resort whose sole purpose is to give your family a lifetime holiday. There is nothing better than staying at a private luxury resort. With 15 suites, it’s easy to take the entire law or cricket team. And believe me, they all want to join you. Because Àri is literally one of the places where everything is contained. Unlimited spa treatments and massages are just one example, but who wants to spoil their family with mani and Pedi or offer endless massage options to their loved ones?

Food can make your stay a success or break, but it shouldn’t be a problem here as you have your own private chef. Just as an in-house mixologist shakes the cocktail you want, you can make a new cocktail just like a drink, or even to your particular taste. Of course, this isn’t important unless you’re offering a private cooking class by an executive chef in case you want to learn how to prepare the gourmet food served during your stay. If you want to burn some of those calories you’ve earned, head to the tennis court. There, real professionals will offer you tennis lessons and will gladly be your batter partner.

Of course, it’s one of the best resorts for families, so you can expect the best kid’s entertainment and activities. We were happy to have a playground when we went on a family trip, but here they take it to the next level and offer a full-fledged kids club. And whether the group has one or ten children, they have time for life. Treasure hunting, karaoke, and local cultural experiences are just a few of the activities offered. For those who are a little older, there are mountain bike tours, paddleboarding, and more. And the best of all that is the reason for a free babysitter. To be honest, we all want to spend a fulfilling time with our partners from time to time, regardless of how much we love our children.

Anantara Kalutara

The Anantara brand guarantees luxury holidays wherever you go, and on the contrary, Kalutara holidays are no exception. Just 30 minutes south of Colombo, it’s a great place to discover this part of the island without getting caught in the concrete jungle. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a traditional welcome dance that leads to the actual reception area. Talking about making a first impression can never be much better than this. All the staff are really kind and make you and your family feel at home. Accommodations range from regular rooms to two-bedroom pool villas. Regardless of the choices you make, they are all great with some local touch and all the modern facilities you would expect from a resort like this.

From a delicious breakfast buffet with fresh coconuts, waffles, juices, pork, and more to a really great themed restaurant, the food is really good and you won’t be hungry. My personal favorite is the spice trader, who embarks on an Asian adventure with spectacular taste. Soft light, lounge music, and a relaxing atmosphere with cozy decoration transform everything into a picturesque and perfect dining experience. Acquolina is another great option, especially if you want a masterpiece of Italian cuisine. Don’t miss the dessert! Most people may wonder if all of these great food adventures are family-oriented, but from the moment they arrive, make sure the whole family has a great experience, regardless of age. It quickly sets the tone for the rest of the dining experience, which ensures that you enjoy these precious moments even more.

Now that you have the perfect place to sleep, you don’t have to worry about food. It’s just appetizing. And Anantara Kalutara knows how to do that. There are many activities you can choose from, of course, some are physically more demanding than others. The fact that the resort is located on wonderful green land in the middle of the lagoon and the sea offers guests even more choices. You can also put a zipline on top of the lagoon. Of course, if you’re not relaxing in a great spa or relaxing on the beach in one of the cabanas. And children? Now…. Don’t worry, they are active all day long, thanks to many other activities planned by kids clubs and resorts. The staff really goes up and down to make sure your little kids are having the best time at the resort. What more can I ask for?

Shangri-La Hambantota

Another brand that is synonymous with luxury holidays and the Shangri-La Hambantota on the south coast of Sri Lanka are proof of that. The resort has 58 hectares of amusement park and is the largest resort in the country. Still, don’t expect you to feel like you’re just a number and the queue is staying at a huge resort that’s as common as the financial crisis. Most of the space is used for tropical gardens and, of course, its own resort golf course (the only one in Sri Lanka), so none of them.

The style of the rooms and suites is a great combination of stunning wooden floors and a relaxing beach retreat with dark wood finishes. It doesn’t matter if you go to the tropical garden or the sea view. Each room gives it an unmistakable island feel. There are only two restaurants (I wanted to see a little more, but who am I). One is Bojunhala, which offers a buffet style, and the other is Sera, where all the great Asian classics are waiting for you. taste. If you just want a drink, head to the Gimanhala Lounge. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset view while sipping a gorgeous cocktail. Golf course clubhouses are also an option for both food and drink, but it’s much more casual than the other places I’ve just talked about.

So why is this an ideal place to stay with your family when you’re only talking about golf courses, restaurants, and the 19th hole? Shangri-La Hambantota has a great kids club that allows kids to release all their energy in the room or when trying to eat delicious food. In addition to clubs that offer all kinds of entertainment for all ages, there is also an aqua zone. Imagine a waterslide, a sprinkler, or an elephant spraying water everywhere. Yeah, it may sound like a challenge to us as parents, but believe me, your kids will love it, and after all, it’s all important for a family holiday … Is that so?

Centara Seisands

This small paradise is located in Bentota on the west coast of Sri Lanka, where the Bentota River meets the Indian Ocean. Located between these two, you can imagine the amount of water activity available for your entertainment. One of my favorites is going on a river safari to explore the inside and outside of the ecosystem. If you want to explore the ocean a little more, there is also a paid dive center where you can be sure to see all the wonders of the underwater world. But if you prefer to keep it dry, you won’t get bored either because you have a lot of options to keep you busy.

One of those options is to rent a bike and find out what the area offers. There’s a lot to see and do, and it’s a great way to meet the locals. Rather, do you stay in the comfort of the resort? No problem, the huge swimming pool (with jacuzzi) is certainly not a hanging punishment. There is also a children’s pool for kids, but kids clubs certainly get their attention, so they may be too busy with it! Teens also have an immediate hit E-zone and game room.

So what about accommodation? Sure, there is a wide range of choices, but family suites have bunk beds for small children, and didn’t love them as a child, so they’re perfect for those who bring small children. The views from all the rooms are, of course, either the river or the sea, not so poor. The F & B option is also very suitable for families and is always a bonus, and the menu is pleasing to even the most demanding guests, regardless of age.

RIU Sri Lanka

Located on the west coast of the island, this hotel is the first RIU-branded hotel in Sri Lanka. Those who have been to one of the other facilities know that they are offering a solid product and it is really worth including everything. We highly recommend a room facing the sea, sitting on a beautiful beach. You can feel a special holiday when you wake up in the morning overlooking the vast water mass. The style of the room interior is not my preference, but of course, it’s a personal feeling and I’m sure you can ignore the fact that the room is a bit boring because of the length of time you spend in the room. More and more mainstream.

Fortunately, the main attraction of children lies in the Liuland Kids Club, which overdrives the heartbeat of all children. They also have a great playground, and if you prefer to play in the water, there is a dedicated children’s pool that will soon succeed with all young guests. What more can I ask for? Unlimited ice cream? Uh… After all, it’s an all-inclusive resort.

Of course, resorts are also for adults (after all, they are the ones who settle the bill), and the Renova Spa is a really great place to relax. From relaxing massages to manicures to cosmetology salons are on site. There is no more excuse for supper with that embarrassing hairstyle. When it comes to dinner time, you really want to try some of the food offered at one of the five restaurants. Italian food, Asian food, Sri Lankan food, … All your favorite kitchens are here. And if the kids are asleep and want to drink that little nightcap before going to bed on their own, visit the”off-hours” bar. We are confident that we will only provide what you are looking for.