Sri Lanka and Maldives: A Combination Every Traveler Is Bound to Love

I just returned from Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We’ve sent many clients to both, but it was my first time visiting either country. The novelty of a new destination is always exciting, though not every country elicits in me an immediate urge to return, or to promote to clients. Often I will come home with the impression that a country is lovely and wonderful but really only the right fit for a handful of people.

An Honest Reflection on Countries that Aren’t for Everyone

For example, earlier this year I went to Mauritius. The landscapes are stunning, the melting pot culture remarkably beautiful and the food delicious. But realistically speaking, I’d probably point few clients toward Mauritius. My take is that it just does not make sense for most North Americans who are looking for a true “bush and beach” experience in Africa. Two resorts on the island - the One&Only St Geran and Royal Palm Beachcomber - left a lasting impression on me and I would wholeheartedly recommend them for clients looking to end their African safari with an elegant (and more traditional) resort feel, or for travelers who have already done other African beaches and are eager for a new stamp in their passports. But with options like Mozambique, Seychelles, Zanzibar and its surrounding islands or Miavana, all of which so naturally complement the experiences of mainland Africa, my professional opinion is that Mauritius is not really for everyone, or at least not for the typical Craft Traveler.

These remarks are in no way to discourage travel to Mauritius: I really did love it and living in South Africa, it makes perfect sense as an easy escape for my family and me from the seemingly endless winter we’ve been enduring. We’ll probably go back next year!

But an important part - perhaps the most important part - of my job is understanding how destinations are meant to be experienced. How to optimize an itinerary to a destination based on a particular client’s interests, style, budget and time constraints. Exceptional travel design is by definition acknowledging that even the best destinations, hotels and experiences are not for everyone.

Are Sri Lanka and Maldives… Actually for Everyone?

On its surface, neither Sri Lanka nor Maldives appear to be countries “for everyone”. But the more I reflect on my trip, I have a hard time imagining who would not have enjoyed it. When going on these educational scouting trips, I often think about our most demanding clients and try to see the destination through their highly discerning lenses, asking myself what their opinion would be. Not every hotel or excursion would be for everyone. But ultimately there was some sort of permutation of Sri Lanka and the Maldives that I couldn’t imagine every single one of my clients absolutely adoring.

Both Sri Lanka and Maldives are unquestionably standalone destinations, hard stop. There is no need to combine them to make a trip to the Indian Ocean worth your while. But my take is that the pairing of Sri Lanka and Maldives is so organically ideal, so wonderfully complementary, that there are few country combos that could be better suited to the typical “door to door” two-week vacation.

Sri Lanka: What I Loved

The food

If you love flavor, seafood and creativity, you will love Sri Lanka. You simply cannot eat badly here. Different types of curry are of course common here, but curry is only the beginning. Even flying in coach on Sri Lankan Airlines from Colombo to Maldives for an hour-long flight, I was floored by my airplane breakfast. Perhaps the most memorable meal however was the Kamatha Dining Experience at our first hotel, Uga Ulagalla, located in the lush and verdant heart of the cultural triangle. “Kamatha” is a piece of bare land in the center of the paddy field and is considered the final place of harvest. It’s often where farmers will gather communally to rest and share a meal after a long day’s work. For safari goers, the space closely resembles a boma. Alongside the Kamatha, three sister chefs worked within a traditional clay earth open kitchen to create a feast of 34 local dishes.The results were simply mouth watering, my favorite being a mutton curry that I will dream of for the rest of my life. The sisters serve you and explain each dish, and eagerly await to see the smile on your face upon consumption (another interaction with Sri Lankans that just truly warmed our hearts), and then patiently stand nearby thrilled to continue filling up your plate and detailing the significance of each dish. The Kamatha experience is available to all Uga Ulagalla guests and I couldn’t recommend it more.

The restaurant scene in Colombo is incredibly hot; I’d recommend spending a night or two in Colombo just to eat! Gallery Cafe had unbelievable Nasi Goreng and an utterly unique black curry pork. The trendy and seemingly hipster-inspired pedestrian street of Park Street Mews, located just next to Uga Residences, was perfect for popping out of the hotel for drinks at Uncles or dinner at Monsoon.

The hotels

Sri Lanka lacks the 6 and 7-star hotel experiences you’ll find in neighboring India, Dubai or of course Maldives. You have two fantastic Aman properties, the astounding ANI private villa ideal for an intimate group trip and the wonderfully curated and highly complementary collection of properties with Resplendent Ceylon. You are not going to Sri Lanka to experience gold-plated bathrooms or butler service. What you’ll find instead is charm, understated luxury and unmatched hospitality (see section below) in jaw-droppingly beautiful locales for incredibly fair pricing.

My favorite was Ceylon Tea Trails, a series of five residences all with panoramic views of Hattan’s idyllic lakes. One of the three Resplendent Ceylon properties, mentioned above, Ceylon Tea Trails was perhaps one of the coziest places I’ve ever stayed in my life. Our travel designer Clare had honeymooned there and said the same thing. It’s one of those places (similar to Chem Chem Lodge) where it’s hard to pinpoint with words exactly what makes this place so special. Yes, the tea plantations are splendid, and various activities such as scenic walking trails connecting all five bungalows as well as white water rafting are offered. But it’s the type of place where I’d be equally just as content to relax in my utterly charming suite, or the equally inviting shared living spaces that truly feel like home, and enjoy afternoon tea overlooking scenery so serene that it instantly fills you with a feeling of inner peace.

The people

Hearing that the people of a particular place are wonderful can sound cliche, or even simplistic. But this is the truth: other than with Zimbabweans, I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered hospitality so strongly ingrained, a warmth and kindness that cannot be taught or bought. Everywhere you go -temples, industrial markets, airports- Sri Lankans will smile at you. In nearby India (speaking from my own experience and that of many of my industry friends), tourists can sometimes feel like something of a spectacle, receiving stares or even in some cases unwanted attention. This is not the vibe in Sri Lanka whatsoever. Our very well-traveled group could not get over just how friendly everyone was, even just in passing.

It’s unfortunate that so much of Western knowledge of Sri Lanka is based upon a civil war from the last century, or short-lived political unrest from a few years ago. Sri Lanka could simply not feel more peaceful. The island nation’s fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism, along with influences from Islam and Christianity, has resulted in a culture that feels remarkably balanced and peaceful. One of our most memorable moments was cycling through the temples of the cultural triangle, where locals would come to pray or make offerings. The juxtaposition of the beautiful landscape, fascinating history and countless smiles we encountered was something I don’t remember experiencing anywhere else. I’m typically not someone who enjoys visiting multiple temples, churches, mosques, etc. But there was something about seeing it in this way -out and about in nature while witnessing firsthand the joyous impact of Sri Lanka’s unique tradition first hand with our interactions- that made the day come alive. The tour ended with a private lakeside picnic with our brilliant guide and his wife, an incredible chef who prepared our fantastic lunch.

There’s of course no surprise then that our guides and drivers were exceptional by any measure. We all felt genuinely sad to part ways with our local team, who had become part of our family. The knowledge, skill, passion and kindness of everyone who assisted on our journey was palpable. The logistical organization was flawless, and the fact that VIP airport services within Sri Lanka are not only extremely affordable but also fully comprehensive (private Immigration & Customs, VIP waiting rooms during the arrival and departure process… you name it!) make the destination feel that much more stress-free.

What you shouldn’t come to Sri Lanka for

African-esque safari experience

Sri Lanka has some of the most impressive biodiversity in the world, and prior to coming I’d often heard that it has some of the (if not THE) largest leopard populations in the world. Sri Lanka is also widely known for its elephants, and a variety of other species that make their way high to the top of safari goers “must-see” lists.

With that said, my impression is that Sri Lanka should not be sold as a safari destination, or at least not one that travelers should look to compare to what they’d find in Africa. Yala National Park’s most wildlife-rich areas are heavily trafficked with multiple vehicles catering to day trippers and backpackers. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with that, it’s not in line with the safari experience most Craft Travelers are accustomed to.

I don’t think that means avoiding Yala all together. The experience offered at Wild Coast Lodge and Chena Huts are remarkable even if you take away any element of wildlife. But it does mean managing expectations about what a safari here is going to look like. Yala has various sectors -or “blocks”- and crowds naturally flock to those with the highest concentration of leopard

Beach Vacation

Yes, Sri Lanka does have truly exquisite coastlines. Properties like Amanwella and Cape Weligama have beautiful beaches, but in my opinion it really does not make sense to visit Sri Lanka for the purpose of a proper beach holiday when you have the Maldives just one hour away. Sri Lanka does not have private beaches, so hotels are unable to offer a fully exclusive experience for guests. The water can also be quite rough. I would still highly recommend both Amanwella and Cape Weligama for a lovely coastal respite where you can enjoy ocean views from your private pool. Think of it as California: you’d love to stay somewhere stunning on the water but do not necessarily need to go for a swim there. And importantly, as discussed above, both Amanwella and Cape Weligama can serve as a base for a day trip to Yala National Park, by vehicle, seaplane or helicopter.

Maldives

One cannot understate the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives; words fall short when describing what you begin to capture from your first descent into the Male Airport, and the splendor of it all only intensifies as you make the journey from the airport to seaplane, with final arrival at your hotel leaving even the most seasoned and discerning traveler’s mouth on the floor.

I would in no way consider myself a beach person these days, but in my permanently bronzed and irresponsible youth it was my mission to find the world’s top tropical destinations. Living in Miami Beach provides a fairly high standard from which to compare all things sun and sand, and in turn less of a desire to travel far for beaches that are not truly remarkable. You cannot compare most beaches apples to apples. The Greek Islands (and maybe Ibiza) are my favorite spots for boating. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil is my pick for the most epic scenery. Up until last month, a handful of islands in Thailand and the Bahamas would have been my choices for most beautiful, swimmable and pristine beaches.

The Maldives is truly the epitome of a perfect, unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime beach vacation. Full stop. Part of me always felt the hype around the Maldives was just that: hype. An extraordinarily successful marketing campaign catapulted by social media influencers with drones and athletes with bikini-clad WAGs. That surely was (and still is) a part of it, but after my visit, consider me properly influenced.

Where I would have previously recommended 3-5 nights for our clients in the Maldives, I would now feel comfortable recommending 5-10 nights, including for those who, like myself, do not consider them beachgoers. For those who already know they love a beach vacation, you might even think about 10-14 nights. If you are a honeymooner, a family, a group of friends, a solo traveler: do not think twice. This is a destination you need to visit.

We had the distinct pleasure of being hosted by three unique resorts: Soneva Fushi, JOALI Maldives and JOALI Being. Each property was highly distinctive, and with so many options to choose from in the Maldives, it’s imperative that you find the place that fits your profile.

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi reminded me of Tulum if it were a car-less island. The island sits almost completely under a canopy of lush vegetation, which not only makes it extra beautiful but also heavily shaded, a much appreciated consideration in this perennially warm destination. While there are eight overwater bungalow villas, the vast majority of the rooms here are beach villas. This is an interesting concept for those with small children who perhaps feel less comfortable over water, for travelers who have done water villas in the Maldives on previous occasions and are looking for something new, or for those who are doing an extended stay in the Maldives and would like to combine two very different experiences.

The island, at roughly 1.1 kilometers long, is large by Maldivian standards, making it ideal for extended stays: it would be tough to get island fever here, particularly with so much to do. Glass blowing, tennis courts, snorkeling, diving, stand up paddle boarding at every turn, gym, spa and even a proper zip line…you will stay busy and active at Soneva Fushi (if of course you want to). We enjoyed the best snorkeling of our trip at Soneva, taking a boat trip to turtle-rich sandbar just 20 minutes from the resort. A marine biologist led us alongside nearly a dozen sea turtles in addition to a wide variety of gorgeous tropical fish.

To me, Soneva’s biggest value proposition is the dining experience, particularly for those who are vegan or who have dietary restrictions. The milk of choice at Soneva is oat, meaning you will only be served with cow’s milk if you request it. Their 24/7 ice cream bar (included in your rate) with endless selections of flavors boasts only milk alternatives. You can request good old fashioned lactose-ridden ice cream as well, which many of us were initially tempted to do. But once we tried our first scoops from the bar, we couldn’t imagine how regular ice cream would have tasted any better. We spent a lot of time getting seconds and thirds at the ice cream bar!

Beyond these considerations, I found the food to be simply phenomenal throughout. Their Fresh in the Garden (specializing in land-based dishes) and Out of the Blue (seafood) restaurants were outstanding. In my opinion, they were as good if not better than JOALI Maldives’ restaurants, though the starting price at Soneva Fushi is nearly half the price.

JOALI Maldives

With that said, never in my life would I utter an even remotely negative word about JOALI Maldives. I can safely say it is the most exceptional resort I have ever visited and would gladly visit once a year or more if they’d have me.

JOALI is the quintessential Maldivian property; when you see the images on social media of a place that looks nearly to good to be true, there’s a very good chance you’re seeing JOALI. The intersection of the indescribably and naturally breathtaking atoll with the epitome of luxury has been perfected by JOALI. Owned by a Turkish woman and proudly boasting the highest ratio of female employees of an Maldivian resort, the feminine touches are subtly felt throughout the rooms, common spaces and spa. All five of my female industry friends fell in love with the immaculate vanity lighting in the vast dressing area. And we all literally jumped for joy as if we were recipients of Oprah’s free cars when we were advised by the lovely female manager that we were being gifted the incredible silk bathrobes bearing beautiful artwork. With that said, the darker woods used within the villas and a less ethereal feel in the restaurants provides a balanced masculine complement. And of course, male guests were entitled to their own “manly” bathrobes!

The feminine influence at both JOALI Maldives and BEING (we’ll get to that shortly) is palpable, and valuable. So often in the Maldives -where much of the staff is imported from surrounding countries and the Indian Subcontinent- the presence of female hospitality is limited. At both JOALI properties, the elevated role of women results in a more personal guest experience, with virtually no detail spared and a noticeably proactive approach to client service.

This is not to say however that the men employed by JOALI are not equally remarkable. My personal butler Vitalii was among the kindest and most competent hotel staff I’ve ever encountered. I was unusually needy for those few days, having lost my fairly obscure Google Pixelbook computer charger and developing a minor ear infection from so much snorkeling. Vitalii not only found me a replacement charger, he arranged for a lovely doctor to come to my villa for a quick check-up, where she instantly provided relief for my ear. She provided me with medicine so I could continue treatment once I’d left the hotel. All of this was done at no charge. Like many five-star hotels these days, most Maldives resorts do have butler service. But it is clear that at JOALI the role of the butler is viewed as an integral part of the guest experience, and not just someone who chauffeurs you around the resort on a golf cart.

As part of my job inspecting hotels, villas and safari lodges, I see hundreds, if not thousands, of accommodation rooms. The water villas at JOALI may really, truly be the most stunning I’ve ever encountered. It’s not just the impeccable design: it’s the unbeatable combination of flawless interior space with a private pool overlooking -and with direct access to- the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. One of our greatest memories of the trip as a group was taking a joint night swim from my water villa, blasting 90s throwback jams as we all unanimously agreed that it does not get much better than this.

I could go on for hours about every little detail I loved about JOALI Maldives but my suggestion is that you take my word for it and put it on your shortlist of where to go. Whether it’s your honeymoon, an anniversary, a family trip (of course their kids’ club is next level too) or a getaway with friends, I can almost guarantee that you will leave wondering how you can make it back.

JOALI BEING

Our last stop was JOALI BEING, the brand’s wellness-focused flagship resort. Less than 30 minutes by boat from JOALI Maldives, BEING has been able to capture all of the magic of its older sister, while providing a unique value proposition for those looking for an oasis of luxury and self-care.

The architecture of the two resorts is very similar, though the decor of BEING is a bit more feminine, showcasing a palette of lighter woods and primarily pastel color schemes. Once again, simply exquisite.

The main event at BEING is unequivocally their epic spa. No expense has been spared to create an unmatched spa experience. While my friends opted for massages, I was curious to try their facial treatments, which begin with a skin assessment. This is not your average skin assessment: it involves an egg-shaped, x-ray-esque machine into which you insert your head for 360 degree photos of your face. The facialist then reviews the results with you. To be totally honest, the results were so depressing that I can’t even remember all of the cool technology behind it; however, whatever she did during my actual treatment made me feel so young and refreshed that it was instantly made worthwhile. When I met my friends in the relaxation room afterward, each remarked that not only was I truly glowing but that they too had had the most unbelievable treatments of their lives.

The dining experience at BEING is intended to promote health, with an emphasis on lighter fare and a calorie count next to each menu item. After nearly two weeks of utter indulgence, this was a welcome development for me. Incredibly enough however, there was zero compromise on taste when compared to JOALI Maldives. I had two separate dishes -an Indonesian styled Nasi Goreng and a prawn Phad Thai, both weighing in at roughly 400 calories- that were simply remarkable and just as delectable as any of the 4,000 calorie meals I’d undoubtedly been consuming in the days prior.

Alcohol is available at JOALI BEING but it is not placed in the rooms (unless specifically requested). And quite frankly, it just did not strike me as a place to be tossing back pool cocktails (we did enough of that at JOALI Maldives). This is a place to calm your body and mind.

I instantly felt that BEING would be the ideal place to end a trip of indulgence, or the perfect getaway for a group of girlfriends.

Why the Sri Lanka and Maldives Combination Works So Well

The synergy between Sri Lanka and Maldives is truly unmatched. A trip combining these two countries will deliver on just about every element which we at Craft Travel find essential in curating the perfect journey: culture, nature, food, wildlife, active adventure, relaxation and unrivaled hospitality.

From a value standpoint, I’d also argue they balance each other out: Sri Lanka is remarkably inexpensive on a relative basis when considering the quality of the hotels, food, guides and logistical arrangements. Maldives is of course more expensive, though often less so than we think. The key is finding the right property for your style and budget. So when combining Sri Lanka with Maldives, the average nightly spend will reflect a number that in my opinion feels highly reasonable for what you are getting in return.

They complement each other in such a harmonious way that few country combinations can rival. It's truly like a tailor-made "door to door" two-week getaway that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. Here are some ideas as to how you can best make this trip a reality.

Itinerary Suggestions

Express combo: The Perfect 10-12 night Itinerary in Sri Lanka and Maldives

The following itinerary is ideal for a honeymoon or for any travel where you may be limited to two weeks away from home. The two destinations in Sri Lanka are perfectly complementary, with the peaceful yet activities-rich nature of Hatton alongside the cultural and historical richness of coastal Galle. You’ll then have plenty of time to unwind from more immersive experiences in Sri Lanka as you settle properly into Maldives for as close to a week as possible! With a longer stay at a single resort, you’ll take advantage of both minimal travel time as well as, depending on the property and time of year, a long stay promotion of some kind.

Suggested 10-12 Night Sri Lanka & Maldives Itinerary

2 nights Ceylon Tea Trails

3 nights Amangalla

5-7 nights Maldives

The Best of: The Perfect 3 Week Itinerary in Sri Lanka & Maldives

This extended itinerary provides for a more in depth exploration of Sri Lanka as well as a combination of two Maldives properties. Here you get to visit Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and also its famed Yala National Park. Again, the safari is not going to be “out of Africa” but special in its own right. This also allows for some time along the beautiful coastline between Galle and Yala, making it an ideal option for those looking for additional relaxation time.

Suggested 3 Week Sri Lanka & Maldives Itinerary

2 nights Ulagalla

3 nights Ceylon Tea Trails

2-3 nights Wild Coast Tented Lodge

2-3 nights Amanwella or Cape Weligama

2-3 nights Amangalla

1 night Colombo

3 nights Soneva Fushi or JOALI BEING

5 nights JOALI Maldives

Counting the minutes until I get back to this part of the world, but until then happy to relive all of the incredible moments with any of you who may be interested in learning more. 🙂

Julia