Once you’ve arrived at Colombo airport, your chauffeur-guide will meet you and take you straight into the Knuckles Mountain Range. Your accommodation sits within the Victoria Golf & Country Estate where many outdoor activities are on offer. Go hiking through the hills, cycle the estate, or try horse riding and archery. Alternatively, break in slowly with a couple of days by the pool.

Journey further into the hills to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s highest hill station. You can do this journey by train, riding the railway put in place by the British in the 19th century for a taste of colonial heritage. Expect panoramic views of tea plantations as far as the eye can see! Once in Nuwara Eliya, you have the option of going to a local tea factory to see how the plant is processed. On one of your mornings here, make sure to trek through the spectacular Horton Plains National Park which is home to incredible waterfalls and the plunging 1,000m drop known as World’s End.

Head out of the hills to the remote Gal Oya National Park. This wildlife reserve is known for its rich array of flora including rare endemic plants used in the traditional Ayurveda treatments. It also holds a wide variety of animals, with highlights including herds of elephants, a diverse offering of birds, and the vibrant star tortoise. Go on guided wildlife walks, sail the lake at sunset to see swimming elephants, and climb to the top of Monkey Mountain.

Back into the hills today for more sensational hikes. Your accommodation is blissfully removed from urban life, and you have the chance to really get back to nature. Indulge in forest bathing, and literal bathing in a waterfall on the estate. The most stunning walks in this area include Ella Rock, Lipton’s Seat, and Little Adam’s Peak. During your stay here, you can also travel down to Borderlands on the Kelani River for a thrilling white-water rafting adventure, exciting for all ages!

Depart from the hills and travel down to Yala National Park on the south-east coast. This is Sri Lanka’s largest and most-visited park renowned for its high density of leopards and striking scrubland landscape. You will stay on the very edge of the park on an uber-luxe campsite run by exceptional naturalists who have worked all over the world and have a flair for wildlife photography. Go on twice-daily drive through the park with the team in search of leopards, sloth bears, elephants, and a host of other exotic animals.

It’s time to hit the beach! Wind along the south coast to Mirissa which is beloved for its beautiful bay and wealth of water-sports options. Rise early and head out to sea in search of whales and dolphins. Experiment with snorkeling and scuba diving. Try sailing, paddle-boarding, and jet-skiing. Take a surfing lesson. Or simply relax on the beach and soak up some sun. The experiences are endless!