An airport transfer from Colombo to Hatton, operated by your personal chauffeur-guide, will bring you to Camellia Hills. This contemporary boutique hotel overlooking Castlereagh Lake will be your base for the first five days of the trip. Spend your days doing a variety of gentle walks or bike rides through the tea plantations, sailing or kayaking across the water, and relaxing by the pool. There are plenty of cozy nooks for reading, too, and nearby viewpoints where you can indulge in a private picnic.

Today, transfer to your second base – KK Beach, another modern boutique hotel in a sensational water-side setting. Koggala Beach fronts the property, with safe swimming and snorkeling spots just a short walk along the sand. There are plenty of experiences to add to your itinerary as well as enjoying time on tropical beaches. The 17th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort is less than 30 minutes away by car, and details of its past and architectural masterpieces can be uncovered on a private guided tour. The inland countryside around Galle is also worth exploring, either by boat or on bikes via the well-plotted cycling trails. You can even do a traditional Sri Lanka cooking class in the countryside, in an authentic wattle-and-daub hut setting.