Upon landing at the Bandaranaike International Airport, travel with your personal chauffeur-guide to The Wallawwa. This heritage boutique hotel is just half an hour from the airport, but feels a world away. Relax by the pool in the pretty gardens or with a treatment in the spa, and enjoy a delicious fusion dinner on the veranda.

Today you venture into the island’s central Hill Country which is dominated by terraced tea estates. Your accommodation is an authentic tea planter’s bungalow dating back to the 19th century that has been expertly restored for an exquisite modern-day stay. Walk or cycle through the tea fields, and play croquet and indulge in afternoon tea on the lawn.

Head north for an afternoon exploring Kandy, Sri Lanka’s last royal capital. Visit the golden Temple of the Tooth, the shrine for the island’s sacred tooth relic that is believed to have belonged to Lord Buddha. You can also take a stroll around the restful Royal Botanical Gardens.

Your journey north continues as you wind into Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Your accommodation is close to Anuradhapura which was the birthplace of civilization in the island. Tour the ruins of the city on foot or by bike with your guide and learn about the role of Buddhism in the country’s core culture. Spend the rest of your stay experiencing all your hotel has to offer, from wildlife walks and horseback riding to luxury spa treatments and destination dining.

It’s time to go to the beach! The wondrous white sands of Nilaveli, fronted by azure ocean, are calm and uncrowded, but there is still the opportunity for excursions. Visit nearby Trincomalee, a historic coastal city with a colorful colonial heritage. Between April and September, you can sail out to sea in search of whales and dolphins, or to experience snorkeling and paddleboarding by private coves.

From Trincomalee, travel to the very northern tip of Sri Lanka. Jaffna is your destination, a vibrant city with its own unique culture that is influenced by its proximity and connections to South India. The city itself is fascinating to explore, and sampling the local cuisine is an absolute must. The surrounding countryside offers amazing opportunities for birdwatching. Sail a short way out from the mainland and you will discover deserted islands with pristine beaches, including Delft which is populated by wild horses left here by the Portuguese almost 500 years ago.

Begin to work your way south as you journey to Wilpattu, a rural area home to the island’s largest and most picturesque national park. Camp – or rather glamp – on the border of the park, and go on private jeep drives in search of exotic animals accompanied by an experienced naturalist. Wilpattu’s network of jungle, mangroves, and idyllic lakes in the perfect environment for an incredible range of wildlife. Highlights include the elusive leopard, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and an astonishingly diversity of birds.

Following a morning drive, arrive into Colombo. Explore some of the most popular hotspots of Sri Lanka’s capital or simply relax in your serene heritage hotel in the heart of the city.