Top five eco resorts in Sri Lanka

Credit: Pete Helme

Gal Oya Lodge

A unique eco lodge nestled in 20 acres of private jungle located adjacent to Gal Oya National Park. The design concept has been created in harmony with its surroundings and natural features, with an integrated effort to minimise impact on the natural environment, support the local community and to pro-actively engage in wildlife research and protection.
Eco & Sustainability Credentials: Water is sourced from a deep bore well on the lodge's land, zero plastic policy, wherever possible ingredients are sourced locally and organically, building supplies were all local materials, guests are invited to sponsor and take part inre-planting of native species on land previously cleared for farming, and there is much more being done to help local employment and the community.
Rates: Three nights at Gal Oya Lodge starts from £1,040 (double room, full-board basis including experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights).

Ulagalla

This hotel features a 150-year-old mansion at its centre with 20 private ecologically built villas spread across 58 acres of lush landscape. Two sparkling reservoirs, paddy fields and lily ponds surround the ancestral estate that was once of Anuradhapura nobility. Part of Uga Escapes, it has been awarded with the highly sought-after Travelife Gold certification for its pioneering efforts to promote sustainability in tourism.
Eco & Sustainability Credentials: Pioneering initiatives to minimiseenvironmental impact, improving the economic conditions of peopleliving in and around the boutiques, protecting human rights and fairlabour practices, safeguarding animal welfare and bio-diversityfor future generations. Ulagalla has been expertly designed to be environmentally friendly and with a commitment to renewable energy.
Rates: Three nights at Ulagalla starts from £1,810 (double room,B&B basis including experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights).

Santani Resort & Spa

Few resorts in the world can match Santani's serene view on an undulating hillside to the north east of Kandy. Channeling the concept of intelligent luxury where nature is king and service is everything, you can truly escape the world here.
Eco & Sustainability Credentials: Santani has been designed in such a way so that neither air-conditioning nor heating is required reducing energy consumption by about 70%. Most of the buildings are constructed on stilts that allows for natural thermal flow to cool the rooms and this structure also ensures there is minimal contact with the earth below. The whole spa is built underground which provides natural cooling too – almost 80% of the wood used for both structural elements and furniture is recycled.
Rates: Three nights at Santani Resort & Spa starts from £2,660 (double room, half-board basis including wellness package and experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights).

Kalundewa Retreat

An eco-retreat tucked away in a lush 100 acres in Dambulla drawing its beauty from the mystic Kalundewa Mountain range. The isolated farming community contribute to the hotel resulting in a handful of eco-friendly dwellings to minimise human impact on the intricate ecosystems that flourish in the forest, lakes and waterway.
Eco & Sustainability Credentials: The retreat blends both agriculture and tourism, and contributes to the welfare of its neighbouring rural farming community. Its vision is to go 100% organic with all cultivation processes. Currently 100% of the electricity consumed is generated by solar panels. Irrigation is via restored waterways and windmill-pumped ground water, and the natural well feeds spring water into the main pool.
Rates: Three nights at Kalundewa Retreat starts from £1,850 (double room, full-board basis including experiences). A14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights).

Leopard Trails

This bespoke, luxury, tented safari operates within the buffer zones of both Wilpattu and Yala National Parks with the aim of minimising its impact on the environment. Its existence is to showcase a true wilderness experience but prioritise above all else, the protection of nature.
Eco & Sustainability Credentials: Leopard Trails works hand in hand with the local community with campsite staff and drivers handpicked from the local community; fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood and other provisions are sourced from local suppliers and, where possible, equipment is manufactured and maintained within the local area. The team actively discourage the use of plastic water bottles and only use reusable stainless steel thermos flasks. Many rangers are either qualified in eco matters or have been responsible for implementing award-winning ecotourism and sustainability initiatives.
Rates: Three nights at Leopard Trails starts from £2,660 (double room, full-board-basis including experiences). A 14-night bespoke itinerary starts from £6,995pp (price based on two adults sharing and includes accommodation on mix of half- and full-board basis, experiences and personal chauffeur. Excludes flights).

All properties can be booked as part of a tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka Bespoke: www.srilanka-bespoke.com