Malabar Hill

This retired cinnamon plantation turned bohemian hilltop retreat is defined by ivory terrazzo, antique Rajasthani furniture and haveli-style corridors. The hotel occupies just 15 per cent of the estate’s 13.5 hectares, with the rest rewilded as a rainforest for more than 500 flora and fauna species to thrive, including the Sri Lanka grey hornbill and purple-faced leaf monkey. It has just 12 freestanding villas, each with a private terrace and salt-water infinity pool—the only thing that sets them apart is the outlook. Choose from views of the Indian Ocean that sweep across Weligama Bay or green wetland vistas overlooking emerald rice fields. The shared spaces at Malabar Hill are equally dreamy, from the teak bar that anchors the main house to a riad-style terrace draped in ornate textiles and a swimming pool flanked by four-poster cabanas.