The best Airbnbs in Sri Lanka - CN Traveller

There’s no shortage of awe-inspiring accommodation options in Sri Lanka since the country’s uplifting landscapes host a plethora of ultra-luxe boutique hotels, uber-cool hostels, magnificent manor houses, and exquisite unique tents. But if you’re after lodgings that feel a tiny bit more authentic, tucked away in local enclaves boasting hidden surf spots, rolling tea plantations, and close to locally-adored restaurants, look no further. The best Airbnbs in Sri Lanka boast family-style welcomes, home-cooked breakfasts, great remote working facilities and smart well-designed interiors. Some even have private plunge pools – a must when temperatures in the country mostly hover around 32°C year round. So wherever you’re heading on this tropical island, from the historic fort of Galle or the enigmatic capital of Colombo to resplendent Ella, there’s an Airbnb listing that’s sure to impress. Here’s our pick of the best Airbnbs in Sri Lanka. La Casa del Sol, Ampitiya Best for: couples Just a 15-minute drive from Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, this unique property provides a sanctuary from Kandy’s streets and their unrelenting tuk-tuk drivers. Inspired by Cycladic architecture, seen in the bright white-washed walls, clean curves and spiral stairways, La Casa del Sol features one bedroom, a homely domed living area and a compact kitchenette. Aside from the tranquil bedroom where sleep comes easily, there’s a tropical garden, rooftop terrace, plunge pool and Jacuzzi for guests to spend their downtime. When it’s time to explore the surrounding area don’t miss the enthralling show at the Kandyan Cultural Centre, the firewalking, rhythmic drumming and dancing ensure it’s one of the best things to do in Kandy. Sleeps: two Price: from £73 per night including breakfast Diviya Villa, Madiha Hill Best for: lavish beach vibes Perched high on a cliff top overlooking one of Sri Lanka’s prettiest stretches of sand sits this top choice for travellers looking for a tranquil stay. While Diviya Villa is completely private, there is an on-site, super proficient team who provide daily cleaning and dining (making Diviya villa feel more like a hotel) and ensuring guests can sit back and relax for the duration of their stay. Interiors utilise natural fabrics, locally crafted fittings and a smattering of art, but minimalism is key as evidenced in the slick polished concrete bathroom with its modern open-air shower. It’s possible to order a seriously decadent floating breakfast to enjoy in the private plunge pool each morning where birdsong provides the soundtrack. Sleeps: two Price: from £280 per night including breakfast A Comforting Homestay, Colombo 7 Best for: solo travellers Tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street in the smart district of Colombo 7, close to a myriad of cool boutique stores and great coffee shops, this unique homestay is ideal for solo travellers. As one of three bedrooms, all of which are situated on an airy, incredibly spotless private terrace above the home of the Airbnb’s owner Gayathri, it’s a great option for meeting fellow travellers if you’re adventuring solo. Adorned with hundreds of books, the bright bedroom has a private washroom, is incredibly quiet and sits right next to an expansive lounge area, where it’s possible to work, write, or read in absolute silence (easier said than done in Colombo). There’s a communal kitchen for guests wishing to cook during longer stays and a beautiful breakfast (sometimes western, sometimes Sri Lankan) prepared for guests each morning which can be eaten in Gayathri’s kitchen, adding to the comforting feel of this homey place. Sleeps: two Price: from £28 per night including breakfast Mango Tree Studio, Matara Best for: digital nomads Completely enveloped by nature with its own private garden enlivened with mango trees, serenading frogs, curious lizards and bright birds visiting daily, is this absolute idyll of a listing in the small village of Madiha. The sound of the waves can be heard from the terrace where strong WiFi and mini laptop benches guarantee the best spot for remote working. The well-stocked kitchen features everything you need for a longer stay; freshly ground coffee, spices and cooking oil but it’s also just a few footsteps away from some of the best restaurants and beach cafés on the entire South Coast – try Zephyr Ceylon, Swell Shacks and Sand Bank for bites and cocktails to remember. It’s worth mentioning there’s no aircon at Mango Tree Studio, so if that’s an essential requirement try one of the other options on our list. Sleeps: two Price: from £30 per night 55 Flower Road, Colombo Best for: families There are not too many Airbnb listings in Colombo that feature a pool but 55 Flower Road, close to Colombo 7, has just that and on the rooftop no less. This once-family home has been transformed into a range of contemporary studios and bedrooms that provide the ideal base for exploring the capital. While a couple of the home’s other listings are slightly on the small side, this two-bedroomed studio complete with an open-plan kitchen is ideal for families or friends. Close to the leafy suburb of Cinnamon Gardens with its great boutique stores, bakeries and modern art galleries, there’s an array of sights and activities to be experienced. Don’t miss Saskia Fernando Gallery and the Gallery Cafe for cake and tea. Sleeps: four Price: from £116 per night Bohemian Apartment, Galle Fort Best for: history enthusiasts Evoking a sense of yesterday and the historic spirit of Galle, this true gem of an apartment ensures a blissful night’s sleep in the enthralling fortified enclave of Galle Fort. With a living area that captures the imagination with ancient relics, Sri Lankan art and festival masks as well as beautiful antiques, this inspiring place is the ideal spot to unwind after a day of strolling the rampart walls. Sunset views out across Galle’s trademark red roof tiles can be witnessed from the whimsical arched bedroom windows where simplicity precedes fuss and fanfare. While Galle Fort’s streets are abuzz during the day when tourists descend for guided strolls, the evening hours bring calm respite since lodgings within the fort walls are few and far between. Don’t miss a chance to experience the fort magic with this one-of-a-kind Airbnb. Sleeps: two Price: from £35 per night Casa Wilderness, Kirinda Best for: joy-inducing safaris Close to Yala National Park – one of the best places to spot wild leopards in Sri Lanka – this off-the-beaten-track villa sits in eight sprawling acres of bush and scrubland meaning wild animals are a frequent fixture. Meticulously designed with a minimalist feel, the two-bedroomed home has an abundance of open-air communal areas that will appeal to groups of friends and families. There’s also a pool table and perhaps the most impressive feature; an epic swimming pool where it’s possible to occasionally spot wild deer and even the odd elephant. A home-cooked breakfast is included in the villa rate but there’s also the option to add an in-house chef to your stay, who’ll then be on hand to whip up tasty lunches, Sri Lankan dinners and even special outdoor BBQs. Daily safaris leave at 6am and 2pm, book directly with your host for a game drive with one of the best leopard-tracking drivers in Yala. Sleeps: six Price: from £160 per night including breakfast