Best of Both Worlds Culture, Wildlife and Relaxation in Sri Lanka

Best of Both Worlds Culture, Wildlife and Relaxation in Sri Lanka

Are you looking for the ultimate holiday of relaxation, romance, pampering, culture and thrills? Then Galle on the southern tip of Sri Lanka is the perfect choice.

Enjoy the seafront luxuries of the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel and take the opportunity to indulge your senses and pamper yourself at the spa. Whilst staying here, you can visit the historic city of Galle where you can wander the streets of Galle Fort exploring historic sites and boutique shops. You will also have the opportunity to spot blue and sperm whales, surely the experience of a lifetime!

You will fly from London to Colombo direct with Sri Lankan airlines. On arrival you’ll be met by an English-speaking driver and drive south to Galle (approx 4 hours drive). Here, you will check-in to the Jetwing Lighthouse hotel for five nights. You will have two separate morning opportunities to search for whales with a naturalist guide from the harbour of Mirissa (approx 30 to 40 minutes drive). Of the 80 species of cetaceans observed and identified worldwide, 26 are found in the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Commonly sighted are the blue whales and also further out sperm whales. On a lucky day you will have the chance of seeing more than five hundred dolphins - mostly long-snouted spinners. Back at the Lighthouse Hotel in the afternoons, why not pamper yourself with their signature spa treatment ‘MARMA’ Mind, Body and Spirit? An ayurvedic full body massage using aromatic herbal oils to stimulate the body`s vital pressure points.

Enjoy a free day to explore the city of Galle at your leisure, taking in the rich heritage, culture and architecture of this vibrant coastal city. Walk the ramparts of Galle Fort – a UNESCO world heritage site – and ponder the history of days gone by while you explore the maze of side streets within the fort with quaint shops at every turn. If you wish to enjoy some beach time, two of Sri Lanka`s best beaches are close at hand – Mirissa & Unawatuna beaches.

On your last full day, enjoy another whale watching opportunity with a last chance to take those all important photographs to preserve the memories that will last a lifetime. In the afternoon, perhaps surrender yourself to the romantic ‘Adam & Eve’ spa dining experience. A spa experience for couples which includes a floral bath ‘Al Fresco’ with spritzers and canapés, an enchanting candle lit dinner and a bottle of champagne. Your driver will collect you the next day for your return journey to Colombo and flight home.

NOTE: Whale-watching boat trips only operate in favourable sea/weather conditions and usually only between December and April.

You could easily combine this holiday itinerary with some more time exploring the culture of Sri Lanka or even fly on to the Maldives for some pure relaxation.

5 nights at the Lighthouse Hotel from £2239 per person, including return flights from London, three whale-watching boat trips with a naturalist, a private car and driver and daily breakfast.