Jungle Beach and Cultural Triangle

Jungle Beach

Nestled between the Indian Ocean and a lagoon brimming with colourful birdlife, Jungle Beach is a wonderful escape for those seeking to get off the beaten track.

Set among mature trees and cradled by vines from the neighbouring mangroves, this tranquil retreat is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Teak walkways and stepping stones lead to the dining area, then on to the lotus pond, bar and floating lounge by the deep emerald pool. If you can tear yourself away, the hotel sits overlooking one of Sri Lanka’s best swimming beaches and offers excellent snorkelling in the calm seas of the natural harbour. You can take a boat to nearby Pigeon Island for some reef diving or go into the forest with the in-house naturalist to learn about the myriad colourful birds. Dining here is a treat and along with sophisticated Sri Lankan cuisine in the elegant restaurant you can enjoy a gourmet picnic on the beach or a romantic meal by the fire.

Using local materials but contemporary design, the rooms here are decorated in bright colours and feature dark wooden fittings and whitewashed walls. All come with a private balcony perfectly situated for birdwatching.

Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle is an extraordinary area with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the ancient holy city of Anuradhapura and nearby Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan Buddhism. See the Vessagiriya cave monastery and the incredible frescoes of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. In Polonnaruwa the remains of temples, bath houses and monasteries are scattered around a huge area bordering a beautiful lake. You can also visit Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks to view elephant, wildcat and birdlife.

Cinnamon Lodge is set in extensive landscaped gardens and within easy reach of the main sights. The hotel’s 137 rooms are in two-storey chalets that follow the traditional architectural style with columns and verandas, cooling terracotta floors and clay roof tiles.

48 rooms, 1 restaurant, 1 pool

Description

Set in a secluded 10-acre reserve between the Indian Ocean and a bird-filled lagoon, this luxury beach hotel has over four kilometres of private beaches. Careful use of trees, plant life, teak and stone in the hotel’s design gives its 48 rooms the feel of a rustic but luxurious jungle house.

The open air restaurant on the deck overlooking the swimming pool is complemented by six separate areas for private dining.

The swimming pool with floating deck for loungers, a linked baby pool and a fitness centre are all on-site. A wide range of water sports activities is available from the hotel’s beaches and there is a 9-hole golf course in nearby Trincomalee.

The hotel has recently been accredited as a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

For families

Babysitting services are available on request.

Location: Anuradhapura

The northernmost point on the Cultural Triangle, and the site of a 4th century BC settlement, the ruins at Anuradhapura are still considered a holy city to Buddhists. Dozens of worshippers bring offerings of flowers to give to the saffron robed monks, and tie new scraps of fabric to the huge Bodhi tree, thought to have been grown as a cutting from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. A cutting from this tree has, in turn, been returned to Varanasi and now attracts devotees on the Ganges. Several huge dagobas, bell shaped brick structures holding relics of the Buddha, are set around deep tanks, or reservoirs, where monks would have once bathed.

Accommodation: Cinnamon Lodge

Located only 30 minutes from the main sites in the Cultural Triangle, Cinnamon Lodge has recently been refurbished and is set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens replete with botanical splendour. Its nearby wooded parkland and lake behold a plethora of endemic flora and fauna.

Recreation and entertainment abound with boating, tennis, badminton, bird watching as well as occasional live music in the evenings. There are 150 rooms in two-storey chalets which follow the traditional architectural style with columns and verandahs, cooling terracotta floors and clay tiles on the roof.

Each has ensuite bathrooms and a verandah or balcony overlooking the lake or garden. The room interiors follow a traditional colour palate of ochre, saffron and olive green with antique bed heads, couches and planter's chairs.