Travelers began returning to Sri Lanka after the country's 25-year civil war ended in 2009, but most headed聽for the beach. Now British photographer Robert Drummond and his wife, Lara Baumann, are luring visitors a mile into the serene interior with , which sits on six lush acres on the north shore of Koggala, the country鈥檚 largest natural lake.
The property is a collection of eight sleekly designed stand-alone suites鈥攚ith plants growing on their rooftops鈥攁nd a main house with a 40-foot tower; every bedroom has a view of the water. At sunset guests head to the tower鈥檚 rooftop terrace to sip beetroot cocktails before tucking into a seven-course meal of local delicacies like lake oysters with papaya ceviche or cinnamon quail with pickled mung bean sprouts. In the morning, Baumann teaches yoga classes on a treetop platform floating above a nearby bamboo grove. She developed her own method, Quantum Yoga, and has clients with names you鈥檇 recognize.
Can鈥檛 touch your toes? Explore the lake by kayak or go fishing while balancing on a stilt like locals do. It鈥檚 tougher on your core than any asana.聽
Access
Cinnamon Air 颅operates seaplanes from Bandaranaike International鈥攖he country鈥檚 main airport, in Katayunake鈥攖hat land on Koggala Lake. Tri鈥檚 boat captain will scoop you up. , including meals.
Climate
Avoid monsoon season (May to July). December to April brings dry, sunny weather, with lows in the sixties and highs in the eighties.聽
Detour
Galle, a walled city聽(and Unesco site) fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, is a 25-minute drive away.
尝辞肠补濒听贵濒补惫辞谤
Start the day with hoppers, a Sri Lankan breakfast staple鈥攑ancakes made from coconut milk and rice flour, then filled with eggs and local fish.聽