SRI LANKA'S BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY VILLAS

Simon, Nico and Lucy (the founders of Lightfoot Travel) have spent many happy family vacations in Sri Lanka over the years. During these trips we’ve tried and tested some of the island’s many fantastic villas and hotels and we want to share our favourites with you.

Sri Lanka’s diverse experiences and landscapes make it a fantastic destination for a family or group vacation with its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife. Plus, the island's compact size makes it easy to explore. One of our top tips is to base yourself at a beautiful beachfront villa and enjoy day trips or an overnight stay in the hill country or at one of Sri Lanka’s national parks.

Read on for inspiration and reach out to our expert team of travel consultants to start planning your trip. Travelling as a family or group always requires more thoughtful planning so we’re here ready to pass on our knowledge and advice and help plan your perfect family vacation to Sri Lanka.

Our favourite family villas in Sri Lanka

1. Meda Gedara

Named as one of the top 10 luxury villas in the world by The Times, Meda Gedara was designed specifically with families in mind. With 7 bedrooms, a split level pool with water slide, tropical gardens, ocean views, cinema room, cricket pitch and yoga shala, being bored is not an option at this beautiful beachside villa. To top it all off, Meda Gedara is particularly sought after by foodies who love the mouth-watering food served up by Meda Gedara’s private chef.

2. Suriyawatta

Simon and Nico recently enjoyed an epic family vacation at Suriyawatta, a light and airy 5-bedroom villa overlooking the sea on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The huge lawn is the ideal place for children to run around, climb trees, hit a cricket ball and keep themselves entertained. The friendly staff are on hand to organise day trips and activities along the south coast or further afield, and the villa’s private chef will rustle up Sri Lankan and western food depending on your preferences.

3. Blue Heights

Located a stone’s throw from Hiriketiya – one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful bays - Blue Heights is a ‘no-frills’ four-bedroom villa with stunning sea views, a huge tropical garden and outdoor pool. It’s ideal for families with slightly older children who want to be in on the action in this vibrant part of Sri Lanka’s south coast. Hiriketiya is a great option for beginner surfers and the villa staff can help organise surf lessons plus plenty more.

4. ÀNI Sri Lanka

ÀNI Sri Lanka is the height of luxury, a private beachfront estate with a team of 30 staff. Sleeping from 6 to 30 guests this is a stand-out option for an extra special family or group vacation in Sri Lanka to remember. There are two vast infinity pools, a tennis court, an outdoor cinema, a glass-fronted gym, a double spa treatment suite, and multiple pavilions for relaxation and dining, plus a huge array of activities and experiences for guests to enjoy both at the villa and further afield.

Our favourite family-friendly hotel in Sri Lanka

We understand that sometimes a hotel ticks all the boxes for a relaxing and memorable family vacation, especially if it has an excellent kids club. Our top pick for a family-friendly hotel in Sri Lanka is Anantara Peace Haven in Tangalle on the south coast.

Anantara Peace Haven

Families are welcomed with open arms at Anantara Peace Haven, a secluded and peaceful resort overlooking the Indian ocean. Situated along Sri Lanka’s south coast between Yala National Park and the historic Galle Fort, it’s the ideal base from which to explore the south coast. The family offering is one of the best in Sri Lanka with a kids club for little ones and a teens club for older children. There are three restaurants to choose from, plus tennis and badminton courts, a gym, spa, tropical gardens, and a 25-metre pool. Camille (from our Dubai office) recently returned from a family vacation here with her two young children and was full of praise for this beautiful hotel and its plethora of activities for children and adults alike.

Let us help plan your bespoke vacation to Sri Lanka with expert tips and advice from a team who know and love this country so well. Get in touch today to plan your trip.