Sri Lanka is home to verdant tea plantations, shimmering coastlines, time capsuled villages, incredible wildlife encounters and a fascinating blend of cultures. It is also home to some of the most beautiful boutique properties offering world class service and an incredible personal touch. We share with you our favourite properties to stay in to complete your Sri Lankan adventure.
The Notary’s House is approx 45mins north of Colombo’s airport making it a wonderful place to settle into Sri Lankan pace for those not keen to venture straight into the city. Nestled in a coconut plantation on the banks of the Makandura Lake, this stunning property, was once home to a prominent family in the village, which has been lovingly restored, maintaining its heritage while introducing modern comforts. With only six rooms, the architecture is traditional and contemporary with unique design elements that compliment the property’s heritage.
From this beautiful property, you can walk to the lake where local villagers fish at dawn and sunset. You can even walk through the nearby village to the local temple where you can meet the Buddhist priest. The property provides bikes for those keen to explore the local area independently too. This exclusive hotel is perfect for those venturing to the north to explore the lesser trodden reaches of the teardrop island
Mudhouse
Well and truly off the beaten track, surrounded by natural lakes, abundant birdlife and wildlife, the accommodation is rustic (literally mud huts) with sustainability at its core. Hidden in forest on the fringe of a small village Sleep in hammocks or under mosquito nets in an open hut. With outdoor bathrooms and showers under the stars, this unique property is perfect to give you a feel of rural life.
Located in the cultural triangle, Ulagalla delivers private bungalows hovering above the rice paddies with your own plunge pool. Each bungalow and oozes traditional elegance. Set on the edge of a rice paddy, you feel a million miles away from the nearby UNESCO sites of Anuradhapura or Sigirya. Centered by a 150 year old mansion, the bungalows are dotted throughout 58 acres of gardens and offer some incredible dining experience for those looking for something with a bit of an edge.
A Sri Lankan banquet at ‘Kamatha’ out amongst the rice paddy fields is one of the dining experiences to be had here. Our meal was lovingly prepared in a traditional mud hut, like the villages homes whilst we dined on 14 delectable dishes under bobbing lanterns, to the chorus of frogs, crickets and birds.
Gal Oya is a beautifully crafted eco-lodge, providing comfortable and luxe accommodation in a wild and remote setting. Gal Oya is one of the least visited wilderness reaches of Sri lanka and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Offering unique experiences including remote picnics by waterfalls, safaris both by jeep and by boat, this property is neighboured with one of the few remaining Vedda tribes, the forest dwelling, indigenous communities of Sri Lanka.
Gal Oya Lake hidden in Gal Oya National Park is only accessible to guests staying at Gal Oya offering the ultimate in exclusivity. Very few people even know this exists making it all the more special!
A boutique and eco-luxury hotel hunkered in Sri Lanka’s hill country, the Living Heritage Koslanda offers you a place to relax and recharge. With their own private waterfall with private rock pool to swim in, village walks, tree planting for conservation, tea plantation hikes and so much more, this hidden gem is definitely worth at least 2 or 3 nights – oh and the accommodation is in tree houses! Floating at the top of the tree canopy with views to die for. All open walls with just mosquito nets over the bed to make you feel part of the jungle.
Inside the Forest Pavilion. Photo credit: Living Heritage Koslanda
The Fort Printers Hotel is an 18th century mansion which has been restored into an elegant small private hotel, which is a wonderful addition to the 16th century Galle Fort. Fort Printers was a printing company famous in Galle which until 2002 still employed the wooden printing blocks and wrought iron printing machines made in Leeds and London to print beautiful stationery and cards. With every room a different size, shape and theme, you may find yourself in the Headmasters room or perhaps the Geography room. Each room has its own unique charm and style, elegantly finished with the finest details.
Thinking of travelling through Sri Lanka? Most of these properties can be experienced on our Sea, Tea & Safari small group tour. Contact our team today to make this experience yours!
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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