Sri Lanka
Where to stay with your family in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a wonderful range of family-friendly accommodation, from boutique hotels in beautiful rural locations (think afternoon tea on the terrace of a tea plantation overlooking the hills) to colonial mansions and luxurious beach hotels. Additionally, you can choose from peaceful safari camps, rural thatched palm cottages on stilts and eco-retreats.
It’s generally easy to find family-friendly room configurations in Sri Lanka, with many hotels offering connecting rooms or family rooms. Most hotels will have swimming pools so that children have somewhere to let off steam at the end of the day.
Where possible, we use small hotels. This means that if you have younger children, you can put them to bed and then (safely) sit somewhere nearby to enjoy dinner and a drink without being stuck in the room!
Family-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka
Whether you like small boutique retreats or 5-star hotels with many activities, Sri Lanka is renowned for its high standard of service. Here are just a few examples of where to stay that our past Stubborn Mule customers have loved.
Ellerton Bungalow, Northern Hill Country
Set on a hilltop outside Kandy, families are warmly welcomed here. It’s perfectly set up to enjoy the pool, play games, explore the gardens and stroll through tea estates. Relax over home-cooked meals as you take in the stunning mountain views. With a warm, homely atmosphere and plenty of space to roam, an escape at Ellerton is a Stubborn Mule favourite.
Maalu Maalu, Passikudah
This beachfront retreat is inspired by traditional Sri Lankan fishing villages. Expect lovely chalets with ocean views, a child-friendly pool and direct beach access. Families love the snorkelling and gentle sandy beach. Pass the time cycling, swimming and barefoot dining out under the stars. This is the ideal place to relax on the east coast.
Gal Oya Lodge, Gal Oya National Park
This eco-retreat with a pool is set in private jungle. Get close to nature in bungalows with outdoor showers and jungle views. A truly special experience, kids love boat safaris looking for swimming elephants, riverside picnics, and nature walks with Vedda tribespeople. Say goodbye to your phone signal – this is a truly immersive escape.
Water Garden, Sigiriya
Water Garden Sigiriya is a luxurious, family-friendly hotel with spacious villas, plunge pools, and lush gardens. Kids love the nature trails and wildlife spotting. Facing the iconic Sigiriya Rock, and with easy access to Dambulla Temples and Minneriya National Park, it’s a gorgeous upgrade and first-class base for exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
Why book Sri Lanka with Stubborn Mule?
We have personally tested pretty much every hotel in Sri Lanka with our own children. We know which have the most family friendly room configurations and which are best for teens vs toddlers. During the booking process, we’ll get a feel for your family and the kind of accommodation that will suit you. We will then suggest the properties that we think you’ll love.
Sri Lanka in pictures
