Luxury hotel holidays to Negombo and Sri Lanka's West Coast

Luxury holidays to Negombo and Sri Lanka's West Coast: luxury hotel holidays, touring holidays and special interest holidays

An Expressions holiday to Sri Lanka's Negombo offers travellers the chance to experience Sri Lankan heritage and culture. Negombo is an important fishing town with Portuguese and Dutch colonial heritage. It is also a popular holiday destination because of its proximity to the international airport and its beachfront location. Due to the Portuguese influx back in the 16th century, the inhabitants are predominantly Catholic. The country’s Dutch legacy is seen in the remains of the grand Dutch Fort and the Dutch canal (now called Hamilton Canal) which runs from Colombo to Chilaw via Negombo. Although large parts of the canal are in disrepair, it is being revived and you can see gaily-painted boats using it as a waterway. The beaches at Negombo are wide and good for beach walking, although it is a struggle to keep them clean as urban debris washes ashore daily. The currents can be strong here, so it is better to swim in the hotel pool. It is fascinating to see how the fishing industry dominates life in coastal Negombo - the fish market, the auctions, the stalls along the beach. The tourist resort area of Negombo, known as the Golden Mile, caters to a wide spectrum of holidaymakers on a range of budgets, mostly the mid to the lower end. It’s lively at night and has bars, restaurants, tourist shops and fashion outlets, selling everything from flip-flops to colourful batiks and handlooms.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Sri Lanka and within Sri Lanka, combining flights, rail, and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Negombo

● Cultural tours for individuals
● Cookery
● Visits to local festivals
● Private guided sightseeing
● Safari and wildlife experiences
● Scenic train travel
● Family holidays
● Eco experiences
● Ayurveda and other spa holidays
● Walking and cycling
● Bird-watching
● Garden visits

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Highlights of Negombo

For nature lovers and birdwatchers there are the Muthurajawela wetlands where four varieties of kingfisher are frequently seen, as well as Negombo Lagoon. Offshore wrecks and a reef provide spots for diving (November to April, when the seas are calmer). PADI instructors, some other water sports and fishing trips are also available. Whale-watching and dolphin-watching boat trips are possible further north off Kalpitya, though this is a 3-4 hours drive away.

Cultural highlights of Negombo

In and around Negombo there are plenty of things to see and do: Dutch Fort remains; St Mary’s Church; Angurukaramulla Buddhist temple (murals); Fish markets, fishing boats and port; Select fresh seafood for your lunch or dinner; The Dutch canal (called Hamilton canal) and Maha Oya river – boat trip; Muthurajawela wetlands and Negombo Lagoon for birdwatching and nature; Some water sports and diving; November to April; Fishing; Tourist shops and restaurants (mostly mid-lower end), fashion shops; Inland to the archaeological site of Dambadeniya; Sri Lanka’s commercial capital of Colombo is 40 km away, offering a range of shops, restaurants and sightseeing.

Climate in Negombo

With daytime temperatures of between 26° C and 33° C, Negombo is hot and humid, though sea breezes cool and refresh the air. The evenings are slightly cooler. The main monsoon brings unsettled weather between May and August.

Travel around Negombo and Sri Lanka

We include private transfers with all our holidays to Sri Lanka, and a personal chauffer with all our touring holidays. Driving Distances: Negombo to Colombo International Airport: 20 minutes, Negombo to Sigiriya: 3 – 3.5 hours, Negombo to Kandy: 3.5 hours, Negombo to Colombo: 1-1.5 hours.

Negombo travel information

Sri Lankan Airways operates daily flights to Colombo from London Heathrow. Most flights leave London in the afternoon or evening. Flight time is about 11 hours. From Colombo you can also take the Sri Lankan air taxi to regional centres throughout the country.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Sri Lanka and within Sri Lanka, combining flights, rail, and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Negombo

● Cultural tours for individuals
● Cookery
● Visits to local festivals
● Private guided sightseeing
● Safari and wildlife experiences
● Scenic train travel
● Family holidays
● Eco experiences
● Ayurveda and other spa holidays
● Walking and cycling
● Bird-watching
● Garden visits

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Here you will find a map of Negombo and West Coast showing the locations of the hotels that we offer

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Sri Lanka and within Sri Lanka, combining flights, rail, and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to Negombo

● Cultural tours for individuals
● Cookery
● Visits to local festivals
● Private guided sightseeing
● Safari and wildlife experiences
● Scenic train travel
● Family holidays
● Eco experiences
● Ayurveda and other spa holidays
● Walking and cycling
● Bird-watching
● Garden visits

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Paradise Road The Villa Bentota Sri Lanka entrance white building with gold urns

A TOUR OF SRI LANKA AROUND THE WORK OF GEOFFREY BAWA

11-night tour with driver-guide staying in and visiting hotels and buildings designed by architect Geoffrey Bawa. From £3,590 per person.
Polonnaruwa temple, intricate stone carvings, buddhas, carved steps

BEST OF SRI LANKA TOUR

13-night luxury touring holiday of Sri Lanka, featuring the best of Sri Lanka, staying in the Cultural triangle, Kandy, Tea Country, Galle and Colombo. Choice of value or luxury accommodation. From £3,650 per person.
Pathirakali Amman Hindu temple exterior close up, bright vibrant carvings, statues of women, lions, colourful decoration

NORTH AND NORTH-EAST SRI LANKA TOUR

8-night luxury touring holiday with driver-guide of north and north-east Sri Lanka uncovering the rich heritage of Jaffna and its hinterland as well as the coastline of Trincomalee. From £3,990 per person.
A stone carving of elephants, intricate beautiful details, found in Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle

ACTIVE FAMILY TOUR OF SRI LANKA

13-night luxury touring holiday of Sri Lanka with driver-guide offering families an active insight into all aspects of Sri Lanka: wildlife, culture, scenery, history and beaches. From £3,580 per person.
Monk statues, dressed in orange, lining the hillside at the Golden Temple in the Cultural Triangle

THE SRI LANKA EXPLORER TOUR

11-night explorer touring holiday of Sri Lanka with driver-guide with a focus on unique experiences in Sri Lanka including a wildlife safari, a stay on a tea plantation, a stay in a rustic hotel in the rainforest and dolphin and whale-watching. From £3,970 per person.
Leopard in the wild, lying on the ground next to a tree

WILDLIFE OF SRI LANKA TOUR

9-night luxury wildlife seasonal touring holiday of Sri Lanka with driver-guide with the focus on the Big Five of Sri Lanka – blue whale, sperm whale, Asian elephant, leopard and sloth bear. From £3,150 per person.
Pool and hotel exterior with palm trees and white building in distance

JETWING BEACH HOTEL Negombo

Originally designed by Geoffrey Bawa this 5-star beach hotel is a small, luxury hotel with excellent restaurants, spa and wine cellar. Less than 10 miles to Colombo and also good for family stays.
Anantaya Chilaw Resort Sri Lanka pool sun loungers palm trees ocean views

ANANTAYA RESORT & SPA CHILAW Chilaw

This is a 5-star hotel with a pristine natural location on a peninsula between Chilaw beach and lagoon. Comprehensive spa services, fine dining restaurants and a variety of beachfront activities afford guests a tranquil experience.
Ayurveda Pavilions Sri Lanka outdoor pool buildings loungers yoga pavilion

AYURVEDA PAVILIONS Negombo

This is an exclusive, adult-only hotel in a beautiful, secluded location. The excellent Ayurvedic spa facilities, luxury touches and all-encompassing nature afford guests a rejuvenating and relaxing retreat.
Casa Heliconia Sri Lanka pool chairs covered terrace

CASA HELICONIA near Colombo

This is an exclusive, small luxury boutique hotel nestled in the jungle. The gourmet cuisine and charming accommodation afford guests a truly secluded, tranquil retreat.
Heritance Negombo Sri Lanka exterior hotel building pool trees lawn ocean in background

HERITANCE NEGOMBO Negombo

This is a tranquil, 5-star modern hotel with guestrooms that are all graced with enchanting ocean views and excellent access to both Negombo and Sri Lanka's main airport.
Jetwing Blue Sri Lanka pool sun loungers umbrellas palm trees

JETWING BLUE Negombo

A five-star luxury hotel located next to the beach. A modern hotel with 112 bedrooms.

Exterior of Jetwing Lagoon with large tree in front on the grassy lawn

JETWING LAGOON Negombo

This is a 4-star boutique hotel in a beautiful coastal location. The excellent spa facilities, delicious dining facilities and luxury accommodation afford guests a truly relaxing and idyllic retreat.
Jetwing Sea Sri Lanka beach sand umbrella palm tree sun loungers

JETWING SEA Negombo

This is a 4-star boutique hotel in a stunning coastal location. Unmissable signature dining experiences and excellent spa facilities afford guests a luxuriously relaxing experience.
Palagama Beach garden cabana exterior, thatched rood, terrace with chair, surrounded by palm trees

PALAGAMA BEACH Kalpitiya

This is an exclusive, small luxury boutique hotel in a beautiful coastal location. With a focus on offering a unique experience of Sri Lanka, it offers luxury service, unforgettable natural experiences and luxurious, serene experience.
The Wallawwa Sri Lanka outdoor pool sun loungers palm trees

THE WALLAWWA Kotugoda

This is an exclusive luxury boutique hotel, set in lush, 200-year old tropical gardens. Luxury accommodation, delicious cuisine, a lush jungle pool and heavenly spa afford guests a secluded, relaxing and indulgent experience.