Imagine an 18-bedroom country house hotel with graceful architecture, a dreamy jungle pool, gorgeous spa, and tropical gardens - welcome to The Wallawwa. Although it is the perfect location for a night pre or post an international flight, it is deserving of so much more than that. The exquisite rooms and suites are an echo of a gentler time, but with a contemporary design and all the essentials needed for a good night’s sleep. High beamed ceilings accommodate vast four-poster beds, swathed in billowing drapes and outside seating areas give access to the lush gardens. Retire to the Verandah, a delightful restaurant with a shady terrace and a peaceful spot for evening drinks as the sun moves over the yard arm. There’s a delightful spa, where better to unwind after a long flight and a range of experiences available including cookery classes demonstrations with the hotel chefs, or if you can tear yourself away from the peace and tranquillity, Negombo’s lively fish markets and vast mangrove lagoons can be visited, Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo is also only a 30-minute drive.