Pure Destinations | Holiday Builder, Trips, Resorts

Elizabeth and Sam’s amazing Sri Lanka & Maldives Holiday

Our clients, Elizabeth and Sam spent birthday celebrations in Sri Lanka and Maldives for a once in a lifetime holiday with the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation with one of our most popular multi-centre itineraries. We caught up with the Elizabeth to see what they got up to on their amazing trip planned by Personal Travel Expert and Sutton Coldfield store manager, Simone…

How did was Club Aspire Lounge at Heathrow?

The lounge was comfortable with plenty of charging points for our devices. It was lovely to be away from the busy main areas of Heathrow.

How was your stay at Habarana Village by Cinnamon?

Habarana Village by Cinnamon was the perfect first stop for our holiday. The hotel is set in gorgeous lush surroundings; we loved walking round the grounds and spotting monkeys, land monitors, buffalo and a variety of birds. The hotels main lobby is ideal for spending a lazy afternoon reading. We went on the afternoon elephant safari, which was fantastic, we saw over 50 elephants. We also visited Dambulla Cave temple one morning.

How was your stay at Earl’s Regency?
Earls Regency is a fabulous luxury hotel in Kandy. The pool area was fab. We especially loved the view from breakfast, it was breathtaking! From here we went to the Kandy Botanical Gardens then on to the tea plantations.

How was your stay at Heritance Tea Factory?

Heritance Tea Factory is a truly unique hotel. This was Sam’s favourite hotel of the entire holiday. It’s located right in the hills, it takes 10 minutes from the main round to get to the hotel which is surrounded completely by tea plantations. Full of charm, the hotel is a former tea factory with original features throughout. When we arrived it felt like we were in the clouds, when we woke the following morning the view was incredible. The food and cocktails were especially good here, all served by waiters in traditional colonial dress. From here we visited Damro tea factory and experienced the locals tea picking in the plantations then went onto Ella to climb Little Adams Peak.

How was your stay at Cinnamon Wild Yala?

Cinnamon Wild Yala was my favourite hotel in Sri Lanka! It was like being in the middle of the Lion King! During our drive into the hotel, which is set in the jungle itself, we passed an elephant, peacock, buffalo and crocodile. Our instant first impression was WOW. The pool overlooks a watering hole and whilst you sunbathe wild boar trot past! Even leopards have been known to drink water from the pool. Not only do you have a fabulous pool but also a beach within the resort where elephants can be seen at sunset. Our jungle chalet was perfect; we couldn’t believe we were staying there! The hotel is known for its wildlife, so much so you are not permitted to leave your room in the dark. Phoning for an escort for dinner makes it even more exciting! On the way to dinner our escort showed us around 50 deer and boar at the watering hole in the dark. We did the morning safari and were lucky enough to see the leopard. We then spent the rest of the day enjoying the facilities… especially happy hour on the rooftop Bar. An experience of a lifetime!

How was your stay at Mount Lavinia?

After the long 6 hour drive from Yala Mount Lavinia was a lovely pit stop before our flight to the Maldives. The pool area is great, the music was playing and the pool bar food was just what we needed after the long drive.

What were your overall impressions of Sri Lanka and what were your highlights of the trip?

Sri Lanka is such an adventure! The country is diverse where one day can be spent in a safari jeep in 35-degree heat to ending the day in tea country up in the clouds wrapped in a blanket. The people are so friendly. Our driver Pally made our trip with his tips and knowledge, it was more like having a permanent tour guide with us.

How was your stay at Cinnamon Dhonveli?

4 days at Cinnamon Dhonveli just wasn’t enough! As first timers to the Maldives this hotel was the perfect introduction to island life! We loved waking up in our beach bungalow just steps from the ocean. After spending 2 nights here we upgraded to the over water suites. The beach bungalows are amazing but the over water suites are very special. Guests to these have access to different bars and restaurants, which are more spacious. The quality of food on the island is very high.

What were you overall impressions of the Maldives and what were the highlights of your time here?

The Maldives is a must visit location and definitely a tick off our bucket list. After a busy 10 days in Sri Lanka the relaxation is welcomed! Every day we woke up and could not stop looking at the crystal blue lagoon. Our days were spent relaxing on the beach or sun deck, reading and snorkelling.

How would you rate the service you received from your Travel Agent, Simone, during the booking process?

Simone was amazing! Usually we book our holidays online but we found it refreshing to go into Pure Destinations and discuss our holiday with someone who has actually visited the location. It made a world of difference. We want to thank Simone for making this holiday so special.

Inspired by Elizabeth and Sam’s amazing Sri Lanka and Maldives trip? Contact a Personal Travel Expert at Pure Destinations today to let us help plan your amazing holiday! Call us on 0800 0856 846