Sri Lanka all inclusive: 15 hotels from Sigiriya to Yala

Beach season in Sri Lanka almost never ends, but the rain follows a schedule. From November to April it is dry on the southwest coast, and from May to September the rain shifts to the east (according to the Sri Lanka tourism office). So it makes sense to choose a hotel together with the shore.

We have put together 15 five-star resorts that operate on an all-inclusive basis. The selection includes urban beachfront complexes, eco-lodges in the jungle, and glamping near national parks.

Below, for each hotel: location, what it specializes in, and how far it is from the airport and the nearest attractions.

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Our picks: 15 hotels for different trips

💡 In short:

• Dry season on the southwest: November to April; on the east coast: May to September (according to tourism office data)
• The selection includes 15 properties: from a beachfront city hotel to glamping in a national park
• Apply for a visa in advance; check entry requirements on the tourism board website (verified 09/15/2026)

Some hotels are right on the beach, others are inland, so they offer different vacation scenarios. Compare the accommodation format and the standout feature of each resort in the table.

1. Riu Sri Lanka

Riu Sri Lanka has four pools, and in one of them the loungers sit right in the water. From any point of the property you can see the Indian Ocean and the tropical greenery around it. Guests have access to a spa, hammam, jacuzzi, whirlpool bath, and a fitness center with group classes.

On the all-inclusive plan, breakfast includes made-to-order omelets, pancakes, and waffles. The bars pour wine, champagne, and fresh-squeezed juices, and the restaurants serve fish, meat, and seafood. The beachfront is wide and long, with loungers and umbrellas. Kids get daily entertainment and a separate pool with slides.

• Location: beachfront on the hotel grounds, loungers and umbrellas included (per map)
• Who it's for: families with kids and those who don't want to leave the resort
• Book: check prices for Riu Sri Lanka

2. Citrus Waskaduwa

The resort sits on the southwest of the island, on the shore of the Laccadive Sea. All buildings and interiors are done in a modern style, and the rooms feature a large bed. The main plus: every room has panoramic windows with a sea view.

In the evenings, musicians and dancers perform here, and you can sing karaoke. The bus road is 500 m away, the railway station is about 10 km away, and the Kalutara Bodhiya Buddhist temple is a 10-minute drive (per map). From here it is convenient to take excursions to a tea plantation, an elephant farm, waterfalls, and a botanical garden.

• Location: southwest coast, about 61 km to Colombo airport (per map)
• Who it's for: couples with kids and groups looking for evening entertainment
• Book: rooms at Citrus Waskaduwa on Trip.com

3. Heritance Ahungalla

© uemura · CC BYPhoto: uemura, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

At Heritance Ahungalla, the buildings and rooms are decorated in a traditional Sri Lankan style. It is quiet here: the grounds are large, green, and well kept, and the coastline is pleasant for evening walks. The staff is courteous, and food can be ordered to your room.

Guests have access to a luxurious spa, a tennis court, two pools, and a gym with equipment. The all-inclusive plan includes international and local dishes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and you can arrange personalized meals with the chef. Nearby are Lunuganga Garden, 10 km away, Bentota Lake 13 km away, and the Kande Viharaya temple with a 48 m Buddha statue (per map).

• Location: Ahungalla, about 100 km to Colombo airport (per map)
• Who it's for: couples looking for seclusion and complete harmony with nature
• Book: check dates at Heritance Ahungalla

4. Anantaya resort and spa Passikudah

© Knthabrew · CC BY-SAPhoto: Knthabrew, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The resort operates on the eastern side of the island, on the shore of Vandaloos Bay, where the sea is warm and the sand is white. The property is built in an Asian style: the green grounds are dotted with pavilions, lounge areas, and small ponds.

The rooms are spacious and stylish, and there are suites with a private pool and terrace. Several shared multi-level pools face the sea, the wide beach has loungers and umbrellas, and you can order a candlelit dinner. The restaurant offers a daily buffet with local and European cuisine, and there is a vegetarian spread. Kalkudah, with its tourist streets, bars, and clubs, is about 4 km away, and excursions to an elephant farm and a fishing village can be arranged nearby (per map).

• Who it's for: couples and those heading to the calm sea on the east coast of the island
• Book: Anantaya Passikudah prices on Trip.com

5. Suriya Resort

Suriya Resort is a good fit for the first or last days of your trip: the airport is about 30 minutes away. You can stay in the main building or in secluded jungle bungalows right by the river. The resort has its own golden sand beach.

Guests have access to a spa, fitness center, jacuzzi, and a large pool with gazebos in the water. The cuisine is mixed: local, Asian, and international, with fish, meat, baked goods, salads, and desserts, plus plenty of dairy options at breakfast. Active guests can try windsurfing, surfing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Nearby are Negombo Park and the Angurukaramulla Buddhist temple 10 km away, and the railway station is 15 minutes away (according to the map).

• Location: about 30 minutes to Colombo airport (according to the map)
• Who it's for: active couples and an overnight stay before a flight
• Book: rooms at Suriya Resort Waikkal

6. Flameback Eco Lodge

Flameback Eco Lodge sits on the shore of a lake and the Weerawila National Park of the same name. It's a glamping experience, meaning comfortable living in the wild. There are no conventional buildings or rooms: guests stay in tent bungalows with large soft beds, and luxury options include a private pool and jacuzzi.

During the day, jeep safaris, national park walks, and fishing are offered. Every day there are Sri Lankan and Indian cooking classes, basket weaving from natural materials, and group yoga. The all-inclusive system works fully here: European, American, and Sri Lankan cuisine, with a vegetarian menu available. Book a safari tour at the front desk to see elephants, crocodiles, and other tropical animals. There are many restaurants nearby, a shopping center, and bike rental. Bundala National Park is 10 km away, Kirinda Vihara Mahadevi Temple is 20 km away, and Mattala Airport is about 12 km away (according to the map).

• Who it's for: travelers with children who want nature without a tent
• The catch: no conventional rooms, only tent bungalows
• Book: Flameback Eco Lodge prices

7. KAJU GREEN eco lodges

This eco-hotel sits in the middle of scenic jungle, 6 km from Galle. A tuk-tuk takes you to the beach in about 10 minutes, so choose it if peace and nature matter more than having the sea right outside your window. Squirrels run through the coconut palms here, and birds sing in the mornings.

The property has a gorgeous saltwater pool, several lounge areas, and an all-inclusive Asian restaurant. You can take a canoe or kayak down the river through the mangroves, or sign up for yoga, Pilates, or the spa. Near Galle, it's worth seeing the granite fort, the Japanese pagoda, and the Rumassala sanctuary, and there's a coral reef for snorkeling at Unawatuna Beach. The railway station is 6 km away, and Colombo Airport is about 98 km away (on the map).

• The catch: no private beach, the sea is only reachable by tuk-tuk transfer
• Who it's for: couples and families looking for a green, peaceful getaway
• Book: compare dates at KAJU GREEN

8. Water Garden Sigiriya

© VINUKR86 · CC BY-SAPhoto: VINUKR86, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Water Garden Sigiriya is located in the center of the island, surrounded by wild nature, and offers a chance to immerse yourself in a world of harmony and total relaxation. Guests stay in luxurious private villas, so you barely see your neighbors.

The infinity pool overlooks palm trees, valleys, rivers, and Sigiriya Rock. The all-inclusive plan serves Asian and European dishes, and breakfast can be ordered at any time of day, so there's no need to get up at seven in the morning. The property has a spa, a personal trainer, and car rental, and the surrounding area has cafes, bars, and shops. The Sigiriya museum and rock are about 15 minutes away by car (on the map).

• The catch: no beach nearby, this is the center of the island
• Who it's for: those coming for Sigiriya, seclusion, and quiet
• Book: prices at Water Garden Sigiriya

9. Margosa Bay

Margosa Bay is located on the northeast coast of the island, on the shores of the Indian Ocean, and it's the best pick in this selection for diving. Guests stay in comfortable rooms with panoramic windows.

The all-inclusive plan serves seafood, fish, and meat delicacies, signature desserts from the chef, soups, salads, and baked goods. Guests have access to several pools with loungers and umbrellas, a spa, a fitness center, and a gym. Snorkeling and diving gear is provided on site, and you can book a boat trip or fishing excursion. Bicycles are available to rent at the front desk: the Kanniya hot springs and Koneswaram Hindu temple are about 4 km away (on the map).

• Who it's for: divers and couples who love the quiet northeast
• Book: rooms at Margosa Bay on Trip.com

10. Heritance Kandalama

© Jerzy Strzelecki · CC BYPhoto: Jerzy Strzelecki, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Heritance Kandalama sits in the center of Sri Lanka, on the shore of Kandalama Lake, among green hills and dense tropical vegetation. All rooms have panoramic windows with views of the mountains and the lake.

The property has three outdoor pools, a spa, and a gym. The menu features seafood: shrimp, octopus, squid, as well as meat and fish dishes and desserts. It's a convenient base for visiting the ancient city of Dambulla: the Golden Temple cave houses 56 Buddha statues. Sigiriya Rock is about 20 minutes away by car (on the map).

• The catch: no beach, the hotel is inland
• Who it's for: travelers who want to see the island, not just the sea
• Book: prices at Heritance Kandalama

11. Wild coast tented lodge

Wild Coast Tented Lodge occupies the southernmost tip of the island: impenetrable jungle and cliffs surround it, with Indian Ocean waves crashing against the rocks. The grounds for walking are vast.

Guests stay in tented villas with a private pool and terrace. The all-inclusive restaurant serves signature cuisine with Asian and Sri Lankan influences, the menu changes daily, and the bar offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus special energizing fresh juices. The property has several lounge areas, a video library, and a gorgeous pool with a bar. The town of Tissamaharama with its shops, cafes, museums, and temples is nearby, Yala National Park is about 20 km away, and the airport is 56 km away (on the map).

• Who it's for: couples and families who want safari and ocean in one trip
• Book: prices at Wild Coast Tented Lodge

12. The fortress resort & spa

© Rameez Sadikot · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rameez Sadikot, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Fortress Resort & Spa sits right on the Indian Ocean coast, a 15-minute drive from Galle and Unawatuna. The design blends colonial, European, and traditional styles, and the large grounds are full of plants and flowers.

For full relaxation there's a sauna, spa, whirlpool bath, and jacuzzi, while a gorgeous pool with loungers looks out over the sea. Two open-air restaurants serve refined fish and meat dishes, with fresh seafood and desserts offered daily. The railway station is 4 km away, and Colombo airport is about 93 km away (on the map).

• Who it's for: couples who want both the beach and an evening stroll around Galle
• Book: rooms at The Fortress Koggala

13. Garton's Cape

Garton's Cape operates in the southern part of the island, surrounded by dozens of natural and cultural attractions. The well-kept green grounds include two pools and a spacious beach with golden sand.

For children there's a playground and a game room. The restaurant and two snack bars serve Asian, Chinese, European, and Sri Lankan cuisine, and the bar offers alcoholic drinks and fresh-squeezed juices. Several Buddhist temples are within walking distance. Surfing and diving gear can be rented nearby.

• Who it's for: families with children and those who want to combine the beach with sightseeing
• Book: prices at Garton's Cape

14. Maalu Maalu resort & spa

© Sarala Gamage · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sarala Gamage, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

On the ocean shore you'll find a lively entertainment program, relaxing spa treatments, and an open-air pool of incredible size. The ocean water here is clean and warm, and a coral reef runs nearby, making snorkeling and diving especially interesting.

Guests stay in spacious two-story villas with panoramic windows and jacuzzis. You can eat on an all-inclusive basis or order dishes from the menu for an extra charge. Tourist streets and lively clubs are in the town of Kalkudah, a few minutes' drive from the hotel (on the map).

• Who it's for: snorkeling lovers and those who want to go out in town in the evening
• Book: prices at Maalu Maalu Resort Pasikudah

15. Dickwella Resort and Spa

Dickwella Resort and Spa has two long sandy beaches and a rock that's a great spot for watching the sunset. The grounds include several pools, a spa center, and a gym.

Snorkeling gear is available for rent, there's a diving school, and you can go canoeing and kayaking. The all-inclusive option covers Italian, European, Sri Lankan, and Asian cuisine. Grab a bike or tuk-tuk to reach the Hummanaya blowhole and the lighthouse. Tangalle Lake is about 15 km away, the Weherahena temple complex is 12 km away, and the airport is 60 km away (on the map).

• Who it's for: couples and families who love diving and long beaches
• Book: rooms at Dickwella Resort

All fifteen hotels on the map

Below we've put all 15 hotels on one map. Open it to compare distances between resorts and pick a base for your route: western hotels are more convenient for flights, eastern ones for summer, central ones for sightseeing.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Sri Lanka to avoid the rain?

It depends on the coast. From November to April it's dry on the southwest coast, where hotels in Galle, Bentota, and the capital region operate. From May to September the rain moves east, and that's when Passikudah and Trincomalee open their season. In the shoulder season, book a hotel with a pool and don't plan multi-day beach outings (based on seasonal data from the tourism office).

How much does an all-inclusive hotel in Sri Lanka cost?

Five-star all-inclusive resorts are upper mid-range and premium, so the final price depends heavily on the season, booking date, and room type. The shoulder season and weekdays are cheaper, while New Year's dates are the most expensive. Before buying, compare dates and rates on Trip.com, and check the hotel's meal plan.

How do you get from the airport to the resorts?

Colombo International Airport is in the southwest, and hotels in Negombo are about 30 minutes away. The southwest resorts are 61 to 100 km away, and eastern Passikudah is about 300 km with a crossing of the island (per the map). Book a transfer for the first day, and save the train trip across the island for the middle of your route: it's slower than the bus, but it runs along the coast.

Is all-inclusive really necessary?

At large beach complexes the system pays off: some hotels serve drinks and dishes all day, and in Passikudah you can pay extra and order dinner from the menu. At eco-lodges and glamping sites, meals are also included in the all-inclusive rate. If you're planning a lot of excursions, calculate how many meals you'll actually manage to have at the hotel.

Do I need a visa for a trip to Sri Lanka?

Yes, you need an ETA electronic visa to enter, and it should be arranged in advance. Check entry requirements on the official tourism board website (verified 15.09.2026). Submit your application before buying non-refundable tickets: processing times and fees change, and requirements for return tickets and hotel bookings are checked at the border. For children under 12, the visa is usually processed in the same application as the parents'.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're traveling with kids, look at Riu Sri Lanka and Garton's Cape: they have animation, a game room, and a wide beach with a gentle slope into the water. If peace and nature matter more, go with KAJU GREEN eco lodges or Water Garden Sigiriya. Safari-goers will like Flameback Eco Lodge and Wild Coast Tented Lodge on the edge of Yala.

• For a first trip: The Fortress Resort & Spa near Galle and Unawatuna, or Citrus Waskaduwa near Kalutara
• For a long beach vacation: Anantaya Resort and Spa Passikudah or Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa on the east coast
• For a route around the island: Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Ahungalla, and Suriya Resort as a combination
• For a tight budget: Margosa Bay and Dickwella Resort and Spa outside peak season

Compare dates and rates using the links in each section: they lead to Trip.com, where you can immediately see room availability for your dates. For a route around the island, decide in advance how many nights you'll allocate to transfers between coasts.