Situated in the Indian Ocean just 1 ½ hours apart, the Maldives and Sri Lanka offer the perfect combination for a twin-centre holiday.

GEC PR Directors, Fiona and Sarah, were fortunate enough to experience this for themselves on a tour of the Aitken Spence Hotels properties across both destinations in February. From luxurious five-star resorts to holistic, wellness retreats and mountain-side properties to premium, all-inclusive hotels, the Aitken Spence Hotels group offers something for everyone across Sri Lanka and the Maldives, so here are some of the property highlights from the trip.

MALDIVES

For an Indulgent, All-Inclusive Stay in Five Star Luxury: Heritance Aarah in the Maldives

A five-star resort situated in the Raa Atoll just a seaplane transfer from Male International Airport, Heritance Aarah offers the perfect combination of a luxury stay with the choice of premium all-inclusive dining options. Choose from world-class cuisine at the six restaurants and five bars, water-based excursions, a kids club and even the first and only Maldivian medi-spa offering health and beauty treatments including a Dermograph skin diagnosis system.

For an Adult-Only, Over-Water Experience: Adaaran Prestige Vadoo Maldives

Located a speedy 15-minute boat ride away from the airport, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo Maldives is the perfect choice for adults wanting to relax and indulge. Overwater villas come with a personalised butler service and the Japanese restaurant and new, overwater spa cater to guests who enjoy the finer things in life in an exclusive and intimate setting.

For Family-Friendly, Barefoot Luxury: Adaaran Select Meedhupparu Maldives

Surrounded by some of the best dive spots in the Maldives, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu Maldives is the perfect choice for families and couples looking to experience everything the Maldives has to offer. Families can enjoy customised beach-front villas, evening entertainment and beach parties, as well as all-inclusive dining packages and an expansive island with lushgreen vegetation for little ones to burn off some energy.

SRI LANKA

For Wildlife Lovers and Elephant Enthusiasts: Kandalama Hotel in Sri Lanka

 

Built by world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa to blend into its surroundings and overlooking the Sigiriya rock fortress, the eighth Wonder of the World, Heritance Kandalama is the perfect five-star hotel to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern day. Guests can sit back and enjoy the natural surroundings and local wildlife, including nature trails, bird watching excursions and even the Elephant gathering at Minneriya national park which takes place from June – August.

For Historical Heritage and High Tea with a View: Heritance Tea Factory in Sri Lanka

Part hotel, part museum, Heritance Tea Factory is situated 2kms above sea level with views over the hills of the Hethersett plantation, offering guests authentic experiences unique to the area. Take in the fresh mountain air while plucking your own tea and then watch its journey through the mini tea factory (taking it home as a souvenir if you wish), enjoy fine dining in the restored TCK 6685 train carriage or sample the ‘World’s Finest High Tea Experience’ on the terrace overlooking the plantation.

For Laidback Luxury with Tranquillity and Relaxation: Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara in Sri Lanka

Located on seven acres of green, tropical gardens, Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara provides the perfect setting for a holistic holiday focusing on spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing through Asian healing traditions. Secluded and luxurious, guests can truly switch off with ayurvedic treatments guided by qualified doctors and trained therapists, and a healthy lifestyle with natural, balanced meals.

For further details on Aitken Spence Hotels, visit www.aitkenspencehotels.com