The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Sri Lanka: Design-Led Resorts, Villas and Stays for Modern Families
Discover the best family-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka - from design villas in Ahangama to luxury beach resorts and jungle lodges. Our guide covers 20 hand-picked family hotels on the Sri Lankan coast and beyond, perfect for every kind of adventure.
Few places in Asia make travelling with kids feel as effortless, or as full of colour, as Sri Lanka.
It’s an island built for exploration: wild beaches and wandering elephants, tuk-tuk rides through chaos and calm, hill towns stitched with tea fields and waterfalls. It’s compact, easy to navigate, and packed with moments that make family travel feel thrilling again - surf one morning, safari the next, temple-hopping the following.
But what really surprised us is just how good the accommodation scene is. Across the island, you’ll find stays that are redefining effortless, sustainable family travel - boutique villas, design-forward hotels, and laid-back beach houses that understand how to make parents and kids equally happy.
These aren’t faceless mega-resorts; they’re nuanced, thoughtful places built by people and companies who actually care about where they are and who’s staying. Mix in that famous Sri Lankan hospitality, and they’ve got the formula nailed.
The hotels featured in this guide strike the right balance. Good design without pretension, luxury that still feels human, and experiences that stay with you long after checkout.
There are infinity pools and jungle gardens, kids’ clubs that spark curiosity, cooking classes where the whole family can join, and chefs who’ll happily serve fish curry and fries in the same sitting.
These are the places we’d return to again and again - the best family-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka, from the palm-shaded south coast to the quiet east and the wildlife-rich heartland in between.
SRI LANKA’S BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS
COLOMBO, NEGOMBO & SURROUNDS | Cinnamon Life at the City of Dreams
SOUTH COAST | Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa
EAST COAST | Cinnamon Bentota Beach
WEST COAST | Karpaha Sands
HIGHLANDS & INLAND | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
THE BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN COLOMBO, NEGOMBO & SURROUNDS
CINNAMON LIFE AT THE CITY OF DREAMS
A splashy new landmark on the Colombo skyline, Cinnamon Life feels like the natural starting point, or grand finale, to any Sri Lankan adventure. It was during our most recent trip to Sri Lanka, where we stayed for three nights before embarking on our 14-day family adventure.
Rising above Beira Lake near Galle Face Green (the centre of the action!), this striking multi-use complex includes hotel, shopping, dining and entertainment into one sleek hub.
Inside, the hotel is all glass, light and space: huge family rooms with skyline views, multiple pools overlooking Colombo (including a children’s one), and a dedicated kids’ club with planned activities (a rarity in Sri Lanka).
The dining options span everything from fine Sri Lankan to global buffets, and we’ve both agreed that the morning buffet breakfast was the best we’ve ever had. Period. So many options, so well executed, and enough to keep the kids full all day!
It may be pricey, but it’s the perfect place to enjoy after a long flight and immediately find your rhythm.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$$
Amenities | Multiple pools, kids’ club, restaurants, spa, shopping & entertainment complex
Why we love it | Big-city polish meets island warmth. A family base that makes Colombo feel like part of the adventure, not just a stopover.
BOOK | Cinnamon Life at the City of Dreams
GALLE FACE HOTEL
As Colombo evolves, fewer and fewer of the city’s grand colonial-era buildings remain, yet Galle Face Hotel proudly remains.
Opened in 1864 and still fronting the Indian Ocean, it’s the kind of place where history is found in every corner - a grand staircase here, an antique bar there, and a sea breeze drifting through verandas.
Yet behind the heritage facade lies a surprisingly easy-going family stay. Rooms are spacious, if not slightly dated; the ocean-facing pool is perfect for an afternoon dip after exploring the city; and the expansive lawns spill straight onto Colombo’s city playground, Galle Face Green.
There’s no kids club, but the pool and expansive lawns provide enough space for the energy to be expended.
Dining features a mix of casual to formal, with plenty of kid-friendly options, and the service feels gracious and genuinely warm (you’ll find that all over in Lanka).
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Oceanfront pool, gardens, multiple restaurants, heritage charm, central location
Why we love it | Old-world romance and family simplicity, side by side. It’s where history meets ice cream on the promenade.
BOOK | Galle Face Hotel
NH COLLECTION, COLOMBO
Modern, bright, and family-friendly, NH Collection Colombo (formerly Mövenpick Hotel Colombo) is an elevated (literally) city stop with an affordable price tag.
Set just off Galle Road, it’s close to cafés, shops, and markets, yet somehow manages to feel calm above the hustle below.
Rooms are big enough for families to spread out, and there are adjoining options too.
The rooftop infinity pool (with a shallow section for kids) looks straight out to sea, and the breakfast spread, complete with waffles, tropical fruit, and a dedicated dessert room, is pure joy for tiny hands.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Rooftop pool, family rooms, buffet restaurant, spa, city centre location
Why we love it | Contemporary and cool, a soft landing in the capital before or after the adventure begins.
BOOK | NH Collection Colombo
JETWING BLUE
Just 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, Jetwing Blue is the perfect bookend to a Sri Lankan adventure. Set right on Negombo’s broad sandy beach, it’s a rare city-adjacent resort that still feels coastal and calm.
The design is contemporary: pale timber and linen, wide balconies overlooking the ocean, and open corridors that catch the sea breeze. Rooms are spacious, with family options and interconnecting suites available.
The two pools (one a vast beachfront lagoon, the other smaller and shaded) mean the kids can swim from sunrise to sunset, while parents can dip into the spa or beach bar without straying too far (always maintain safety, though!).
The main restaurant runs a crowd-pleasing buffet of Sri Lankan and international dishes, while The Kitchen offers à la carte meals and ocean views. There’s also Centre Point Grill & Bar for casual poolside dining, which is perfect for families needing flexible, familiar food after a long travel day.
If you have time to explore, Negombo’s Dutch-era canals, seafood markets, and colourful fishing boats are just down the road, and the staff can arrange tuk-tuks or bicycles for easy exploring.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Two pools, beachfront location, family rooms, multiple restaurants & bars, spa, gym, bicycle hire, proximity to airport
Why we love it | Effortless comfort right by the airport. Great pools, easy food, and just enough beach to start or end your trip on a high note
BOOK | Jetwing Blue
THE BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS ON SRI LANKA’S SOUTH COAST
PALM HOTEL AHANGAMA
A tropical-modernist hideaway surrounded by palms, Palm is that rare thing - a design hotel that genuinely understands families. And we can vouch for this, as we spent five days here, celebrating a milestone birthday in our favourite corner of the Island.
This is a place where kids can roam free and imaginations run wild. The island-inspired Palm Pirate Club, built from reclaimed timber and an old fishing boat, has monkey bars, a zip line, and a “treasure washing station” for rinsing off the day’s finds. The garden doubles as a giant playground, the restaurant’s kid-friendly menu is a hit, and children under 12 stay free.
Concrete cabanas and airy suites are scattered through a coconut grove, and accommodation is flexible: cabanas and suites can take fold-out beds or cots, the A-Frames are easy if you’re just with one kid, while the four-bedroom Palm Haus villa, complete with kitchen, living room and porch, suits larger families or groups.
Parents can relax and unwind at the pool or restaurant pavilion while the kids play safely within sight.
There’s easy access to Ahangama’s beaches and cafes (tuk-tuks are on speed dial), while there are plenty of day trip options available through the hotel.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Family villa, playground, kids’ club (Pirate Club), pool, kids’ menu, kids stay free
Why we love it | Effortlessly cool and carefree, a design hotel that truly understands family adventure.
BOOK | Palm Hotel Ahangama
THE MUGATIYA
“Drink this water. Breathe this air. Live this life. And more awaits.”
Once the home of the local Arachchi (village chief), the Mugatiya has been lovingly restored into one of the most beautiful family villas on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
Exposed wood, local stone, and traditional concrete blend with doors and windows salvaged from the original building. There are four guest rooms, which are spread between two buildings, each air-conditioned, with an ensuite, and framed by verandas that open to the vast gardens.
Overlooking a large rice paddy, the property spreads out across an acre of gardens dotted with mango and coconut trees, centred around an infinity pool that’s ripe for play.
You can gather in the wonderfully decorated living and dining pavilion (serious design goals here), or spread out across the pool pavilion with books and drinks under the shade.
The bustle of bohemian Ahangama is just down the road, Galle Fort lies just 20km away, while surf lessons, yoga, and even traditional arts classes can be arranged on-site.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Private infinity pool, four ensuite rooms, lounge, games room, kitchen, yoga & arts classes, spa on request
Why we love it | A home of stories and shade. Heritage, design, and serenity are woven into a family villa that feels alive
BOOK | The Mugatiya
COCONUT GROVE VILLA
If we were to design our dream house, this would be it - a lovingly restored villa with high ceilings, terrazzo floors, open arches, and that unmistakable Sri Lankan Art Deco charm.
And while we can’t quite afford it (yet), Coconut Grove is the next best thing, a chance to live out that dream on the Sri Lankan coast.
Just inland from the surf and cafe hum of Ahangama, the one-level villa is perfect for families (or multiple families) thanks to its generous layout: four ensuite bedrooms, a master suite, a king double, and two airy doubles, arranged around a central courtyard.
At its heart sits a bright kitchen and dining space along with a series of lounges that feel like the perfect place for lazy afternoons and good books in the tropical breeze.
Each bedroom opens onto its own indoor-outdoor bathroom, while double doors lead out to the garden, yoga pavilion, and a glinting infinity pool beneath frangipani trees.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Four ensuite bedrooms, private infinity pool, full kitchen & in-house cook, lounge, yoga pavilion, gardens
Why we love it | The villa of our daydreams - elegant, grounded, and impossibly relaxing
BOOK | Coconut Grove Villa
KARMEL THALDUWA VILLA
From Ahangama, head inland and cross a small bridge over the river, and you’ll reach Karmel Thalduwa, a pale-yellow Art Deco dream surrounded by jungle, mangroves and birdsong. If Coconut Grove is the coastal dream, this is its slower, more meditative twin.
Configurable for up to ten guests, it’s ideal for multi-generational family escapes, if you can rope the grandparents into a Sri Lankan adventure.
The villa’s well-appointed, airy rooms open onto private terraces with views of the water and surrounding jungle. Inside, high ceilings, polished floors and rattan finishes create that perfect blend of Ceylon charm and barefoot luxury.
There’s a large, furnished living area that allows for evening fun, a fully-appointed kitchen (you can even hire an in-house chef if you wish), and the open verandah overlooking the pool and gardens is made for slow mornings and golden-hour sundowners, while the kids play.
Near enough to the action of both Ahangama and Midigama (and even Weligama, just a short drive away), this is a great option for larger families.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Family-friendly, private pool, kitchenette, lounge, outdoor pavilion
Why we love it | Remote enough to feel like an adventure, close enough to dip into Ahangama’s café scene whenever you like
BOOK | Karmel Thalduwa Villa
JETWING LIGHTHOUSE
Designed by our architectural idol Geoffrey Bawa, Jetwing Lighthouse is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous hotels, a modernist icon on the southern coast near Galle.
You can choose bright, ocean-facing luxury rooms, or family-friendly themed and superior suites, each inspired by a different historic traveller, from Morocco’s Ibn Battuta to the Dutch explorer Spilbergen.
Food is a highlight, with six dining venues ranging from The Cinnamon Room’s fine seafood to all-day buffets and snacks at the Cardamom Café. Lorenzo’s Pizza Bar keeps the younger ones happy with kid-friendly pizzas, while you can linger at the atmospheric Coats of Arms Bar once the kids head to bed.
Outside, two main pools and a smaller kids’ pool overlook the sea, while a tennis court and gym will keep the kids happy while not exploring Galle or the surrounding beaches. The big win for families is the Cetacean Information Centre, a fun stop for budding marine biologists keen to learn about the whales and dolphins off the southern coast.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$–$$$$
Amenities | Butler service, two main pools + kids’ pool, spa, gym, tennis court, themed suites, restaurants, babysitting, educational whale centre
Why we love it | Smart, relaxed and full of character. Bawa architecture, ocean air and everything you need for a stress-free Galle stay
BOOK | Jetwing Lighthouse
CAPE WELIGAMA
Set high on a headland above nearby Weligama, Cape Weligama feels more like a hillside village than a resort, and that’s part of its appeal.
Large, family-friendly villas and pavilions lie scattered across twelve acres of gardens, each one with a private terrace and panoramic sea views. It’s that once-in-a-lifetime barefoot luxury experience personified.
And for families, it’s close to perfect.
The Forest School, Cape Weligama’s take on a kids’ club, sits among palms at the edge of the property and runs daily nature-based sessions - from learning about local flora and fauna to outdoor crafts and cooking.
There’s also the shallow Cove Pool, which is ideal for kids, while the epic cliffside infinity pool gives parents their view of paradise (and the surfers below).
As you’d expect from a property of this level, the dining experience is on another level.
There are six restaurants and bars, from the elegant Ocean Terrace to relaxed in-villa dining. Breakfasts mix Sri Lankan and Western options, while dinner brings grilled seafood, curries, and local produce-driven international dishes.
From the hospitality to the views, the food, and the rooms, Cape Weligama deserves all the accolades.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$$
Amenities | Villas with private or shared pools, Forest School kids’ club, six restaurants & bars, spa, fitness centre, ocean access
Why we love it | Effortless elegance on the south coast. Refined dining, family-friendly pools, and a kids’ program that actually connects children with the island
BOOK | Cape Weligama
ANANTARA PEACE HAVEN TANGALLE RESORT
Carved into a rocky stretch of coastline framed by palms and surf, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle feels like its name suggests, a pocket of calm on Sri Lanka’s wild southern coast.
For families, it’s one of the best-organised resorts on the island. The spacious villas and rooms are tucked among coconut groves overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The Joli Kids’ Club will keep them busy with cooking classes, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures, while older children can join surf lessons or tennis/badminton on the grounds. Beyond the resort, nearby Hiriketiya is a bohemian paradise, with amazing cafes and excellent surf, while Tangalle is also a fun little town. Additionally, nearby Silent Beach is probably the most beautiful on the southern coast.
The resort’s multiple restaurants will keep the whole family happy. There’s Italian, Sri Lankan and Asian-inspired cuisine, as well as the excellent breakfast buffet, which includes all the favourites, plus barista coffee.
Between the pools, the spa, the kids club, and the laid-back luxury that Anantara nails so well, it’s the kind of place where everyone actually gets a holiday, not just the adults.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$$ (Children under 5 years old stay free of charge when sharing existing bedding with parents. Baby cots are provided free of charge, subject to availability)
Amenities | Kids’ & teens’ clubs, multiple restaurants, spa, beach access
Why we love it | Five-star polish with real heart. Beautiful villas, thoughtful dining, and a kids’ program that makes family travel genuinely easy
SHANGRI-LA’S HAMBANTOTA RESORT & SPA
Set between the Indian Ocean and the wild south-east coast, Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa is one of Sri Lanka’s most complete family resorts - if we’re honest, we’d never recommend a resort this large, but the kids club is an absolute standout.
It’s huge - 300 acres of tropical gardens, pools, and golf fairways, yet still manages to feel relaxed and welcoming. Rooms and suites are modern and spacious, with ocean or garden views and private balconies.
For families, the real highlights lie outside: three swimming pools, including a dedicated Aqua Zone water park with slides and splash areas; the Cool Zone Kids’ Club with its jungle gym, trampolines, arts and crafts, and a daily roster of supervised activities; and plenty of space to simply roam. It’s simply the best kids’ club in Sri Lanka.
Dining is broad and unfussy, from fresh seafood at Bojunhala to poolside pizzas and buffets that make everyone happy. Staff are wonderfully attentive with children, whether it’s sorting out early dinners or tracking down an extra scoop of ice cream after a long swim.
If you’re that way inclined, you can unwind at the spa, play a round on the 18-hole golf course, or watch the sunset over the ocean with a cocktail in hand.
Overall, while it’s a large-scale resort that is a fair drive from Colombo, Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa is an excellent family-friendly hotel.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$–$$$$
Amenities | Three pools, Aqua Zone water park, Cool Zone Kids’ Club, golf course, spa, multiple restaurants, beach access, babysitting
Why we love it | Big, bright, and beautifully run — an all-ages resort where kids have the time of their lives and parents actually get to relax
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS ON THE GOLDEN WEST COAST
SHERATON KOSGODA TURTLE BEACH RESORT
Although we only stayed one night at the Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort, it was a memorable one.
Set on the golden west coast, just south of Bentota, the hotel delivers exactly what you want from a family-friendly stay - space, comfort, and a mix of pool, ocean, and good food.
The resort is contemporary in design, with airy rooms and suites with sea-facing balconies, huge lawns leading to the beach, and a mix of shaded nooks and open terraces that make it easy to spread out.
The main pool is huge, perfect for long, splashy afternoons, while the smaller children’s area keeps things safe for little swimmers.
Food at the resort is a highlight, in particular the main buffet restaurant, which serves a mix of Sri Lankan and international dishes - think curries, grilled seafood, pasta, salads, and plenty of kid-friendly options, and a dessert area that needs to be seen to be believed.
Sunsets from the rooftop bar are spectacular, as they are from the beach.
The new Kids’ Club is filled with activities from crafts to movie nights, while adults can escape to the spa or gym. A short walk down the beach leads to the Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Centre, where you can learn about nesting, hatchlings, and the area’s vital conservation work, which will be a genuine highlight for kids - you can even release turtles from the sand to the ocean.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Huge pool, kids’ club, buffet restaurant, beachfront access
Why we love it | A resort that hits the family sweet spot. Big pools, beach access, excellent food, and real opportunities for connection, from sunsets to baby turtles
CINNAMON BENTOTA BEACH
Originally designed by Geoffrey Bawa and recently on the receiving end of a modern update, Cinnamon Bentota Beach brings together heritage architecture, river views and five-star comfort on one of Sri Lanka’s most famous west-coast locations, Bentota.
The resort sits between the lagoon and the sea, so days naturally move between sand, surf and shaded palms.
Rooms are bright if not slightly dated, but still carry those Bawa signature clean lines, natural materials, open space and light. The hotel layout is manageable - everything within walking distance, plenty of lawn to play on, and staff who genuinely know how to look after little travellers.
The dedicated Kids’ Club will keep the kids busy with arts, games, a ball pit and outdoor fun, while the main pool and quieter children’s pool overlook the gardens. Out on the water, you can take a Mangrove Boat Ride along the Bentara River, spotting monitor lizards, kingfishers and monkeys.
What’s more, Galle Fort is an easy day trip away, and there are surf lessons on the adjoining beach.
There are several restaurants to choose from: buffet dining at Nossa, seafood at Sea Meats Spice, relaxed snacks at Ottimo, and river-view cocktails at Fuze Bar - options for all.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$–$$$$
Amenities | Main pool + kids’ pool, Kids’ Club, multiple restaurants & bars, mangrove boat ride, spa, fitness centre, beach & river access
Why we love it | A design-led resort that keeps things easy for families. Heritage style, great food, riverside adventure and that classic Bentota beach
BOOK | Cinnamon Bentota Beach
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS ON THE QUIET EAST COAST
KARPAHA SANDS
Tucked between palms and the glassy waters of Kalkudah Bay on Sri Lanka’s wild east coast, Karpaha Sands is one of the country’s hidden gems. Luxurious yet low-impact, private yet welcoming, it’s the kind of place that lets you relax, slow down and and rediscover long days by the sea.
Thirty-one tented suites are scattered across the property, each a blend of canvas, polished concrete and local wood. Inside, there’s space to stretch out, with separate living and sleeping areas, outdoor showers, and decks opening onto coconut groves or the beach itself.
You’ll absolutely love the quiet intimacy and the lagoon-calm water out front. The adjoining beach is the pride of the resort, with 15 kilometres of fine white sand curving along Kalkudah Bay, one of the undeveloped, pristine and swimmable stretches in Sri Lanka (it feels a lot like parts of Thailand 30 years ago). The calm waters are perfect for little swimmers.
The infinity pool is the star of the show, positioned to take in the sea view before sinking into a daybed with a cool drink and house beats.
While there’s no kids club per se, there’s a kids pool, and the surrounding beach, calm bay, and wide open resort mean children can let their imagination, and play, run wild.
Dining at the onsite restaurant, Hideaway, is fresh and unfussy, with a focus on local seafood, organic produce and seasonal Sri Lankan curries; however, there are western options for fussy young ones (waffles, avo toast, burgers etc.).
For activities beyond the hotel (although we’d suggest not leaving!), there are bicycles for exploring nearby villages, and curated activities from yoga to snorkelling, as well as visits to nearby Batticaloa and Trincomalee.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$$
Amenities | Beachfront tented suites, pool, spa, restaurant, bicycles, yoga, eco-friendly design, lagoon swimming
Why we love it | Boutique barefoot luxury done right. Eco-conscious, design-minded and wonderfully peaceful, with calm water ideal for families.
BOOK | Karpaha Sands
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN CENTRAL PLAINS & HIGHLANDS
NINE SKIES ELLA
Set above the famous Demodera Loop, Nine Skies is a stunningly restored five-bedroom tea planter’s bungalow that offers old-world charm and sweeping valley views of the highlands.
It’s not your typical family resort, but for those of you who value atmosphere, history and a slower pace, it’s one of the most rewarding stays in the hills.
Each room blends the old-school British-colonial character, but with modern comforts associated with Sri Lanka’s most elevated stays - high ceilings, period furnishings, claw-foot tubs, and French doors opening onto well-manicured gardens. It all feels very English countryside.
Service is the kind that remembers your tea order by the second morning, and the tea up here is legendary. For the kids, there’s a small infinity pool overlooking tea estates, lawns for croquet or badminton, and space for the kids to run around safely.
Dining is an elevated and intimate affair, with meals prepared with local produce, from Sri Lankan breakfasts to candlelit dinners featuring garden vegetables and regional spices. To be expected, afternoon tea is offered daily on the terrace, best enjoyed with mountain breezes and views of passing trains.
While Nine Skies itself is quiet, Ella and its surrounds offer plenty to fill a few days - hikes to Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock, visits to tea factories, swimming in nearby waterfalls, or scenic train rides across the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. The staff here can also arrange guided walks, picnics among the tea, or visits to the Nine Arches Bridge.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$$
Amenities | Infinity pool, gardens, restaurant & bar, curated excursions, tea-estate views, proximity to Ella & Demodera railway
Why we love it | Elegant, peaceful and deeply atmospheric. Not built for families, but perfect for those wanting comfort, space and a sense of Sri Lanka’s tea-country heritage
BOOK | Nine Skies Ella
CINNAMON LODGE HABARANA
A peaceful legacy resort set among expansive gardens featuring banyan trees, lotus ponds, and the calls of peacocks, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is an easygoing base for exploring nearby Sigiriya, Dambulla and Minneriya National Park, and even Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa (each about an hour away).
The huge 70-acre property on Habarana Lake feels more like a park than a hotel, with winding paths, lakeside trails and cottages scattered beneath the shade. Rooms and suites are large, comfortable and surrounded by green - a touch dated in design, but full of character and space to spread out.
Days here are breezy and relaxed: mornings spent temple hopping, midday by the pool, and afternoons on safari, and lazy evenings enjoying a beer on the verandah after the kids have gone to bed.
Dining is buffet style, with Ehala, the main restaurant, serving an expansive array of Sri Lankan and international dishes. We found there was more than enough for the kids to eat (pizzas were a hit!), and staff were quick to accommodate early meals for kids or picnic lunches for day trips.
You can organise a safari, as well as guides for the surrounding attractions and heritage sites at the hotel, and while there’s not a kids club, the expansive lawns, pool and surrounding activities make it perfect for family stays.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Large pool (with shallow area), organic farm, multiple restaurants & bars, nature walks, safari & village experiences, family rooms, expansive grounds
Why we love it | A peaceful, practical family base with space to roam, good food and easy access to Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights
BOOK | Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
JETWING LAKE
Sleek, sustainable, and surrounded by nature, Jetwing Lake is the contemporary counterpart to Sri Lanka’s Geoffrey Bawa-inspired heritage lodges, a clean-lined retreat overlooking the Dambulla countryside, close to the famed cave temples and within easy distance of Sigiriya, Pidurangala, and safari options.
The hotel’s minimalist design is all about space and light: large rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and views over the lake and hills.
There are family rooms and interconnecting rooms, which make it ideal for travelling with kids, while the large infinity pool (one of the largest in Sri Lanka) is the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing in the heat. The lawns are expansive, so the kids can run wild. There’s also a small spa, gym, and bicycle hire for exploring nearby villages and markets.
Dining here is a particular highlight. The Viewing Gallery serves a mix of Sri Lankan and global dishes made with fresh local produce, while Lu Lin adds delicious Chinese flavours, a nice change up from rice and curry. For the parents, the Canopy Bar overlooks the lake for sunset cocktails, and Isle serves casual bites by the pool.
If you’re after a core family memory, you can request a lakeside BBQ as the sun sets - perfect.
We love Jetwing’s sustainability ethos, which is evident throughout: solar energy, grey-water recycling, and gardens designed to attract birdlife.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Large infinity pool, family rooms, spa, gym, restaurant & bar, bicycle hire, eco-friendly design, proximity to Dambulla & Sigiriya
Why we love it | Contemporary design and Jetwing service in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Sustainable, stylish, and perfectly placed for family adventures
BOOK | Jetwing Lake
GAL OYA LODGE
Tucked deep within one of Sri Lanka’s least-known national parks, Gal Oya Lodge is one of the more intrepid recommendations on this list, but it’s worth it.
Set across 20 acres of private forest, the lodge blends seamlessly into its surroundings - stone, wood, and thatch architecture designed to disappear into the trees.
Nine spacious bungalows and a two-bedroom villa (perfect for families) are scattered through the forest, each with open-air bathrooms, verandas, and views over the mountains. There are no TVs, no air conditioning - just the sounds of the jungle and the joyful feeling of being completely away from it all.
Beyond the hotel, there are some incredible experiences on offer. Take a boat safari on Sri Lanka’s largest lake, where you sometimes see elephants swim between islands; hike through the jungle with the resident naturalists; or join a forest walk with the indigenous Vedda people.
Back at the lodge, there’s a small pool, communal dining, and a bar overlooking the surrounding jungle - again, no kids club - but the experiences beyond the hotel make up for it.
Sustainability is important here, which we’re all for. Solar power, locally sourced materials, and a strong focus on conservation and community partnerships - it’s a place that will leave you and the environment better for the experience.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$$
Amenities | Forest bungalows & villa, pool, restaurant & bar, boat & jeep safaris, guided hikes, cultural experiences with Vedda community, conservation focus
Why we love it | Wild, genuine and deeply memorable. A stay that teaches as much as it soothes, and connects you to Sri Lanka’s natural heart
BOOK | Gal Oya Lodge
WARAKA UDAWALAWE
Just five minutes from the park gates, Waraka Udawalawe is one of the most refined safari lodges near Udawalawe (and trust us, there aren’t many). Built from natural stone, timber and glass, it blends contemporary architecture with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Accommodation is comprised of large and airy suites and family villas designed for elevated comfort, while there’s a sleek pool overlooking the plains, and a small library on site.
The open-air restaurant celebrates Sri Lankan flavours made with local produce, from traditional rice and curry to fresh lake fish and garden vegetables. In a win for parents, there’s a thoughtful kids’ menu and the occasional outdoor BBQ night.
Days start early with jeep safaris into Udawalawe National Park, where huge herds of elephants dominate the plains.
Afternoons are slow to the rhythm of poolside naps, cycling through nearby villages, or visits to the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, where rescued calves are cared for before release.
THE DETAILS
Price | $$$
Amenities | Pool with plains views, open-air restaurant & bar, family villas, safari coordination, cycling, library, proximity to Udawalawe National Park & Elephant Transit Home
Why we love it | Modern comfort meets wild country. Design-forward, warm-hearted, and perfectly placed for a family safari.
BOOK | Waraka Udawalawe
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO SRI LANKA SOON?
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
SRI LANKA WITH KIDS | The ultimate family-friendly Sri Lanka itinerary
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa, How to visit Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
ACCOMMODATION GUIDES | Where to stay in Galle Fort, Where to stay in Kandy, Where to stay in Hiriketiya, Where to stay in Ella
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO SRI LANKA WITH OUR DETAILED GUIDES
Some of the links in this best family hotels in Sri Lanka guide are affiliate links.
If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.
That, and you're officially a legend.
