Tri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Opened

Opened
in 2015 by Brit Rob Drummond and his wife Lara Baumann
(founder of Quantum Yoga), Tri Lanka sits proudly on a hill overlooking
Sri
Lanka‘s picture-perfect Lake Koggala. Designed with the
environment at its core, the property aims to “honour nature,
enrich its surroundings and prioritise sustainable practice”. With
a focus on the wellness of its guests too, Tri is perfect for
relaxing, rejuvenating and simply enjoying the beautiful
surroundings.

Rooms

Set over six acres of land, Tri has 11 suites effortlessly done
up in a combination of local wood, granite and linen. Comfortable
and serene, they set the scene for wonderfully Zen stay where you
should probably be meditating rather than enjoying a crisp glass of
rosé on your balcony as the sun goes down – a highlight of our
trip. Lake-view rooms have sweeping vistas over the glassy water,
and if you’re feeling flush opt for one with a private plunge pool.
Rooms from $250.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is a five-course affair, and in our opinion any place
that serves ice cream at 9AM is a winner. Start with fresh fruit
and buffalo-curd ice cream, move on to eggs benedict with smoked
fish or homemade ham, then finish with baked-on-site pastries. If
you can, ask for it to be served on the jetty – you’ll see why.

How about lunch and dinner?

Aiming to use produce from within a 35km radius, the food at Tri
reflects their ethos of sustainability and self-sufficiency. Lunch
is a relaxed affair of fish tacos and a yellowtail-tuna burger by
the pool, while dinner varies from Sri Lankan curries to an
ambitious six-course tasting menu. In the interest of detoxing,
there are also a variety of Ayurvedic and other healthy
options.

Is there a bar?

Less of a bar and more of an open-plan living room, the communal
area at Tri opens out on to the pool and is a great place for a
cocktail whatever the hour. House tipples include a spiced beetroot
martini and “smoking arrack sour”, while some good wines are also
available. Detoxing divas can treat themselves to a signature
smoothie (super green, power booster or protein builder) and feel
smug about a lack of hangover.

Amenities

At Tri, you can do everything in a day or nothing at all. The
“wellness well” features a tree-top yogashala, two treatment rooms
and a steam cavern, and throughout the year there is a rotating
calendar of yoga teachers, therapists, Ayurvedic specialists and
personal trainers. A small, peaceful library is a lovely place to
read, while sun worshippers can chill out by the
infinity pool.

Things you should know

If it’s nightlife you’re looking for, this is definitely not the
place for you. Also, DO NOT swim in the lake – unless you want your
arm bitten off by a pesky croc.

Within a short walk you can find…

Absolutely nothing – and it’s heavenly. But with a 20-minute

tuk-tuk ride you could be surfing on Weligama beach or
exploring the beautiful colonial town of Galle.