14 April, 2017
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
