The moment we landed at Bandaranaike International Airport, we felt a certain calm – like the island had already begun its magic. The drive from Colombo to Kandy – via one of the most mesmerising Expressways – was, in one word, ‘amazing’. As we passed through lush tea plantations and rolling green hills, each turn revealed postcard-perfect views, making the three-and-a-half-hour trip feel more like a moving meditation than a road trip.
By evening, we arrived at Jetwing Kandy Gallery, located in the heart of the Kandyan Hills, with the mighty Mahaweli River flowing gently alongside. We were met with warm welcomes: Traditional music filled the air, soft diyas flickered warmly, and smiling staff in eclectic Sri Lankan attire offered us cool, soothing drinks. It was our first taste of Jetwing’s hospitality – and it felt almost familial.
We were soon greeted by General Manager Upul Leukubandara, a highly respected leader at Jetwing, whose warmth set the tone for our entire stay. And shortly escorted to our Gallery Suite – a quiet and elegant abode with a private Jacuzzi on the balcony, calming views of the river, and interiors that balanced modern comfort with some traditional touches. It was a space that invited deep breaths without us even realizing it.
What made it even more special was having a dedicated personal butler available around the clock – a service that made us feel completely cared for. With only 26 rooms and suites, each one more stunning than the other, the property felt both intimate and luxurious, with views of hills and water all around, always providing a sense of peace.
The Spirit of Kandy
Kandy, as a city, is rich in heritage. It is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks – the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic and the scenic Kandy Lake. Our Kandy adventure started with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic – calm, beautiful and steeped in history. A short walk around the charming streets of Kandy Town, laced with spice and tea shopping, offered a lively glimpse into its local life – aromatic, colourful, and full of character.
On our return to the hotel, we enjoyed authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at Riverscape, the resort’s main restaurant. From aromatic and spicy dal curry and delicious puttu served with fresh coconut milk and chutneys, to fiery rasam, every dish celebrated the local flavours of the region. Coconut, of course, found its way in nearly every dish – from creamy curries and sautéed vegetables to rich chutneys and spiced sambols.
Later in the evening, we went on a village walk – a lovely trail through paddy fields and quiet hamlets, which was followed by a quiet and satisfying dinner at Riverscape – flavourful Sri Lankan biryani served with raita, papadams, and pickle.
From the Hills to the Waters
The next day, after a hearty breakfast featuring a wholesome buffet of local dishes – string hoppers, milk rice, curries, dosas – as well as some English delights, we left Kandy and headed to our next stop, Jetwing Lagoon in Negombo.
A three-hour drive – through lush greenery and rolling hills – later, we reached our peaceful island haven, snuggled between the calm Negombo Lagoon and the sparkling Indian Ocean.
We were greeted by the soft-spoken General Manager Romell Perera, who welcomed us into his world of wellness designed by none other than Sri Lanka’s iconic architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa.
This adults-only sanctuary is a rare mix of intimacy, design, and relaxation. Our Lagoon Suite was ultimate luxury: Two spacious living areas, two bathrooms (one with a Jacuzzi), a private treatment room, and a balcony offering perhaps the most stunning view of our trip – glassy lagoon waters stretching into the horizon, and glowing in the golden light at dusk.
Wellness, Sri Lankan Style
Newly re-imagined as a wellness retreat, we began our wellness journey with a personalized consultation with the in-house Ayurveda doctor, who suggested customized treatments based on our needs. A deeply comforting Ayurvedic massage at the Prana Wellness Centre, followed by an hour-long sauna session, were the highlights of the treatment.
Outside the spa was an absolutely breath-taking view of the pool, lined with frangipani and palm trees on both sides. This pool, incidentally, is said to be the longest in Sri Lanka!
And the high point of our Lagoon stay? Without a doubt, the boat safari on the Muthurajawela lagoon. As our boat speed-sailed through the calm waters, our captain took us to the lagoon’s edge, where we spotted beautiful exotic birds. Surrounded by mangroves and the gentle sounds of nature, this was an experience so magical that it left a lasting impression on our hearts.
Dining at Blue Lagoon, the resort’s signature open restaurant overlooking the beautiful waters, is a culinary expression of wellness, according to the GM. The philosophy is clear: Natural, nutritious, and delicious. Every bite felt like a guilt-free delight – especially the creamy dal curry, which became our favourite dish of the trip, alongside crispy dosas and tasty chutneys, aromatic brown rice, and excellent vegetable stews. The restaurant is also known for its delicious seafood.
What made our stay extra special were the long conversations with the young GM – covering everything from his career change from HR, to his hopes for the brand, the local hospitality boom, and some light-hearted personal banter.
A Memorable Treat
For over 50 years, Jetwing has been at the forefront of Sri Lankan hospitality under the vision of their founder Herbert Cooray. And that legacy shone through in every aspect – the warmth of the staff, who remembered our preferences, and the thoughtful design that balanced comfort, culture and modern style.
The ever-changing Sri Lankan weather – with its bursts of sunshine, rain, and cool breezes – added to the charm.
If you want to experience Sri Lanka – its culture, cuisine, and core – Jetwing’s twin offerings provide the perfect opportunity. Kandy offers the charm of heritage and hills, while Lagoon offers the soothing qualities of water and wellness. Together, they tell the story of a country filled with warmth, and oodles of natural beauty.
