Mark Twain once wisely said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the Trade Winds in your sails.” We couldn't agree more.
From luxury resorts to exotic hotspots, plus everything you need to arrive in style, let #BAZAARvoyage be your guiding light the next time you up anchor.
On this week's review list? South Asia's newest hotspot, Sri Lanka. It's part Indian culture, part Maldives beaches, and totally untapped.
Pictures, the aerial view of Cape Weligama resort. Photo: Tom Parker
Must See: The view over Cape Weligama at sunset. It’s unparalleled. Pair with arrack on ice - a local specialty.
Must Eat: A full Sri Lankan breakfast prepared by your on-staff executive chef at the Ceylon Tea Trails. Local curries made with Maldive fish, coconut sambal, lentil daal, kiri bath (squares of ‘milk rice’) and the ultimate breakfast delicacy: string hoppers (steamed rice flour noodles).
Must Experience: The view from Adam’s Peak, one of the most visited destinations in the country (Muslim, Christian and Buddhist pilgrims travel by the hundreds of thousands every year). The 2,243 m height will take around five hours to climb, but the view at sunrise is unparalleled.
Must Travel: By sea plane with Cinnamon Air. Circumnavigating Sri Lanka becomes an easier (and more pleasant) task when you bypass the six hour road journeys in favour of a sea plane trip over the picturesque tea trails, ending at Lake Koggala.
Must Sweat: In a 90 minute yoga class in Tri resort’s dedicated, open-air yoga studio with Quantam Yoga founder Lara Drummond. Lara – who owns the resort with husband Rob – caters classes to the dominant personality types in the room, garnered through a ‘dosha’ test attendees complete before arriving.
Must Pair: The crab curry (caught fresh each morning) and chili martini from Zephyr restaurant. The cool beach-shack overlooks the bustling Mirissa beach; it’s an ideal lazy afternoon haunt.
Must Avoid: Technology. Although WIFI is available at the collection of refurbished 18th century cottages that make up the Ceylon Tea Trails, the old world charm will have you more interested in a competitive game of Scrabble in front of the fire, gin and tonic in hand, than checking your Instagram feed. The on-hand wait staff will fix you a cocktail whenever you’re in need of a top up.
Must Rise: At 4:30AM to go whale-watching from Cape Weligama resort. Even if you don’t catch a whale - although you probably will - the multi-coloured, hand-painted fisherman’s boats you'll pass on the way to open sea (via personal speedboat) will make it worth your while.
Must Indulge: In a body scrub by Cape Weligama's team of resident beauticians. The scrub is made with tea from the Dilmah tea trails and other local herbs and spices and treatment is performed from the comfort of your own (huge) bathroom.
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