Villa Rosa is a simple and relaxed hideaway on the outskirts of Kandy. It’s perched on a mountaintop with stunning vistas over the lushly forested hills below. The décor is warm and welcoming with plenty of space for al-fresco dining. The food is a real focus here and the experienced chef will cook up both western and Sri Lanka delicacies. There’s a library, a small Ayurveda pavilion and a yoga area. Unfortunately there’s no pool but if this is a real concern then the hotel nearby offers their pool for a nominal charge. What Villa Rosa lacks in facilities it certainly makes up for in charm, comfort and piece and quiet.

The Double Deluxe rooms are spread across the main house as well as a separate building. The ones in the main house are clean, spacious and have great views of the distant mountains; the ones with river views are a little more expensive. There’s also a Honeymoon Suite, which has a huge rooftop garden. The two Family Suites offer a king-size bed and an adjoining room with a queen-size bed.