Great — below are two luxury 3-night sample itineraries near Colombo (choose the one that best fits your arrival time and interests). Each itinerary assumes private airport transfer and a relaxed luxury pace. I’ve included recommended activities, timing, dining/spa suggestions and practical notes (transfer times, what to pack, tipping).
Option A — Luxury beach resort near the airport / quick to Colombo: Negombo (ideal if you want minimal travel on arrival)
Suggested hotels: Jetwing Blue or Jetwing Lagoon Wellness (both luxury beachfront/wellness resorts in Negombo). Jetwing properties are ~30–45 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport and about 35–45 km from central Colombo. (jetwingeco.com)
Day 0 — Arrival
- Private transfer from Bandaranaike Airport to resort (30–45 min). Early check-in if available, otherwise store bags and use resort facilities. (jetwinghotels.com)
- Late afternoon: gentle beach walk, welcome drink on the terrace, sunset cocktails.
- Dinner: Chef’s tasting menu or seafood specialty at the resort’s signature restaurant.
Day 1 — Wellness, lagoon & cultural taster
- Morning: sunrise yoga or beachside meditation, followed by a full resort breakfast.
- Late morning: spa treatment — signature Ayurvedic massage or wellness package (90–120 min).
- Lunch: light seafood or rice-and-curry set.
- Afternoon: private guided boat trip on Negombo Lagoon — birdwatching, traditional fishing village visit, and local markets.
- Evening: sunset on the beach, then a candlelit private-dining experience (request a beachfront table).
Day 2 — Colombo half-day + bespoke shopping & dining
- Early private transfer to Colombo (45–60 minutes depending on traffic).
- Morning: private city highlights tour — Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and a short stroll in Cinnamon Gardens. Include a stop at a high-end boutique or gem shop if interested.
- Lunch: fine-dining or modern Sri Lankan tasting in Colombo (many top hotels/restaurants offer excellent options).
- Afternoon: return to the resort for pool time or another spa treatment.
- Evening: sunset cocktails followed by live music or chef’s special tasting menu.
Day 3 — Water sports or leisure & departure
- Morning: optional water sports (jet-ski, windsurfing) or cooking class at the resort (Sri Lankan curries/seafood).
- Brunch and last-minute beach time.
- Midday: late checkout or transfer to airport/Colombo depending on your flight schedule.
Option B — Luxury south-coast resort for longer beach days and classic west-coast beaches: Bentota / Kosgoda / Thiranagama (best if you want a true resort beach escape)
Suggested hotels: Avani Bentota Resort & Spa (and other seafront luxury properties in Bentota). Bentota is about 64–96 km from Colombo depending on route; plan 1.5–2 hours by private car. (mysrilankaholidays.com)
Day 0 — Arrival & settle in
- Private transfer from Colombo/Bandaranaike to Bentota (1.5–2 hours).
- Check‑in, welcome drink, beachfront stroll and sunset at the hotel.
- Dinner: resort seafood speciality or chef’s tasting.
Day 1 — Beach, water sports & spa
- Early morning: beach swim or gentle walk.
- Morning: water-skiing, windsurfing or private catamaran cruise (many resorts offer these).
- Lunch: beachfront restaurant.
- Afternoon: long spa session — Ayurvedic treatment or signature ritual to relax after travel.
- Evening: private beach BBQ or set-menu tasting.
Day 2 — Day trip to Galle & cultural exploration
- Morning: private guided drive to Galle Fort (approx. 45–60 min from Bentota).
- Guided walk of Galle Fort (UNESCO area): ramparts, boutique shops, art galleries, Dutch-era buildings and lighthouse.
- Lunch in Galle — upscale colonial-style restaurant or rooftop café.
- Late afternoon: return to resort for pool/beach time.
- Evening: sunset cocktails and final night fine-dining.
Day 3 — River safari & departure
- Morning: Madu Ganga river safari (boat tour of mangrove islands, small temples, cinnamon island visit).
- Brunch at resort, then relaxation time.
- Midday/afternoon: transfer to Colombo or directly to the airport depending on flight time.
Practical notes & luxury touches (applies to either option)
- Transfers: arrange private sedan or SUV transfer through your resort (most will provide chauffeur service and can meet you at arrivals). Typical times: Negombo ~30–45 min from BIA; Bentota ~1.5–2 hours from Colombo/BIA. (jetwinghotels.com)
- Book spa & signature dining in advance (especially weekends and peak season).
- Weather & timing: west/south coast beach season is best November–April (peak season). If traveling in monsoon months, check local forecasts and confirm resort activities. (If you want travel-date-specific advice, I can check weather/season for your exact dates.)
- Packing: light linen, reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket (short tropical showers possible), reef shoes if you plan snorkeling, smart-casual outfits for dinners.
- Tipping: not mandatory but appreciated — drivers, guides and resort staff commonly expect small tips (a few USD / 200–1000 LKR depending on service).
- Requests to the resort: private candlelit dinner on the beach, in-room/ villa aromatherapy, personal butler service, private boat or guided cultural guides — all can be arranged in advance for a luxury experience.
- Health & visas: check Sri Lanka entry/visa requirements for your nationality and any current health advisories before travel.
If you’d like, I can:
- Build this into a day-by-day schedule with specific times and transfer windows for your exact arrival/departure times.
- Check availability and current rates at a specific resort for chosen travel dates.
- Recommend a single resort and bookable experiences (spa, private boat, Galle guide).
Which option appeals to you — quick access near the airport/Colombo (Negombo) or a longer beach escape on the southern coast (Bentota/Galle)? If you give arrival and departure dates/times I’ll draft a timed itinerary and can check availability for spa or private tours.