Great — here’s a curated list of standout boutique hotels across Sri Lanka, chosen for character and “one-of-a-kind” experiences (wellness, wildlife, colonial charm, tea-plantation stays, clifftop villas, designer hideaways). I’ve grouped them by the kind of experience they’re best for and included a short note on what makes each unique plus a source you can check.

Wellness & mountain retreats

• Santani Wellness Resort (near Kandy) — purpose-built wellness resort set on a former tea estate with personalised programs, hydrotherapy spa and minimal, nature‑forward chalets (children policy applies). (santani.com)

Heritage & colonial manor houses

• The Kandy House (Kandy) — restored early‑19th‑century manor house with few rooms, intimate service and period character—excellent for a quiet, romantic stay near Kandy. (thetimes.co.uk)
• Ceylon Tea Trails (Central Highlands) — five restored tea-planter bungalows scattered across an estate with butler service, tea-focused experiences and spring‑fed pools—ideal for immersing yourself in hill‑country life. (mrandmrssmith.com)

Eco & nature‑focused stays

• Jetwing Vil Uyana (Sigiriya/Cultural Triangle) — eco‑designed wetland resort built around recreated habitats, excellent for birding and a unique setting under the lion rock of Sigiriya. (jetwinghotels.com)
• Ulagalla by Uga Escapes (near Anuradhapura/Cultural Triangle) — private villa estate with large plunge‑pool villas, village experiences and strong privacy for couples/families. (ugaescapes.com)

Safari & wild‑coast lodges

• Wild Coast Tented Lodge (near Yala) — luxury tented “cocoons” on the wild south coast with safari access to Yala and dramatic, nature‑led design (Relais & Châteaux member). (telegraph.co.uk)
• Chena Huts by Uga Escapes (near Yala) — contemporary thatched “huts” with private pools, close proximity to Yala National Park and beach‑and‑safari combinations. (timbuktutravel.com)

Designer / hill‑view escapes

• 98 Acres Resort & Spa (Ella) — design‑led hillside resort with sweeping valley views and easy access to Little Adam’s Peak; very photogenic and great for short stays in Ella. (Note: small properties can have mixed reviews—check recent feedback for service/quietness). (ella.boutiquehotels.guru)

Clifftop & luxury coastal villas

• Cape Weligama (Weligama) — clifftop Relais & Châteaux property with village‑style villas, dramatic moon‑pool and expansive ocean views—great for a luxury south‑coast base. (resplendentceylon.com)
• Amanwella (Tangalle) — contemporary low‑rise suites with private plunge pools on a quiet bay; a calm, ultra‑refined beach option on the southern coast. (wayfairertravel.com)

Classic boutique near Colombo / easy access

• The Wallawwa (near Colombo) — restored colonial manor in lush grounds ~45 minutes from the city, a popular boutique stopover close to the airport/Colombo. (telegraph.co.uk)

Quick practical tips

• Which to pick: choose by region/interest — wellness: Santani; wildlife: Wild Coast or Chena Huts; tea country/heritage: Ceylon Tea Trails or The Kandy House; hill views/design: 98 Acres; clifftop beach luxury: Cape Weligama/Amanwella. (Each hotel above lists what it’s best for.) (santani.com)
• Best seasons: south & west coast = November–April; east coast = May–October (plan regionally to avoid monsoons). (thetimes.co.uk)
• Booking tips: boutique properties have few rooms—book 2–4 months ahead for high season or special villas/suites; check transfer options (some are remote) and any age restrictions or included meals/activities before booking. (tripadvisor.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Build a 7–12 day itinerary linking two or three of these (e.g., Cultural Triangle → Hill Country → South Coast), or
• Narrow the list to properties in one region (e.g., south coast or central highlands) and include sample room types, typical rates and transfer times.

Which would you prefer?