Great — here are top luxury 5‑star hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, selected for location, service, design and experiences so you can plan a premium holiday. I list what each is best for, the region, and one-line highlights so you can compare quickly.

Top picks (by region / experience)

1. Cape Weligama — Weligama / South Coast

   • Best for: dramatic cliff‑top ocean views, large villas and a premium romantic family option.
   • Highlights: cliffside suites and villas with ocean panoramas, curated local experiences and strong guest reviews. (resplendentceylon.com)

2. Amanwella — Tangalle / South Coast

   • Best for: ultra‑calm, minimalist luxury and private plunge‑pool suites on a secluded beach.
   • Highlights: small, design‑led resort with focus on privacy, beach access and understated service. (ndtv.com)

3. Cape / Anantara / Shangri‑La style large beachfront resorts (examples: Shangri‑La Hambantota, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle)

   • Best for: full‑service resort facilities — spas, multiple restaurants, family amenities and activities.
   • Highlights: resort‑scale luxury with golf (Hambantota), water‑sports, kids’ clubs and Ayurvedic/spa programs. (brandradar.org)

4. Galle Face Hotel — Colombo (heritage seafront hotel)

   • Best for: iconic colonial character and a central seafront base in Colombo.
   • Highlights: historic hotel opposite Galle Face Green combining colonial elegance with city convenience. (brandradar.org)

5. Taj Samudra / Cinnamon Grand / Shangri‑La Colombo — Colombo (urban luxury)

   • Best for: business‑class luxury, multiple dining options and easy access to Colombo’s sights and airport transfers.
   • Highlights: dependable five‑star city hotels with large rooms, event facilities and restaurants. (en.wikipedia.org)

6. Amangalla — Galle Fort (heritage)

   • Best for: historic, intimate luxury inside Galle Fort — perfect if you want heritage atmosphere and walking access to the fort.
   • Highlights: colonial building, antique furnishings and intimate high‑service stays. (ndtv.com)

7. Ceylon Tea Trails — Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya area)

   • Best for: tea‑estate luxury, cooler climate, long walks and colonial‑era style in the tea hills.
   • Highlights: restored bungalows, estate dining, and easy access to hill‑country sightseeing. (resplendentceylon.com)

8. Jetwing Lighthouse / Heritance Ahungalla / Radisson Blu (Galle / South Coast)

   • Best for: design or architecturally notable seafront properties near Galle and Unawatuna.
   • Highlights: strong location for combining beach time with visits to Galle Fort and southern attractions. (brandradar.org)

9. Shangri‑La Colombo (sea‑view city hotel)

   • Best for: modern luxury with ocean‑view rooms, spa and direct access to Colombo shopping/Port City.
   • Highlights: contemporary hotel favored for comfort in Colombo and good for short stays/stopovers. (thetimes.co.uk)

10. Santani Wellness Resort (Kandy area) / boutique wellness properties

• Best for: wellness, Ayurveda and wellbeing breaks in the hill country.
• Highlights: focused wellness programming, yoga and spa packages for restorative stays. (trip.com)

Quick planning tips

• Regions: South coast (Tangalle, Weligama, Galle) for beaches and surf; Colombo for city stays/stopovers; Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya/Kandy) for tea‑estate luxury and cooler weather. (resplendentceylon.com)
• Booking: premium properties often sell out in high season (Dec–Mar on the west/south coast; Apr–Sep eastern/some hill months differ). Book suites and villas 3–6 months ahead if traveling in peak season.
• Transfers: plan domestic flights or private transfers for faster links between Colombo and the southern/tangalle coasts — driving can take several hours.
• Experiences: look for properties that bundle excursions (whale/surfing trips, tea‑estate tours, wildlife safaris, Ayurveda treatments) — that’s a big part of a “premium” Sri Lanka holiday.

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow to 3–5 hotels based on whether you prefer beach vs. heritage vs. wellness; or
• Check live availability and approximate rates for specific dates (I’ll need your travel dates).