Here are widely regarded “most exclusive” / ultra‑luxury hotels and small resorts across Sri Lanka, with a short note on what makes each special and where they’re located. (I’ve cited reputable sources for each property so you can read details or check availability.)

• Cape Weligama — Clifftop Relais & Châteaux resort on the southern coast (Weligama/Mirissa). Known for dramatic ocean views, private villas and contemporary luxury service. (legacy.resplendentceylon.com)

• Amanwella (Tangalle) — Aman’s intimate beach resort with freestanding suites (many with plunge pools), minimalist design and highly personalized service. Ideal for privacy and coastal relaxation. (aman.com)

• Ceylon Tea Trails (Hatton / Central Highlands) — Collection of fully serviced historic tea‑planters’ bungalows (Relais & Châteaux / Resplendent Ceylon); famed for private‑bungalow stays, butler service and tea‑country experiences. (resplendentceylon.com)

• Amangalla (Galle Fort) — Aman‑managed heritage hotel inside UNESCO’s Galle Fort; colonial grandeur, secluded suites and direct access to Fort’s history and restaurants. (theworlds50best.com)

• Galle Face Hotel (Colombo) — Iconic colonial seafront landmark hotel combining heritage charm with luxury rooms and central Colombo location. Frequently appears on regional best‑hotel lists. (srilankatourismalliance.com)

• Shangri‑La Colombo (Colombo) — Large five‑star urban luxury with extensive facilities, panoramic city/ocean views and a popular choice for business and luxury travelers. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Heritance Kandalama (Dambulla / Cultural Triangle) — Geoffrey Bawa‑inspired architecture set dramatically into the Kandalama rock and jungle; combines design, wildlife viewing and cultural‑site access. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Ulagalla by Uga Escapes (Anuradhapura / Cultural North) — A boutique, villa‑style country estate with private pools, farm‑to‑table dining and tailored experiences in a private estate setting. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Yala / Southern Safari) — High‑end safari camp offering luxury tents, excellent wildlife access (Yala National Park) and an upscale, nature‑immersive experience. (forbes.com)

• Jetwing Vil Uyana (Sigiriya / Eco‑lodge) — Unique eco‑luxury resort in wetland and paddy landscapes near Sigiriya; villas and treehouses focused on privacy and nature. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Taj Samudra (Colombo) — Established five‑star seafront hotel in central Colombo, popular for luxury city stays and events. (en.wikipedia.org)

• ITC Ratnadipa (Colombo) — New luxury entry in Colombo (ITC Hotels’ flagship property in Sri Lanka), adjacent to Galle Face — represents the top end of branded luxury in the city. (en.wikipedia.org)

Notes and quick tips

• These properties span different experiences: beach (Amanwella, Cape Weligama), hill‑country tea estates (Ceylon Tea Trails), heritage/colonial (Amangalla, Galle Face), jungle/safari (Wild Coast, Jetwing Vil Uyana), and city luxury (Shangri‑La, Taj, ITC Ratnadipa). Choose by the experience you want. (legacy.resplendentceylon.com)
• Peak travel windows and rates vary by region (south coast high season Dec–Apr; east/north different); for the highest likelihood of room availability at the most exclusive properties, book well in advance—especially for private bungalows, villas or fully inclusive packages. (legacy.resplendentceylon.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow this list to a specific region (Colombo, south coast, Hill Country, Cultural Triangle, Yala),
• Show a short comparison (rooms, typical starting rates, best season), or
• Check real‑time availability/prices for any of these hotels and give direct booking guidance.