Great — below is a suggested luxury coastal itinerary for Sri Lanka (flexible 7–12 nights). I’ve included top-tier hotel suggestions, private-transfer logistics, luxury experiences, best season, and practical entry notes. I cite current entry/ETA and travel-time guidance so you can book with confidence.

Quick practical notes (must-read)

• ETA/visa: Sri Lanka now requires an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travel — do this on the official ETA site; visas-on-arrival were removed in mid‑October 2025. Also check the U.S. Department of State entry guidance before you travel. (VisitWorld.today)
• Best season for coastal travel: Peak beach season is December through mid‑April (dry on the south and west coasts). Plan high‑end travel then for best weather and resort openings. (cntraveler.com)
• Transfer times: With the Southern Expressway/E01, Colombo ↔ Galle/Matara transfers can be fast (Colombo to Galle about 1–1.5 hours by road depending on entry point/traffic); private cars/town cars are recommended for luxury itineraries. (en.Wikipedia.org)

Sample luxury coastal itineraries Option A — 9 nights: Best-of-southwest coast (relaxed, minimal transfers) Day 0 — arrival

• Land at Bandaranaike (CMB) or arrive via Colombo seaplane (if available). Private VIP arrival transfer to Negombo or Colombo for an overnight if you arrive early evening.

Day 1–3 — Galle / Galle Fort (3 nights)

• Stay in Galle Fort or immediate coastline at a luxury boutique property (examples: Cape Weligama or a high‑end Galle Fort hotel). Enjoy a private guided walk of Galle Fort, sunset drinks on the fort ramparts, and a private cooking class in a colonial villa.
• Activities: private boat for dolphin watching at Mirissa (early morning), personalized shopping inside Galle Fort, spa treatments.
• Transfer: private car from Colombo Airport to Galle ~1.5–2 hours on the expressway. (en.Wikipedia.org)

Day 4–6 — Mirissa / Weligama / Tangalle (3 nights)

• Move east along the southern coast to a cliff or bay resort (examples: Amanwella, Cape Weligama — both offer private villas, cliffside pools, tailored excursions). Relax, whale/dolphin watching (seasonal), private sunset cruises, surf lessons with a private coach, beach yoga and signature spa rituals.
• Optional: private day trip to a turtle hatchery and a nature walk at a river mouth.

Day 7–8 — Tangalle or Yala coastal luxury (2 nights)

• For true seclusion, transfer further east to a low‑key, private‑villa beach resort near Tangalle. Alternatively, combine a private coastal stay with a private jeep safari into Yala National Park (early morning/late afternoon drives) if you want wildlife added to the beach.

Day 9 — Transfer back to Colombo or direct airport transfer

• Private transfer to Colombo (or to the airport for your outbound). If you have a late outbound flight, consider an overnight in Colombo or a seaplane transfer to Colombo for speed and scenery.

Option B — 12 nights: Coastal + island hopping + train (more variety) Day 1–3 — Negombo/Colombo arrival and short stay (boutique city luxury) Day 4–6 — Galle (Fort and coast) — boutique colonial stay Day 7–9 — Mirissa / Weligama — cliff resort or Amanwella Day 10 — Unawatuna / Hikkaduwa — snorkeling, private reef trip Day 11–12 — Bentota / Kalutara — estuary cruises, Ayurveda spa at a top resort (Anantara Kalutara or similar), then transfer to CMB for departure

Luxury hotel suggestions (examples to research and book — confirm current availability and rates)

• Cape Weligama (cliff-top villas & private plunge pools) — outstanding cliff views and service.
• Amanwella (Mirissa) — small number of suites, very private, excellent beach.
• Anantara Kalutara / Taj / Uga Resorts — for larger resort luxury, spa and Ayurveda programs.
  (Confirm exact property details, room types and private‑transfer packages when you book.)

Transfers & logistics (luxury approach)

• Private car with an English‑speaking driver/guide for coast transfers — most luxury hotels can arrange meet‑and‑greet and private airport transfers. Expect Colombo → Galle ≈ 1–2 hours by expressway in a private car. (en.Wikipedia.org)
• Sea plane/charter flights: consider seaplane transfers for dramatic scenery and speed — check availability seasonally and book early with resort assistance.
• Internal flights & private charters: good option if you want to connect to east coast or Hambantota quickly.

Top luxury experiences to request / prebook

• Private guided Galle Fort walking tour with a historian and sunset drinks on the ramparts.
• Private boat for whale‑dolphin watching (Mirissa) with a marine naturalist — book early in season.
• Personalized surf lessons in Weligama with luxury instructor and private beach setup.
• Private Ayurvedic consultations and signature multi‑day spa programs (book at least 2–3 weeks in advance).
• Seaplane transfer between resorts / Colombo for time saving and unforgettable views.

Health, safety & final checks

• ETA/visa: obtain approved ETA online before departure (no on‑arrival option as of Oct 15, 2025). Confirm final ETA rules on the official government site. (VisitWorld.today)
• Travel insurance: strongly recommended (medical evacuation + trip cancellation).
• Currency and tipping: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR); most luxury hotels accept cards but carry some cash for small purchases and tips.

How I’d book it (timing & priorities)

• Book main luxury resorts 4–6 months ahead for peak season (Dec–Apr).
• Reserve private transfers, seaplane transfers and whale‑watching slots as soon as flights are confirmed.
• Confirm visas/ETAs at least 2–3 weeks before travel (so you aren’t delayed at boarding). (VisitWorld.today)

If you’d like, I can:

• Draft a day‑by‑day 9‑night itinerary with exact travel times and suggested room categories at specific resorts (I can pull live availability/pricing), or
• Build a fully bookable plan (hotels, private transfers, seaplane options) for your travel dates — if so, tell me preferred travel dates, party size, and whether you want wildlife included.

Would you like a 9‑night day‑by‑day plan with hotel names, or do you prefer a shorter 7‑night or longer 12‑night version?