Great — here’s a compact, region-organized list of notable boutique hotels across Sri Lanka (small, design- or heritage-focused properties), plus quick notes on why they’re special and practical booking/season tips.
Top picks (diverse regions & strong reputations)
- The Kandy House (near Kandy, Hill Country) — restored 19th-century manor-house with nine rooms, intimate heritage atmosphere and gardens; excellent for culture and cool-climate stays. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Jetwing Vil Uyana (Sigiriya / Cultural Triangle) — an eco‑boutique built around wetlands and paddy, highly rated for sustainability and wildlife viewing near Sigiriya. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Santani Wellness Resort & Spa (Kandy area / hill slopes) — boutique wellness resort focused on spa, Ayurveda and active programs, set in a mountainous setting. (fairmoove.fr)
- The Fortress Resort & Spa (Koggala / South coast) — boutique beachfront resort with contemporary design inspired by a fort motif; good base for southern beaches and Galle. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Saman Villas (Bentota / Southwest coast) — one of Sri Lanka’s original boutique hotels: villa-style suites, oceanfront, known for privacy and high service. (en.wikipedia.org)
More recommended boutique options by region
- 
Colombo (city) 
- Paradise Road Tintagel / Number 11 by Geoffrey Bawa (heritage Bawa experience, townhouse style).
- Shangri‑La & boutique addresses in Colombo 7 for design-forward city stays. (thetimes.co.uk)
 
- 
Galle & South Coast 
- The Fortress Resort & Spa (Koggala) — listed above. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Aditya Resort (Galle) — small beachfront property on Galle Island with contemporary design. (wexas.com)
- Cape Weligama (Weligama) — cliff-top villas and suites with dramatic sea views. (fairmoove.fr)
 
- 
Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya / Polonnaruwa) 
- Jetwing Vil Uyana — eco-boutique near Sigiriya. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Ulagalla by Uga Escapes (Anuradhapura area) — converted manor house with private villas and countryside seclusion. (wexas.com)
 
- 
Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya / Ella / Kandy) 
- The Kandy House — listed above. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Grand Hotel (Nuwara Eliya) — colonial manor-house character, cool climate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Santani (wellness) — listed above. (fairmoove.fr)
 
- 
Wildlife & Beaches (Yala / Tangalle / Arugam Bay) 
- Chena Huts by Uga Escapes (Yala coast) — small, intimate, good for safari + beach. (wexas.com)
- Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes (Tangalle) — low-key boutique beach property. (fairmoove.fr)
 
Quick practical notes
- Best seasons: South & west coast (Galle, Bentota, Colombo) are best Nov–Apr; east coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee) best May–Oct due to monsoon patterns. Hill country and the Cultural Triangle are visitable year-round but can be cooler/wetter in certain months. (Monsoon guidance summary). (thetimes.co.uk)
- Book early for peak season (Dec–Mar) and for small properties (many have <30 rooms). Expect higher rates and limited availability around Christmas/New Year and local long weekends.
- Look for what matters to you: heritage (Kandy House, Grand Hotel), wellness (Santani), eco/sustainability (Jetwing Vil Uyana), beachfront boutique (Saman Villas, Cape Weligama), or safari + beach combos (Chena Huts).
- How to book: check the hotel’s official site for best-room types and direct offers; compare availability and cancellation terms on major OTAs (Booking, Expedia) and consider contacting the hotel directly for transfers or special requests.
If you want, I can:
- Narrow suggestions to a specific region or budget (luxury vs. mid-range).
- Pull live availability and rates for specific hotels and dates (I’ll look them up now if you give travel dates).