Indian Ocean Holidays

You’ll see cultural highlights like Sigiriya Rock and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, journey through Tea Country on a scenic train ride, and you’ll even take an elephant safari. Your transfers are included, so you can sit back and watch the passing scenery. Every Kuoni tour in Sri Lanka will have a private chauffeur-guide. More than just a driver, your guide will become a constant companion – knowledgeable about everything to do with Sri Lanka; you’ll find yourself in endless conversation. They know exactly what you need and when.

It may be a cliché that the best things come in small packages but in the case of this suggested trip, we wholeheartedly embrace it. Bijou hotels are the perfect places to make it all about you (ideal for that dream honeymoon or anniversary celebration) or if you’re planning on going boujee over budget. We’ve picked our perfect pint-sized hotels to act as your base as you travel from the Cultural Triangle and Kandy to the Hill Country and beyond.

When it comes to holidays that include both cultural explorations and some time in the ultimate relaxation destination, you can't beat a combo of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The pair are popular with honeymooners looking for more than just a beach break (it is the perfect adventure vs fly-and-flop compromise), and families looking to create everlasting memories: the joy of spotting elephants or leopards in the wild, exploring age-old ruins or the revelling in the achievement of scaling Sigiriya Rock together are all moments not to be missed. It's only an hour and a half's flight between the two and SriLankan Airlines operate a couple of flights a day from between the two capitals, Colombo and Malé.

This itinerary takes you from coast to coast with a private chauffeur guide and private transfers, stopping at some of the nation’s most beautiful locations and staying in some of Sri Lanka’s finest accommodations as you go. You’ll experience the true diversity of the country, from the city of Colombo to the impeccable white sands of the east coast via ruins of ancient cities and the chance to spot leopards and elephants in Yala National Park.

A mix of wildlife encounters and enriching moments makes this memory making Sri Lanka holiday for teenagers (and their families) who want to discover life beyond the pages of a textbook. We’ve struck the perfect balance between educational-but-make-it-fun exploration in Colombo and the Cultural Triangle and time on the east coast shores where you can pretty much just chill for a few blissful days.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives — an enchanting combo of nature's wonders and idyllic island retreats. This carefully crafted itinerary will whisk you around the highlights of Sri Lanka in the comfort of a private car, accompanied by an expert driver/guide. You’ll first head north to discover the ancient treasures and wildlife of the Cultural Triangle, where exciting days out could include a jeep safari in elephant-rich Minneriya National Park or enjoying the views from the top of Sigiriya Rock. Next, a stay in Kandy brings the chance to experience Buddhist culture at the famed Temple of the Tooth and marvel at exotic flora of every kind in the Royal Botanical Gardens. Finally, enjoy some beach downtime at the resort of your choice in the magnificent Maldives; we feature a handpicked selection of family focused islands where you can create incredible family memories together.

This trip combines visits to the best historical and religious sites with opportunities to spot Sri Lankan elephants in the wild and indulge in some luxury beach resorts on different coasts. A driver accompanies you for most of the trip, making the journeys between destinations as easy as possible, although there’s a scenic train journey between Kandy and Ella and private transfers to make your holiday seamless.

After a few days exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, a driver will take you on a scenic journey south. You’ll stop overnight at lovely hotels in the Hill Country amid mist-clad scenery and historic tea plantations en route to Yala, where you’ll search for elephants. The trip finishes with a few blissful days on Sri Lanka’s sandy south coast.

Check off must-see locations in Sri Lanka while dedicating plenty of time to relaxing. You’ll revel at the incredible surroundings in your first boutique hotel, the Water Gardens, which has the iconic Sigiriya Rock as the picture perfect backdrop. There's plenty to see and do in the area, which will set the scene and help you get to know Sri Lanka’s heritage. There's the opportunity to go on some exciting day trips during your time here including a visit to the famous UNESCO Heritage listed Sigiriya Rock and you can even go on a safari in Minneriya. As you ease further into your trip, slow the tempo as you experience the excellent hydrotherapy facilities at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa near Kandy before switching to the holistic mind, body, and soul approach at Glenross Living – both sensationally beautiful locations on your trip.

See two different sides of Sri Lanka – the Cultural Triangle with its epic heritage monuments and natural landmarks, and the shimmering east coast where there's little more to do than swim, snorkel and soak up the sun. Every Kuoni tour in Sri Lanka will have a private chauffeur-guide. More than just a driver, your guide will become a constant companion – knowledgeable about everything to do with Sri Lanka; you’ll find yourself in endless conversation. They know exactly what you need and when.

Here you’ll find all the swanky pool-meets-white-sand resorts you’d expect from a romantic destination. But these volcanic islands have another side to them too. With mountainous peaks, cascading falls and jungle-like forests, they’re a playground for adventure-seekers. Scenery wise, you’re in for a serious treat – whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

The only thing better than spending your time lazing on one of Mauritius's beautiful beaches is the chance the scene and head to a second beach-front resort. Much is made of which of the island's coast is best – north, south, east or west – and on this two-stop break, you can experience two of the four and make your own mind up. Pairing up LUX* Grand Gaube and LUX* Belle Mare is a particularly perfect holiday for families as both resorts have exceptional features and facilities for guests of all ages.

Seize the opportunity to experience both Dubai and Mauritius in one trip and indulge in a ‘best of both worlds’ getaway that you’ll never stop reminiscing about. Traverse the sparkling skyscrapers of Dubai’s glossy city streets before swapping those swanky shopping centres and marinas for Mauritius’ flourishing forestry, icing sugar sands and crystalline coral reefs.

With so much variety on offer, a visit to the Seychelles is certainly not a case of once you’ve seen one island, you’ve seen them all. A combination of the two largest islands of Mahé and Praslin is the perfect option for those that want to experience the Seychelles’ varying landscapes and spectacular beaches. For an ultraluxe, twin-island experience we highly recommend staying at the Constance sister properties: Constance Ephelia on Mahé, which overlooks a pristine marine park, and the idyllic hideaway, Constance Lemuria on Pralin’s west coast.

Nature-lovers will get the most from a holiday that includes Mahé and Silhouette, where extraordinary national parks await. Mahe is home to Victoria, the country’s bustling capital and a host of smaller towns and villages, while mist-cloaked Silhouette is almost untouched. The only signs of human habitation on this protected island are the small village of La Passe and the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.

Island-hopping in the Seychelles is a fabulous way to get a real sense of life in the Indian Ocean. Visit busy Mahé and wonderfully rustic Praslin before heading to La Digue, where village life exists at a slower pace. There are very few cars here, with bicycles the main mode of transport and traditional ox carts used to move both people and produce from one place to the next. The natural environment is very much a part of island life and it’s not hard to see why. Large, smooth ancient granite boulders rest on the water’s edge, partitioning secluded bays and it’s easy to feel off the beaten track as you hike back towards your resort in the island’s centre.

This 10-night car and driver trip packs in the very best of Sri Lanka: a buzzing city, a white-sand beach beach, iconic cultural sights and a wildlife-rich national park. Spend time travelling from the west to the east and down to the island's south-east corner where leopards roam in the jungle.

We’ll take you to a bird-watering paradise, an elephant herd hot spot and get you off the beaten track before whisking you down to the island’s poster-child reserve, Yala National Park. There’s also a side of culture for good measure: there’s a fortress-city rock climb, exploration of an ancient Kingdom and time to wander the streets of the walled city of Galle all slotted in between your unforgettable wildlife-seeking adventures.

This is a newlywed trip of dreams that unites big city vibes, cultural wonders, jaw-dropping landscapes, wildlife-seeking escapades and some chilled-out beach time. There’s no such thing as compromise when it comes to this warm and welcoming country. A chauffeur will transfer you from incredible stop to stop in comfort, style and privacy, letting you in on those places that only a local will know about.

But most importantly, it’s perfect if you’re looking for places to stay where, as a family of three or four, you can all bundle in together in one suite, villa or connecting rooms. You’ll get to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka together from the Cultural Triangle to the coast via the Hill Country and a wildlife-rich national park.

You’ll travel in comfort too – a private chauffeur will whisk you around Sri Lanka’s must-see destinations and sights; they’ll also let you in on the best off-the-beaten track spots and side-of-the-road eateries that can only come from someone who knows the country inside out. You’ll hit all the hotspots like the Cultural Triangle, Hill Country and Yala National Park and rest your head in some the best addresses in town.