We decided since we only had the weekend because of Ben’s work, we would go all luxury 5 star during our two days in Sri Lanka to make the most of it. One night in Colombo, one night in Galle. (At the bottom of this post are some tips for one day in Colombo).

Other than going home to the U.S., Ben and I hadn’t left India in about 10 months and decided that a weekend in Sri Lanka was much needed. I’d been in Karnataka a month roughin’ it a bit and he is working on the beach in Kochi, dead tired. We hadn’t seen each other much in the last few months. So, after researching all the top hotels for the ultimate one night of luxury and the best hotel to stay in Colombo the answer was clear:

Casa Colombo | An Excess of Luxury

dining room above, bar below

This place was over the top insanely luxurious. Every tiny detail has been thought out here. What’s crazy is that this place used to be a run down old building, so the designer must have really had a good eye to see what this place could (and has) become, which is a 200 year old Moorish style boutique hotel.

When you arrived you’ll be introduced to your “domo” or butler for the duration of your stay. He’s there to help you with everything from figuring out how to work the tv, to getting you a cab when you’re ready to explore. There are only 12 rooms in the place so you have lots of attention, but not too much.

There are 3 types of rooms: travelers suites, corporate, and one crazy luxury ones with prices going from 250, 350, 450 USD in that order.

The places has a tea room, popular restaurant, fun bar, pink lit up pool, game room and library, and amazing artwork. Click here for rates and availability.

The Room at Casa Colombo

I don’t usually travel and stay at such nice places so when I do I’m always like a little kid in a candy store. I couldn’t get over how amazing the room was. I walked around looking at all the small details: iPod with amazing playlists, speak dock for my phone, TV that spun around to living room or bedroom, a pink phone in the toilet room? Lol, the way the water came out of the sinks like a waterfall, and options of robed: silky or fluffy?, and the PILLOW MENU so you’re head will be as happy as you are at bed time.

office inside with a mac book, and a little desk outside

Everything was perfect, as it should be for the price you pay. The showers had two rain faucets, not one, and you can order room service at any time of the night. 

two showers and the best soap ever!

which type of robe suites your fancy? plus a lit up ink phone in the toilet room…

The Food at Casa Colombo

In my opinion seafood is the way to go at Casa Colombo. I wanted to try a little of everything, so instead of one big main ( I was thinking the filo pastry sea bass) we got a few little starters from the tapas menu: coconut crusted sea bass with green chili sauce, firecracker shrimp, and the calamari. They were all delicious. Topped with off with a frozen daiquiri!

From 5:30 to 6:30 they offer a happy hour (buy one get one free) but FYI it’s the exact thing, as in if you get one firecracker shrimp, you get another firecracker shrimp (not mix and match). Ben and I took this happy hour to our advantage and had some beer and bar snacks before heading out to try a restaurant that all you guys recommended to me on Facebook, Gallery Cafe.

Breakfast is free and huge. We both got the American breakfast, which was more English with a sausage and beans. It came with coffee, bread basket, fruit, and some other snacks like eggs.

Colombo for a Day Tips

Getting there: Well, from Goa I took a train 16 hours to Kochi to fly with Ben (it’s much cheaper to Sri Lanka from places like Kochi and Chennai than Goa). Flying into Colombo was 13,000 rupees round trip. The hotel is at Bambalapitiya in Colombo 4.

Visa: It was 35 USD for a tourist visa on arrival for UK and US citizens.

Sim Card: One was provided at immigration but it didn’t work well in my phone for data, only calls. Make sure you know the address of your hotel and don’t bank on 3g working. Also, they use English style plugs here.

Taxi’s around Sri Lanka: There are buses and trains but as we were on a tight schedule we hired taxis. Airport to Colombo center was 2800 Sri Lankan rupees with the highway 300 toll added in. Better deals were to be made outside the airport than taking a prepaid. Taxi from Colombo to Galle two hours was 12,000 Sri Lankan rupees and it was 16,000 from Galle up to Colombo airport. If you have the time, take the bus and save money for sure!

What to do in Colombo: party at Sugar 41, check out barefoot Café, 706 Galle Road, Colombo 3, for souvenir shopping and to buy some clothes or have brunch with wine. End at Ozo rooftop for a great view and drinks. If you want another hotel option, Galle Face Hotel is very popular and Ben has stayed before- it’s a classic. Another drink option QBaa at 2 De Fonseka Road. During the day check out the huge Pettah Market, the Gangaramaya temple (kind of like a museum too), the classic Dutch Wolvendaal church, walk to Month Lavinia for the beach, or check out more of the temples, mosques, parks and museums ( I just didn’t have time!). 

Where we ate: Gallery Café was amazing and reminded me of Go With the Flow in Goa, but we were disappointed by the quality of meat considering the prices were really high. We didn’t order steak, but it would have been a 40 USD steak, while in Goa we get better quality for about 14 USD. The hotel Casa Colombo served better food and we would have probably enjoyed our meal there more. Local food I tried: an orange coconut, although we have these in South India, Ceylon Tea, and Kottu.

Join my email list and get exclusive updates & news straight to your inbox. 

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

SUBSCRIBE!

You have Successfully Subscribed!