Tri, an intimate, luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Koggala Lake is within easy access of the fort at Galle, but a world away from the hordes of tourists. It’s a unique place to stay, because of its sleek, contemporary architecture rising almost unearthly, like a futuristic fortress in the middle of the Sri Lankan jungle.
Tri is a resort that combines simplistic contemporary styling with sustainability. It uses local timber and recycled wood, as well as locally sourced materials to infuse a sense of location; and solar-powered energy to run. Its whole design ethos is after all about being at one with its natural surroundings. And what a place! We loved the resort’s gorgeous gardens that melded right into Sri Lanka’s rich flora and fauna. And twitchers take note, the birdlife (and song) here is particularly memorable.
The owners of Tri intended it to be the Teardrop Isle’s first modern, sustainable resort, for a new generation of travellers keen to experience barefoot luxury with lashings of present-day glamour. And in our humble opinion, they have absolutely succeeded.
Tri is the perfect getaway for those looking for privacy, the whole resort features just 11 individually designed suites, some edging off the promontory with stunning views over Lake Kogalla, each effortlessly comfortable and filled with natural light during the day.
The centrepiece of the resort is its cinnamon-wood-clad water tower. There are suites in it too (our pick for the most spectacular view). We didn’t manage to bag one when we visited, but we still got to enjoy the benefits of the tower, as its top deck is open to guests … a wonderful place to watch the sublime sunset over the lake at the end of each day of exploring. If you are AV-geek, it’s also a great place to spot the twice-daily seaplane come in from Colombo, that lands gracefully like a heron on the shimmering water. It is also the most fabulous way to make your debut at Tri!
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Escapist | CMB | GMT +5.5 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Grab a dhoni and glide over Koggala Lake to Cinnamon Island. Sri Lanka produces some of the world’s best examples of the spice and much of it comes from this isle that bears its name. |
Photography courtesy of Reveal The Collection
At OutThere, we believe in boundless travel. But we understand that some destinations can pose challenges to travellers that complicate visiting them. We advise all visitors to inform themselves about local legislation and customs, and to work with a trusted travel provider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday.
