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Fish&Pips is now F&P Travel.
Rest-assured, whilst our name has changed we have not. We are still the same small, bespoke and personal Tour Operator, but we can now take you further and on holidays for a lifetime.
SRI LANKA AND THE MALDIVES ITINERARY
If you’re looking for an adventure that satisfies all ages, then look no further than a family holiday to Sri Lanka and The Maldives. With safaris, surfing, kayaking, whale watching, cultural visits and days at the beach thrown into the mix, this is one holiday the children won’t be able to complain about.
The below is just a taster, let our experts tailor make the perfect family holiday to Sri Lanka and The Maldives. Read on to find out more.
START IN SRI LANKA: Weligama - Day 1 to 4
On the southern section of the Sri Lankan mango is the Weligama coast, there are plenty of reasons to visit, but the main one: whales. The coastline, and in particular the fishing town of Mirissa, is one of the best places in the world to spot both blue and sperm whales as well as dolphins, with the best time to visit from December to April.
And when you’re not watching the ocean, there’s plenty to captivate, from the pretty bays and coconut groves to the gentle ocean swell that will have you reaching for a surfboard. Other water activities include sailing, kayaking, surfing, diving and snorkelling. Don’t miss the iconic stilt fisherman and their colourful fishing boats, one of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable sights and a beautiful one at that.
STAY: Cape Weligama
Cape Weligama is set on its very own peninsula (at least it’s private enough to feel that way), designed so every villa has a breath taking view of the coastline. The famous surfing beach is just a scenic stroll away and you can take full advantage of Sri Lanka’s dreamy sunsets from the half-moon infinity pool. Designed by celebrated architect, Lek Bunnag, the clifftop resort has an island charm with all the modern luxuries you could ask for.
Take advantage of the Adventure Centre, which offers a host of water sport activities, and what holiday to Sri Lanka would be complete without a visit to a nearby tea plantation.
EXPLORE: Yala National Park - Day 4 to 6
If a Sri Lankan safari is top of your agenda, put Yala on your travel list. As the country’s most well-known national park, it may already be on your radar. Sloth bears, water buffalo and elephants roam wild through a diverse terrain of jungles, grasslands, lakes, plains and even a beach or two, but the biggest attraction is the leopard.
The park has the largest population of the spotted cats in the world (60 in 380 square miles at the last count), and as they are King of the food chain they can be spotted slinking around their natural habitat with relative ease. Although they can be seen all year round, your best chance is probably from January to July, which coincides with the palu tree fruit season in late June and early July and the sloth bear’s nirvana.
STAY: Chena Huts by Uga Escapes
Chena Huts are stylish and state-of-the-art. The “huts” in question are based on the style of traditional Sri Lankan farmers’ dwellings, but far more luxurious – we mean private pools, freestanding baths and all the mod cons (plus a few more). A stay here isn’t just about little luxuries though, and Chena is surrounded with spectacular flora and fauna, and unparalleled wildlife sightings. If you’re looking for somewhere that manages the tricky task of blending style with the great outdoors, you’ve hit the jackpot.
DISCOVER: Tangalle - Day 6 to 9
They say that the further east you head from Galle, the more beautiful and rustic the beaches become. Tangalle is about as far east as you can get and the sands that line this stretch of coastline and surround its pretty villages certainly are supreme. On the coast, you’ve got your pick of tranquil coves and coconut-lined bays and the gentle swells that are perfect for a morning swim or an afternoon surf.
The Deep South has upped its style game in recent years and the crop of cool-as-a-cucumber hotels and villas (spot the Geoffrey Bawa) will appeal to families with children of all ages. If the kids are looking for a little more action, head inland to the patchwork rice paddies for hidden villages, Buddha statues and the increasingly well-known Mulgirigala rock temples, or venture further afield for a day trip into one of the island’s wildlife-strewn national parks.
STAY: Amanwella
Amanwella is an easygoing resort with heaps of luxury, that is nestled in the crook of a crescent-shaped bay, where the only distraction is local fishermen,. Dotted along the shoreline of palm trees, you’ll rarely see another person from your freestanding suite, except for your private butler, of course.
Perfectly designed for Sri Lanka’s balmy south coast, the spacious suites have a casual, tropical design and your days are punctuated with yoga in the hushed coconut grove, barbecues on the beach and sundowners overlooking the bay. If you want to venture outdoors, enjoy trips to finely-carved rock temples and national parks filled with elephant.
ENJOY: The Maldives - Day 9 to 15
Everything you’ve seen, read and heard about the Maldives is absolutely and completely true. Perfect blonde, velvet beaches are lapped turquoise waters; megawatt hotels range from marooned-island dreaminess to mind-boggling ritz, glitz and glamour; and no matter where you look, there’s a hammock to sway in and a cocktail to sip.
For the kids there’s plenty of on water to activities to do, take out a glass bottomed kayak or go snorkelling and take in the wide range of marine life, keep an eye out for the turtles, manta rays and reef sharks. In total, there are almost 1,200 islands in 26 atolls, scattered around 35,000 square miles of prime ocean real estate. They range in size from tiny dots of swirling sand to larger, palm-fringed masses, and every one of them is brilliant. There are a number of hotels and resorts to choose from, each occupying their own private islands and accessed by sea plane or helicopter.
STAY: OZEN Reserve Bolifushi
This Maldives resorts is the epitome of 5 stars. The OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is surrounded by a gorgeous natural reef and turquoise waters, this private island resort exudes elegance, style, and timeless sophistication. From fabulous overwater villas with slides to exotic fine dining and ice skating by the beach, every experience is meticulously crafted to indulge you with an unforgettable getaway.