How surprising Sri Lanka captures the very essence of modern family travel

A thrilling Sri Lanka holiday turned out to be a perfect way for Phoebe Oliver to celebrate a milestone birthday with her favourite people.

Modern family travel in action, Sri Lanka © TropicalStudio

Exploring modern family travel on a Sri Lanka holiday

“Every journey begins with family” is one of my all-time favourite quotes, and as I relaxed by the lake at Tri Lanka, watching my diverse family teach the youngest to dive in the 21m infinity pool, I realised just how true this is. Our “family,”  – a mix of my three daughters (aged 27, 20, and 15), their two boyfriends (22 and 29), and my boyfriend, embodies the essence of modern family travel. Post-divorce, I feared the loss of family holidays, yet this is our third trip together, and it has undeniably strengthened our bond as a fully-fledged unit.

Phoebe & family by pool, Lake Koggala, Sri Lanka © Tropical Studio

Discovering paradise on the edge of Dedduwa Lake

Our journey began a few days earlier with a scenic drive down the coast to Bentota, a short hop from Colombo airport, where we stayed at Yahva Bentota, an Instagram lover’s paradise nestled on the edge of Dedduwa Lake. This four-bedroom retreat is more than just a visual delight; its culinary offerings surpass those of many five-star restaurants I’ve experienced in my 20-plus years in travel.

The rooms, fit for a traveling king, reflect a meticulous attention to detail, with no expense spared in terms of the use of space – which is such a refreshing change in this day and age where everyone is out to make a buck.  Every corner exudes luxury, ensuring a comfortable and opulent stay that perfectly complements the stunning surroundings.

Family villa, Yahva Bentota, Sri Lanka

Moonstone mining and island hopping on Lake Koggala

Next, we ventured to architectural dream that is Tri Lanka on the edge of Lake Koggala. Here, we explored the  eight islands with the knowledgeable boat master, Douglas.

The islands are rich in history and feature a golf course used as a refuelling point during the Second World War as well as an island home to three generations of cinnamon growers.

Tri Lanka itself, with its clean lines and nature-inspired design, stands as a masterpiece of forward-thinking architectural flair. And, as outdoor lovers, the stunning view of the lake and feeling of being part of nature made our stay truly special.

Beyond the islands, we immersed ourselves in thrilling Sri Lanka adventures with DONGA experiences. We climbed cascading waterfalls (competition in every step) and swam in the clear waters at the top. Then, on the way back to Tri Lanka, we tried our hand at moonstone mining, uncovering hidden gems that were a testament to Sri Lanka’s natural treasures. The blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and exhilarating activities provided something for everyone – I am winning in this tour guide role.

Meeting the locals on Idle Bike tour © Tropical Studio

Precious days making Sri Lanka holiday memories as a family

From Tri Lanka, we joined Alex from Idle Bikes early in the morning for a winding tour around the lake and onto Malabar Hills. We passed serene paddy fields and curious buffalo along the way, making the journey itself one of the most memorable experiences of our holiday in Sri Lanka.

Also, it was a rare opportunity to reconnect as a family free from the distractions of technology and work. Over these precious four days, we enjoyed each other’s company, laughed at my youngest daughter’s failed efforts to master the gears, and immersed ourselves in the lesser-known areas of Sri Lanka, marvelling at off-the-beaten-track nature, remarkable bird life, and nodding a good morning to many a buffalo.

A birthday celebration as unforgettable as Malabar Hill

Upon arrival at Malabar Hill, we were thankfully met by a tuk-tuk to drive us up to reception as we eased ourselves out of the saddle and were incredibly grateful for the iced tea on arrival.

Malabar added a different charm to our holiday in Sri Lanka, with its Eastern and Rajasthani inspired architecture and Middle Eastern furnishings meeting Sri Lankan craftsmanship and natural materials.

The Hill House, an imposing restaurant pavilion, provided us with stunning 240° views of tropical treetops and down to the sea, and the 35m infinity pool allowed for Olympic-style underwater competitions.

A unique experience on offer at Malabar allows guests to plant a tree—a meaningful activity I embraced in celebration of my 50th birthday—followed by a dinner and birthday cake fit for a queen.

By the pool, Malabar Hills © Tropical Studio

Tribe Yala leaves a lasting impression on everyone

Our journey continued to Tribe Yala, a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. This eco-friendly resort focuses heavily on conservation.

We were fortunate to spot a leopard lounging in a tree and observed herds of majestic elephants during our safari. Breakfast at the treehouse, offering an explicit 360° view, was a highlight, showcasing the breathtaking landscape while emphasizing the importance of preserving such natural beauty. Tribe Yala’s conservation efforts are commendable, and their dedication to protecting wildlife left a lasting impression on all of us.

The perfect end to our extraordinary Sri Lanka holiday

The final stop on our Sri Lanka holiday was in Colombo where we joined Ineke and her horses at Ceylon Riding Club for a canter along the new beach. The perfect place to rest our head before the following days flight was Jetwing Colombo Seven, where swam in the rooftop pool and reflected on our journey and celebrated with a cocktail on the incredible holiday we had just experienced. It was a perfect end to a trip that not only brought us closer together but also opened our eyes to the diverse wonders of Sri Lanka.

This trip reaffirmed my belief that family travel, even with its challenges, is a powerful way to strengthen bonds and create unforgettable memories. In Sri Lanka, we found that the modern family, in all its forms, is warmly welcomed and can create lasting memories together. Each destination offered unique experiences that catered to our varied interests, showing that with a little planning, it’s possible to craft a trip that everyone can enjoy and cherish.