This was my second time on the island. My first visit was at Christmas in 2023, and like most travellers, I began in Colombo. It’s where the international airport is, and while it’s a functional entry point, it’s not the reason to visit Sri Lanka. The airport is an easy arrival, you can get VOA (visa on arrival) with cash or online before you land. The airport is pretty efficient, and we had our checked luggages and were out within 30 minutes. We used Kangaroo Cabs for the 2-hour drive south to Galle. This is a more expensive option than Uber or Pick Me, but it’s a reliable and safe choice. 

Colombo is hot, frenetic and sprawling. I enjoyed dipping into the energy—spending a night in a hotel, briefly exploring Colombo’s modern wellness scene and stocking up on Ayurvedic medicine—but I was ready to leave after 24 hours. The real magic begins the moment you head out of the capital. I recommend that you visit Christell Wellness for vitamin IVs, Ayurvedic medicine, massages, facials, biohacking and more. 

From Colombo, we travelled across to Ella, climbing steadily through tea-covered hills and across impossibly cinematic bridges. I stayed at a mountain retreat near Nine Arches Bridge, hiked Little Adam’s Peak, swam in waterfalls, and let the greenness of it all undo weeks of city stress. Ella is a place I’d return to in a heartbeat—fresh air, dramatic views, and a slowness that recalibrates your system. After that, we made our way south: surfing in Weligama, and the famously chaotic New Year’s Eve beach rave in Mirissa, whale watching off the coast, and finally, the quiet shores of Hikkaduwa for slower mornings, yoga classes and strong coffee. There were juicy mangoes sold from roadside stalls, grilled seafood eaten with bare hands, and beach bars where the sunset calmed our souls. One of the most surprising things was the range of accommodation: we bounced from five-star resorts for around USD 100 a night to genuinely lovely family-run hostels for as little as USD 20 to 35. Some of the best conversations I had were over shared breakfasts in garden courtyards or around long communal tables under the stars. You could spend very little here and you’d be completely content.

A Return in Rainy Season 

Now, I am returning to Sri Lanka in the rainy season (May). I am here for work and so I have no control over the days we travel. The weather shifts constantly—glorious sun one hour, rolling thunderstorms the next. But somehow, everything is more vivid: the light sharper, the air heavier with scent, the sea moodier. I love tropical storms and dramatic rain, so, all good. I based myself at the Aditya Boutique Hotel in Galle, where we hosted clients for a series of campaigns and photoshoots. 

I lived in Hong Kong for over a decade, and one of the great privileges of that time was how easily you could escape for the weekend. Tokyo, Bangkok, Hanoi, Bali, Singapore — all within easy reach. I travelled often for business, family, and for retreats, and I never took it for granted. Now that I live in London, I miss Asia. There’s an intensity, a vibrancy, and an openness I haven’t found anywhere else. But also, a particular kind of weariness and fatigue. We’re all so busy. Whether you’re in Hong Kong or London, the rhythm is the same: running careers, raising families, holding it all together. So when I travel now, I’m looking for stillness and space to be inspired away from the crowds. That’s what Aditya gave me: rest, without performance. Space, without silence. A place to just be.

Why This Hotel Deserves the Hype

Aditya isn’t your usual boutique property. It’s more considered . The architecture leans into high ceilings, clean geometry, plants everywhere, and cool materials—polished stone, dark wood, and carved doors that feel like museum pieces. There are just 16 suites. Each one is huge, calm, private, and stylish without being try-hard. Think frangipani in bowls, high-thread-count sheets, and a private plunge pool facing the ocean.

Some suites face the garden; others give you uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean in all its moody glory. Either way, you’re steps from the beach. The kind of beach you might walk alone. No jetskis. No music. Just salt air, lush green trees and breeze.

The service is exactly what it should be: attentive, quiet, and human. It goes beyond your traditional greeting and the team will remember your name, your tea order, and the fact that you asked for a late breakfast yesterday. The whole thing just works.

It’s not surprising, then, that Aditya has a perfect five-star score on Tripadvisor, a Hall of Fame title, and top rankings from TripExpert and Conde Nast Johansens. But none of that really prepares you for the feeling you get when you arrive. Like someone’s taken the chaos out of your head and replaced it with peace.

Flights, Visas and Everything In Between

Getting to Aditya from Hong Kong is straightforward. A six-hour direct flight to Colombo with Cathay Pacific or SriLankan Airlines, followed by a two-hour drive south. You can choose from Uber, Pick Me or Kangaroo Cabs. Airfares usually sit between HKD 3,000 and 5,000 depending on the time of year. From London, there are easy, direct flights from London Heathrow. 

A Country That Has Earned Its Calm

It would be disingenuous to talk about Sri Lanka without acknowledging its recent past. The 2004 tsunami devastated this region. Whole communities were lost. Since then, the country has weathered political instability, economic crisis and a global pandemic. And yet, what you notice most as a visitor is not the trauma but the grace.

People here are proud. Not performative. They’ll tell you about their food, their gardens, their temples—and yes, about the difficulties, too. But always without pity. That combination of strength and hospitality is something you can’t manufacture.

How to Do Absolutely Nothing (Perfectly)

I am here for work, and so my days are spent in meetings, campaign shoots or at the laptop. You can easily also do nothing, if you’d like. There’s no itinerary at Aditya. Breakfast happens when you want it to. Some days I ate pancakes and mango by the pool at noon. Other days I skipped it altogether and went straight for curry and coconut sambol at sunset. Everything is à la carte. No buffets. No timelines.

The hotel’s wellness centre, Christell Life, offers Ayurvedic treatments tailored to your dosha. Yes, it’s a bit Goop-adjacent in theory, but in practice it’s grounded, effective, and entirely unpretentious. The oils smell like fresh soil after rain. The therapists know what they’re doing.

A Boutique Hotel That Actually Gives Back

Aditya supports the Foundation of Goodness, a non-profit that began in response to the tsunami. Today, the organisation provides education, sport, healthcare and vocational training to more than 40,000 Sri Lankans. As a guest, you can visit, learn, or donate. But it’s not pushed on you. Like everything here, it’s offered with dignity.

Still Want to Explore? Here’s What’s Nearby

Galle Fort is 25 minutes away and worth the detour. The architecture is Portuguese-Dutch, the streets are cobbled, and the vibe is more Cape Town than Colombo. You’ll find boutiques that actually curate, cafes without QR code menus, and views that make you pause. Narigama Beach is nearby, and Ratgama Lake is worth an early morning.

But you don’t need any of it. One of the best things about this place is that you can stay entirely put and not feel like you’re missing out.

Go Now, Before Everyone Else Does

Sri Lanka isn’t overrun. Yet. The infrastructure is improving, but the soul is intact. It offers what so many destinations have lost in the rush to cater to Instagram.

The value for money is exceptional. The crowds are somewhere else. And for travellers in Hong Kong who want beauty without the theatre, this feels like a rare thing.

The Place That Changes Your Pace

Aditya doesn’t need to shout. It just lets you rest.

I’ve already booked a return.

And if you go? Don’t overplan. Don’t overthink. Just let Sri Lanka do what it does best: reset the pace. Quietly, and completely.

Thank you for reading this WOI Travel blog. Find out more about Aditya Hotel and Christell Wellness.

Private jet travel is shedding its old skin. No longer just the realm of ultra-wealthy execs and stars, it’s now the ultimate tool for those who demand flexibility, efficiency, and seamless travel—without the hassle of commercial chaos. We sat down with Jolie Howard, CEO of L’VOYAGE, to discuss how private aviation is evolving and why it’s more than just a mode of transport; it’s a lifestyle statement.

Private Jets: The Ultimate Shortcut to Freedom

Sarah Keates: Jolie, private aviation has always been about convenience, but what’s pushing its evolution now?

Jolie Howard: Speed, control, and personalization. The latest aircraft tech means faster flights and smarter fuel use. But it’s the total freedom that makes the biggest impact—no rigid schedules, no long security lines, no delays caused by a domino effect of airline mishaps. You decide when and where, not the airline.

Flying as a Lifestyle Choice, Not a Luxury

Sarah Keates: Some say private jet travel is about more than just efficiency—it’s a way of life. Thoughts?

Jolie Howard: Absolutely. It’s about taking back control of your time. Whether it’s skipping the four-hour layover, having a private meeting at 40,000 feet, or bringing your pet along without fuss, private flying is the ultimate expression of autonomy.

Jet-Setting with Pets? No Problem.

Sarah Keates Speaking of pets, how does L’VOYAGE cater to those who won’t leave home without their furry companions?

Jolie Howard: We treat pets like VIPs. They travel in the cabin with you—no cargo holds, no stress. We also handle everything from pet passports to in-flight comfort. It’s all about making sure everyone—four-legged passengers included—enjoys the journey.

Multi-Stop Jet Hopping: Business and Leisure Reimagined

Sarah Keates: Private jets also mean you can hit multiple destinations in a day. How does this play into modern travel needs?

Jolie Howard: Today’s traveler doesn’t have time for inefficient routes. One day in Singapore, a lunch meeting in Bangkok, and dinner in Hong Kong? Done. Private aviation turns multi-stop travel into a seamless experience, especially in a region like Asia, where key business hubs are close but not always well connected by commercial routes. It’s also growing in popularity to combine commercial aviation and business aviation (private jets) – it’s more affordable, gives consistency of service and ultimate flexibility. 

Hong Kong’s Role as a Private Jet Hub

Sarah Keates: As a Hong Kong-based company, how does L’VOYAGE tailor its services for the Asian market?

Jolie Howard: Hong Kong is the launchpad to Asia. Our clients expect discretion, impeccable service, and culturally attuned hospitality. Whether that means curating an in-flight menu based on dietary preferences or arranging seamless customs clearance, we focus on details that matter.

The Future of Private Flying: More Than Just Luxury

Sarah Keates: What’s next for private aviation?

Jolie Howard: Sustainability is the big one—more efficient jets, sustainable aviation fuels, and smarter flight planning. We’re also seeing a rise in shared ownership models, making private jet travel more accessible. And of course, digital innovation is streamlining everything from booking to onboard connectivity, keeping travelers seamlessly plugged in.

Interviewer: Jolie, this has been insightful. Thanks for sharing your take on the future of private jet travel.

Jolie Howard: Always a pleasure. The world isn’t slowing down, and neither are we.

Private jet travel is no longer just a status symbol—it’s an essential tool for those who value time, flexibility, and seamless experiences. As the industry evolves, expect even greater accessibility, sustainability, and personalization. And for those ready to take control of their journey, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.

Find out more about L’Voyage here.

We hope you enjoyed this mini insights piece. You may also enjoy: 11 moves and counting, how Myriam Shemtov found belonging in Hong Kong .

1. What is Last Minute Luxury?

It is the Instagram profile I created to showcase my work as a Luxury Travel Agent with 360 Private Travel, a high-end travel concierge company with our head-office in the UK. We specialise in bespoke and personalised travel experiences by referral only. We do not advertise, so my Instagram page is a fantastic way to inspire and inform my clients.

2. What sort of travel options can you help with?

We work globally with all the top names in the industry and are proud members of the prestigious Virtuoso network which offers you VIP status and exclusive benefits at over 1,000 worldwide luxury hotels. In addition, we are partnered with the best luxury brands including Four Seasons, Aman, Rosewood, Shangri-La, Grand Hyatt, and Mandarin Oriental to name but a few. This ensures that VIP added benefits such as complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast, flexible check-in and check-out times, and hotel spending credits are a standard inclusion in my bookings. Although currently I am mostly focused on local staycations, I look forward to once again helping clients with their international travel when borders open and quarantine rules are relaxed.

3. Since the outbreak of COVID how has your business been affected?

Initially, travel ground to a halt here in Hong Kong as people came to terms with what was happening and thought if they sat tight for a little bit then things would return to normal, which obviously was not the case. Dreams of ‘holidays’ have now been put on hold as people focus their plans on travelling to reunite with friends as family as the first port of call when they can. As most people here quickly realised that this may well be a while off, the focus has shifted to making the most of being in Hong Kong for the summer, and this realisation coupled with some glorious spring weather meant the demand for local staycations literally exploded overnight.

4. Obviously, staycations are huge right now, what are some of the most popular destinations in Hong Kong?

My 3 top properties would be Rosewood, Island Shangri-La, and Grand Hyatt. Between them, there is something for everyone and a great selection of price points and packages for me to work with. And of course, they all offer great benefits to my clients that you can’t get by going direct!

5. What makes a great staycation?

The number one request right now is for early check-in / late check-out because unlike regular times, people have nowhere else they need to be, so they want to stay as long as they can. This has really been the most challenging thing for hotels to try and adapt to when you have 500 rooms all wanting a late checkout and 500 new guests all wanting an early check-in on the same day, my hat goes off to them! The other big selling point is pool access times and procedures. Some hotels have handled this brilliantly and have made it a dream for my clients and they are the ones I recommend time and time again.

6. What are some of the luxury trends you’re seeing right now?

Most definitely luxury travellers are becoming more conscious of the footprint they leave behind, by choosing sustainably aware suppliers or giving back to each community visited. Privacy and seclusion are huge trends also, and there will be a big surge in requests for more bespoke group and family options such private villas and homes.

7. How are the top hotels adapting to evolving consumer needs?

Obviously, the focus is on the ever-changing requirements and restrictions related to the current global pandemic. It has been a hugely challenging time as not only are there increased protocols and guidelines to follow but customer trends that had been set in stone have gone completely out the window. I think seeing the way the big hotel groups have embraced previously unfathomable scenarios without compromising on the guest experience has been so impressive. An example of how hotels have pivoted include turning unused Grand Ballrooms and function spaces into children’s playrooms and Summer Camp programs with all sorts of fun activities which have been hugely popular not just for kids, but for their ‘home school weary’ parents!

8. How does your service work?

As a travel agent, I am a complimentary service to my clients, as the hotels absorb the cost of my time. I add value by passing on the benefits and extras offered to me as a preferred partner of most of the global hotel groups. I also have a constantly updated ‘little black book’ of all the staycation options offered so I can easily access them to recommend and compare the best packages for my client’s requirements without them having to lift a finger. Having close relationships with all the big hotels in the city also means I can work magic with restaurant bookings, tricky availability, special requests, and troubleshoot any problems with a quick phone call to my trusted contacts. I also get invited to regular site visits and stays in order to keep up to speed with any new room types, renovations or dining options that I can advise my clients on. People often grapple with the concept of using an agent, it costs you nothing but can save you time, money and help you get benefits and extras and with a personalised VIP service that you will not get online, and navigating travel Overseas in the future is going to be quite tricky and time-consuming so having a trusted professional agent to take away the pain/confusion/time is invaluable…

9. What is the most highly coveted staycation right now?

Probably an affordable well-appointed, family-sized private villa with pool and beach access (of which there are practically none in Hong Kong) or a night at the Rosewood with Manor Club access (for the all-day Champagne) and a coveted dinner reservation at their amazing Indian restaurant Chaat for which I am endlessly being asked to use my insider contacts to procure.

10. Where can people connect with you?

Ideally through my Instagram @lastminuteluxury or via email: raili@360privatetravel.com

Thank you for reading, stay tuned for the next in this series.

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