Where To Sleep, Travel & What To Do | Sri Lanka
Eco-chic living between the jungle and the sea
By David Bijker | Film & TV Producer | Gapstars & Bijker TV
Shiran Gort-Jankie | Founder | Four Leaves
Santani | Recommended by Bearleader in Film, David Bijker
“Four Leaves embodies my roots as well as my exploration of the importance of sleep. I was adopted from Sri Lanka and I take you on a journey through the Sri Lankan landscape and things that influenced my brand Four Leaves.”
Find out where to best sleep, eat and what to do in Sri Lanka, guided by Bearleaders Shiran Gort-Jankie and David Bijker.
Both have a deep connection to the island: Shiran was adopted from Sri Lanka and his brand Four Leaves is deeply influenced by the philosophy and architecture of tropical modernism. David runs a tech company, Gapstars, that is located in Sri Lanka and thus regularly travels there. Both Shiran and David support children’s homes on the island and are committed to giving something back to the country that offers them so much.
Where to stay
SANTANI WELLNESS
High in the mountains near Kandy, you can find this beautiful resort. Simply the most amazing views you could wake up to.
instagram | maps, in Kandy | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
HERITANCE NEGOMBO
An impressive beach resort and hotel on the east coast. Watch the sun set over the beach from its luscious pool while sipping on some great wine.
instagram | maps, in Negombo | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
RED CLIFF MIRISSA
Another iconic villa from the hands of architect Bawa, on the southern end of the island near Galle. There is a documentary being made about it, but no footage could possibly do it justice. A stay here guarantees feeling like a part of design history. Incredibly private and secluded, located on cliffs overlooking the azure sea with green all around. With wonderful spacious rooms, a triangular pool right over the ocean and bright pink sunsets every evening.
maps, in Mirissa | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder Four Leaves
KAJU GREEN
A wonderful eco resort near the city of Galle in the south, in the middle of a peaceful jungle. It is adjacent to a bird and wildlife sanctuary, making it a unique experience perfect for getting in touch with nature. Combining modern luxury with traditional Sri Lankan natural methods of construction, this is a place were comfort feels effortless. Aside from being a great place to stay, it is also a recommended spot for lunch.
maps, in Unuwatuna | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder Four Leaves
THE FORT PRINTERS
Located in a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Galle Fort. It started as a European fort and was repurposed as a college, printing company and then finally a hotel. A prestigious 18th century building with several massive suites and rooms, all recently restored and redecorated with incredible sense of style and an eye for detail. They also have a beautiful contemporary bistro and bar with a terrace in the spacious open courtyard.
instagram | maps, in Unawatuna | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder Four Leaves
ISHQ VILLAS COLOMBO
This is probably one of Colombo’s best hidden secrets. Luxurious villa with 4 suites, comfortable rooms, tranquil gardens and an absolute amazing staff. A beautiful hide-away to unwind after a long day in the busy hot city. Ishq Colombo is a hidden gem which was once home to Hanif Yusoof and his family and has been designed with a lot of thought and love to give you an exclusive private villa with the experience of being at home.
maps, in Colombo | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
ISHQ VILLAS UNUWATUNA TALPE
Luxurious villa with beautiful pool, fantastic staff, lovely interior and a cozy bar. Ishq runs multiple villas on Sri Lanka. This is my favourite place in the south of the island.
maps, in Unawatuna | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
JETWING VIL UYANA
In the middle of the island you’ll find this eco-chic resort. Surrounded by nature and near the historic site of Sigiriya, this is the epitome of a sanctuary.
The personal butler service makes the stay in your private stand-alone villa even more effortless.instagram l maps, in Sigiriya | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
UGA JUNGLE BEACH TRINCOMALEE
An absolutely fabulous beach resort on the northeastern coast, with idyllic cabins spread out over a vast jungle estate. Enjoy outside dining amongst the luscious trees or get a tan on its private beach.
instagram | maps, in Kuchchaveli | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
“Sri Lanka feels like my second home. I visit the island very often for film assignments and my company is located there. When I go I always pay a visit to Home of Hope, the children’s home I support with my family”
PARADISE ROAD TINTAGEL
A unique and private hotel, situated in the heart of Colombo’s most elite neighbourhood. Housed in a stunning heritage residence that was previously home to three of Sri Lanka’s leaders. A great place to stay, but the restaurant also can’t be missed! A recommendation even if you do not intent on staying.
maps, in Colombo | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer and Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder
SHANGRI-LA
A slice of jungle paradise in the middle of the city. A beautiful place to stay.
instagram l maps, in Colombo | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
LUNUGANGA
Architect Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Estate in Bentota, now a boutique hotel. To stay here is an overwhelming experience.
It is known to be Bawa’s most extravagant creation and it has been preserved as Bawa left it at the moment of his death.instagram | maps, in Bentota | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder
VILLA BENTOTA
A great place to sleep or to stop over for lunch or dinner. Bawa converted this into a boutique hotel in the seventies. Shanth Fernando designed, extended and refurbished the property and it opened as the Villa Bentota in 2009.
instagram | maps, in Bentota | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder and David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
BOUTIQUE 87
Another masterpiece by Geoffrey Bawa, available for rent as a private villa. 17 acres of lush garden and two suites guarantee guests absolute privacy in this tropical paradise.
maps, in Bentota | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder
Where to go for a drink
KAVA ISLAND BAR
A beautiful rooftop terrace overseeing the city.
instagram | maps, in Colombo | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
KING OF THE MAMBO
A seaside bar in the Galle Face Hotel, the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail.
instagram | maps, in Colombo | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
Where to eat
PARADISE ROAD THE GALLERY CAFE
The old Colombo office of Geoffrey Bawa repurposed to a restaurant. Enjoy the international vibes and beautiful environment as you enjoy the delicious food. Great for both dinner and lunch.
maps, in Colombo | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder Four Leaves
BAREFOOT GARDEN CAFÉ
A restaurant, gallery and shop in one, hidden away in a green oasis in the middle of urban Colombo. This is the place to meet the Sri Lankan cultural elite and to discover local hand crafted goods.
instagram | maps, in Colombo | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder Four Leaves
What to do
PR CONCEPT STORE
A fantastic shop, probably the best and most popular in all of Sri Lanka. PR offers the best of local and regional designers, both new and established. From jewellery to clothes, this is where you’ll find a unique piece to take home.
instagram | maps, in Colombo | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder Four Leaves
SASKIA FERNANDO GALLERY
Directly above the PR store is this very inspiring gallery that is legendary in Colombo, focusing on contemporary Sri Lankan art of all mediums. With multiple international exhibitions, they are at the forefront of showcasing contemporary Sri Lankan artists.
instagram | maps, in Colombo | favourite of Shiran Gort-Jankie, Founder Four Leaves
VICTORIA GOLF & COUNTRY RESORT
A beautiful golf course near Kandy in the middle of the Island. Victoria Golf has eighteen holes and is located on a former coffee and coconut plantation.
You can book a water plane from Colombo at Cinnamon Air or drive thereinstagram | maps, near Kandy | favourite of David Bijker, Film & TV Producer
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