Historic beach hotel

Mount Lavinia Hotel

Mount Lavinia · Sri Lanka

A colonial-era hotel on a headland south of Colombo, built around a former governor’s residence.

The Mount Lavinia Hotel grew from the seaside residence of Sir Thomas Maitland, British governor of Ceylon in the early 19th century. It stands on a small headland above the beach, about 12 km south of the Fort, and its terraces are a classic place to watch the sun go down. Who it suits: travellers who want a historic seaside hotel with its own beach, outside the city centre. Things to know: it is about 12 km south of the Fort, so allow time for traffic.

  • On the beach
  • Colonial history
  • Sunsets