Sri Lanka, Thailand & Maldives: Temples, Tea & Tropical Beach

Isabella meets you at Colombo airport and transfers you the short distance north to Negombo, a relaxed coastal town close to the airport — far gentler than arriving into the city after a long flight. Settle in at Jetwing Beach, dip your toes in the Indian Ocean and enjoy a first Sri Lankan dinner on the beachfront.

A scenic morning drive inland to the cultural triangle, with stops broken at least every ninety minutes. Arrive at Aliya Resort & Spa near Sigiriya in time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure by the pool, the great rock framed in the distance. An optional gentle sunset stroll through the resort's gardens settles you into the rhythm of the island's interior.

An early start to climb the fifth-century rock fortress of Sigiriya before the heat and crowds — past the famous frescoes and the lion's paws to the palace ruins on the summit, with one of Asia's great views. After a midday rest at the hotel, the afternoon is given to the cave temples of Dambulla, five sublime caverns of golden Buddhas and painted ceilings, visited at golden hour.

A morning private jeep safari in Minneriya (or Kaudulla) National Park, home to the celebrated seasonal gathering of wild elephants around the great reservoir — herds of dozens, even hundreds, viewed from the comfort of a seated, elevated open jeep. Continue south through spice gardens to Kandy, the hill-country capital cradled by mountains around its sacred lake, arriving at Amaya Hills for two nights.

A gentle morning at the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya — flat, shaded avenues of giant bamboo, an orchid house and the famous avenue of royal palms. In the late afternoon, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist shrine, timed for the evening puja ceremony when drummers announce the opening of the relic chamber. An optional cultural dance show rounds off the day.

One of the world's most beautiful train journeys: the blue train from Kandy climbs through tea estates, waterfalls and misty ridges to the highlands, ridden in a reserved first-class observation carriage. Transfer to the Heritance Tea Factory at 1,900 metres — a converted Victorian factory with log fires, original machinery and views across the working estate. A tea-tasting and an early night by the fire.

A deliberate rest day in the cool, green highlands. A leisurely guided visit to a working tea estate and factory to see the leaf picked, withered, rolled and graded, followed by free time to walk the estate paths, take an Ayurvedic massage at the spa or simply read by the fire. Nuwara Eliya — "Little England" — rewards an unhurried afternoon.

A scenic descent from the highlands to the coast, arriving in Colombo for an afternoon city orientation by private car: the colonial-era Fort and Pettah quarters, the serene Gangaramaya Temple, the seafront Galle Face Green and a stop for tea at the grand old Galle Face Hotel. Overnight at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, a comfortable, central four-star base for your last Sri Lankan night.

A relaxed morning before your internal flight from Colombo to Bangkok (around three and a half hours), met on arrival by our Thai specialist and transferred to the riverside Royal Orchid Sheraton on the banks of the Chao Phraya. Settle in, and if you wish, take an early-evening hotel river-shuttle to watch the lit-up temples glide past as the city cools.

The great set-piece day. An early private long-tail boat glides through the old canals (khlongs) to the Grand Palace and the dazzling Temple of the Emerald Buddha, then on to Wat Pho and its vast reclining Buddha. After a midday rest at the hotel through the heat, an optional evening at leisure — perhaps a gentle riverside dinner cruise.

A free day to suit your pace. Options we can arrange include a gentle morning at the floating market of Damnoen Saduak, a guided visit to Jim Thompson's teak house and silk story, a Thai cookery class, or simply a restful day enjoying the hotel's riverside pool and spa. Your guide tailors the day to you.

A morning flight from Bangkok to Malé (around four and a half hours), met on arrival and transferred by speedboat across the lagoon to Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa in the South Ari Atoll. Step onto powder sand, settle into your villa and let the Indian Ocean take over. The first of four nights with nothing whatsoever to do.

A full, free day in the Maldives. Swim in the warm lagoon, snorkel the house reef, take a sunset cruise in search of dolphins, indulge at the overwater spa or do gloriously nothing under a palm. South Ari Atoll is famous for whale sharks; an optional guided snorkel excursion goes in search of these gentle giants.

Another unhurried day on the island. Many guests find a rhythm by now: an early swim before the heat, a long breakfast, the shade of the afternoon, a sundowner on the beach. The resort's overwater villas, spa and several restaurants are all yours to enjoy at whatever pace suits.

Your last full day in the Indian Ocean. A final snorkel over the house reef, a farewell spa treatment, or simply a long, slow afternoon on the sand. As the sun sets on your sixteen-night journey, raise a glass to leopards and elephants, gilded temples and tea-misted hills, and the turquoise stillness that has closed it all so beautifully.

A final slow breakfast over the lagoon before your speedboat transfer back to Malé and your flight home. After sixteen nights spanning three countries — Sri Lanka's ancient heart, Bangkok's gilded temples and the Maldives' turquoise calm — you depart with a journey complete in every sense.