Signature Series: Sri Lanka Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston & Gary Mehigan

Sri Lanka’s lively capital, Colombo, is a complex blend of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, brimming with historic architecture and, yes, sensational food.

Embrace city life this morning with a guided street food tour. Follow your tastebuds to Colombo’s colourful markets for fried cassava chips and the thirst-quenching water of native king coconuts. Chat with smiling stallholders and listen as they introduce you to a cornucopia of fresh, seasonal produce. Sample tropical fruit like bananas and pineapples and the enigmatic wood apple, each a window into the diverse Sri Lankan palate.

Next, take a deep-dive into arrack rum, distilled from the fermented sap of coconut flowers Compare the nuances of Old Reserve and Very Special Old Arrack at Atlantic while digging into devilled chickpea, hot butter cuttlefish and crumb-fried handalla (Indian anchovy).

Finish with lunch at 100-year-old Dutch Burgher Union, where you’ll have the chance to try highlights from their menu, from bacon and egg pastries and tender chicken burgers to compact and flavourful lamprais and buttery fish cutlets.

Signature Experience: Dinner at Ministry of Crab

This evening, join Matt and Gary for an exclusive group welcome event at Ministry of Crab. Frequently named among the best restaurants in Sri Lanka, and a perennial member of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Ministry of Crab is Colombo’s crowning glory.

Founded by renowned chef-restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa, and Sri Lankan cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena, Ministry of Crab is dedicated to exploring the innumerable ways chefs transform crustaceans into the sumptuous and sublime. Best of all? You, Matt and Gary have the house all to yourselves.

You could start with fresh clams in buttery soy sauce, wood-fired kade bread and a serving of Sri Lanka’s giant freshwater prawns, laced with garlic and chilli. For the main course: you might crack open a kilo of crab spiced with hand-crushed native black pepper and sides of Japonica rice and garlic ‘kankun’ or water spinach. For dessert, think a perfectly crisped coconut creme brulee.

Set out early today as you leave the coast behind, aiming for Sri Lanka’s famed Cultural Triangle. This inland region is replete with ancient ruins, rugged landscapes and enthralling histories to be heard.

Signature Experience: Priyamali Gedara Village Lunch

At the meeting point of cultures both ancient and living lies the incredible generosity present throughout Sri Lanka’s local communities. Your first stop is a village where you and your hosts will watch as the locals prepare a traditional lunch in an open-air kitchen beneath a wood-thatched roof. Time-honoured practices are shared openly, and travellers are invited to slow down, breathe deep and share in the simple pleasures.

Choose to get involved in the coal-cooking action alongside Matt and Gary, or just observe and enjoy the ambiance. Among the busy daily workings of Priyamali Gedara, you’re invited to connect with its authentic culinary heritage, then sit down to a hearty farmer’s lunch.

Sample steaming ‘nelum kole bath’ – in which aromatic rice is served in a lotus leaf – invigorate your senses with warming curry and admire the rustic views over nearby rice paddies. Finish with a traditional dessert, biting into rich and creamy ‘watalappam’ coconut custard or caramelly ‘kiri pani’, made with buffalo milk curd and palm sugar treacle.

After lunch, transfer to the ruins of Polonnaruwa, once the capital of Sri Lanka. Having succumbed to the passage of years and been reclaimed by nature, this garden-city stands as a striking symbol of the country’s royal heritage.

Explore the hidden history of the Vatadage – an impressive circular structure built to shelter the stupa within – and the enormous Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Then continue to the sacred city of Dambulla to check in for a restful evening and well-earned dinner.

Signature Accommodation: Jetwing Lake

Surrounded by ancient jungle in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Jetwing Lake demonstrates the country’s signature hospitality and breathtaking heritage. Just a short distance from the famed cave temple complex, its sprawling lawns and chic modern lodgings somehow give the impression that Jetwing Lake is in a world all its own.

Your room’s private balcony provides you the chance to breathe unsullied air off the surrounding dry zone forest, while your bath awaits your return after a long day exploring the cultural wonders of this historic region.

Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours

Signature Experience: Sigiriya Rock Fortress by Sunrise

Today, rise before dawn – the reward is worth the early alarm! Make your way to the foot of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and begin your invigorating ascent from the entrance before sunrise. Those who wish to forgo the sunrise climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress can partake in alternative sightseeing around the base of the rock as they desire.

Standing 180-metres-tall, Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasure, watching over the jungle from atop a solitary granite column. A testament to the mastery of 5th-century Sinhalese architects, this former palace ruin’s contain phenomenally well-preserved frescoes and carvings, elaborate water features, the so-called ‘Mirror Wall’ and the gargantuan paws of a sculpted lion which once proudly guarded the entrance.

As you climb the 1,200-odd steps, watch dense jungle fall away below you. There’s no better way to appreciate the unbridled ambition and grandeur of this site than by journeying to its summit, where you’ll stop to catch your breath and feel the warmth of the rising sun. And while the journey is half the fun, the destination is something else entirely. Here, on top of the world, your day begins.

Once you’ve soaked up the rays and scoured the wondrous ruins to your content, descend to your hotel for a well-earned breakfast and mid-morning rest. This afternoon, you’ll take part in two of the Cultural Triangle’s must-do experiences.

First, delve into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla. Home to five sanctuaries, approximately 150 Buddha statues and paintings dating back to the 1st Century BCE, this sacred temple complex has seen welcomed countless pilgrims over the course of millennia. More than just an ancient gallery of religious art, the murals on these walls have been expanded and ornamented for centuries, making the complex a document of Sri Lankan culture over time, where 20th-century contributions appear of a piece with their ancient companions.

Later, heed the call of the wild and join an exhilarating afternoon safari to Minneriya National Park. On a roughly three-hour jeep journey through this wildlife sanctuary, join an expert guide in pursuit of unique and diverse fauna. Your travels are anchored by the man-made reservoir of Minneriya Wewa, constructed in the 3rd century under the rule of King Mahasena, where many animals now converge to bathe and drink.

Keep your eyes peeled for flocks of cormorants and storks, sambar deer and, of course, the park’s famous herds of grazing Asian elephants. Peaceful giants with a playful spirit, these incredible creatures number in the hundreds across Minneriya, making your safari an elephant-spotting spectacle.

Return to your hotel this evening for a hearty dinner and time to rest before another thrilling day tomorrow.

Turn your attention south today, as you take your comfortable coach transport toward captivating Kandy.

Signature Experience: Farm-to-Table Village Cooking Experience

En route, stop in Moragaswewa for a culinary dive into local agricultural tradition. Sri Lankans are famously friendly, and today, you’ll be welcomed in as one of them with the opportunity to master their culinary flair yourself.

Arrive to a welcoming dance and drumming lesson before departing for a tour of the surrounding villages. Head off on your choice of motorcycle, tuk tuk, tractor or jeep, passing jungle and rice paddies along the way. Then set to work picking farm-fresh produce, learning how they grow and are selected for harvest.

With the guidance of your local hosts – and Matt and Gary, of course – you’ll unearth the application of these uniquely Sri Lankan ingredients during a cooking class, learning how to replicate age-old techniques, including the spice-blending practices at the core of Sri Lankan cuisine. Sit down with your newfound friends, accompanied by Matt and Gary, and share a heartwarming meal in the serenity of the countryside.

Continue south, watching the scenery shift on the road to the Kandy plateau. Along the way, stop by Matale’s spice gardens, where the island’s longstanding history of spice production is evident from the complex aroma perfuming the air. Meet local spice farmers responsible for cultivating and harvesting fresh cinnamon, deep cardamom and nutmeg, warm pepper and mace, alongside soothing vanilla, therapeutic turmeric and aloe vera.

Later, arrive in Kandy, the island’s second-largest city. A renowned Buddhist pilgrimage destination, the city also has a thriving street food scene.

Signature Accommodation: The Golden Crown Hotel

Embrace refined elegance at this boutique Kandy accommodation, unwinding in your spacious room, that’s accented with rich wood tones and classic detailing. A dip in the hillside infinity pool, a moment lounging on the scenic terrace – however you spend your time, The Golden Crown Hotel puts you at the heart of Kandy’s flourishing forest surrounds.

Once you’ve checked in, step out to tour the ebb and flow of Kandy’s markets, where moreish sweet-and-sour achcharu – spicy vegetables in a punchy pickled sauce – juicy seasonal fruits and refreshing king coconut water beckon. Mingle with the market regulars over fresh hoppers or spice-fuelled kottu served with tangy chutneys. Go in for South Indian dishes too, from buttery ghee dosa to savoury ‘ulundu vadai’ fritters – there’s a story behind every morsel, and a passionate local ready to highlight each in turn.

Later, cool down with local Lion beer as you bite into devilled chicken at the Royal Bar, where you’ll find a microcosm of Sri Lanka’s multi-layered history and community spirit. More than 100 years old, the Royal Bar & Hotel has graduated from storied tavern to beloved boutique hotel. Warmly lit courtyard dining and an invigorating communal atmosphere put it at the centre of Kandy’s social scene. Make no mistake – in Sri Lanka, community and cuisine are one and the same.

Superior Upgrade: Santani Wellness stay and exclusive dinner

For those who’ve booked the limited Superior Upgrade, your evening takes you to Santani Wellness Kandy for a stay on a former tea estate. Set in the hillside, Santani boasts minimalist design and breathtaking views over tumbling greenery. As a dedicated sustainable wellness retreat, Santani promotes wellbeing for its guests and the world alike. Every corner offers a slice of serenity.

To complete your Santani stay, sit down to an exclusive seven-course fine-dining experience with Matt and Gary, featuring an array of meticulously plated delights. At Santani, all meals centre on the ayurvedic concept of ‘rasa haya’ or Six Tastes. Each dish is composed in harmony with a ‘taste-based’ approach to nutrition, in which the six ayurvedic tastes are represented in delicate balance – sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent.

Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours

Signature Experience: Scenic Train Journey to Highlands Tea Country

This morning, venture into tea country on a scenic train journey through the central hills (subject to availability). Along one of the world’s most beloved railways, turn your senses to the easy mountain breeze for the first whispers of aromatic tea. With the train’s rhythmic rumble underfoot, watch rolling hills of tea leaves unfurl as locals work the verdant fields. Here in the highlands, this eruption of colour and perfume sets the scene for a country defined by fragrant crops and timeless tradition.

In the foothills of Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, the historic English hill station of Nuwara Eliya welcomes travellers with tranquil streets. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a restful afternoon’s reprieve.

Signature Accommodation: The Grand Hotel

Lavish, old-world charm and lush Sri Lankan scenery set the stage for The Grand Hotel. With nearly 200 years of heritage, and an unbeatable location near landscaped Victoria Park, this stay is a centrepiece to the town – just look at the painterly manicured lawns and Elizabethan architectural features.

With timeless design comes timeless quality. A sleek, temperature-controlled indoor pool, plus blissful array of wellness treatments at the Grand Spa have you sorted during down time, while the rooms’ calm, natural tones evoke a pleasant home-away-from-home warmth.

No trip to the central highlands would be complete without tasting the country’s renowned tea. Perhaps opt to sit for the highly recommended High Tea at your hotel (included with the Superior Upgrade, surcharges otherwise apply), where luxury service meets lush scenery in the open-air salon. Artisanal pastries, cakes and other delights are the ideal accompaniment to local tea blends – the undisputed stars of the show.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Travel time: Train and driving – approx. four hours

Today, return to the sea, but not before you’ve unravelled the history of Nuwara Eliya’s world-class tea.

Signature Experience: Pedro Tea Estate Field-to-Factory Tour

Just outside town, Pedro Tea Estate offers a glimpse into the skilled labour and cultivation behind every cuppa. With its 140-year history, the Pedro Tea Estate offers you a chance to witness the making of tea, from plucking fresh leaves in the field to a walkthrough of the preparation and roasting processes at the estate’s factory.

Following the leaves to their final blend form, sit down at the picturesque teahouse to taste the results. Sri Lankan tea is a many-splendoured thing, where layers of nuance unfurl in each expertly brewed cup. With your newfound knowledge, you’re poised to appreciate the delicate balance of tannins and herbal notes that distinguish this highest quality brew.

Later, chart a course southwest for the golden shores of Galle, stopping for lunch at The Mountain Heavens in idyllic Ella. Once you’ve emerged from the central hills and reached the southern coast early this evening, it’s time for a top-notch dinner at much-lauded Smoke & Bitters, served along with showstopping cocktails.

Signature Experience: Dinner at Smoke & Bitters

Named one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars of 2023, this much-beloved cocktail bar and smokehouse sits pretty on the island’s dreamy southern coast. Not only a hit with global travellers, you know there’s something special at play when the locals love it too. Dedicated to spotlighting local spirits and Sri Lankan ingredients, Don Ranasinghe and Sameera Gayan provide a balance of unpretentious atmosphere and mixological mastery – deftly struck as the flavours in their signature drinks.

From potent rum- and arrack-centred Pamuditha’s Punch to the smoking spectacle of a chai-spiced Old & Smoked – prepared with arrack and Ceylon bitters – the showmanship on display here is sure to draw out a smile.

For dinner, the smokehouse brings just as much razzle-dazzle in dishes like slow-cooked confit leeks with wasabi mayo, mushroom a la creme with leek leaf oil and a game-changing smoked cucumber with creamy buffalo curd dressing and cashew crumble. With Matt and Gary available to break down the ingenuity in each dish, you can peak behind the curtain of culinary excellence and see why this venue’s reputation is far more than smoke and mirrors.

Later, continue along the shore to the city of Galle, steeped in colonial history and boasting some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches. Here, you’ll check in at your hotel for a restful night’s sleep.

Signature Accommodation: Jetwing Lighthouse

On the rocky shores of Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse is a beacon of supreme comfort at the water’s edge. Lush lawns lead to breezy beachside serenity, while your room boasts a bright and spacious interior accented with warm timbers and eco-friendly fabrics, and your private balcony guarantees sigh-worthy ocean views.

In your leisure time, make the most of the hotel’s lavish pools, seek tranquillity at the onsite wellness centre or order a cocktail with a view at the rustic Coats of Arms Bar. Your every need is catered to at Jetwing Lighthouse, thanks in no small part to the attentive team of butlers who are available at any time during your stay.

Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours

This morning, set out to explore Galle, Sri Lanka’s oldest seaport, important in trade. Embark on an enlightening guided walk through historic Galle Fort, taking a comprehensive look at the storied past and vibrant present that make it a living monument of Sri Lankan heritage.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort is a sprawling 16th-century fortification built by the Portuguese, later expanded by the Dutch and British. From the 150-year-old Galle Lighthouse and the Dutch Reformed Church – a Protestant church dating back over 350 years – to the National Maritime Museum, housed in a vast old spice warehouse, and 25-metre-tall Galle Clock Tower, your walk behind these walls takes you through colonial history, culminating in a stroll along the oceanside ramparts.

Nearer to the shore, watch the fishing boats roll in and offload their catches. Whether you want to get up close and personal or stand back to observe the smiling mariners at work, witness the heart of Sri Lanka’s acclaimed seafood scene unfolding before your very eyes.

Enjoy a light lunch at The Merchant Galle Fort, then continue your journey through daily life in the local community, listening as your local guide offers compelling insights into local customs and practices, painting a vivid picture of the unique culture that thrives in Galle.

This evening, dinner is at your leisure.

Take your morning slowly and enjoy the luxurious amenities of your hotel – you’ll want to save your energy for this afternoon, when you take part in a foodie experience like no other.

Signature Experience: Luxury Escapes Market Festival

An exclusive Signature Series event, this unique gourmet festival has been curated just for you. Get ready for a private foodie takeover of Jetwing’s flagship hotel, with Matt and Gary in the crowd. Begin with a sensational biriyani cooking demonstration, watching the pros effortlessly tie the tried-and-true flavours of this fragrant rice dish together. Pay attention as your instructors sizzle, steam and stir through each step – you can look forward to tasting the hearty results for lunch afterwards.

Once the cooking has concluded, follow new and tempting aromas outside to the private lawn, where the Luxury Escapes Market Festival begins in earnest. Here, you’ll have the chance to indulge in complimentary tastings of Sri Lanka’s best culinary creations across a collection of stalls. Beside the rock-fringed beach, the signature aromatics of Sri Lanka mingle magnificently – an undeniable invitation to eat, drink and be merry.

On the grounds of your beautiful hotel, you’ll have the chance to share your culinary appreciation with local stallholders, revelling in Sri Lanka’s burgeoning foodie scene and the timeless dishes that have put it on the map. Every conversation is an opportunity to celebrate the country’s hard-working producers and chefs, and the undeniably uplifting culture that they’ve cultivated.

As for the food? Sip complex and floral arrack once more, then sample the fermented toddy from which this popular spirit is distilled. Crunch into buttery cashews, succulent pineapple and an exceptionally creamy variety of banana, proudly championed by your host, Matt Preston. Enjoy the satisfying simplicity of egg hoppers, delicately constructed with coconut milk and rice flour. Round out your custom tasting with a sweet slice of kalu dodol, traditionally made with the date-caramel depth of kithul jaggery.

The culmination of all your spectacular foodie experiences, this beachside party takes your palate on one more whirlwind adventure through the spices, sauces and sweet treats that have carried you across beautiful Sri Lanka.

After a leisurely morning in Galle, you’ll transfer today to Negombo and check in at your beachside hotel, where the afternoon is yours to spend freely on the warm sands or in the hotel’s cooling pool.

Superior Upgrade: Travellers who’ve booked the Superior Upgrade will join hosts Matt and Gary for a coffee stop and garden tour at Lunuganga Estate – the former home of famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, a major proponent of Tropical Modernism.

Signature Accommodation: Jetwing Blue

On the sun-kissed sands of Negombo, Jetwing Blue takes you back to the start of Jetwing’s proud heritage of hospitality. In the half-century since Jetwing Blue first opened its doors for global travellers, the beachfront hotel has dedicated its efforts to true sustainable practices, from off-grid solar to an onsite glass bottling plant.

This winning blend of coastal charm and indulgent amenities is all in concert with the tropical landscape. Laidback outdoor furnishings sit alongside a luxurious pool, overlooking the lapping shoreline, while ocean-view accommodations welcome you after a cooling splash or signature spa treatment.

This evening, your culinary voyage comes to a close with a farewell dinner at GINI.

Signature Experience: Dinner at GINI in Colombo

Melbourne-trained head chef Surith Adhihetty leads the crew of dazzling GINI, Sri Lanka’s hottest new live-fire cooking restaurant. A stylish outdoor kitchen with tastefully minimal design, GINI leads with its superb fine-dining menu. In its welcoming atmosphere, you can’t help but notice the shimmer of something special. Far from the transactional service of busier lands, the intimate setting spotlights Sri Lanka’s characteristically generous hospitality – an exchange, an exploration and honest-to-goodness experience.

With an appetising array of fresh seafood and vegetable dishes, your final dinner takes you from tempting starters to creative and classic mains, rounded out by the comforting sweetness of GINI’s top-tier desserts.

By turns unfussy and fantastically finessed, GINI distills Sri Lanka’s best qualities in a menu worth crossing the seas for. Join your hosts, Matt and Gary, for one last toast over an included welcome cocktail to the peerless perfection of Sri Lanka’s culinary delights. This final feast is your sensory send-off to an unforgettable journey.

Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours

Bid goodbye to your hosts and fellow travellers as your once-in-a-lifetime culinary journey through Sri Lanka comes to a close. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your flight home.

Departure & Transfers:

Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at any time today. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.

Travel time: Driving – approx. 30 minutes