Sri Lanka’s travel landscape is undergoing a soulful transformation with the launch of Island Life – Sri Lanka, the new identity of the much celebrated Maitland & Knox Heritage Hotels. Known for preserving Sri Lanka’s colonial charm through boutique stays like Galle Fort Hotel and Thotalagala, the group is now shifting its focus toward experience led travel, where storytelling, community connection, and cultural depth take centre stage. This is more than just a rebrand. It signals a deeper vision for travel that moves beyond luxury to embrace meaning, memory, and responsibility.
Island Life – Sri Lanka is founded on five core pillars that shape every guest experience: Sanctuary, Adventure, Memories, Indulgence, and Responsibility. These values are not just conceptual but deeply embedded in the design, activities, and ethos of each property. From a quiet riverside breakfast in the wild to claypot cooking with local villagers, every experience is designed to forge an emotional connection between traveller and place. The luxury is not loud but deeply personal.
At the heart of this new identity lies The Warden’s House in Galge, the group’s latest opening in Yala Block 5. This four room lodge is tucked beside the Menik River and draws inspiration from Sri Lanka’s forest bungalow history. The property is intimate, surrounded by wilderness, and designed as a place where nature writes the itinerary. The architecture evokes the simplicity of colonial forest outposts while providing all the comforts of contemporary living. The experience is immersive, combining wildlife, heritage, and quietude in one of Sri Lanka’s most untouched regions.
Further upcountry, Thotalagala offers a contrasting experience in the cool highlands. A restored planters’ bungalow with seven suites, this property captures the charm of Sri Lanka’s tea heritage. It offers curated trails, plantation walks, and meals crafted from local ingredients. At the coastal end of the spectrum, Galle Fort Hotel stands as a living museum inside the storied walls of a UNESCO listed fort. With its 11 rooms, rare artefacts, and historical architecture, the property serves travellers who value culture and craftsmanship.
Each property now also features customised merchandise that reflects its personality. At Thotalagala, guests can purchase wool scarves and hiking socks for mountain trails. In Galle, flip flops and canvas totes mirror the casual elegance of coastal living. These thoughtful touches reinforce the group’s intention to blend aesthetic with locality.
Island Life – Sri Lanka is also expanding its footprint with new destinations. Hiriketiya, a crescent shaped bay on the south coast, is among the locations being considered. Known for its surf breaks and boho energy, it has become a favourite of digital nomads and creatives. Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, is another focus area. As the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic and surrounded by tea country, Kandy offers the kind of layered heritage that Island Life hopes to bring into its fold.
The group’s five pillar philosophy defines how it curates the guest journey. Sanctuary focuses on creating spaces for rest, calm, and contemplation, often blending historical elements with artisanal design. Adventure introduces travellers to the wild and the local, whether it is birdwatching in Yala or walking through old tea estates. Memories are crafted through slow rituals, shared meals, and personal storytelling. Indulgence comes through mindful luxury, such as heritage recipes served under starlit skies. Responsibility is the thread that ties everything together, ensuring that each stay supports the environment and empowers local communities.
The rebranding of Maitland & Knox as Island Life – Sri Lanka is a response to a global shift in how people travel. Today’s traveller seeks purpose, not just pleasure. They want to feel, not just see. In offering this vision, Island Life promises not only to change the way people experience Sri Lanka but also how they remember it long after they leave.
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