With more than 4000 species of plants and renowned for its collection of orchids, the 147 acre Royal Botanic Gardens is sure to have even an anthophile wondering what is what. 

High in the hills is Santani. A wellness retreat and peace-seekers haven, a stay at this "Architecture of Silence" will have you feeling at one with nature and totally recharged. It's hard to resist those lush green acres and the infinity pools overlooking the Dumbara mountains. 

Who doesn't love a good cuppa. And whilst a PG Tips suffices for those days at home, a trip to Glenloch Tea Factory when in Sri Lanka sounds a whole lot more interesting. Take a tour of the beautiful plantations but don't leave without trying and testing all the varieties. 

When Geoffrey Bawa designs a hotel, you know it's going to be spectacular. Surrounded by tree-after-tree, Heritance Kandalama is an eco-retreat, a wildlife oasis and an enchanting escape.