The Postcard Hotel is a collection of intimate luxury hotels hidden in holiday destinations across India and the world. The hotels recall an era when holidays were sun-kissed and still, where the days were spent idling and flipping through old magazines against the backdrop of charming, quiet neighbourhoods. In that spirit, The Postcard Hotel combines luxury with simplicity, helping you retreat to a life you’ve always wanted – simple, un-hurried and filled with rich, little discoveries.

USP of The Postcard Hotels
– CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT ANYTIME.
– BREAKFAST ANYTIME.
– AUTHENTIC REGIONAL CUISINE.

Each of The Postcard hotel is chosen and designed to take you to a world where holidays were simple and filled with beautiful experiences. Where holidays are slow, free of complications and sun-kissed. Where the romance, charm and simplicity of holidays meets contemporary needs, both in design and impeccable service.

But we’re more. Neighbourhoods and local communities are the soul of The Postcard Hotels. The hotels are sustainably made, the food is made with fresh local ingredients and you won’t be greeted with any sugary welcome drink on arrival. Quite simply, if it is not authentic, it is not in the hotel.

The Postcard is led by a group of carefully chosen hospitality talent that has experience in the best hospitality names in India and the world. Which means, you’re looked after by the best, from check in to check out.

Set in a prime position in the leafy Colombo 7 district, Maniumpathy is one of Ampersand’s favourite boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. This wonderful property provides a soft landing in the somewhat busy city, thanks to its tranquil location, welcoming atmosphere and intimate size.

Originally a manor house built by a doctor from Jaffna, this hotel dates back to 1906 and comprises of just eight individually-designed rooms. The light and spacious building has been extended without affecting the graceful period features, and we’re happy to say that its colonial character still remains despite its contemporary interior design.

The elegant suites are all well-appointed with comfortable king-size beds, polished wooden furnishings and delicate floral prints. Each comes with indulgent amenities and a spacious en-suite bathroom, and some come with private gardens. Our favourite rooms are the Cynthia and Ranee suites as these offer generous balconies overlooking the central courtyard. At the heart of this lies the inviting pool, which is a real highlight and makes for the perfect spot to relax by after a busy day sightseeing and shopping.

You can expect to be well looked after here, as the service is exceptional; friendly staff are always on-hand to help and the hotel even provides personalised butler service. To add to its strengths, the food served in the Nandi Terrace Restaurant is fabulous – make sure to order the ‘egg hoppers’ for breakfast and don’t underestimate the simple ‘curry and rice’ here! Dine on international cuisine or local fare with a hint of Jaffna flavours on the veranda among the civilised guests, or perhaps within The Grand Ebony Room, which is available for fine dining and private hire.

Maniumpathy’s fashionable location means that art galleries, chic boutiques, restaurants and national monuments are all on your doorstep; plus, the Royal Colombo Golf Club lies opposite. While this special boutique hotel does cater to families – there is a suitable suite with a mezzanine level for children, plus three of the other rooms can fit an additional bed – we believe this serene property is best for travellers without children as it has a sophisticated and peaceful atmosphere.

Without a doubt the Grande Dame of Galle Fort, Amangalla boasts all the period charm of a bygone era. Deriving its name from the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’ and the Sinhalese name for Galle, the resort stands within the UNESCO-protected fort walls at the junction of Church and Middle Street and offers commanding views of the harbour and ramparts.

The sophisticated property is an amalgamation of buildings dating back over 400 years, and as soon as you set foot in the hotel, you feel whisked back in time; the Grand Hall with its glinting chandeliers and soaring fin de siècle ceilings speaks of a golden era of colonial elegance. The buildings were originally built in 1684 as headquarters for the Dutch commandeur and his officers, and were later used as a billet for British soldiers. In 1863, the historic property opened as the Oriental Hotel, before becoming the New Oriental Hotel and trading for 140 years until 2002, when Aman acquired the property.

The accommodation is spoiling; choose between 26 bedrooms, chambers and suites, a two-bedroom Amangalla Suite or even the secluded Garden House. The latter is hidden away at the back near the tranquil swimming pool, which is just to die for. While the layout of each room varies slightly, each one offers a spacious en-suite bathroom as well as a four-poster king-size bed. Delicate features also abound, from original antiques and 300-year-old wooden floors to latticed shutters and beautiful arched windows.

The Grand Hall houses the smart dining room, which serves an array of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. If you prefer, you can dine alfresco on the veranda in the evening and enjoy breakfasts and lunches outside in the 200-year-old gardens. The bar is the ideal spot to take a seat, enjoy an evening cocktail and listen to the grand piano, or upstairs, the Sunset Balcony is a picturesque spot for sundowners with views across Galle. Outdoors, the established gardens give way to the shimmering, green-tiled 21-metre swimming pool with its palm-shaded sun loungers: bliss. At the end of the gardens are Amangalla’s Baths with hydrotherapy pools and one of the best spas in Sri Lanka, offering treatments drawing on Ayurvedic healing traditions.

Providing a truly luxurious experience, Amangalla emanates sophistication and old-world charm and is the perfect base for exploring the historic town of Galle.

This camp is our favourite hidden gem in Sri Lanka and offers the best wildlife experience anyone could want on the island. Simple yet brilliant, the camp is run on a completely private basis and comprises a small collection of A-farmed tents which either have a single or double pop-up bed. There is a fresh water shower along with separate portable loos located next to the tents. The communal area comprises of a large table and chairs along with a comprehensive library of the best wildlife books you could ask for. It is the perfect place to relax when you are not out exploring and the food (mostly Sri Lankan, but Continental is also possible) is absolutely delicious!

The camp has several locations, each of which is fantastic. There is a site close to the ocean, within the forest or next to the river (river swims are possible!). The best thing about the experience, is that you will be looked after by the ultimate experts in in the field who are not only great fun and charming but are also wildlife experts who know the park inside out and are incredibly passionate about what they do. One of them is the former park warden who has worked and lived in the park for over forty years – it really couldn’t get much better!

Set back from a beautiful beach in Bentota, Rock Villa is a 170 year-old Walauwa which has six beautiful guest rooms.

Set within 2.5 acres of tropical gardens and mangroves, the villa stays true to its heritage whilst keeping décor light and fresh whilst using complementary dark wooden antique furniture typical of the colonial era. Throughout Rock Villa there is an air of sophistication and charm – you can’t help but feel fully relaxed here.

There is also a wonderful 50-foot pool surrounded by sun loungers, which overlooks the mangroves dotted with hammocks. The villa serves a new menu every day and sources the produce locally to ensure for the freshest, tastiest food. It is important to note that there is a railway track between the villa and the ocean (usual in Bentota), however this causes minimal disturbance and more charm.

A boutique hotel set within 50 acres of organic farmland surrounded by palm trees and landscaped gardens, Jim’s Farm Villas is home to three luxurious properties which can be booked individually or on a room by room basis.

Located 30 minutes north of Kandy and close to Sri Lanka’s leading UNESCO World Heritage sites, Jim’s Farm Villas is the ideal base for exploring the nearby parks and temples. Guests are completely enveloped by nature at the property and can spend their days relaxing by the pool, taking part in a cooking class or learning about Sri Lanka’s diverse environment on the organic farm.

The beautifully appointed villas fit seamlessly into the surroundings radiating a feeling of ease and serenity. The traditionally decorated bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with solar hot water and air conditioning. Handmade teak and rattan furniture, vaulted wooden ceilings and lime plaster walls showcase the best of Sri Lankan craftsmanship.

Authentic local meals are prepared throughout the day by resident chefs who cater for all requirements and preferences. Western dishes are also available and although breakfast is enjoyed individually, dinner is a communal affair with guests gathering around a table on the veranda sharing the stories of their day.

This stunning modern hotel in southern Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful and luxurious on the island.

Perched on a hilltop amidst 12 acres of its own lush, low-lying tea plantation, striking 360-degree views unfold across velveteen lawns and the surrounding tea gardens, towards the jungle and distant Koggala Lake, just 20 minutes from Galle. Built as a series of pavilions joined by paths through gardens and lily ponds, it has 12 double en-suite bedrooms, most of which stand alone. Each suite is individually furnished with an eclectic blend of antiques and contemporary pieces handpicked by the owner, British interior designer, George Cooper. Seven of the suites come with a private gardens and a plunge pool.

Throughout the hotel there is a serene and private ambience which invites relaxation; read a book in the enormous living room or on your private veranda, take a leisurely dip in the 22-metre infinity pool, have a massage, work out in the gym or practice yoga. The dedicated and charming team offer the epitome of five-star service, and the internationally trained chef creates simple fusion dishes and classic Sri Lankan curries.

Kahanda Kanda’s sister hotel is the newly opened KK Beach. The two hotels, although quite different from one another, work in conjunction with each other and guests staying at either hotel will be offered a free shuttle service between the two.