Hospitality Awards 2026 | 29 Best Boutique Hotel Collection 2026 - Sri Lanka & Community Impact Excellence Award 2026 - Sri Lanka Secrets of Ceylon Collection offers visitors the chance to experience Sri Lanka's soul through boutique hotels, heritage homes, jungle retreats and hilltop escapes, through its portfolio of handpicked boutique hotels. We speak to Jean Marc Flambert about how the company offers something unforgettable and unique, as well as protecting the local communities, as it celebrates a double win in the LUXlife Hospitality Awards 2026. The Secrets of Ceylon Collection (Secrets of Ceylon) has 12 bespoke properties to provide travellers with a true, authentic Sri Lankan experience. From off-the-beaten-track Sri Lanka hotels to heritage stays, each property is personally owned and lovingly run by individuals who are deeply connected to the land, the culture, and the communities they serve. Each property is small and bijou, with less than 12 rooms available, plus the firm offers a free experience which allows all guests to engage with the local community, learn about the true culture of Sri Lanka, and meet the locals. “We are authentic,” Jean Marc Flambert enthuses passionately. “We welcome you like a friend and allow Sri Lankan hospitality to take over.” As well as offering a true Sri Lankan experience, and providing unique accommodation to guests, Secrets of Ceylon has another unique selling point which marks it out from competitors… Believing that travel is a force for good, the company enforces and promotes the BEE Philosophy – Buy Local, Employ Locally, Enrich the Community. “We employ local people - they must be from the village,” explains Jean Marc. “We can teach everything else. When you are from the local village, pride takes over. Here at Secrets of Ceylon, we aim to connect you to the people, traditions, and quiet wonders that make Sri Lanka unforgettable.” The firm also offers opportunities to do something a little different whilst visiting. For example, the property in Horathapola is a 100-year-old family home nestled in 50 acres of lush greenery, offering a truly authentic rural experience. A stay here is a wonderful introduction to Sri Lankan village life, reflecting a deep commitment to preserving nature. It is among the most unique heritage hotels in Sri Lanka and features a coconut estate walk. Idal Villa in Idalgashinna is a modern escape nestled in the misty hills. It offers a train and village house experience, as well as a sauna, gym or and massage treatments. Finally, Hapu Tales offers a peaceful retreat situated between Sri Lanka's tallest waterfalls, Bambarakanda and Diyaluma. Located just a short distance from Ella, it's one of the best hotels in Haputale, providing an excellent alternative in the panoramic lower reaches of Haputale. It's surrounded by lush gardens and a working mini tea plantation, plus guests can enjoy a Thaal cuisine experience. For its excellent customer care and premium offering, Secrets of Ceylon recently triumphed in the Hospitality Awards 2026 and was named Best Boutique Hotel Collection 2026 - Sri Lanka. It also, however, received the highly prestigious Community Impact Excellence Award 2026 - Sri Lanka for its dedication to the BEE Philosophy and empowerment of the local community. Regarding the future, Jean Marc tells us that he has plans to expand, adding three new partner properties in different geographical areas to the collection’s portfolio. The focus, however, is still firmly on the BEE Philosophy and ensuring that locals of Sri Lanka continue to benefit from the tourism industry. Contact: Jean Marc Flambert Company: Secrets of Ceylon Collection Web Address: www.secretsofceyloncollection.com
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