Here in Australia, Christmas is synonymous with summer—the beach, prawns, and Santa rocking sunnies. It’s also become a rite of passage for many of us to head to the northern hemisphere for our first cold Christmas, marvelling at the extravagant decorations, dressing warmly for the cold and, ideally, snow-laden streets, all with a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand. The kind of Christmas we saw in the movies as kids!

I had the pleasure of visiting Sri Lanka for the first time last month on an educational trip, spending 10 days exploring the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, from 5-star hotels in Colombo to remote luxury safari lodges. I was thoroughly charmed! I’d previously heard descriptions of Sri Lanka as a cross between India and Thailand; as the most chilled out part of the sub-continent; and a place to discover the world’s best tea. And I truly felt each of these interpretations come to life. Read on to discover my top 10 hotel picks in Sri Lanka!

Singapore’s Changi Airport is an adventure in itself, and on a recent stopover, I decided to make the most of my time between flights. With hours to spare and an itch to explore, I set myself a mission: visit the Oneworld lounges and experience firsthand what each has to offer. From Qatar Airways’ intimate luxury to Qantas’s spacious vibe and British Airways’ classic elegance, I immersed myself in each one, assessing the atmosphere, amenities, and overall experience to see which would earn my personal seal of approval.