Prepare to fall hard for Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo, a historic townhouse turned five-star hotel in the Sri Lankan capital’s ritzy Cinnamon Gardens neighborhood. The long, glassy lap pool, delicious breakfasts (hello, string hoppers with spicy curry), and sumptuous interior design make the case for spending big in an otherwise affordable city—at least for a night or two.

Suites have high ceilings and hard-wood floors, luxurious bedding and stylish mosquito nets, private balconies, in-room Nespresso machines, and bathrooms with steaming-hot rain showers and deep candlelit tubs. Staff is accommodating but never overbearing. WiFi is fast and reliable. Brooding contemporary artwork lines the rooms, hallways, and other public spaces. The pool, for example, is bookended by life-size sculptures from Sri Lankan artist Chamila Gamage.

Of course, you’ll pay out the nose for all this luxury. Rooms start at around $320 USD during peak periods, around half that price in low season. Alas, if you’re keeping the rest of your Sri Lankan travels to a budget, this is a splurge worth every penny.

65 Rosemead Pl., Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka; +94-11-460-2060.