Good news for UK tourists looking to experience Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, 2,000-plus years of culture and amazing wildlife-watching opportunities – British Airways has announced that it will be operating flights to Sri Lanka from Gatwick next year.

IN THE AIR: NEW FLIGHT
From 31st March 2013, British Airways will fly from Gatwick to the capital city of Colombo via Male in the Maldives. These flights, which will be serviced by a three-class Boeing 777, are on sale now, with discounted fares starting at £595 available until 25th of September.

James Jayasundera, founder of Ampersand Travel, is excited about the new route and commented: ‘I welcome this increased competition between the UK and Sri Lanka – the new BA flights will give our customers even greater choice, enabling them to benefit from different flight times and even combine a stop in the Maldives with a stop in Sri Lanka.

In addition to the new flights, there are superb new hotel and villa rentals for travellers too offering tourist an even greater choice of accommodation when visiting this fascinating island…

BY THE BEACH: NEW HOTEL – JUNGLE BEACH RESORT
Located on the beach-blessed east coast of Sri Lanka in the charming hamlet of Kachaveli, lies the recently opened Jungle Beach, just a short drive north of the former naval port of Trincomalee. This charming boutique hotel is the newest addition to the growing portfolio of UGA resorts – the people behind the gorgeous resort UIagalla, in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Comprised of 48 rustic but well-appointment villas, the accommodation lies between the Indian Ocean on one side and a lagoon on the other. A great spot for either whale-watching or sun-worshipping. http://ampersandtravel.com/accommodation/Jungle-Beach

ON THE GROUND: JUST-OPENED VILLA – #20 MIDDLE STREET
#20 Middle Street is a handsome mid 18th-century, Dutch colonial villa in the heart of the Dutch colonial town of cosmopolitan Galle – a large town on Sri Lanka’s seductive southwest coast. Recently extensively renovated by architect Channa Daswatte (formerly renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa’s able assistant). #20 Middle Street sleeps six and has a wealth or original features including original teak windows, terrazzo floors, a palatial porch, four-poster bedroom stately suites, views over the historic Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and an oasis of a private garden. While there’s no pool at this villa, it is next-door neighbours with the Aman spa ‘The Baths’, where serious pampering awaits, and minutes from a selection of truly baskable beaches.http://www.ampersandtravel.com/accommodation/20-Middle-Street