Sri Lanka is about finely balanced itineraries: colonial life at its best at luxurious tea plantations high in the swirling mists of the highlands; alluring wildlife – sloths, leopard, elephant and all manner of fauna and flora in Yalla National Park; and palm-fringed beaches and private beach peninsulas along the Cape Welligama coastline. As a foil to the frenetic energy of Colombo and wildlife trekking, consider adding the divine serenity of the Maldives, a mere one hour plane ride away, to your itinerary for a stellar combination.