Én the latest in a long line-up of rave reviews this year from publications around the world , US Vogue’s October issue puts the spotlight on Sri Lanka as one of the season’s ‘coolest tropical getaways`.

Describing the country as ‘paradise regained’, the fashion and lifestyle magazine featured a number of luxury hotels including Amangalla, situated in the Galle Fort, which was simply "the last word in exotic chic".

The accolades for Sri Lanka as the ideal holiday destination were echoed in the UK when Sri Lanka polled at no. 11 in UK-based Conde Nast Traveller 2005 Readers’ Travel Awards last month.

Thailand and Singapore were the only two Asian countries with a higher ranking, with New Zealand taking the number one spot.

And closer to home, DestinAsian, one of Asia’s travel and lifestyle magazines, also featured Amanwella, the Galle Fort Hotel and River House in their ‘Luxe List 2005’.

The criteria used to rate the hotels - which featured a ski camp in the Swiss Alps and a retro-chic hotel in Arizona in second and third places - included design, aesthetics and proximity to trendy restaurants, shops and must-see sites, and a ‘sense of style that is completely unique`.