Vivanta by Taj Bentota is a refreshed full-service beach resort in a destination your friends haven’t heard of.
Why Go: This refurbishment of a 1990s beach resort in Sri Lanka is worth considering if you’re in the area. Find the sprawling red-roofed complex on the southern part of the country’s west coast, about halfway between Colombo and Galle. Activities include boat safaris to local villages, whale- and dolphin-watching excursions, and visits to a nearby elephant orphanage. 
What to Expect: India’s …