7 Briefs
An exclusive gemstone trading residency connecting international buyers with Beruwala's celebrated gem market, master craftsmen and established trade networks.
The feeling of this journey
Where generations of gemstone expertise meet the opportunities of global trade. Step into the heart of Sri Lanka's gemstone industry with an exclusive business-focused residency in Beruwala. From the renowned China Fort Gem Market to private meetings with international dealers, expert gemstone cutting and gemological laboratory visits, every experience is thoughtfully designed around meaningful trade connections, professional insight and exceptional sourcing opportunities. Complemented by refined coastal accommodation and personalised hospitality, this journey offers a privileged introduction to the world of Ceylon gemstones.
Moments along the way
China Fort · Exclusive market access
Discover the renowned China Fort Gem Market, a historic centre of Sri Lanka's gemstone trade, through privately guided visits, direct introductions to established merchants and exclusive opportunities to examine and source exceptional Ceylon gemstones.
Beruwala · Professional craftsmanship
Experience the journey from rough gemstone to polished masterpiece through private cutting demonstrations, guided workshops and professional gemological laboratory visits exploring identification, treatments and certification.
Beruwala · Private business connections
Connect with established local and international gemstone dealers through carefully arranged business meetings, exclusive stone presentations and personalised consultations at the La Butler office, creating opportunities for lasting professional partnerships.
Your route through Ceylon
Seven days of gemstone trading, professional discovery and refined coastal luxury.
Day 1
Airport reception followed by a private chauffeured luxury SUV journey to the beautiful southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, home to the celebrated gemstone trading community of Beruwala.
Settle into your selected accommodation at Jetwing Saman Villas or Cinnamon Bentota Beach, enjoying refined hospitality, panoramic ocean views and a personalised introduction to your upcoming business experiences.
A relaxed introductory briefing with your La Butler representative, reviewing your gemstone interests, sourcing requirements and scheduled professional engagements throughout the residency.
Day 2
Explore the renowned China Fort Gem Market with an experienced local trade representative, discovering its vibrant trading environment and generations-old traditions of gemstone buying, selling and negotiation.
Meet established gemstone merchants and examine carefully selected sapphires, spinels and other precious stones through privately arranged viewings, gaining insights into grading, pricing and market practices.
Visit the La Butler office in Beruwala for a personalised business consultation, discussing sourcing priorities, market opportunities and introductions to selected trade partners.
Day 3
An intimate, expert-led session exploring Ceylon gemstone origins, grading standards, rare colour varieties and professional evaluation techniques using jeweller's loupes and specialised instruments.
Visit a professional gemstone cutting workshop to observe the intricate processes of shaping, faceting and polishing, discovering how experienced craftsmen transform rough stones into finely finished gemstones.
Engage directly with skilled lapidaries to understand cutting styles, weight retention, proportions and how craftsmanship influences a gemstone's brilliance, appearance and commercial value.
Day 4
Participate in pre-arranged business meetings with established gemstone dealers and international trading professionals, exploring sourcing opportunities and building connections within the global gemstone industry.
Attend private, appointment-only presentations of selected gemstones, with opportunities to compare quality, colour, clarity, treatments and potential commercial applications.
Continue discussions at the La Butler office, reviewing potential acquisitions, pricing considerations and opportunities for long-term supplier relationships.
Day 5
Visit a professional gemological laboratory in Beruwala for an introduction to scientific gemstone identification, including advanced testing methods, microscopic inclusion analysis and treatment detection.
Explore the processes involved in gemstone reporting, origin assessment and quality verification, gaining insight into the documentation used in professional gemstone trading.
Meet with your La Butler representative to review selected gemstones, laboratory findings and potential purchases, with guidance on certification requirements and relevant export procedures.
Day 6
Return to selected merchants or private showrooms for any final gemstone examinations, commercial discussions and potential acquisitions based on your sourcing objectives.
Conclude your professional engagements with a private consultation at the La Butler office, reviewing new trade relationships, future sourcing opportunities and ongoing business collaboration.
Celebrate the conclusion of your gemstone trading residency with an intimate private dining experience beside the Indian Ocean. A specially curated multi-course menu, tailored to your personal tastes and preferences, is served in an elegant beachfront setting as the sun sets over Sri Lanka's southwestern coast.
Departure · Day 7
Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast overlooking the Indian Ocean, reflecting on your gemstone discoveries, new professional relationships and memorable experiences in Beruwala.
Private chauffeured luxury SUV transport from Bentota to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward departure.
At your table
Menus can be customized to your tastes, dietary preferences and preferred cuisines, in consultation with your private chef.
01The menu
A specially curated multi-course menu, tailored to your personal tastes and preferences, marks the close of your gemstone trading residency.
02The setting
Conclude your business engagements with an intimate private dinner in an elegant beachfront setting as the sun sets over Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast.
A favourite kind of stay? A particular interest in gems? Tell us what matters to you, and we’ll build the journey around it.
Bespoke Sri Lanka Residencies & Private Gemstone Expeditions starting from $5,000 per guest.
Book tourThe residency brings together a private retreat, gemstone discovery and time to restore. From your arrival to your final evening, the experiences below form the heart of your 7 days.
Your residency includes:
Purchases and personal choices beyond the residency are accounted for separately, giving you the freedom to decide what to add.
Packages start from $5,000 per guest.
Pricing depends on your dates, accommodation, room category and chosen experiences. The price and final inclusions are confirmed before your residency.
Places to slow down
Exclusive coastal sanctuaries combining refined luxury, privacy and convenient access to the gemstone trading centre of Beruwala.
Bentota · Exclusive oceanfront retreat
Global rating
9.4/10
An intimate oceanfront retreat in Bentota, with elegant suites, sweeping coastal views and exceptional privacy close to Beruwala’s gemstone trading community.
An elegantly appointed ocean-view suite featuring contemporary interiors, a spacious private balcony, refined furnishings and a luxurious bathroom, creating a peaceful retreat overlooking the Indian Ocean.
A spacious ground-floor suite featuring elegant living areas, a private garden terrace, panoramic ocean views and an open-air bathing experience surrounded by tropical greenery.
A secluded luxury suite featuring sophisticated interiors, a private plunge pool, spacious outdoor living areas and uninterrupted ocean views, offering exceptional privacy and comfort.
An exclusive duplex residence offering expansive living spaces, a private plunge pool, an elegant terrace and panoramic ocean views, designed for guests seeking the highest level of privacy and refined coastal luxury.
Bentota · Luxury beachfront retreat
Global rating
9.2/10
An elegant beachfront resort between the Indian Ocean and Bentota River, combining tropical architecture with a convenient base for Beruwala’s gemstone trade.
A refined garden-view room featuring contemporary interiors, a king-size bed, an elegant bathroom and a private terrace overlooking the resort's lush tropical surroundings.
An elegant ocean-facing room featuring sophisticated furnishings, a spacious balcony and uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, offering a peaceful escape following a day of business engagements.
A distinguished signature suite celebrating Sri Lanka's architectural heritage, featuring refined design details, spacious accommodation and exceptional views across the Indian Ocean and Bentota River.
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