The Lake Hotel in Polonnaruwa is situated right by the side of the ancient and huge Parakarama reservoir close to the heart of Polonnaruwa (the second capital city of Sri Lanka).
All the hotel rooms have great views over the reservoir and are comfortably furnished, having being refurbished in 2012.
Rangala House is on the edge of the Knuckles Mountains about 75mins drive from Kandy- being a bit higher than Kandy, it feels a little cooler. Formerly a tea planters bungalow, it has been beautifully converted into a small boutique hotel. There is a large comfortable lounge but the piece de resistance is the amazing 50ft verandah where there are exquisite views of the mountains, paddyfields and tea plantations – most people decide to have their meals here, to take in these views. Down below, in the stunning terraced gardens, is a fantastic pool which also enjoys these views. Would certainly recommend a minimum of a 2 night stay to take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy the fantastic hospitality here.
This gem of a Sri lankan eco-Lodge is situated only 5kms from the rock fortress at Sigiriya and is for the adventurous traveller that wants to get back to nature. The accommodation is simple with the bedrooms on a mezzanine floor which have open sided walls (which allows the movement of air on hot nights). Each room has its own separate toilet and cold water shower and each bed has its own mosquito net. On the ground floor of the lodge there is plenty of seating. The food is especially good here – using if possible locally grown ingredients. The garden has many indigenous Sri Lankan trees.
This amazing hotel is in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and has Sigiriya “the rock fortress” as its backdrop. There are 25 individual luxurious dwellings set in three distinct habitats – water, paddy and forest. They are all connected by walkways which then link up with the main building which houses the restaurants, bars, pool and library. There is also a fabulous hotel spa where you can try out any number of treatments including Ayurveda. This must be one of the best hotels in Sri Lanka and is named as one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Randholee Resort and Spa is set on a hill some 15mins drive from Kandy and has fantastic views over the city and mountains. Most of the rooms (and the pool) also enjoy these views from their balcony, whilst the others have views of the lush garden. The hotel rooms are comfortably furnished with mahogany furniture and Kandyan style art and textiles, which really does give it a feel of majesty. The hotel gardens are large and terraced and offer a number of places where you can take in the stunning views – if you wish, you can have a personalised meal there, on your own balcony or by the pool.
This is quickly becoming one of our most popular hotels on the tours. It is a small hotel with 11 rooms in cabanas which are dotted around the luxuriant grounds which are surrounded by jungle so has a very natural feel to it. Each cabana has its own verandah or you can sit there or on the verandah outside the hotel restaurant which serves great food – both Sri Lankan and Western. There is a lovely pool to unwind in after a day of sightseeing in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
