The three-pearl Kandy Samadhi Centre is a 12-room rustic resort located a 50-minute drive from Kandy. Inspired by meditation, rooms are scattered around its extensive lush and quiet grounds. Many guests come to utilize the yoga and meditation classes, or the extensive Ayurvedic treatments. Rooms are large and appointed with antique furniture, sitting areas, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, but they're showing wear and tear. Bathrooms are large but they're occasionally shared between rooms and there are no toiletries. An organic vegetarian restaurant serves free breakfast and food receives stellar reviews. Though there is nothing within walking distance, the hotel can help organize tours. There is no Wi-Fi, cellphone service, or TVs, so it's best for guests looking to unplug. Travelers seeking more amenities may prefer the Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, though rates are much higher.
The three-pearl Kandy Samadhi Centre is a 12-room rustic resort located a 50-minute drive from Kandy. Inspired by meditation, rooms are scattered around its extensive lush and quiet grounds. Many guests come to utilize the yoga and meditation classes, or the extensive Ayurvedic treatments. Rooms are large and appointed with antique furniture, sitting areas, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, but they're showing wear and tear. Bathrooms are large but they're occasionally shared between rooms and there are no toiletries. An organic vegetarian restaurant serves free breakfast and food receives stellar reviews. Though there is nothing within walking distance, the hotel can help organize tours. There is no Wi-Fi, cellphone service, or TVs, so it's best for guests looking to unplug. Travelers seeking more amenities may prefer the Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge, though rates are much higher.
The 134-room Earl's Regency is an upscale resort just outside the city of Kandy in central Sri Lanka, with widespread windows looking out onto the surrounding mountains. There isn't much within walking distance, but many cultural attractions are less than a 30-minute drive away. Rooms are sophisticated and handsome, outfitted with minibars, air-conditioning, and furnished balconies, but noise can be an issue and they're showing some wear and tear. There are three dining options on-site, but food receives mixed reviews. Other amenities include a pretty outdoor pool with adjacent kiddy pool, small spa and gym, and business facilities. For guests who want to stay closer to Kandy, the Theva Residency is another solid option with stunning views from all rooms.
The 134-room Earl's Regency is an upscale resort just outside the city of Kandy in central Sri Lanka, with widespread windows looking out onto the surrounding mountains. There isn't much within walking distance, but many cultural attractions are less than a 30-minute drive away. Rooms are sophisticated and handsome, outfitted with minibars, air-conditioning, and furnished balconies, but noise can be an issue and they're showing some wear and tear. There are three dining options on-site, but food receives mixed reviews. Other amenities include a pretty outdoor pool with adjacent kiddy pool, small spa and gym, and business facilities. For guests who want to stay closer to Kandy, the Theva Residency is another solid option with stunning views from all rooms.
Heritance Ahungalla is an upscale 152-room beachfront resort with a huge building and a casual vibe. The colonial-style design and decor is reflected in the polished wood and stone floors, the locally woven fabrics, and the handmade art on the walls; it's the details that make the difference here. Guests can expect spacious rooms with stylish, contemporary nods to the colonial era, two large ocean-facing pools, tennis courts, a spa, five bars, and renowned cuisine at the three restaurants. The minor wear and datedness issues are a downside, but the resort is slowly refurbishing. The resort is popular with both couples and families, and there's a seasonal kids' club here, unlike at the also upscale Vivanta by Taj up the coast.
Heritance Ahungalla is an upscale 152-room beachfront resort with a huge building and a casual vibe. The colonial-style design and decor is reflected in the polished wood and stone floors, the locally woven fabrics, and the handmade art on the walls; it's the details that make the difference here. Guests can expect spacious rooms with stylish, contemporary nods to the colonial era, two large ocean-facing pools, tennis courts, a spa, five bars, and renowned cuisine at the three restaurants. The minor wear and datedness issues are a downside, but the resort is slowly refurbishing. The resort is popular with both couples and families, and there's a seasonal kids' club here, unlike at the also upscale Vivanta by Taj up the coast.
This 154-room, mid-range hotel on the west coast of Sri Lanka is situated along an uncrowded stretch of beige sand 30 minutes from the airport. Currents can be strong at the beach, so many European guests prefer to spend time at the two freshwater pools: a lengthy family-friendly one, and a quiet one next to the open-air spa. Meanwhile, sporty types can partake in tennis, racquetball, badminton, kayaking, and exercise at the indoor fitness center. The colorful, contemporary rooms are spacious and standalone villas are available. Though there are few dining options, the expansive buffet changes daily and there's an elegant a la carte restaurant (guests will have to take a taxi or drive to other spots). An animation team entertains throughout the day and night in the form of aqua aerobics, live music, theatre and karaoke. Keep an eye out for traditional local weddings in the event space.
This 154-room, mid-range hotel on the west coast of Sri Lanka is situated along an uncrowded stretch of beige sand 30 minutes from the airport. Currents can be strong at the beach, so many European guests prefer to spend time at the two freshwater pools: a lengthy family-friendly one, and a quiet one next to the open-air spa. Meanwhile, sporty types can partake in tennis, racquetball, badminton, kayaking, and exercise at the indoor fitness center. The colorful, contemporary rooms are spacious and standalone villas are available. Though there are few dining options, the expansive buffet changes daily and there's an elegant a la carte restaurant (guests will have to take a taxi or drive to other spots). An animation team entertains throughout the day and night in the form of aqua aerobics, live music, theatre and karaoke. Keep an eye out for traditional local weddings in the event space.
This 36-acre, 105-room upscale resort on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is family-friendly and relaxed, drawing a mostly German and British crowd. The beach isn’t the draw -- it contains course, beige sand that burns hot in the sun, and the current is not always safe for swimming -- but it's fine for walks and sunsets. Rooms with varying views have modern furnishings and amenities, and bathrooms come with walk-in showers (Junior Suites have separate jetted tubs). Water sports at the Kalu Ganga River and excursions are available, but most guests tend to stick to the the outdoor pool, which can get a crowd (ahem, chairs get snagged early). There are two restaurants and two bars; a spa is available at the Anantara resort next door. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.
This 36-acre, 105-room upscale resort on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is family-friendly and relaxed, drawing a mostly German and British crowd. The beach isn’t the draw -- it contains course, beige sand that burns hot in the sun, and the current is not always safe for swimming -- but it's fine for walks and sunsets. Rooms with varying views have modern furnishings and amenities, and bathrooms come with walk-in showers (Junior Suites have separate jetted tubs). Water sports at the Kalu Ganga River and excursions are available, but most guests tend to stick to the the outdoor pool, which can get a crowd (ahem, chairs get snagged early). There are two restaurants and two bars; a spa is available at the Anantara resort next door. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.
This simple, mid-range option in southwestern Sri Lanka is an excellent value. Open since 1983, the 88-room Hotel Mermaid tends to attract long-term vacationers (coming for 10 days or more) -- mostly couples from Europe, some of whom stay for three weeks. Standard Rooms (the majority) have teak furnishings, CD players, and balconies, and there are two pools, a spa, and fitness center. Guests will find plenty of lounge chairs in which to sit back and read a book, the preferred daytime activity. One restaurant serves varied buffet spreads and three bars pour the basics; all-inclusive packages are optional and there's also live entertainment a few nights a week. For more luxury and romance, check out pricier sister property Saman Villas down the road.
This simple, mid-range option in southwestern Sri Lanka is an excellent value. Open since 1983, the 88-room Hotel Mermaid tends to attract long-term vacationers (coming for 10 days or more) -- mostly couples from Europe, some of whom stay for three weeks. Standard Rooms (the majority) have teak furnishings, CD players, and balconies, and there are two pools, a spa, and fitness center. Guests will find plenty of lounge chairs in which to sit back and read a book, the preferred daytime activity. One restaurant serves varied buffet spreads and three bars pour the basics; all-inclusive packages are optional and there's also live entertainment a few nights a week. For more luxury and romance, check out pricier sister property Saman Villas down the road.
This 226-room colonial hotel near Sri Lanka's capital -- named for a governor's mistress -- is oozing with history dating back to British rule in the 19th century. Set on a cliff with beautiful views, the sprawling property has easy access to two beaches (one that is private), though most tend to catch their rays at the outdoor pool. Some room types are renovated, with wood floors and new furnishings, while others are more traditional (and dated) with antiques and carpeting; some have ocean-view balconies. There are a Balinese-themed spa, a modern fitness center, and three restaurants, including one that serves fresh seafood on the beach. Mount Lavinia is wildly popular with local weddings and business events, so this is not the place for peace and quiet, especially with the nearby train track. This being said, the historical character and special features (like a the secret passageway) help distinguish it from every other hotel around.
This 226-room colonial hotel near Sri Lanka's capital -- named for a governor's mistress -- is oozing with history dating back to British rule in the 19th century. Set on a cliff with beautiful views, the sprawling property has easy access to two beaches (one that is private), though most tend to catch their rays at the outdoor pool. Some room types are renovated, with wood floors and new furnishings, while others are more traditional (and dated) with antiques and carpeting; some have ocean-view balconies. There are a Balinese-themed spa, a modern fitness center, and three restaurants, including one that serves fresh seafood on the beach. Mount Lavinia is wildly popular with local weddings and business events, so this is not the place for peace and quiet, especially with the nearby train track. This being said, the historical character and special features (like a the secret passageway) help distinguish it from every other hotel around.
This contemporary, 140-room hotel offers competitive prices on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Designed by renowned local architect Geoffrey Bawa, the upscale Blue Water feels bigger than it actually is, with airy communal areas that reflect his trademark style of tropical modernism. Guests tend to spend daytime hours relaxing in sun loungers scattered around the outdoor lawn in front of the pool. Beyond a fence, there's a wide public beach that stays active with fishermen, though the strong current means it's not always safe for swimming. Modern rooms have private balconies and some bathrooms have separate jetted tubs. The property has four dining options, two bars, two tennis courts, a spa, and a sleek fitness room with yoga classes on request. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
This contemporary, 140-room hotel offers competitive prices on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Designed by renowned local architect Geoffrey Bawa, the upscale Blue Water feels bigger than it actually is, with airy communal areas that reflect his trademark style of tropical modernism. Guests tend to spend daytime hours relaxing in sun loungers scattered around the outdoor lawn in front of the pool. Beyond a fence, there's a wide public beach that stays active with fishermen, though the strong current means it's not always safe for swimming. Modern rooms have private balconies and some bathrooms have separate jetted tubs. The property has four dining options, two bars, two tennis courts, a spa, and a sleek fitness room with yoga classes on request. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
Part of the fun of arriving at the 146-room, mid-range Club Bentota is the five-minute boat road across Bentota River, giving the resort an authentic, secluded vibe. However, most aspects of the resort need some TLC, and though guest rooms have private terraces or patios, we saw lots of wear and tear. The proximity to a wide, clean, and tranquil beach is a main draw, as are the all-inclusive packages that attract plenty of groups and value-minded European tourists, though drink options in these packages are limited. The hotel offers extensive water sports on Bentota River, an outdoor pool, and an extensive Ayurvedic spa menu, though it lacks resort-wide Wi-Fi. Guests looking for a more upscale, intimate option at a lower price point in the area should try Club Villa, though it lacks direct beach access.
Part of the fun of arriving at the 146-room, mid-range Club Bentota is the five-minute boat road across Bentota River, giving the resort an authentic, secluded vibe. However, most aspects of the resort need some TLC, and though guest rooms have private terraces or patios, we saw lots of wear and tear. The proximity to a wide, clean, and tranquil beach is a main draw, as are the all-inclusive packages that attract plenty of groups and value-minded European tourists, though drink options in these packages are limited. The hotel offers extensive water sports on Bentota River, an outdoor pool, and an extensive Ayurvedic spa menu, though it lacks resort-wide Wi-Fi. Guests looking for a more upscale, intimate option at a lower price point in the area should try Club Villa, though it lacks direct beach access.
The 100-room Amaya Hills is an upscale property nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Hanthana Mountains. It's about a 20-minute drive from the center of Kandy, and there's not much else in the immediate area, but the mountain views are spectacular. Rooms and suites are attractive, with a modern-classic look, and all feature minibars, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee makers, many offer gorgeous hillside views from small furnished balconies. The restaurant serves all meals and offers nightly theme dinners, but the food gets mixed reviews. The large outdoor pool is a plus, as is the spa, and there are many activities available, including ping-pong, billiards, palm reading, and excursions. A nearby alternative is the Theva Residency, where rooms are brighter and more colorful, and suites have hot tubs with views.
The 100-room Amaya Hills is an upscale property nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Hanthana Mountains. It's about a 20-minute drive from the center of Kandy, and there's not much else in the immediate area, but the mountain views are spectacular. Rooms and suites are attractive, with a modern-classic look, and all feature minibars, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee makers, many offer gorgeous hillside views from small furnished balconies. The restaurant serves all meals and offers nightly theme dinners, but the food gets mixed reviews. The large outdoor pool is a plus, as is the spa, and there are many activities available, including ping-pong, billiards, palm reading, and excursions. A nearby alternative is the Theva Residency, where rooms are brighter and more colorful, and suites have hot tubs with views.