Reviewed 11 Apr 2011 by Susan Haldy
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sri Lanka offers some of the best, varied and most majestic scenery to be found anywhere in the world. We found it to be a true privilege (i.e. total lack of tourists) when visiting Wilpattu Park, which was only recently reopened to the public. However the whole northern region needs to prepare for more tourism in the future, and consequently update tourist facilities, such as restaurants and bathrooms! Road travel in Sri Lanka is an experience in itself with more than excitement involved... taking into account all the mountainous bends, avoiding hundreds of loose cows and dogs on the roads is just plain sailing! Our superb driver/guide (who could well be nominated as Sri Lankan champion for Formula One!) did a brilliant job in showing us as many highlights as possible in a limited time. The tea plantations were a true sight to behold.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is an ideal place for tranquility and those who really enjoy flora and fauna. Both the pool and beach are delightful, and provide wonderful views of tropical sunsets. There are plentiful opportunities for keen photographers, and we thoroughly enjoyed our encounters with land and water monitor lizards, crabs with and without shells, hundreds of cheeky striped squirrels, and so many types of birds. The hotel offers boat trips on the river, which we requested to do at sunset. We found the other excursions offered by the hotel to see nature parks, etc. to be on the pricey side, and organised our own expeditions through a very reliable Sri Lankan agency via Internet. The hotel's evening entertainment is varied and interesting (family orientated), but would not be of interest to those seeking "wild nightlife". I would recommend the hotel as a good, clean and comfortable base for relaxation interspersed with some adventurous expeditions.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It is obvious that the hotel is ecofriendly. Very visible signs were solar powered water heating, recycling of waste, and own vegetable garden. The vast majority of personnel live in the vicinity, or within 2 hours' travel, so their employment must be of benefit to the local community. Many I spoke with have been employed for a good number of years already. One deduces that the restaurant must purchase a huge number of ingredients (local produce) to provide such interesting and varied menus.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This proved to be a very memorable trip from the scenery and nature aspects. The Sri Lankan people are friendly and most helped to make our short stay there very pleasant.
Reviewed 17 Jan 2009 by Laura Donovan
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Ayurvedic spa was wonderful with brilliant service. I also enjoyed the nature walk.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There's a lovely walk along the river worth exploring.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It seemed to help the local community but it is hard to be sure. However, the reduced environmental impacts were clear.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I greatly enjoyed the trip. The service was impeccable. I have sent the link for the hotel to a very long list of friends.
Reviewed 05 Aug 2007 by Ian Richardson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Numerous. The ferry ride across to the resort changed the whole atmosphere, you were a in a different world. Early morning bird watching and eating produce from the villages own garden.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for peace and quiet! It can be used as a base for exploring the island, although this means long days OR moving out for 1 or 2 nights!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
As it is not part of a chain it felt as though the proceeds were staying in Sri Lanka.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, feel relaxed and refreshed!
Reviewed 26 Jan 2006 by Roger Brown
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Whilst a tiny aspect in the overall vacation, the charming and unerringly tranquil ferry trip back and forth across the river at all hours of the day and night to and from the accommodation is the image which shall live with us both for the longest time and be the source of peace in hectic moments for months to come.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The accommodation, location and staff are a match for many four star resorts and the most awkward and particular traveler will not be disappointed by this corner of paradise. However the restaurant, whilst serving quality and fresh food at all time, tends toward surprisingly bland and European menus aimed more at the less adventurous and mainland European visitor. Similarly, the suggestions for onward travel and activity may be on the unadventurous side of safety. Any visitor would do well to cross the ferry and walk to the nearby village and locality to taste the cuisine and culture. The seafood restaurant "Anthony's" at the gate of the hotel will deliver huge portions of the freshest caught fish and the opportunity to meet local fishermen happy to take tourists with them on their fishing expeditions or indeed to arrange a boat trip to neighbouring Negombo or a tourist trip with qualified guide elsewhere on the Island. Our experience is that you will be directly supporting the local community and will find the utmost integrity combined with surprisingly high standards of service and accommodation. By all means go to this accommodation for your vacation but don't forget to go off the island and meet some people.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The existence of the hotel on the doorstep of the small local fishing village unquestionably brought substantial business to the local community. The fact that this is an island - quite literally and completely since the Tsunami - means that there is no question of any vehicles or heavy machinery in the resort which certainly promotes the ubiquitous wildlife and birds. Solar heating for water has got to be a good idea and is no less so for the fact that it seems to be a fairly standard mechanism across the island as opposed to being any great leap forward at this place. It is difficult to judge the true environmental impact of 100 Europeans descending on a small piece of land and to objectively weigh benefits against problems. But it is clear that it takes its responsibilities to the environment and local community seriously and within realistic boundaries makes a genuine effort.
4. Any other comments?
We have just returned from our vacation and I would like to thank you and Responsible Travel so very much for your assistance and introduction of such a lovely place. We had a super time with extremely friendly staff in a very beautiful place. If they served more Sri Lankan and less European food it would have been impossible to fault.
Reviewed 30 Apr 2004 by Russell Blackwell
We found the staff knowledgable and the environment very relaxing. Special arrangements for a nature tour and transport to and from the airport were set up without any bother. We also liked the local cuisine which was an option. It happened that our flight home was cancelled at short notice and the staff were particularly helpful in checking what needed to be done. By its nature, this hotel makes great emphasis on open air living and being animal friendly. This is fine, but guests have to realise that this can mean unattractive animals like rats can also have access to public rooms. I think the hotel has the right balance overall eg good concern about mosquito control. By the way, the variety of birds to be seen is breathtaking! I recommend the hotel.
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