I stayed with my partner at Sri Lanta for 5 nights in November 2006. We had the most fantastic time. We were greeted by friendly staff, who, although their English lacked fluency (it was much better than my Thai) checked us in, provided us with a fresh cocktail which was much needed in the heat, and took us to our room informing us about the spa services, restaurant etc on the way to the room.
Yes the room is up a hill, but it really is not a very steep hill as some would have you believe. The room was very spacious, the bed was extremly comfortable (no damp pillows in sight) and just as we had expected, because we had done our research, the bathroom was functionable but basic - a hot shower, basin with mirror, and flushing toilet -what else does one need?
The whole point of Sri Lanta is that the hotel blends in with the natural surroundings and as long as you are not a complete insectophobe, the insects in your room (of which we had very minimal experience) can be controlled. The hotel provide you with a very strong bug spray, and also if you are sensible enough to keep the door to the bathroom closed nothing can really enter the room anyway. For all those people complaining about insects - this is Thailand, not the UK, and the hotel is set in and amongst the lush Thai countryside, what do you expect?
Also it is great fun watching, and listening to, the chorus of frogs in the evening especially after a quick rain storm.
The pool was a lovely size and a great temperature and each day we generally had it to ourselves. Lying on the sun lounger with the attentive staff providing drinks from the bar made me feel like I was in a private villa. The view out across ths sea is also beautiful and very relaxing.
For the most part we made the most of the serene, tranquil atmosphere and lazed by the pool and ate in the restaurant - the food was very tasty. I had one of the spiciest penang curries I have ever eaten, and the spring rolls were fabulous. We tended to eat gradullay over the day, popping into the restaurant for a bowl of something to share, then popping back an hour or two later for another dish.
We did also venture out to explore a few times. We treated ourselves to a 4 island boat trip which was fantastic; and we also explored the main town on the island, making many purchases in the market !! (a girl must shop!!)
I would recommend to anyone staying here to hire a moped or take a taxi out to the "Same Same but Different" restaurant. This is one of the most beautful settings I have ever eaten in and I would recommend being there for sun set.
Do not come here if you want a spotless, built up resort with a TV and all the mod cons (similar to something you can stay in anywhere around the world), come here if you want to experience Thailand and relax.
