This was the first place that we stayed, and turned out that it was actually one of our favorites in the entire trip, we just didn’t know it then. It made you feel like home. The kind of place where you don’t shut your door, you don’t put your shoes on, and you can just wander everywhere and feel comfortable. The food was fantastic and because it was our first stop, we got to try all sorts of things that were very new to us, and even some things that remained unique for our entire trip. We took the oxen tour of the plantation which was absolutely fascinating. Actually half of our group road in the oxen cart, and I and the other member walked along with the cart. Turned out that the oxen moved super fast and we could not even keep up, we just caught up when they stopped to look at things. We also took a walking tour which went off the property, and we went to a factory that processed coconut oil which was utterly amazing and also stopped at a tiny place that processed cashews, also interesting. The equipment they use is of very old manufacture, and the whole process is very interesting, done at this scale. We also saw local birds as we walked, different plants etc. Highly recommend. The pool is very relaxing, and when our trip organizer suggested that we would want to get over our jet lag and relax at the pool, he wasn’t wrong. The pool was just the right temperature for relaxing in, and the birds that live around the pool were fantastic to watch. One last thing- my duffle bag had torn during our flight to SL. I asked if there was duct tape, so I could mend it. No tape-- but one of the men sewed it really well with sturdy thread. It lasted the remaining 3 weeks of our tour-- and made it home. I had the feeling that at Horathapola, no request would go unanswered.…
This was our third stay at this beautiful estate bungalow, but this time we were not only the two of us, but we were a small group of six. And we felt so very welcome by the friendly and competent staff. The food was absolutely delicious and we were even given a cookery demonstration in the spotless kitchen, which also has a corner where food can be cooked in the traditional way: on a woodfire and the pots are earthenware. The best food you can imagine! The garden and swimming pool area are very beautiful, the rooms are not only furnished with precious antique furniture (including four-poster beds), but they are also very comfortable. In the morning we woke up to the chanting of monks in the village-temple and the concert of the innumerable different birds that inhabit the lovely garden. The bullock cart ride across the estate was one of the highlights; we were very impressed by all the plants and trees this bit of paradise harbours. At last we learnt how pepper grows and cinnamon is harvested. But also the walk to the village was very interesting, including the visit to a coconut-oil factory. Thanks a lot to the whole team for two wonderful days! This is definitely the best place to start and end a trip to Sri Lanka!…
Service was incredible with the appropriate amount of attention. At our meals the staff was amazing and would check in on how the meal was and if they could get you anything additional. We went on a bullock cart ride around the estate with a guided tour. Information was fantastic and knowledgeable. The pool was clean and large, very relaxing. The food was delicious very many flavors. We tried a pumpkin daal with fresh coconut naan for lunch which was incredible. Dinner was a variety of six curry dishes with rice noodles and breakfast was fresh fruits, eggs, sausage, and more curries. All of it was incredible and the service made it even more special. Room was large and had a great shower for cleaning off after a busy day.
What a fabulous way to start our adventure in Sri Lanka. We had the whole hotel to ourselves and were looked after incredibly well. Room was spacious and very clean. Surroundings are beautiful and the pool area is stunning. Had the most delicious curry, fabulous afternoon tea and lovely breakfast. My only criticism is that we didn’t stay for another night and get to enjoy it for longer.
We spent the first night here after our arrival in Sri Lanka. It is a wonderfully peaceful spot with the most beautiful birds. There is a wonderful Frangipani tree which you can sit under for afternoon tea. We were taken on a bullock cart ride around the estate, and we ate a delicious dinner up on the balcony. The staff were delightful and extremely helpful. Our only complaint was that we hadn’t booked a second night here!
We had been recommended to stay here for two nights on our arrival in Sri Lanka to get over the journey. It is a magical place run by Thamara who couldn’t have taken more trouble to look after us. We were the only people staying (I think there are only 4 rooms). It is like being in a super private house. The food was excellent and beautifully explained and we were taken round the estate in an ox cart. All the trees and plants were named and shown to us. The swimming pool was gorgeous. All the food was grown on the estate.
What an amazing place. I have never been so relaxed in my life. The chilled coconut on arrival was very welcome! From the amazing setting of the main house, to the bullock ride around the plantation. Everything was beautifully presented and our hosts were super attentive. The walk around the estate and the village is an hour well spent and we got to learn about the different plants and ways of farming on the estate. We stayed on the ground floor to the Right hand side of the entrance, we had our own private veranda, from there we were able to watch chipmunks chasing each other, parrots and other birds flitting around the trees and bushes. Food was freshly cooked using ingredients from the plantation. We had a pork curry on our first night and a fish curry on the second. Both were cooked Sri Lankan spicy, if you like a hot curry in the UK you will be fine with the level of spice. Dessert was chocolate cake with ice cream. Breakfast included fresh fruit from the estate and local breads, along with curried vegetables, bacon and eggs. We could not find fault with any aspect of our stay and highly recommend. On our visit the hotel was able to take card payment.…
This hotel was beautiful and the staff was very accommodating and gave us an educational tour of the plantation. Educational! Lots of history in this ex-mansion. Breakfast was superb - tropical fruits, eggs and different local breads, and let us take some with us. The pool was very nice for a quick dip and grass grounds and balcony for yoga or lounging. Eco-friendly soap dispensers in shower. Felt like royalty in that bedroom. Very quiet, and the staff was so polite and accommodating 10/10.
After a long flight we arrived at Horathapola and immediately relaxed. Beautiful location and attentive and welcoming staff. As for the pool .... what could be better? Our first taste of Sri Lankan food was outstanding - great curries and attentive explanations of each dish. One night was definitely not enough and we will be back. This place deserves to be on everyones itinerary.
After 14 years we returned to this hidden gem, an organic estate (coconut, mango, passion fruit, cashew nut etc) with a magnificent, historic guesthouse. Its authentic, relaxed and understated charm combined with fabulous food and hospitality make it very special. Thankyou so much to the wonderful Isuru and his team for looking after us so brilliantly. We shall be back!!
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