Ellakanda Nature Villa

Photos and previous reviews were all accurate. It's a newly listed property and they are off to a great start with lots of enthusiasm and very receptive to suggestions to improve their service. We were sad to leave but there was a flight to catch. Potentially the best Sri Lankan food and most generous portions we had from all our 3 weeks of traveling around the island. A limited menu but each dish perfectly made to suit an English palette. Very well kept room. Heavenly bed linen and the nicest rooftop for spotting a variety of birds. The swimming pool was well maintained and was the perfect temperature on a sweltering day. The manager was very helpful organizing the airport transfer for us and it took us less than 90 minutes to reach the airport. The highway to the airport is close to the villa but not too close to be an eyesore. Just lush hills, friendly Sri Lankans, chirpy birds and cosy corners to read a book, reply e-mails and live stream our surroundings to family back home experiencing winter . I can honestly recommend a stay here to any discerning travelers seeking some solitude and a slower pace for a few days.

Not a complaint, but a few umbrellas would be nice to be kept for use of guests.

The flora and the fauna that surrounds the villa had us enthralled from the time we stepped foot there. As avid birders, my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed sighting some amazing birds just within the premises of the villa. We took advantage of a sunny day and went for a day trip to Bentota beach. The Villa staff arranged a lovely driver in a comfortable car for us to visit famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa's gorgeous home "Brief" which is a short drive from the villa, on our way to Bentota. They also took us to a sea turtle rehabilitation sanctuary close to the beach. Not tourist traps but proper sanctuaries that ethically care for and return the turtles to the ocean. I am grateful to the villa staff for curating such a nice excursion for us on such short notice. Last but not least we extended our stay from a night to 3 nights because we were too comfortable at the villa to leave and were enjoying the pool so much. The rooms were very well maintained and the housekeeping was very satisfactory for a clean freak like me. Tell the manager what you would like to eat and I hands down recommend trying the Sri Lankan food they serve here. We had all our meals here as it was that good. The neighbourhood is so peaceful and full of opportunities to walk and explore. No ATMs close by so make sure when you do go on an excursion to get some cash from near the local petrol station ATM. The two local shops stock up on almost everything you will need.

It was all very satisfactory and we have no complaints.

Everything. It was the best welcome we got to Sri Lanka. From the time we arrived till we left, the staff looked after us. The whole villa is very nicely maintained and the bed room we booked had a beautiful view of the mountain. A comfortable bed with very , very nice linen and pillows. We were tired after a long flight from Europe and chose to stay here as a place closer to the south as it is a short drive to the southern expressway . Not disappointed at all with the inviting pool, the constant sound of birds and tasty meals we were served for the brief time we stayed. I recommend at least 2 nights if you're staying here as there is much to explore surrounding the villa. Hiking up Ellakanda hill is a must if this is your first time in Sri Lanka. The villa staff are more than happy to take you on the trail. It is not difficult at all. We ordered Sri Lankan food throughout our stay as it was our first time visiting the country and the cook gave our tastebuds a great introduction. It was by far some of the tastiest Sri Lankan food we had for the entire trip. We intend on staying for two more nights before our departure as this kind of value for money is unbeatable. Thank you to everyone at the villa for making our first days in Sri Lanka so good.

Nothing. Everything exceeded our expectations.