Talalla Retreat

Location: Sampaya House, Talalla South, Talalla, lk

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Resorts

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Amenities & Facilities

• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Parking
• Non-smoking rooms
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Terrace
• BBQ facilities
• Luggage storage
• Express check-in/check-out
• Safety deposit box
• Fax/photocopying
• Tour desk
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Ironing service
• Car hire
• Massage services
• Packed lunches
• Currency exchange
• Darts
• Private check-in/check-out
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Concierge service
• Kid meals
• Outdoor furniture
• Fruits
• Spa/wellness center services
• Beauty Services
• Badminton equipment
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Staff adhere to local safety protocols
• Guest rooms disinfected between stays
• Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
• Physical distancing rules followed
• Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
• Cashless payment available
• Fire extinguishers
• First aid kit available
• Sanitized tableware & silverware
• Contactless check-in/check-out
• Invoice provided
• Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
• Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
• Guest room sealed after cleaning
• Physical distancing in dining areas
• Key access
• Food delivered to guest room
• Process in place to check health of guests
• Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
• Face masks for guests available
• 24-hour security
• Delivered food - securely covered
• Thermometers for guests provided by property
• Happy hour
• Cooking class
• Supervised childcare/activities
• Television in common areas
• Express check-in
• Free wired internet
• Snack bar/deli
• Snorkeling on site
• Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
• Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
• Beach umbrellas
• Pool sun loungers
• Offsite parking discounted rates available
• Beach yoga on site
• Internet access
• Housekeeping on request
• Wine release events
• Reception hall
• Exercise/lap pool
• Japanese garden
• Secured parking
• Garage
• Fishing nearby
• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Swimming nearby
• Water sports equipment
• Beach club nearby (surcharge)
• Hosted evening meal (reserve)
• Bicycle-friendly property
• Beach toys
• Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
• Vegetarian menu options available
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle
• Accessible train station shuttle
• No accessible train station shuttle

Rooms Available

• Sea View Ground Floor

  1 Double Bed

  248-sq-foot room, located on the ground floor, patio with sea views

  
  

  Layout - Separate sitting area

  Internet - Free WiFi

  Food & Drink - Room service (limited)

  Bathroom - Shower, bathrobes, and towels

  Practical - Yard, safe, and desk

  Comfort - Air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Need to Know - Bed sheets not available

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Yard
  • Ceiling fan
  • Separate sitting area
  • Free WiFi
  • Location - ground floor
  • Bed sheets not available

• Deluxe Villa Ground Floor with Free 24 hours Check-in & Check-out

  The triple room offers a seating area, a wardrobe, a terrace with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Cots
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Adapter

• Double Room with Sea View

  The double room offers air conditioning, a seating area, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower.

  Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Air conditioning
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Terrace
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Cots
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Adapter

• Bamboo Hut

  This hut features a private entrance, sofa and seating area.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Private entrance
  • Sofa
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Adapter

• Sea View First Floor

  This double room features a balcony and seating area.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Adapter

• Deluxe Villa First Floor with Free 24 hours Check-in & Check-out

  The villa provides a seating area, a wardrobe, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box
  • Bathrobe
  • Desk
  • Seating Area
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Sofa
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Mosquito net
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Pool towels
  • Bottle of water
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body soap
  • Adapter

Guest Reviews

• Jenna (9/5): Open air nature vibes at its best - Little quiet paradise oasis, immersed in nature, staff are amazing It’s not a reflection of the property but you will need mozzie repellant :)
• JULIANNE (10/5): Magical location on a gorgeous beach . - Stunning location on a beautiful swimming beach . Quiet and out of the way . Magical . Turtle Conservation Centre in the resort as well as yoga , Pilates , Ayurveda , Bathhouse with hot and cold pools , sauna a stream room . That I hadn’t booked for longer
• Xavier (6/5): Great yoga; average accommodation - The yoga shala; the yoga teachers; the garden and the beach We didn’t get the rooms as described ; The restaurant serves almost the same, average, food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week!
• Aurore (10/5): Un lieu calme et paisible idéale pour quelques jours de yoga/pilate - Personnel au petit soin, chambre propre nettoyée tous les jours. Très agréable de pouvoir varier entre piscine et mer, la plage étant quasiment uniquement occupée par les membres de l’hôtel. Bois avons fait les cours de yoga et pilâtes que l’on ne peut que recommander avec vue sur la mer. Massage relaxant également. Un séjour qui permet de bien couper, merci encore!
• Edward (10/5): -
• Robert (10/5): Total relaxation - Peaceful and beautiful
• Mona (9/5): -
• Natalia (10/5): - Piękne miejsce. Odległe od miasta, na uboczu. Cisza, prywatność, spokój. Wspaniałe miejsce w środku dżungli, zielono. Urzekł nas ogródek z warzywami na terenie obiektu. Wspaniały basen wśród palm. Piękna i szeroka plaża. Dostępność masażów, zajęć jogi lub innych aktywności dodawała kolejną gwiazdkę do całości. jedzenie mogłoby być bardziej urozmaicone.
• Elisabeth (8/5): - Overall we had a lovely stay. Amazing, quiet beach, great yoga and reformer classes as well as treatments! the room was big and clean. it's perfect for those who want to relax by the beach or pool all day. The room’s interior didn’t quite match the tranquil, yoga-retreat vibe suggested on the website. Although we stayed in one of the newer buildings and everything functioned as it should, the design felt somewhat out of place compared to the beautiful surroundings and the nearby beach. We only had breakfast at the hotel, which was good. The lunch and dinner options, however, didn’t look very appealing. Fortunately, Hiriketiya was just a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride away, so we chose to go there for dinner instead.
• CATHERINE (9/5): - Endroit magnifique aussi bien autour de la piscine que l'accès à la plage toute proche. Buffet varié et très bon également. Il faut faire cependant attention aux singes qui vous chaprade tout ce qu'ils peuvent mais les armoires sous clés sous faites pour cela. C'est tout le charme de l'endroit... Je recommande cet hôtel sans réserve. rien
• Valérie (7/5): -
• palaufr (8/5): Correcte - L'espai i instal.lacions. Costat de la platja. Falta nevera minibar a l'habitació. No hi ha sucs per esmorzar. Te'l poden fer cobrant a part. Menjar bastant dolent amb molt poca cosa per triar.
• eddie (6/5): Bel posto . - Bella struttura in generale. La camera all'aperto è stata una sorpresa, ma dopo ci è piaciuta. La colazione e i pasti a buffet. Sempre uguali e più costosi dei ristoranti fuori. Tutto cucinato con curry e salse locali. A un passo dal mare ricco di pesce e mai un pesce grigliato o semplicemente cotto. Meglio mangiare nei ristoranti sulla spiaggia.
• T. (10/5): Ein Traum - wunderschönes Resort in der Natur - Sehr besondere Unterkunft 💯 Eingebettet in die Natur, leben mit der Natur. Wunderschöne Anlage, Pool, Zimmer, Strandabschnitt, Shalas alles bestens. Absolute Weiterempfehlung. Tolles Essen und Getränke. Großes Lob an die Küche und an alle Mitarbeiter im Resort. Alle war sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Die Massagen waren ein Traum. Ich werde auf jeden Fall wiederkommen.
• Eleanor (5/5): The property was peaceful - The breakfast buffet was very good with plenty of variety. The beach was very clean and quiet and relaxing. The rooms were not fully enclosed so there was no air conditioning, limited privacy and a big problem with mosquitoes at night. There were also not enough restaurant and cafe options to choose from outside of the hotel.
• Verena (9/5): -
• Julie (10/5): -
• Malte (9/5): - Fantastisk strand, virkelig flot have og utrolig lækker pool. Rigtig god mad og hjælpsomt personale. Børnevenligt.
• steven (8/5): - The overall look of the place is impressive Very close to the beach Good food Attentive and caring staff Good size room Large bathroom hot shower Yoga facilities Needs some TLC a little tired just needs a bit of a polish A lot of flies on patio Maybe a la carte menu as well or instead of buffet in the evening
• Maëva (8/5): Rapport qualité / prix moyen - La piscine est sympa, elle est grande. Le buffet est bon. La chambre n'est pas isolée et les murs donnant sur l'extérieur sont essentiellement des persiennes ouvertes. L'hôtel se situe dans la jungle donc il y a des moustiques et c'est bien normal. En revanche, la moustiquaire OBLIGATOIRE pour dormir dans ces conditions était trouée à différents endroits. Aussi, nous étions obligés de laisser la moustiquaire fermée sur le lit et il n'y avait pas énormément de meubles dans la chambre. Donc sans accès direct au lit, nous étions toujours embêtés pour poser des objets ou s'asseoir quelque part. Il y avait une seule chaise et une petite table dans la chambre. Ce n'était pas pratique. La plage accessible depuis l'hôtel n'est pas très propre...
• Nicole (8/5): Lovely environment - Beautiful quiet beach and calm environment. Pilates classes were amazing. I still got bitten by a lot of mosquitos at night which was annoying but also a bit expected. Food quite expensive with paying in USD. Room wasn’t cleaned everyday and I had to go ask for soap to be provided.
• catalina (9/5): Magnífica estancia - Hotel muy bonito, distribuido en pequeños módulos frente al mar y rodeado de naturaleza exuberante. El entorno es lo mejor del alojamiento. La comida y las habitaciones no son espectaculares, pero el conjunto compensa (algunas habitaciones están siendo renovadas). Spa precioso. Sin dudar repetiría.
• Maciej (10/5): Wymarzony Sylwester i chill. - Lokalizacja przy plaży, która jest jasną z najpiękniejszych na wyspie, wieczorami przylatywały na drzewa owocowe rudawki wielki co było niesamowite. Gala noworoczna ze wspaniałym jedzeniem i muzyką na żywo. Lodówka z lodami mogłaby być w barze bo sklepik był przeważnie zamknięty i trzeba było prosić personel, żeby otworzyli.
• Kirsten (9/5): Fantastisch en een aanrader - Ligging, strand, het strand resort, de douche en appartement Klamboe is te kort waardoor de muggen alsnog naar binnen komen in de nacht. Tip: klamboe tot aan de grond
• Maciej (8/5): Można odpocząć, plaża w Talalla świetna - Lokalizacja, architektura Czasowy hałas związany z problemem z elektrycznością obiektu
• Tim (10/5): Idyllic tropical retreat - We stayed at Talalla Retreat for a week and had an absolutely amazing time. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and truly switch off. We loved spending time by the pool, swimming in the ocean, and taking in the incredible views. The experiences were a real highlight — the e-bike tour was fantastic, the massages were amazing, Reformer Pilates was great, and the bathhouse was hands down one of the best parts of the stay. The food was consistently excellent, fresh, and nourishing. It’s also a wonderful place for a family — plenty of space to relax, hang out, and enjoy time together in a very peaceful setting. We did a day trip to Polhena where we snorkeled with turtles, which was unforgettable, and took lunch trips to Hiriketiya, which were awesome and easy to do from the retreat. Overall, Talalla Retreat is a truly special place. Beautiful, calming, thoughtfully run, and the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. We would absolutely love to come back.
• Caroline (7/5): A great place to unwind & relax - The location - gardens and beachfront. The yoga and Pilates classes were excellent, as was the food and service. I also enjoyed the spa treatments. Lack of air conditioning in the villa, which was unbearable at night as the villa needed to be closed up to avoid monkeys intruding. It made it very difficult to sleep at night. Another fan in the villa would make it more comfortable to spend time there.
• Samuel (7/5): Expensive and underwhelming - Beautiful, spacious location at beachfront. Low maintenance and really expensive prices for all activities.
• Stephanie (8/5): Ein Paradies am indischen Ozean - Die gesamte Anlage ist wunderschön am indischen Ozean gelegen, so dass man innerhalb von 1-3 Minuten im Ozean schwimmen kann. Tallala ist noch sehr ursprünglich und die Menschen dort sind so offen in Ihrer feinen, freundlichen Ausstrahlung. Insgeamt ist die Anlage sehr gut gepflegt, alle Mitarbeiter sind sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Das Spa bietet wundervolle ayurvedische Massagen unter den Palmen gelegen. Ich war ein Jahr zuvor in der Vosaison da und natürlich war es viel ruhiger. Die Dschungel Bungalows sind - bis auf drei - größeren Häusern gewichen. Die noch verbliebenen Bambohuts sind in einem vernachlässigten Zustand - sauber ja - aber sehr vernachlässigt bis runter gekommen und dafür zu teuer. Die eizigartige Lage macht es wett. Wir haben von dort viele Ausflüge gemacht und die tuktuk Fahrer sind alle sehr engagiert uns alles zu zeigen und soweit das englisch reicht auch zu erklären. Eine Radtour mit den e-bikes hat der Chef selber mit uns gemacht - das war sehr schön und aussergewöhnlich . Danke für die großartige Freundlichkeit aller Mitarbeiter! Die noch verbliebenen jungle bungalows sind vernachlässigt , zwar sauber, aber nicht mehr wirklich schön und für den Preis überteuert. Die Kissen waren dreckig, die Moskitonetze hatten diverse Löcher. Alles ist in die Jahre gekommen und teilweise defekt.
• Faezeh (3/5): - Leider wurden unsere Erwartungen in keiner Weise erfüllt. Die Zimmer sind stark veraltet, extrem klein und haben absolut nichts mit den Bildern auf der Buchungsseite zu tun – eine klare Irreführung. Das Thema Hygiene war erschreckend. Das Buffet war komplett offen und nicht abgedeckt, auf den Speisen befanden sich unzählige Fliegen. Rund um den Essbereich sowie auf dem gesamten Gelände hielten sich sehr viele Hunde auf. Beim Essen fühlte ich mich dadurch extrem unwohl. Meine Tochter hatte große Angst, Entspannung war zu keinem Zeitpunkt möglich. Die Hunde waren laut, kämpften teilweise miteinander, und offensichtlich interessierte es das Personal überhaupt nicht, dass sich Gäste – insbesondere Kinder – dadurch bedroht fühlen könnten. Besonders schockierend war der Zustand im Poolbereich: Überall lag Hundekot, sogar direkt rund um den Pool. Ich habe das Personal ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen, doch es wurde nichts unternommen. Dieses Desinteresse an Hygiene und Gästesicherheit ist für ein Hotel in dieser Preisklasse absolut inakzeptabel. Für den verlangten Preis erwartet man Sauberkeit, Sicherheit und zumindest grundlegende Hygienestandards – all das war hier nicht gegeben. Das einzig Positive war das Personal an der Rezeption sowie die Köche, die größtenteils freundlich waren.
• Margarita (3/5): Not a peaceful retreat, misleading description and advertising of rooms. Incompetent staff. - The pilates studio and teachers as well as yoga teacher were great. The spa and staff at the spa were also very good and attentive. 1) the staff at the reception got our invoices wrong 6 times. On my last day I spent 1h at the reception going through receipt after receipt (which included bills from another room) until they got it right. I don't even understand how that's possible. 2) labelled as a retreat and marketed as a peaceful haven, it's not. It's a resort that targets families, meaning plenty of children cannonballing in the pool all day and part of the night being loud with zero consideration for others. It's fine if that's the target demographic you want, but be honest in your marketing materials. 3) all meals are buffet only (again, resort style). 4) Even the rooms that aren't advertised as open air, have an open section through which animals can come in easily. 5) there is a (bad) music school next door that plays into the night. It was so loud we thought it was at the resort but it was next door. Between this, the open rooms and the cannonballing (if you're close to the pool), this is not a good place for light sleepers. 6) my friend got a bat in her room the first night, the bat pooped all over the place. We also later found squirrel droppings all over the room as well as her suitcase got completely chewed by said squirrels. We spent hours at the reception trying to resolve this when it should've been much quicker. I'm sure I'm forgetting something but I shall leave it here. Avoid if you want a peaceful stay, not worth it for $150/night. The great reviews, especially those around 9-10 are hard to believe.
• Mihindukulasooriya (3/5): Beautiful beach, but the meals were poor and not worth the price - Beach, superb location Unfortunately, the buffet offered on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning was extremely disappointing. The selection was neither festive nor child-friendly, and the overall quality was below even a simple homemade meal. Considering the price charged, the food was not worth the value at all. While the retreat promotes its meals as healthy, the options provided did not truly align with healthier standards. Instead, it appeared that the menu was designed more around cost-cutting and cheaper, locally available items, rather than offering genuinely nutritious or well-balanced meals. Labeling such options as “healthy” felt more like a cover-up than a real commitment to quality. Foreign guests may not easily recognize this, as they are generally more focused on the retreat experience and unfamiliar with Sri Lankan cuisine. However, it is quite possible that they too are being misled and overcharged for meals that do not justify the price. Overall, such practices are harmful to Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. Hospitality providers must ensure quality, transparency, and value for money, especially when catering to international visitors. Experiences like this risk damaging trust and the country’s reputation as a tourist destination.
• Cristina (8/5): -
• Daniela (10/5): Entspannender toller Aufenthalt - Lage am Meer und großes Gelände Tolles neueres Zimmer in perfekter Lage mit Meerblick Sehr nettes und hilfsbereites Personal Toller sauberer Pool Sehr ähnliches Buffet täglich
• Giulia (8/5): Soggiorno di relax sul mare - Le camere deluxe fanno sentire immersi nella natura, la vicinanza al mare e l’atmosfera di relax Il buffet della colazione è più tipico che intercontinentale Il buffet della cena buono ma ripetitivo
• Harriet (9/5): Beautiful hotel staff were amazing and made me feel so welcome on my solo travels - Loved the peaceful location, the Yoga, the bath house and the beautiful grounds. The sofa on the balcony it was so comfy to fall asleep on. The lunch options and dinner options became a bit same, same, but they were lovely cafés on the beach to explore
• HUGOT (4/5): - la plage et la piscine Toujours la même nourriture insipide tous les jours et à tous les repas. Les chambres ouvertes ne permettent pas d'intimité et il y a beaucoup de moustiques, la pelouse n'est pas entretenue, donc un grand nombre de moustiques. A coté de l'hôtel, il y a un restaurant/bar avec de la musique forte et tard la nuit! Nuisance pour les clients de l'hôtel Talalla Retreat! Trop cher pour ce qui est proposé! Mauvais rapport qualité/prix
• Carl (10/5): -
• Melanie (7/5): Serene retreat place! Beautiful gardens on the beach! - Beautiful garden with top location at the beach! All good
• Emilio (4/5): Tourist tramp - La piscina Las habitaciones sin AC, sin tv, las camadas incomodas. Ruidos por la noche. Mucho calor, mosquitos. Buffet escaso
• nathalie marilene (10/5): -
• Renata (9/5): A unique and beautiful retreat surrounded by nature - What a gorgeous location and retreat — wow. Set in a peaceful spot, surrounded by jungle with the beach just around the corner. The food was great, the staff were amazing, and the facilities and overall atmosphere were truly exceptional. It’s not so much something I didn’t like, but more what to expect — especially if you choose a room with no windows. Bring earplugs, as the wildlife can be very noisy in the evenings. That said, it’s one of the most unique experiences, but if you’re a light sleeper, it may be challenging.
• Marleen (9/5): - Tolle Anlage, um wirklich ein bisschen runterzukommen und die Ruhe zu genießen. Super Pilates-, Yoga- und Spa-Angebot. Das Personal war immer freundlich und hilfsbereit! Ich würde gerne nochmal wiederkommen. Die Unterkunft kann nichts dafür: die offenen Zimmer sind super schön, aber die Nächte leider nicht so super angenehm. Viele Mücken und Lautstärke von Affen und Hunden. Man ist in der Natur - und muss sich dessen bewusst sein.
• Wojciech (10/5): -
• Sandra (10/5): Perfect location to unwind and relax - Amazing location right by the Tallala beach , huge pool and just loved the reformer Pilates studio. Excellent meals at the onsite restaurant
• Brigitte (10/5): Hôtel sympa plage paradisiaque - Proximité de la plage, piscine sympa , jardin magnifique Personnel lobby
• D Lucas (10/5): A great stay with exceptional facilities. - The yoga, palates and bath house were exceptional. The retreat layout was easy to navigate, the food was great and a welcoming pool. I did not swim in the local beach as it was a bit rough, however, it looked very inviting. One night was not enough.
• Chiara (9/5): Benessere e contatto con la natura nella più bella spiaggia dello SriLanka - Talalla retreat gode di una posizione stupenda sulla spiaggia ed immerso nella natura così come lo sono le sue stanze. Mi è piaciuta la possibilità di fare tanto yoga e pilates Mi rendo conto che era inevitabile ma era un brutto vedere le nuove stanze in costruzione
• Roxanne (10/5): Incredible!! - Location could not be more perfect! The staff were super attentive and very friendly. You can definitely swim in the sea here despite the signs for dangerous currents. Stay in the corner by the boats. The wildlife is out of this world at this resort and the massages were 10 out of 10!!! Obviously this isnt a hotel complaint at all, but be careful of the evening mosquitos, take mozzie spray and use it regularly! Tuck your mozzie net into the mattress at the back of the bed.
• Hynninen (10/5): -
• Charlotte (8/5): Very good -
• Karin (8/5): Beautiful place and lovely people! - The buffet was always good - the food was delicious and the staff were all very friendly. The beach was beautiful and it was lovely to do yoga looking out over the sea. It was nice to have a pool to jump into also and the grounds were beautifully kept. Unfortunately there was building work being done which meant it was a bit noisy which was a shame especially during the yoga classes but the atmosphere was so lovely that you could overlook that. Found it a little bit expensive as although everything is lovely - it is quite basic but we did enjoy our stay!
• Katarina (9/5): Unique experience in Talalla - I spent two nights at the retreat and I really enjoyed my stay. The setting is beautiful! I booked because they offer reformer pilates classes, which were excellent (air conditioned studio). I also had the best massage in their spa. The open living arrangement is a unique experience but two nights was enough for me. The breakfast was also very good and the beach (not private) was quiet, ideal for long walks and watching the sunrise.
• Jess (7/5): Generally wasn’t best pleased with this hotel. The staff were friendly, but that’s the only thing I enjoyed about this h -
• Therez (5/5): Passable - Buffe breakfast with a lot of options...but hard to eat healthy The bed linnen was dirty and worn out, didn't make it feel nice to go to bed in the evening. The spa treatments was the worst I had in entire Sri Lanka (travelling for a month). Pilates classes was great!!! So would come back for them!
• Amelia (9/5): Would stay here again with AC but sleeping in the elements for 2 nights was enough for us! - Right next to the beach, we arrived and saw turtles hatching and then released into the ocean. Staff were lovely, beautiful hotel and surroundings. The shower was amazing. To be expected, the rooms are open to the elements. This meant it was very hot at night and the sounds of nature were loud but also amazing in their own way. We appreciated the bug spray in rooms still.
• Chris (10/5): A beautiful relaxing place to stay right on an amazing beach. - Amazing location, lovely swimming pool, great "outside"rooms.
• Patrick (9/5): Superb -
• Sasha (10/5): Exceptional - It’s the first place we stayed in Sri Lanka 11 years ago and we fell in love with it that time. It’s so simple but clean, nice staff, healthy food, beautiful beach. Love to return to Talalla and see that the place is untouched and beautiful. Fireflies!
• Jane (8/5): Very relaxing and enjoyable stay - Lovely gardens Excellent yoga Relaxed atmosphere
• Bruno (10/5): Exceptional - Perfect location, quiet, near to beach, all perfect and delicious food, too. Nothing to mention!
• David (9/5): Peaceful location - Massages we're excellent. Good location near the beach
• Thomas (10/5): Beautiful and special place, so relaxing, gorgeous swimming pool, delicious food. - We stayed 3 nights at Talalla Retreat in a first floor room with sea views. The room was a really unique experience as it has open sides and looked directly towards the beautiful beach and you can hear the waves breaking and see birds fly past and squirrels and monkeys in the surrounding palm trees. The grounds all around the site are beautiful and so well kept with lovely trees, flowering shrubs and a really gorgeous swimming pool in the centre which we sunbathed next to and swam in both days of our stay. If yoga is your thing then this is the place to come as there are lessons twice a day and excellent instructors. The beach is really beautiful but not one for surfing and although you can swim you need to be careful as the waves are quite big and close to the shore. There are surf instructors on site who will take you out to nearby surfing locations. Fisherman use the beach for hauling in their nets in the early morning and it is well worth getting up to see them bring their catch in to shore. Talalla Retreat is a very special place and we had a fantastically relaxing stay just sunbathing and swimming in the pool and enjoying the excellent food at the restaurant at this beautiful private spot.
• Rosie (7/5): Perfect for a quiet detox relaxation - The beach, the quietness, the spa The staff were so rude, the food was awful
• Franks (8/5): Very good - Charming place, beautiful pool, amazing spa treatment. Rooms could do with a little updating and then it would be incredible.
• Nicci (10/5): A true retreat - We loved this beautiful peaceful hotel. Set on huge well looked after grounds on a quiet beach, we could not have found a more relaxing place to spend a few days. The open room was gorgeous and we loved the birding even from the shower! The hotel food was great but do yourself a favour and also try Funny Banana just a few steps away on the beach. Only unfortunate thing was that we were offered an upgrade (at a price) before we arrived, to a sea view room, which we accepted, unaware that a new building was going up on the grounds next to our room. This meant we had building noise when we would have loved to be having an afternoon nap in the beautiful open room.
• Kerry (8/5): Very good -
• Charlotte (9/5): Superb -
• Philip (9/5): Beautiful beach stay after a week travelling around Sri Lanka. - Great location, excellent staff. Comfortable rooms. The food was not as good as we had experienced in other parts of Sri Lanka. Also the beach has dangerous rips that could be more clearly warned about.
• Christen (9/5): Beautiful, peaceful location - Beautiful location and comfortable, lovely, open to nature to rooms. I also loved the yoga classes and would consider coming back for a one-week yoga experience, which it seemed a lot of guests were doing. There were also always vegan options at the meals.
• Barbara (9/5): Superb -
• Neil (9/5): Superb - The location by the Talalla Beach is just perfect. It's one of the nicest beaches in the area for relaxing and swimming. The staff are super helpful if you need anything. Breakfast was good but the dinner options were quite limited. I found it easier to get more variety of meals at local restaurants in town and for half the price, compared to the buffet dinner.
• Aliza (8/5): Very good - lovely staff and amenities the location
• Laura (10/5): INCREDIBLE for a couple of days, but probably boring for longer stays - Great for 2 days disconnecting, surrounded by nature. The open air cabanas and rooms are amazing, especially the open shower, I saw 2 toucans chilling on my shower. Pool is great and there is plenty of space for sunbathing there when tired of the beach. Option to join a yoga class (morning and evening) or have a treatment at the spa as add-ons. Breakfast was good (mostly sri Lankan curry but some sweet options too) Location is fairly REMOTE, dont expect to go anywhere by yourself without renting a tuktuk (but that's the point of a retreat) You can't really swim in the sea due to strong waves (definitely not for children). Obvious, but the open air rooms don't have AC, only fan. It can be very peaceful but when a big group arrives (organised tour or the surf/yoga retreat gang) it disturbs the peace. The restaurant is nice for breakfast but overpriced for lunch or dinner, there are a few options along the beach.
• Adele (8/5): It was simply amazing! A bit of adventure, seeing the monkeys so close to me, I also saw iguanas, peacocks, beautiful bi - The location was excellent a few steps to get to a wonderful beach. Nice restaurant and swimming pool. The staff was lovely, always smiling and helpful. There was a lot of vegetation and all the rooms had tea/coffe facilities. The beds had mosquito nets and the hotel was providing the spirals that burn to keep the mosquitoes away. There was grass and stepping stones. There were 2 areas to practice yoga: one was roofed and the other in the open area under the palm trees. The toilet did not have a door for privacy. There was a curtain instead that many times was blown by the wind while one was sat on the toilet. The lack of door also facilitated the access to monkeys/ birds into the bedroom as half of the bathroom was not roofed. Also there were no panels in the balcony, so when the straw blind was open everyone in the pool, courtyard could see us. We used our sarongs to get some privacy. The shower head needed replacing as some of the holes were blocked by the rust and the water was going everywhere!
• Bianca (10/5): The most amazing experience! - Absolutely everything! This place is like an oasis and as soon as you arrive, you don’t want to leave! It had everything we could possibly want and exceeded our expectations. Talalla itself is quiet but it has everything you could need. Nothing at all.
• Franziska (8/5): Relaxing time, beautiful nature - we really enjoyed the room concept and the staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful. The yoga teachers and massage staff really know what they’re doing and take their time explaining, if necessary. It was awesome to sleep in an open bedroom (even if we got woken up by monkeys stealing our snacks or generally wreaking havoc a couple of times) and their food was sooo good, especially the pancakes in the morning are a must!! We loved staying here but if you’re looking for nightlife or evening activities there’s not much to do in the immediate area. You have to get a tuktuk and drive at least 15-20min to get to nice (western) restaurants and bars. If you’re looking for pure relaxation, however, then this is the place to come.
• Hayley (8/5): Beautiful relaxing retreat by the beach - The swimming pool, yoga shalas and friendly staff The insects biting, sprays didn’t stop them
• John (10/5): Exceptional -
• Bader (10/5): Beautiful setting, in peace and harmony with nature, lovely people. Great place to go to unwind. - Large pool at least 20m within large well kept grounds, leading directly onto beautiful Talalla beach. Although the ocean waters can be rough, we were able to go in waste deep and enjoy the waves, great way to start the early morning. We stayed 14 nights in a first floor room partially open to the elements, No A/C with mosquito net and ceiling fan above bed . We found the ceiling fan to be adequate in keeping us cool and as long you tucked your mosquito net in thoroughly around the bed we enjoyed a mosquito free night. It was like sleeping in a tree house and waking up to the bird and monkey noises added to the experience. We practiced yoga everyday at the beautiful yoga Shala . I had read all the teachers there are very good and our teacher Leonor was exceptional . We brought a massage package and we loved every one of our massages we had . The food is ok a little more variety would have been nice , however there are other restaurants outside. We left feeling totally relaxed , connected with nature and wanting more .
• Ivette (10/5): Exceptional -
• Miriam (7/5): Lovely quiet place for relaxation but better value for money can be gotten elsewhere. - Gorgeous location, really quiet and perfect for some relaxing. Direct access to a gorgeous beach. Fantastic yoga classes and good food, even if a bit overpriced. Very sweet general staff, especially at the restaurant. Reception needs some improvement. They downgraded me from a sea view room to a dark room in the back of the yard without saying anything. When I questioned them, they gave me a discount so small that the rate still added up to more than what the dark room would have originally cost. Said the room was under maintenance and would free up soon but then gave it to a big group that arrived the next day. When I woke up to a flooded room after a rainy night, they shrugged and laughed with no apologies (mopped it up but made no effort to find the source of the leakage). I‘m not usually one to complain about service but I’ve experienced much better customer service in much cheaper accommodation in Sri Lanka, so it felt worth mentioning.
• Guillaume (9/5): Superb - Perfect. Marvelous secret and hidden place at Talalla beach. Quiet place where you enjoy calm, rest, yoga lessons if you wish, the spa, the sea, the pool.. The staff is very kind to you. Rooms are good, either ground floor or first floor, where you are more or less outside. Very near to the nature.
• Jessica (10/5): It was an absolute pleasure! We were sad to leave - Fabulous setting, amazing wildlife, lovely staff and beautiful comfortable rooms Nothing
• Manon (9/5): Superb -
• Molly (10/5): The best stay - An amazing amazing place Nothing - it was perfect
• Linda (8/5): Very good -
• Siim (8/5): 4 day stay - The private garden with green trees and plants was the attraction point for me, also the beach and the houses. Not to leave unmentioned the large pool together with the sunbathing chairs. There were some tropical birds walking around the garden. Staff was friendly and helpful. I loved the large showering room with the opening in the roof. The open bedroom was an exotic experience, which we enjoyed a lot, especially thanks to the view of greenery and pool area. The place was not overcrowded, which allowed us to relax efficiently. There were no considerable issues with bugs and we didnt have to use any spay. Easy to find transportation. The area has several nice restaurants and bars. The nightly noise from the mosque interrupted our sleep. It might not be an issue for deep sleepers. We solved the situation with earplugs. The fan above the bed was not effective when the net was covering the bed. Local people like to burn rubbish and leaves, including plastic. One can imagine the smell and pollution. Sometimes the staff made noise in the night and early in the morning. Also the neighboring dogs were screaming in the late evening.
• Thibaut (10/5): The perfect stay in perfect environment - Stunning and unique location
• Jackson (9/5): Beautiful relaxing environment for our final few days in Sri Lanka - Wonderful setting; beautiful grounds, full of wildlife. Beach is fantastic with gentle sloping into the sea, quite sheltered. Very good value and excellent spa treatments We were very hot at night. I know the place is eco friendly and there is no air con so expected this. We couldn’t feel the fan through the mosquito net.
• Jack (7/5): Good -
• Angelika (9/5): Superb - The staff is absolutely incredible - kind, attentive, open. They can provide everything you need. They helped congratulate my bf with birthday and made a cake. And even fixed my broken bag 😱 the staff is just a role model! Amazing. the garden with a swimming pool is cozy and quiet, a wonderful yoga spot. The food and prices in the restaurant are pleasant. Recommend this place 👍 The mosquito nets over the bed didn't help, it was hard to sleep. I had to overdouse myrself with mosquito spray, but you can find the spray at the reception even at night.
• Miriam (10/5): Exceptional - super friendly staff perfect location
• Leonie (7/5): Quiet, relaxing retreat, however in need for maintenance - Very quiet, relaxing setting. Easy access to great yoga and very good massages Poorly maintained in the beach area. No sun beds are placed in the beach area, there is lots of plastic and garbage by the beach, a rotten hammock in front of our bamboo hut. Buffett was very basic. No surfing at the beach possible (February). 100 USD a night felt overpriced for the bamboo hut. There is no luxury at all, very basic amenities compared to our other accommodations in Sri Lanka.
• Gillian (10/5): Beautiful beach side paradise - Beautiful location on the beach. Individual bamboo huts and air con rooms . Tried both and each has its benefits. Huts are quite open and attract jungle visitors as expected but all part of the experience, just be sure to take precautions against mosi’s. Beds were very comfortable and both huts and rooms have a comfy outdoor seating area. Food was good (buffet style) but maybe an occasional BBQ would have added some variety. Staff are very attentive and reception staff were helpful. Easy to get a Tuk-Tuk just outside the main gate. A few restaurants within walking distance. Sun beds were a bit short on a couple of days. There is an overall chilled vibe which is extremely relaxing. Would recommend. No hairdryer. Fruit juice not included with breakfast.
• Phillip (7/5): Good -
• Tinka (10/5): Exceptional -
• Franciscus (9/5): Superb -
• Christian (10/5): Exceptional -
• Clara (8/5): Relaxing, Peaceful and Great Location for a Quiet Beach - Talalla Retreat was fantastic. The highlight for me was the yoga at the Resort. The studio is right next to the sea. You can listen to the waves while practicing yoga. The yoga instructors were sensational. They gave me a unique yoga experience. I discovered Yin Yoga for the first time, which allowed me to sleep better than I ever have. I felt like I was in a safe and calming environment with really good people around me. The beach next to the Resort was really quiet. Fantastic for a long walk and some peace. The room was fantastic. I loved how it was completely open to the outside so you can hear the crickets at night. Make sure you spray your room before you leave to get rid of Mosquitos. The outdoor shower was heaven. A fantastic way to end the day after a day by the ocean! All the staff at the hotel were so friendly and helpful. We found a lovely local restaurant nearby with amazing food called Sunshine Beach Restaurant.

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