Lesley & Elizabeth
England, February/March 2017
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
We thoroughly enjoyed the safaris. The whole experience at Yala with the Kulu Safaris was wonderful. That and Castlereagh – Tea Trails [Adam’s Peak] were probably the highlights.
What did you like most about Maldives?
The scenery, beautiful beaches and clear blue seas. The snorkelling was good.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
There is nothing we specifically did not like.
What did you like least about Maldives?
The island and resort did not live up to the hype about the Maldives. Over-sold. [Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa]
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
Excellent. The standard was very high. The rooms were comfortable, beautifully decorated with lovely gardens.
The hotel at Mirissa [Number One Mirissa] was probably the most basic or least salubrious. The bathrooms could have benefitted from a refit or substantial revamp but the rooms were a kind of shabby chic. The bed was comfortable, but the saving grace of the hotel was the view over the bay and the surfers.
The Tea Trails Bungalows – Castlereagh was the other extreme. That was amazing. We had a real feel of the colonial style of living.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Maldives?
Accommodation – Poor (2/5)
Beach – Good (4/5)
Diving – N/A
Food – Very poor (1/5)
Responsible and/or sustainable travel – Poor (2/5)
Service – Satisfactory (3/5)
Snorkelling – Satisfactory (3/5)
Spa – Good (4/5)
Transfer (seaplane) – Good (4/5)
Overall experience – Poor (2/5)
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
We had several chauffeur guides during our stay. [Holiday duration of 36 nights in Sri Lanka] They were all very polite, obliging and helpful.
We had Saman for the beginning of our tour. He was very helpful and patient with us. I think he was even becoming interested in birds after our tour!
We had Satheesh at the end who was always punctual, patient and helpful. He even took us around a Hindu temple and talked to us about Hinduism.
We did have to ask a couple of drivers not to use their ‘phones when driving (not Saman or Satheesh). One required reminding on more than one occasion.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
Long!
As we had to arrive and leave either very early or late due to the work on the runway at Colombo, I don’t think it was a usual flight time. The staff on the planes were all helpful and courteous. The flights were comfortable. The food choices were sometimes unusual, but we still ate everything. [SriLankan Airlines – Economy Class]
Any other comments?
Re Flights.
The transit stop arranged by the airline company was an eye-opener. The hotel was a significant distance from the airport so it was a long transfer.
The hotel rooms were significantly below the standard we had been used to in Sri Lanka. We were with the airline staff or locals which was an interesting experience.
The rooms were very basic. The bathroom another experience and one I might pass another time. However, we were able to get our heads down and sleep for a few hours.
As this was related to the work at the airport, it may not be relevant for other travellers. We would not recommend it for other travellers.
« All feedback
