Sally & Justin
England, February/March 2025
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
The people (so friendly and helpful from the guides, to service staff to locals), the varied landscape, the varied places to see.
What did you like most about Maldives?
The warm, beautiful water to snorkel in. Being able to snorkel along a wall for such long periods of time was great. No need to dive.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
The rubbish and attitude to rubbish. Guides didn’t stop to pick rubbish up even when in nature reserves. Also, one hotel didn’t offer unlimited drinking water. [We are receiving more and more comments about the amount of rubbish seen around the island, which is very disappointing. Unfortunately, like many countries, throwing unwanted things away at anytime, anywhere is an issue, and recycling is still in its infancy and poorly supported.]
Some of the drives were very long – but then again our wonderful guide [Wasantha] was a very very slow driver. 147 km to the airport took 2.5 hours and we had to get up very early. BUT that is the ONLY criticism of him. He made our trip. He was incredibly thoughtful about everything.
What did you like least about Maldives?
The boat tours to see the shark whales. It was crazy and certainly whales could have been injured. The team for the whale shark excursion from Angsana Velavaru were fine and respectful. They did power off in search, but when found they were fine. It was the shear amount of boats and some were literally on top of them.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
Lake Lodge Kandalama [Dambulla] – great service and great food – with some extra’s thrown in.
Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge [Knuckles] – really liked the main lodge with fires burning, pool table and varied places to sit to eat. Rooms were different – not very eco, but lovely experience. Charged for drinking water. Very scenic. Leaches were an interesting addition.
W15 [Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya] – firstly, we didn’t understand why we were here and what we were supposed to do in the City of Lights or in the afternoon – perhaps should have been taken to the National park. Really didn’t like the accommodation at W15. The staff were nice but the place was cold, odd dining area, room had glass to the hallway so the light came in, no windows to look at, though there were double doors. Anyway – not our best day. We learned we were there to access Horton Plains – which we did enjoy. [A lot of the accommodation in Nuwara Eliya isn't designed for the cooler seasons and we have had similar feedback from customers staying at other hotels in Nuwara Eliya. I think the original tea planters and their families were from a different era when comfort wasn't a priority! However, may be the hotels owners should consider insulating the properties and heating the buildings sufficiently for guests as tourist visitors expect a very different level of comfort to the original pioneers.]
The Planter's Bungalow [Ella] was a great location, great staff, great fish curry, relaxing and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Places to walk from the bungalows as well.
Cinnamon Wild [Yala] – loved our accommodation. Loved the animals esp the monkeys swinging and landing on the roof. The safari guide was fantastic and between him and Wasantha they really made our day.
The Merchant Galle Fort [Galle] – we enjoyed our time in this area, so different from the rest of the trip and a nice end.
How would you rate your resort in Maldives?
Accommodation – Very good (5/5)
Beach – Very good (5/5)
Diving – Satisfactory (3/5) - dive masters were awesome, just that we could see as much snorkelling the house reef as diving here.
Food – Good (4/5) - the bar restaurant was really good. Would have been nice to have another restaurant choice.
Service – Very good (5/5)
Snorkelling – Very good (5/5)
Transfer to and from Malé (speedboat) – Very good (5/5)
Overall experience – Good (4/5) - size of island was okay for 4 full days.
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
See above – he was excellent. So thoughtful. Went out of his way to ensure we got the best of our trip.
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