Stan, Sue, Niel & Sally
England, February 2016
What did you like most about Sri Lanka?
Spectacular sightseeing with very friendly people. Food and fruit was top class.
The people! The tea plantations, especially Amba Estate and Clove Tree House [Ella]. Safari with all the guides and drivers at Kulu Safaris [Yala]. Sunshine, curries and smiles.
What did you like least about Sri Lanka?
Overcrowded safaris. Although our driver worked hard to stay clear of the crowds.
Traffic.
What is your opinion of your accommodation in Sri Lanka?
You chose some excellent hotels. The first night at Horathapola Estate [Airport] was excellent, such a welcome after a long flight. They are part of the Kulu Safari camp I understand which was also excellent, especially the guides and drivers. Clove Tree House was also a great experience. We had a couple of very relaxing days there, enough to explore for the more intrepid amongst us, enough birds to see and things to draw for the others! The Amba Tea Estate was fascinating and interesting to compare to the commercial set up at Mackwood [Labookellie Tea Factory]. The Fort Bazaar in Galle will be lovely when its finished I’m sure. Even so we enjoyed our stay there. It’s very different from the hotel next door! [Galle Fort Hotel]
The Secret Kandy [Kandy] was an odd one! The location on a blind corner of a road was not great, but the staff were very nice. I know the one you wanted for us was full so not complaining but just to note. The Langdale [by Amaya, Nuwara Eliya] was in a state of chaos and the food was not great. There was virtually nothing to sit on in the garden to enjoy the fab view as all the furniture had been moved into the dining area to accommodate all the guests. Seemed they couldn’t cope with sooo many, and lots of Chinese who have their own agenda when it comes to meals! Hope they get their act together as it is a lovely location.
The length of stay in all the places was probably about right for us, and the 4 days at the end on the beach at Tangalle was good relaxation, to reflect and chill!
Horathapola Estate, Kulu Safaris and Clove Tree House – 10/10
Fort Bazaar will be fabulous when its finished – 8/10
Lake Lodge Kandalama [Dambulla] was good but food not so interesting – 8/10
Talalla Retreat [Tangalle]. Very chilled. Good bathroom! – 8/10
Langdale by Amaya – chaos! Too many guests. No garden seats as it was all in the dining room for the extras. Manager very helpful – 7/10
The Secret Kandy – terrible location on busy corner – 6/10
Casa Colombo [Colombo] – very odd. Not to everyone’s taste but comfortable – 6/10
What is your opinion of your chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka?
Oscar was very helpful and knowledgeable, always there when we needed him. A pleasant and reserved man.
Oscar, our driver, was very helpful and patient and a good driver and the minibus was excellent. We wouldn’t like to drive there, not only the cars and tuk tuks but the dogs and monitor lizards to look out for too.
What is your opinion of your flights to and from Sri Lanka?
Oman Air worked well but food on board was not good (compared with many other flights). [Economy Class]
Any other comments?
The drive to Horton Plains National Park involved a transfer from our minibus to an ancient, bone rattling jeep to go up the hill. This was totally unnecessary as when we got to the top, we were met by queues of saloon cars and normal air conditioned vehicles.
In summary, a fabulous holiday in luxurious hotels providing fabulous food and surroundings.
We had a brilliant time! Thank you for organising. It was our first time to Sri Lanka and I hope we’ll go again.
I was interested to see the work of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most famous architect. We saw his house in Colombo and the parliament buildings from afar. There is also a well-known café which was his studio where we had an excellent meal [Gallery Café, Colombo]. By chance we were invited to see the last house he designed in Tangalle [The Last House] and found out about his more famous house and garden south of Colombo [Lunuganga, Bentota] too late to visit. It might be an interesting option to offer your clients. [We already offer many of Bawa’s hotels in our accommodation list, and visits to his houses and gardens.]
I hope this is helpful and thank you for organising us!
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