Ferndale Retreat Knuckles

הצוות היה יוצא מן הכלל אנשים טובי לב בצורה שלא יצא לנו לראות. לפני, בנוסף הטיול היה נהדר והמדריך היה מהצוות ככה שהכרנו איתו והרגשנו איתו בנוח ובטוב

Conveniently located at the starting point of the Knuckles hiking trails, this is a wonderful place to stay if you’re planning to explore the area. The rooms are small but comfortable, private, and very clean. The staff are incredibly helpful and attentive throughout the stay. We did the High Knuckles hike with Charaka, and it was excellent. I would highly recommend this as a must-do activity during your stay. It was one of the highlights of our trip. I would recommend staying for at least two nights, as the property is quite far from Kandy and there is so much to enjoy in the surrounding area. The food deserves a special mention. Everything was fresh, organic, and incredibly tasty, while also being excellent value for money. The 10-curry Sri Lankan lunch was an absolute masterpiece—authentic, flavourful, and beautifully prepared.Kudos to the chef! The manager, Lordy, is such a lovely and accommodating person. We mentioned that we would love to have some of our favourite sweets for afternoon tea on the second day, along with fried rice for dinner, and he kindly arranged everything for us. The garden is beautifully maintained and adds so much to the charm of the property. We stayed in Chalet 1, which I think probably has some of the best views and is conveniently located right next to the dining area. Overall, a lovely and peaceful stay with wonderful hospitality. Highly recommended!

AC would have been a nice addition as the room can get a little warm during the day, but it had minimal impact on our stay.

Absolutely amazing staff!! They are so helpful, considerate and kind. They helped us , fed us, guided us and we were delighted with each one of them. The beds were comfortable, showers and hot water were good. The meals were well presented and the food was delicious, the homemade ice cream was terrific. The natural view was superb!

The value for money is horrible... And is not suitable for children/families unless you are cool with them being traumatized by leeches... The hotel looks amazing and high-end on booking.com but the reality is the place is nowhere close to the level they present themselves to be... There is no AC or heating in the room (and it's needed even in August), the rooms are poorly filtered from insects... we got ants, beatles, leeches and all other types of flying insects in the room (no screens, no barrier under the entrance door). there is no internet outside of the rooms, there is no lighting outside from the rooms to the dinning patio and walking to dinner is a dangerous hazard (as if placing a single flashlight in the room solves that). The hotel doesn't present its limitations properly either - there is no way to get there in your car, instead you need to park a mile away, and they take you with a Jeep to the location. They offer you trails to hike - but have no real alternatives since you can't get in or out without the jeep. The access road is a mile long full of leeches, you can't walk without getting 5-6 attached to your skin and must use leech socks to minimize attacks. We went with them on the trail and got drenched by the rain ... Yet the facility lacks dryers or any other options to dry clothes so all our hiking shoes and clothes were useless the next few days. This hotel asks prices suitable for the highest grade Sri Lanka hotels with spas, laundry, gym, multiple restaurants and has none of the facilities. If you are with kids, or prefer not to have a rainy glamping adventure... Stay away.

Lordy and his team provided an exceptional Sri Lankan experience, starting with an impressive 10-curry welcome feast. The food in general was outstanding, everything was prepared freshly and many ingredients were from their own garden! (And everything was served warm / hot, so don’t worry about that in old reviews.) The eco-conscious retreat is seamlessly integrated into nature, preserving the local vegetation. The view from the bed / balcony was impressive and unforgettable. We highly recommend trekking in the Knuckles Range—ideal for experienced, self-guided hikers. Hiring a guide would also have been possible. The team’s genuine warmth made us feel immediately at home and we also had a lot of fun with Lordy; leaving was the hardest part.

Amazing location. Staff were really friendly and helpful.

Feels a bit of a work in progress. More facilities are coming which will elevate the experience.

The most beautiful place we’ve ever stayed - the photos can’t do justice to the views in every direction. The staff were incredible and extremely attentive, and the food was fresh and delicious. Thank you to all of the team! The highlight for us were the guided walks with Charaka up into the Knuckles mountains, and his knowledge of the endemic fauna and flora.

As the property is remote, and there are lots of animals about, it can be quite noisy at night - but we had some earplugs and this solved the problem entirely - would recommend bringing a pair.

The location is incredible. It’s got a beautiful view of the mountains from your room and you can see the sunrise in the mornings. Honestly, breathtaking scenery’s. The staff are also very attentive.

We requested two long hikes and ended up with a long hike and a short hike. We would have loved for the second hike to be a bit longer

Amazing cardamon ice cream Secluded and quiet with beautiful views from the balcony Well maintained and landscaped gardens Excellent ten curry Sri Lankan lunch

Room not sound proofed as claimed Limited dinner options and drinks menu 30-40 mins from the nearest village (could also be a positive) Slow internet A shame guests not given simple map to explore local area, and instead expected to pay ‘guide’ for a short walk

We’re a couple from Singapore enjoying our prolonged early mid life crisis backpacking across Sri Lanka. We’ve generally been touched by the warmth and kindness of the people. One of our stopovers was the Ferndale Retreat nested within the Knuckles Mountain Range. It was the best stay we had in Sri Lanka, with warm hospitality, farm to table food and the most peaceful environment you can get. Special shoutouts to: 1. Sujith Our butler who was meticulous towards our needs and has the right timely attention to detail that speaks volumes of his extensive experience across the hospitality industry. He made sure we wanted for nothing with respect to food and beverage, and housekeeping amenities. We love the conversations with him where there was good exchange of culture, knowledge and learning from each other e.g the delectation of our palates was enhanced knowing the sources of the ingredients and how they transform from farm to plate. 2. Charaka Our knowledgeable guide who knows the area so well and puts us at ease during our hike. He was attuned to our needs and pace during the hike and we got to see many things thanks to his eagle eyes e.g he could spot the leaf nosed lizard even after it had camouflaged its texture and colour to blend with the trunk it’s on；or the Sri Lankan national bird hiding in the bushes; which red berries are edible (by eating them on the spot) and which are poisonous; identifying the plants and trees whose sap and leaves we take for granted as staples etc. He not only helped us hike safely through winding undulatingly uneven paths, but also imparted extensive knowledge of the geography of the mountain range and how/why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage area. 3. Jason The tall and assuring guy who made sure that our needs are met throughout our stay. If Ferndale operations were an orchestra, Jason would be the maestro, conducting its quiet symphony of harmonizing with local produce and consuming nature’s resources sustainably.

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If you're looking for quiet, remote and a space to rest, this is it. We stayed for 5 nights and could have stayed longer. The view is exceptional, the rooms comfortable, and you are surrounded by birds and lizards. We went on a gentle walk to a waterfall with a guide and spent hours just soaking in the sound of birdsong. Food here is full board as it's so remote, and we enjoyed several huge curries worthy of any top class restaurant. I really couldn't recommend it more.

It's quite a drive from Kandy, but a very interesting and beautiful one, so not really a downside.

Magnifique endroit, chambres très agreables, vue incroyable

Rien

Being in the middle of nowhere, far from everything, very peaceful Jason was a great host, always checking if everything was alright Breakfast and dinner were great too.. Sri Lankan breakfast really good and filly

NA

Het was echt een prachtige plek. Daarbij was het huisje top, heerlijk groot bed, mooie badkamer met warm water uit de douche. Personeel is super vriendelijk. Hoogtepunt van de vakantie.

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De locatie/uitzicht is fenomenaal , midden in de jungle in de bergen 😍

Het uitzicht was prachtig. De wandelingen naar de watervallen door de jungle was hoogtepunt van vakantie.

Het was een beleving op een wat afgelegen plek. Het eten wordt ergens anders gemaakt en kan daardoor lang duren.

Fina och fräscha rum. Maten var utmärkt! Tillmötesgående när vi ville korta vistelsen!

Saknade resurser för att torka vandringsutrustning. Kallt och mörkt i orangeriet där vi åt alla måltider.

Beautiful place! So serene and in the middle of nature. The food is amazing and the staff is so friendly. You should definetely come here to discover the Knuckles mountain range.

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The view, location, service team and great comfort. Really good food.

Little things that can be improved ; more lights for dinner at night. Food was delicious but all cold.

Here’s a polished, warm, and personal review you can use: I had the most peaceful and refreshing time at Ferndale Retreat. The food was beautifully prepared, fresh, and clearly made with care. Every meal felt thoughtful and comforting, exactly what you want when you’re there to unwind. The staff truly made the experience special. They were kind, attentive, and genuinely warm, always ensuring we were comfortable without being intrusive. The location itself is stunning, quiet, green, and incredibly calming. If you’re looking to disconnect, slow down, and enjoy good food in a serene setting, this is the place. I left feeling rested, grounded, and already wanting to return.

Everything was amazing: the food, the amazing service with Jason in charge (best so far in Sri Lanka) and the great guide Charaka who accompanied us to a small trek in the jungle with my 3 years old son. The bungalows are clean, the beds are comfy and there is everything you need - if they don’t have already in the room, you ask and they find a solution! The views are incredible! We spent Christmas there, they went all the way into creating a Christmas tree with lights on the heliport so we could have dinner around it - a special barbecue. The food is also a fair price for the quality you get.

Nothing. The owner mentioned that they have a project to create a spa, this would definitely be a big plus.

Prachtig uitzicht vanuit kamer, mooie verzorgde kamers. Er is aan kleinste details gedacht! Het eten was heerlijk en werd mooi opgemaakt! De pompoensoep, bananenbrood en het cardemom ijs waren onze favorieten! We werden erg vriendelijk geholpen en ze doen er alles aan om het naar je zin te maken.

Het was jammer dat we (waarschijnlijk door het slechte weer) alleen waren. We voelden ons soms een beetje opgelaten dat alle aandacht op ons was gericht!

We had a very relaxing stay during our honeymoon at Ferndale retreat. We stayed for 2 nights and enjoyed the views of the stunning knuckles range from our room. We enjoyed two treks - the high knuckles trek and the shorter waterfall trek. Special mention to our guide Charaka who accommodated our shorter trek on our day of arrival and for being very friendly and knowledgable on our walks!

The best hotel we stayed at in Sri Lanka! The people were amazing, the rooms were beautiful, and the food was even better. We also did a hiking tour with the hotel’s guide, which was an incredible experience. We highly recommend staying for at least two days — it takes about two hours to drive up the mountain, and you’ll want a full day to explore the beautiful surroundings. Please go ahead and book — it’s absolutely wonderful!

A wonderful stay in the heart of nature! Exceptionally friendly staff who make you feel at home. The food was incredible – the rice and curry, made with fresh ingredients from their own garden, was the best we had in Sri Lanka. Surrounded by beautiful nature, this place is a true gem and a must for anyone looking for authentic hospitality and tranquility.

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An incredible place where you can sleep in luxury in the middle of the Sri Lankan jungle. The staff is wonderful and friendly, food was excellent. Everything's organic and fresh and homemade. So tasty!!! They their own cardamom ice cream, cardamom grows outside your room, as well as lemongrass and mini-guavas. Waking up to the breathtaking views of the Sri Lankan mountains, Going to sleep with the noises of the wet jungle- everything is an adventure in this place. (Watch out for bloodsucking leeches!) I did a half day trek up the knuckles range with their guide, thanks to him I was lucky to spot some leaf nose lizards. What a beautiful creature. Highly recommend this place.

Our stay was absolutely wonderful. The team goes above and beyond to make you feel at home. The setting is stunning peaceful, with breathtaking views all around. All the food is organic and homegrown, which makes every meal extra special. If you get the chance, make sure to book at least two nights here. Don’t forget to ask about the massage and trakking options they’re not to be missed! A big thank you to all the staff for such a memorable stay. We’ll truly miss you and the amazing food. Thank you! Nicole & GJ

Wunderschöne Unterkunft, tolle Aussicht, sehr freundliche Personal, super leckeres Frühstück und Abendessen, alles Bioqualität und das meiste im eigenen Garten angebaut, toller Guide der mit uns wandern war, man sollte mindesten 2 Nächte bleiben

Anreise zieht sich, ca. 1h durch den Nationalpark und dann wird man mit Land Rover vom Hotel angeholt für die letzten 2km, da die Straßen sehr beschwerlich sind und nicht ausgebaut. Leider war das Zimmer etwas feucht, es gab aber keinen Schimmel.

We stayed for two nights – and it was simply amazing! High up in the Knuckles, right in the middle of nature, lies this beautiful chalet. It is very clean, perfectly sized, and offers breathtaking views. The whole property is tastefully designed and even has its own garden with vegetables and spices, from which fresh meals are prepared. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making you feel welcome from the very beginning. We received valuable tips and had the chance to exchange thoughts about the surroundings and Sri Lanka in general. One absolute highlight of our stay was the High Knuckles Trek: we hiked for 5–6 hours through the mountains, saw stunning waterfalls, and even spotted a rare Leaf-nosed Lizard – an endemic reptile with a leaf-shaped nose, perfectly camouflaged in the forest. Another fascinating part of the trek was the constantly changing weather: sometimes sunny and clear, then suddenly misty and humid, which gave the landscape an almost mystical atmosphere. Our guide always took great care of us, ensured our safety, and impressed us with his deep knowledge about the flora, fauna, and the region. We are absolutely thrilled with this accommodation and can only highly recommend it – for everyone who wants to experience nature, adventure, and true Sri Lankan hospitality!

Nothing

We loved the remote location. Travelling here was a real adventure.

All good 😊

En un mot: exceptionnel. Pour faire simple, nous regrettons sincèrement de n’y avoir passé qu’une nuit. Nous conseillons d’y passer à minima deux nuits pour profiter au maximum de ce petit coin de paradis. Non seulement l’accès est assez long et complexe mais surtout y rester deux nuits ne serait pas de trop au vu des randonnées incroyables proposées sur place. Nous n’espérons qu’une chose: y retourner ! Quel excellent dîner et petit déjeuner, préparé et servi avec soin, dans un cadre sublime. Merci pour tout :)

RAS.

⭐ (10/10) Fetnale Retreat was simply unforgettable. Set in the mountains and jungle, it had the most breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The service was the best we have ever experienced in any hotel, the food was exceptional, and the rooms were spotless, beautifully designed, and perfectly maintained. Our guided walk to the waterfall was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every detail was flawless—this is why it’s a perfect 10 from us.

We absolutely loved our stay here! The location is stunning — surrounded by nature, very secluded, and incredibly peaceful. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. The hike to the nearby waterfall was a real highlight and a beautiful experience. There are quite a lot of leeches in the area, especially during hikes, but the staff provided us with leech-proof socks, which made it much more comfortable and manageable. One of the best things about this place is the staff — they’re incredibly friendly, charming, and attentive. They were always there when we needed anything and made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. We got in late in the evening by taxi, and since the road down to the hotel isn't suitable for regular cars, we called the manager. They immediately came to pick us up with their jeep, which was a huge help. The food was also amazing — delicious and freshly prepared. Overall, a wonderful experience and we would definitely recommend it.

The location is absolutely stunning, with a balcony that looks out over the most breathtaking view. The chalet was charming, comfortable, and well-equipped, including a pleasant bathroom and shower. The full board meals were exceptional. I can’t stop thinking about their Sri Lankan breakfast, and the ice cream was unforgettable. The staff were welcoming and attentive. Special thanks to Mr. Jason and Mr. Charka for their kindness.

Nothing in particular. The offroad drive to the retreat was a little challenging but added to the adventure.

Een fantastische plek. De wandelingen zijn geweldig!! De locatie, de accommodatie, weg van de drukte. Geweldig personeel, allemaal zo behulpzaam en lief. Ik kom hier gegarandeerd terug!

These guys really worked hard for their guests. Trekking was great. They drove many kilometers through rough roads to return my kindle to me which I left in room. A fantastic ecolodge. Must visit.

Notnhing

Attention to detail, staff was fantastic and setting was a great experience

The staff at the property provided us with hands-down the best service we’ve recieved in Sri Lanka. They were absolutely warm and welcoming and the property extended that welcome with one of the most gorgeous views. The property was very clean and very well maintained. The balcony of the chalet was spacious. The food was delicious and the Chef, Sunil, made sure he prepared every meal with love. It resonated through the food.

The only down-side we could think of was that it would have been nice to have a small seating arrangement inside the chalet. During our stay, it was raining throughout and the outdoor seating in the balcony was not accessible at all times during the rain. So a small seating arrangement indoors where we could’ve sat down and relaxed could have been a game changer.

Ferndale Retreat provided us with the best experience of our lives. It was a truly unforgettable experience filled with joy and excitement. During the visit, we were able to unwind and recharge with a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. It was a transformative experience in which I felt inspired and grateful for the memories I created. The activities were engaging, the surroundings breathtaking, and the staff was incredibly welcoming.

Irfan and his team were incredibly helpful. We booked last minute and he helped with our arrival by speaking with the taxi and letting them know how to arrive at the hotel. We had some great welcome snacks and tea which were great after our taxi ride. The room was lovely with a great view of the mountains. We had our order taken for dinner which was Sri Lankan food with vegetables made from the in house organic garden. It was all really tasty. We finished dinner with an amazing bowl of homemade Cardamom ice cream. This was probably the best ice cream we had tasted and we requested a bowl before we left! Overall a really great short stay for us. The staff were very attentive and ready to help with everything.

Staying at Ferndale was an extraordinary experience, ideal for those who appreciate peace and nature. While the retreat is somewhat remote, the journey is absolutely worth it and it adds to the experience. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the very friendly and attentive staff. Everything at Ferndale is designed to offer a personal and intimate experience. The small-scale setting and personalized service make the stay truly unique. Ferndale’s philosophy is rooted in nature and respect for the ecosystem. It is a luxury hotel where sustainability and eco-friendliness take top priority. All food is locally and organically sourced, adding to the authenticity of the experience. We also had the opportunity to meet the owner, who shared his vision with great passion and pride, making us appreciate the concept even more. The retreat is located in the breathtaking Knuckles Mountain Range, near Kandy. The untouched nature makes it a perfect destination for stunning hikes, which are thoughtfully organized by the team. Along the trails, you can discover hidden waterfalls and encounter unique endemic wildlife. Lastly, we must highlight the outstanding service and incredible food. The staff goes the extra mile to make your stay unforgettable. The meals are amazing because of the freshness of the ingredients and the dedication put into every dish. Make sure to try the icecream :-)! For anyone who loves nature, tranquility, and warm, personal hospitality, we can wholeheartedly recommend this place.

Retreat Luxury Eco Resort in Kandy. From the warm welcome to the exceptional hospitality, everything was top-notch. The owner, Chaminda, personally welcomed us and escorted us to the property, which was such a thoughtful gesture. During our stay, we enjoyed two amazing treks and had the most refreshing bath in the natural waterfall pool – a truly unforgettable experience! The food was delicious, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. This place is a true gem, and I would recommend it a thousand times over!

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My stay at Ferndale Retreat Luxury Eco Resort in Kandy was phenomenal. Having traveled to more than 10 countries, I have never experienced such exceptional hospitality. From the moment we checked in, the service was outstanding. The owner, Chaminda, personally welcomed my boyfriend and me, offering us a complimentary trekking excursion to a nearby waterfall where we enjoyed a refreshing dip in the natural pool. This unexpected adventure was truly amazing. We had the pleasure of enjoying home-grown, garden-fresh vegetables from Ferndale's own organic farm. We even picked them ourselves! The in-house chef prepared a wonderful Sri Lankan meal inspired by the farm-to-table concept, and all the food was organic. The meals were delicious and showcased the fresh ingredients beautifully. The rooms were incredibly comfortable, with super cozy beds and a balcony view that transported us to another world. The bathrooms were spotless and the water was incredibly refreshing. If I could, I’d rate my experience 100/10. The resort employs local staff from the nearby village and is committed to 100% sustainable practices. They use eco-friendly materials, conserve water, and support the local community in every possible way. Staying at Ferndale Retreat, you can really feel their dedication to preserving the environment and promoting sustainability. Anyone visiting Kandy should stay at this remarkable place for at least one day—though I highly recommend staying for at least two days to fully experience the beauty and tranquility of this amazing property

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