Kalundewa Retreat

The surroundings of the hotel are great.

I would strongly recommend avoiding this property. It holds just a 3-star rating on Google, a far cry from the 5 stars listed on Booking.com. The photos on the booking site appear to be several years out of date — the property is poorly maintained and bears little resemblance to what is advertised. We cancelled our reservation on the spot upon arrival. Despite the cancellation policy entitling us to a 50% refund, the hotel insisted the full amount had already been charged to our credit card and refused to issue any reimbursement.

I fell in love with this resort as it’s Eco. Breathtaking views from your room with nature all around..I was lucky to see 10 huge hornbill birds out my window. And so much more. The rooms are so beautiful and private each one has their unique characteristics and charm. The management and staff are very genuine and attentive to all your needs. An amazing top notch chef with all organic fresh cuisine. A great place to chill and step away from the world. 🌟🪷🌟🪷

Whereas the hotel grounds and rooms need a little loving care, the staff were out of this world -- so thoughtful and accommodating and wanting to please. The food was very good; enjoyed the cook's attention to our requests. Nice hotel at mid-range, good location and friendly ambiance.

We had a wonderful stay and truly enjoyed every moment. Most importantly, we have never met staff like this in any hotel we have visited before. They genuinely cared about our comfort and went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. Their warmth, attentiveness, and dedication made our stay very special. The food was exceptional. Although the variety was limited, every dish we tried was incredibly delicious and full of flavor. The quality and taste were outstanding, showing great care in preparation. The room was simply heaven. It was beautifully blended with nature, allowing us to feel fully connected to the natural surroundings. Waking up to the soothing sounds of birds and being surrounded by such beauty was truly refreshing. The room was also very spacious, comfortable, and offered a perfect view, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere. The bathroom had a slight smell at times, but it was not a major concern. It would be even better if additional amenities such as conditioner, body lotion, and shower caps were provided for extra comfort. Overall, it was a memorable and relaxing stay, and we would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a peaceful, nature-connected, and welcoming experience.

Beautiful natural setting with a peaceful, private feel. Our water chalet was spacious and scenic, and waking up to birds, lakes, and greenery was genuinely lovely. The grounds are tranquil and it’s a pleasant place to switch off after busy travel days. Prior to arrival, I contacted the hotel due to the concerns raised by previous guests. I was reassured that the website accurately reflected the experience. Unfortunately, this proved not to be true, immediately creating a sense of mismatched expectations. Despite what’s presented online and in the welcome information provided on arrival, there is no scope to consume anything other than bottled water — at odds with the eco‑luxury positioning and further highlighting the gap between expectation and reality. The staff were incredibly kind and abundantly helpful throughout our stay — warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, which made a significant difference. The food was exceptional — Michelin‑star quality. Executive Chef Eranda, along with Chefs Isuru, Ishan, Nadun, and Kavindu, created meals comparable to experiences we’ve had at Michelin‑rated restaurants. A genuine highlight. Significant, however, is the retreat’s confused identity — marketed as eco‑luxury, but in reality far closer to an eco‑lodge, with a few luxury touches and many rough edges. The property is over 20 years old, and this shows in both maintenance and overall finish. These issues have clearly been raised by previous guests, yet meaningful corrections do not appear to have been made, instead leaving frontline staff to manage potentially difficult conversations (especially about different beverage options). This feels less like oversight and more like a conscious failure to address known problems and to potentially deceive guests. On a human level, this is unfair to staff, who work tirelessly to make stays special. Management appeared chaotic, with little evidence of clear systems or processes. As guests, we were confused on what options were available to us during our stay. Overall: a serene setting with wonderful staff and exceptional dining, but ultimately overpriced for the level of polish, organisation, and transparency. Without significant correction to the business model and management approach, the current trajectory feels ill‑fated — which would be a real tragedy, at the very least for the staff who work so hard and genuinely care about guests.

Where to start…. Do not be taken in by this hotel’s supposedly five star rating- it should be two at best. The ‘Retreat’ has so little going for it and it is very tired. We got the impression that it may have been a nice place to visit twenty years ago with a true bespoke guest experience. That has all gone. The dirty reception/restaurant area was like a drive through in the middle of nowhere. Both our breakfast and evening meals (mediocre at best) had to be ordered via WhatsApp from a very limited menu along with a specified time to eat. We chose to eat our evening meal in our damp room (on a desk) as the ‘drive through’ was uninvitingly empty and it just seemed wrong to walk to it along a muddy path in the pouring rain in the pitch black of night (with no lights). Incredibly, there is nowhere (as advertised) to get a lovely cocktail or, indeed, any drink. The naturalist explained the Retreat doesn’t have an alcohol licence and kindly went out to the wine store to buy a stash for us on the first night. As for our room, the only positive was the view of the pond. The damp in the bathroom was dreadful as there was no means of extracting the moisture out apart from opening a window. This is not an option given the fact the that the room was on water in a jungle swamp full of mosquitoes. For this reason, the walls were mouldy, the floor was always wet and the towels were just grim. To add to the problem, it also rained in. Other issues included the main door that was difficult to open as the wooden floor had swelled from the dampness and the air conditioning unit sounded like it was going to take off. I could go on… There seemed little to do activities wise. We walked around the paddy fields after breakfast and then independently explored the Dambulla Cave Temple - turning down the offer of a pedalo on the so called lake. We paid $1500 for two nights which is dreadfully expensive for something so dire. We paid less for true five star, all inclusive luxury hotels during our month long motorbike trip which makes this hotel so horrifically bad in comparison

We stayed at Kalundewa Retreat in the Kumbuk Chalet, and the experience was incredibly private, peaceful, and beautiful. The surroundings gave strong Where the Crawdads Sing vibes — lush, atmospheric, and perfect for disconnecting from everything. The plunge pool with the view was absolutely amazing and easily one of the highlights of our stay. It felt secluded and serene, making it a lovely place to relax and unwind. The food was exceptional — truly one of the best parts of our visit. Compliments to the chef, as every meal was thoughtfully prepared and full of flavour. That said, while the property is stunning, it does require some maintenance in certain areas to fully match the beauty of its setting. With a bit more upkeep, this place would be truly outstanding. Overall, a unique and memorable stay, especially for those who love nature, privacy, and great food.

La posizione immerso nella natura, fuori dal mondo

Over price, non ci hanno rifatto la stanza con i piatti della colazione , non mi hanno mai risposto ad una mail nel periodo precedente al mio arrivo, abbiamo chiesto 2 birre non c’erano , per quello che abbiamo richiesto mi sembravano requisiti minimi

Excellent relaxing location. Calm and quiet place to chill out. Food was unique and tasty. Prepared by chef Isuru with srilankan authenticity with a variety of tastes. Recommend anyone to visit.

Eigenlijk niks wat dit hotel aantrekkelijk maakt.

Verouderde gebouwen en onderkomen. Management en personeel hebben geen idee waar ze bezig zijn. Eten moet bijzonder zijn, want Frans en duur. Tip aan de chef kok, maak gewoon eten wat binnen je comfort-zone ligt! Over-prized en kwalitatief zeer slecht. Bij het overbrengen van deze klachten, geen enkele discount (2x nacht met elke nacht ongeveer € 450 betaald). Heb ze de kans gegeven om wat van de prijs af te doen, wilden ze niet. Vandaar deze review, blijf hier weg!!

It was a pleasant stay for our family. We enjoyed nature at its best while dining fine cuisine. Thanks to Chef Isuru and his culinary skills mastered to perfection, with meals that just melt on your tongue from western to Eastern cuisine, along with some of the most helpful and welcoming staff and house keeping .

Fantastic location especially for ornithologists. Food was very good . Staff were exceptional. Comfy bed

It needs a deep clean and huge investment to bring the accommodation up to standard . I believe the new management have this planned. Once completed it would be an amazing hotel but at present it is grubby , especially the bathroom walls, glass and blinds .

This luxury nature resorts is a excellent place for the nature lovers who interest to been with nature, calm, quiet environment with peaceful mind. Also since this has around 150 acres you can do lot of activities like walking, cycling, bird / nature watching, Kai /pedal boats while enjoying the surrounding ( village, mountain, water, heavy trees, paddy fields, vegetable and fruit gardens, marshy, etc), Even,for kids they can run and play walk ways as they wish freedomly. Also Natural water common pool surrounded with trees and also Plunge Pool attach to chalet with cool/chill water gave a very nice experience Had great hospitality, support & service during our short stay there. We enjoyed it a lot and kind and gentle service was a lot more mean to us to had a wonderful and comfortable stay there. Also, want to mention about delicious foods and various food menus / recipes with nice serving (both English and Sri Lankan) which made us so enjoyable.Finally, cleaning the place regularly and keeping it clean, providing comfortable transport with in premises make us more comfortable. This stay made us a very pleasent experience. Kudos to Kalundewa Retreat Team.

Wir hatten einen einzigartigen Aufenthalt im Karanda Chalet des Kalundewa Retreats. Die Anlage ist perfekt eingettet in die Natur, das Personal war überaus bemüht uns alle Wünsche zu erfüllen! Tagesausflüge nach Sigirya bieten sich sehr gut an!

Es ist klar, dass es in einem Vogel-Naturschutzgebiet die Geräuschkulisse hoch ist, aber es war schon sehr laut und die Affen/Flughunde direkt über dem Glaschalet zu haben, war manchmal schon ein komisches Gefühl!

Must-Do Hideaway inside 100 Acres with experiences including bird watching, alfresco dining, engaging outdoor activities, yoga

Beautiful and peaceful place surrounded by nature. The staff were friendly, and the food was amazing. Perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Nothing major, just a bit pricey.

I would like to share my wonderful experience at Kalundewa Retreat. From the moment I arrived, the security personnel were very friendly and guided me correctly, such a true gentleman at the entrance. The welcome to the hotel was also unique, something that only Kalundewa offers. I won’t describe it in detail, because it’s something everyone should experience for themselves. The team even helped me find a good place for my driver to stay, which was thoughtful and well arranged. Speaking about the retreat itself, it truly offers a different experience that brings you closer to nature. The property feels like a charming village surrounded by a beautiful agricultural environment. With over 100 acres filled with various plantations, every corner of Kalundewa is refreshing and scenic. To fully explore and appreciate the property, I believe at least a two-night stay is ideal. The rooms are spotless, and the private pool provides a calm and serene setting, perfect whether you’re staying with family or a partner. The staff are exceptionally friendly and their hospitality is remarkable. The food was both delicious and hygienic, and we even had the option to customize our menu by discussing it with the team. I would especially like to appreciate the chefs for preparing such delightful meals. Keep up the excellent work, team, and continue offering your outstanding hospitality. I highly recommend Kalundewa Retreat to anyone who loves nature or not loves.

The Hotel was beautiful and unique. We also enjoyed walking around the hotel. The staff were very nice and accommodated our request.

Stayed in the Nika suite and loved it!

The perfect getaway. The Kumbuk Chalet was just amazing, the bathroom needs a little bit of renovation but as long as it is clean it doesn’t really matter. The staff was really nice, they were very helpful when my bag was taken by mistake and investigated immediately, everything turned out well. Restaurant is very good and the surroundings are just so calm and relaxing.

Not a big deal but consider that they not serve alcohol.

Very good tasty food , staff so helpful and friendly

Everything is ok

Nestled amongst the over 100 acre land with paddy fields, lakes and forest is the Kalundewa Retreat. A unique up-market hotel in a stunning tranquil setting. Enjoyed a few days with the facilities on offer. Very friendly staff, but one should not expect a high level of English in such a location. It appeared that some areas of the hotel needed attention, and it was encouraging to hear that the Management has plans in the near future for a renovation and upgrading of the facilities. Will definitely recommend, and come back again.

A beautiful heaven of tranquility complemented by a rich landscape of exceptional trees , paddy fields and lakes. The combination of nature and leaving with great food selection . Grace full staff and unique accommodations are a rare blend of luxury of this retreat. A destination to remember

A Hidden Gem of Tranquility and Hospitality I recently had the pleasure of staying at this truly remarkable hotel, and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with genuine warmth by the staff, who were consistently friendly, polite, and highly professional throughout my stay. The rooms were spacious, impeccably clean, and thoughtfully designed to provide maximum comfort. One of the highlights of my stay was the delicious Sri Lankan breakfast, which was served directly to my room each morning. It was fresh, flavorful, and a perfect way to start the day. What truly sets this hotel apart is its breathtaking natural setting. Surrounded by lush paddy fields, vibrant vegetable gardens, tranquil lakes, and a variety of trees, the environment is peaceful and deeply rejuvenating. It offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature while enjoying modern comforts. This hotel is truly a hidden gem. I was surprised to find that it wasn’t fully booked, as it certainly deserves more recognition. With some additional marketing efforts and stronger social media presence, I believe it could reach the wider audience it so richly deserves. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a serene retreat with exceptional service and a touch of authentic local charm.

None

The staff were kind and helpful. The location is beautiful! The food was good.

The condition and cleanliness of this resort is unacceptable. It is very tired and lacks any form of maintenance, it is in desperate need of repair. The floating boat room should be withdrawn for booking immediately and repaired, the boat to travel there is simply disgusting. We were the only guests on site, unsurprisingly. It is a shame as it has so much potential but it has been abandoned - the wood is sun damaged and now rotting in many places - all glass is dirty. It is not worth the exceptionally high cost and does not compare to any 5*4* or even 3* resort.

Everything was lovely

Nothing

This stay was a disaster. Ours was quite a late booking and we paid US$900 for two nights in Kumbuk chalet, a substantial discount to the rack rate. We arrived at the reception area and were struck immediately by signs of decay. The roof was sagging under the weight of rotting debris, the lamps had rusted, the communal dining area looked unappealing. We were shown to the chalet and yes, the general location is attractive though we thought the lake was a bit swampy. As with the reception area there were signs of decay, missing seals on doors, old debris on the glass bathroom ceiling, mould and filth above the bathroom mirror. It looked to us like the whole project had entered a run to fail phase, so strong was the sense of neglect. You join a WhatsApp group to order meals from a limited menu and sadly the offerings were extremely poor. We ordered a dinner for 8.00pm that arrived stone cold at 8.45. Meals are evidently cooked at premises elsewhere and then trucked in. Because of the mosquitos and insects you cannot eat on the deck outside the chalet after dark. If you eat inside there is no table but you can sit next to each other at a sideboard. Alcohol is not served or sold. The food was poor. On our second night we found a large rat in the bathroom. It disappeared into a hole behind the toilet. Shining a torch in there we could see leaves and other debris, it was obviously quite at home. We asked reception to take a look and they sent two men with a serviette. We guess they hoped to catch the rat in the serviette. We could almost see the funny side. When we were leaving we had our final breakfast in the reception area. We ordered coffee that never came. We ordered the fresh fruit platter, that came twice. The manager came to our table and asked us about our plans for the day. No mention of the rat. We read reviews before we came and should probably have taken more notice of the comments on maintenance. With hindsight we can also see that there are reviews that, how can we put it, might be of other premises. This is a resort way past the end of its useful life. We travel very extensively but have never encountered such a forlorn place.

Perfect travel destination for nature lovers.

Beautiful area

Not clean, needs maintenance and renovation

Wow. Luxurious property with the friendliest staff. The food was everything was picked from their farm. So fresh, generous portions, and organic! Our stay was simply amazing. We stayed in both the Floating Villa, and then the Bankee Chalet. Highly reccomend. Everyone in that visits Sri Lanka should come here.

Wow. Luxurious property with the friendliest staff. The food was everything was picked from their farm. So fresh, generous portions, and organic! Our stay was simply amazing. We stayed in both the Floating Villa, and then the Bankee Chalet. Highly reccomend. Everyone in that visits Sri Lanka should come here. P.s... we loved the bed-so cozy!

Great rural location with amazing birdlife

Very noisy at night for sleeping due to the birds that are night active.

We had a very particular Nil room. You have to reach the and leave the room with a boat. To get out from the room you need to contact the reception with wifi which was not available all the time .This made a challenging stay and also very particular.You are in the nature .As all is widows it might be a little bit hot in day time. Altogether very particular stay with a very attentive staff .

It is a paradise on earth that nobody takes care of. Amazing environment on a lake surrounded by rice fields and jungle. We have booked the floating room on the lake where a small boat was taking us. An amazing experience! A very beautiful swimming pool isolated in the middle of the fields surrounded by trees and lush vegetation. Good food and correct breakfast however no much to choose from. Smily staff.

Our checking took more than an hour because as we found out later our room was not cleaned for months and even after three days of cleaning it was still dirty and run down. The jacuzzi was dirty and not working, nobody came to fix it during our three day stay. The walls of the bathroom were moldy, the shower was old and some cockroaches have visited us. So if you ever book this place check out recent reviews about the cleanliness of the property.

A wounderful experience in nature

We spent 3 days in a beautiful suite immersed in the rice fields and the forest. Monkey, peacocks and other beautiful forest's birds completed our environment. Excellent location in order to explore the historical and religious monuments of the area. Very good restaurant. Some troubles with the WiFi

Truly an unique experience. You do feel like living in the wilderness with all the luxuries. Staff went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. Highly recommend.

None

We stayed at this lovely oasis of nature for a couple of nights in their floating villa. It was a magical experience afloat on a lagoon colored by water hyacinths and the birdsong at dawn and dusk was uplifting. Dinner on the houseboat was a delightful experience. The staff were polite and eager to help and the meals delicious. A haven where you felt at peace with the proximity of nature. There are only a dozen rooms in this hundred acre estate, so nature and the cultivation of rice is unperturbed. A great place to relax and watch birdlife.

We had a 3 night stay, on arrival it looks lovely, peaceful and relaxing, set deep in the countryside, surrounded by paddy fields, and the rooms, apartments and bungalows are scattered across the site We had a one bedroom ground floor apartment ( a room next door and an apartment above) The minimal brutal concrete decor is out dated and showing signs of wear and tear and needs a thorough deep cleaning and updating, there was no hair dryer, or iron. The roller blinds in the bedroom barely cover the windows, you will need eye masks, earplugs, insect repellent The apartment is not sound proof, a concrete box on another concrete box,so every movement the guest above made , walking about , putting the kettle on, taking a shower , moving furniture ( they moved a lot of furniture ) the noise is amplifiered to us below Mother nature is wonderful , the noise of the frogs and insects and local dogs serenading as you try to sleep and do battle with the mosquitoes, but there's always the light show around the blinds, the distance cars , the buggy cart, and other lights to help keep you awake intime for the predawn scwark and calls of the local birds, in time to take a tepid shower Breakfast is fine served in the restaurant , an open sided platform overlooking the paddy fields and the staff are pleasant and friendly Dinner was OK but definitely not worth the cost, it's very over priced, but you're so far from anywhere else When we finally found the pool, it was ful of leaves and other debris so was unusable We are now in Kandy with sound proof double glazing and fully blackout curtains

The staff were very attentive and kind. We stayed on the floating boat villa which was a great experience but very cute off from the rest of the grounds and require a motorboat to take us back and forth. Also, whilst the staff tried their best, getting the boat in the rain meant we couldn't wear "nice clothes" for dinner. The facilities within the boat were very simple. Very clean. The grounds are beautiful with an abundance of wild life!!!

Paying for water with dinner. I feel at least 1 x bottle of water should be free, anything more could be paid.

The restaurant staff was absolutely exceptional – attentive, friendly, and dedicated. Every interaction with them was a pleasure, and they went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The food was of a very high standard, beautifully prepared, and presented. This was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay, as the team clearly works hard to deliver excellent service.

Unfortunately, everything else about the property fell far short of expectations. The condition of the property was completely unacceptable and far from the luxurious experience it claims to offer. The windows throughout the property were dirty and smudged, clearly not cleaned in ages, significantly diminishing the beauty of the natural surroundings. Dust and dirt were present in every corner, making it evident that cleaning was not a priority. The interior of the accommodation felt old, worn-out, and poorly maintained, with furniture and fixtures that were outdated and in desperate need of renovation. There is no sign of luxury or 5-star quality – instead, the property feels abandoned and neglected. The lack of attention to detail and care was apparent everywhere, and it’s clear that no significant investment in maintenance has been made for years. The value for money was shockingly inadequate, as we expected a premium experience but were met with an environment that was below even basic standards. The overall neglect and lack of upkeep ruined what could have been an incredible stay. The setting and location have so much potential, but all of it is wasted due to the property’s poor condition.

Kalundewa retreat is a beutiful place designed preserving the nature. The service provided is also as expected and the food was also tasty. Staff is also nice and friendly and is always available for anything you need. We stayed at karanda chalet and the chalet was also spacious enough. The garden is also well maintained and overall it’s a beutiful place. Few recommendations that is better if done. 1. On top of the karanda chalet outdoor pool it’s a tree with lots of bats. As nature calls their feces also sometimes fall into the pool and a lot of leaves too fall into the pool. We are very happy to see the pool in the middle of nature but having a dip and swimming in that outdoor pool is a bit risky.. so we didnt swim. If you can please clean the pool as much as possible before the guests arrive and try to come up with an idea to cover the pool when not in use. 2. So many glasses at karanda chalet are at a location that is not possible to clean daily.. clean them as much as possible and try to clean the outdoor glass doors before the next guest arrives ( so they have a crystal clear view through the glasses) 3. When we arrived a lot of leaves were fallen on the outdoor deck and the day bed cushions were not cleaned. I understand that according to the location of the karanda chalet if is very hard to keep it clean with the monkeys and the massive amount of large trees on top of it but I feel you can give a bit more effort to clean and keep to give a good looking first impression about the chalet to the guests. Please clean the outdoor day bed cushions and keep them separately so the guests can use them when needed ( otherwise the monkeys sit on them and make it dirty) 4. Bathroom is nice but being a five star hotel the bathroom amneties could have been of better quality. When ever possible please replace them to a luxury category. Also please keep up with your service. We had a nice stay there.

The ideology and concept was great, the team were extremely helpful, polite and positive. The immersion into nature is really why you can experience. With great architectural remanence that blends well into its surrounding.

Old, unkept and certainly not in a great shape. You can admire it would have been top of its game (2010) but what we experience was something that was left alone and lost its calling. Our Villa pool was an experience we looked forward too however, there was no way to step into a green mold pool and could only imagine the hygiene of the water in the pool. Wasn’t going to risk it in a natural resort where it would be prone to mosquitoes. Really sad

The serenity was fabulous and the bird life so wonderful. We loved the design of the buildings however it appeared that no maintenance had been undertaken for years. Even the head of maintenance who I met when leaving agreed that work was needed. The bathrooms were is dis repair and the toilet smelled so we had to leave the fan running and windows open to survive. The facilities were broken or damaged - kayak, boats or bikes. The pool was green and the many of the chairs around the pool broken and the cushions dirty and water damaged so you couldn’t lie on them. The food was often not prepared well so you spent much time biting your tongue. The place needs a large capital injection and 6-12 months of care to bring it to a much better standard.

What a charming and unique experience in this peaceful and remote retreat. The staff is simply fantastic, the entirety of them is extremely kind. The food is scrumptious. The room is an absolute beauty, surrounded by the sounds of the fauna and the magestic flora. 100% recommended!

Thank you for everything dear you really were kind to us we really enjoyed staying and we will recommend our friends to visits you too 😃😃

Only one LOVELY NOT GENTLE recommendation I have to be honest about: PLEASE NEVER KNOUCK ON ANY DOOR so guests would have safe sleep and stays beside your great views and calm retreat outside home ☺️☺️

It was a perfect stay in nature... really relaxing and watching birds in their natural habitat...so many activities to do with kids nature walk and paddle boat was extra ordinary..our kid really enjoyed it...our stay at lower bakmi with plunge pool was completely heaven lost in nature.its calm and quiet

We had such a lovely relaxing time at Kalundawa Retreat! It’s the first time our kid experience such a place with paddy felids! Words can’t explain the nature there! Staff is very friendly and we feel their max effort to make our stay comfortable. Pls go with the correct mindset to enjoy the place. It’s on top of water , around trees and animals so pool will have dry leaves and deck gets messy accept the facts n go n enjoy life there! I will recommend this place to everyone who wanna go and have a quality nature time

The ambiance and the echo at the hotel were great, but unfortunately, the cleanliness did not meet expectations. The glass walls of the chalets were not properly cleaned, which affected the view. Additionally, the lights in the pantry were tipped a couple of times, and four lights in the chalet were not working. The meals were sometimes delivered incorrectly—on a few occasions, the soup or starter was missing, and at dinner, one of the meals arrived incomplete. We had to wait over 20 minutes for it to be rectified. Water supply was interrupted a couple of times, and it took more than an hour to restored. What was most disappointing was the lack of follow-up from the hotel management. Despite hearing that the general manager was available, no one reached out to discuss or address the issues we faced, which left us feeling neglected. Given all the issues, I would not consider returning to this hotel. However, I would like to give a special mention to Anuhas, who was very pleasant and took great care of us, driving us around in the buggy. His hospitality was truly appreciated.

It is a beautiful location; the hotel is superbly designed, the staff was very courteous, and the food average renovation has not been done for an extended period. Wifi facilities have to improve .management should look into basic facilities such as light fittings

Beautiful peaceful property in the middle of nature room with plunge pool was spectacular! Take a bike ride around the rice fields and see so many beautiful birds. I will come back and stay longer next time!

Kalundewa Retreat is nestled into rice paddies and conservation areas for bird and other wildlife. It operates a mushroom project and uses herbs and vegetables from their own organic gardening facilities in their culinary delights (the Sri Lankan curry breakfast is worth savouring). A large cauldron of Indian flying fox (fruit) bats, local resident at the retreat, can be observed and enjoyed at full flight at dusk - a worthwhile spectacle.

The property, which was first featured at launch in Tatler Magazine in 2012, opted for a minimalist and predominantly glass-led architectural theme for its 9 suites and rooms, most of which are spacious and well apportioned. However, the accommodation and restaurant facilities lack proper maintenance and clearly have a dated look and feel. Windows are dirty, limescale buildups are clearly visible across bathroom appliances. The window blinds are mostly filthy and the "industrial look and feel" of the rooms is predominantly ill-finished or badly maintained. The WiFi was slow and stopped working periodically. The property's pool area, while overall lovely, is miles away from the suites and rooms; technically outside the main entrance to the property. The flagship floating accommodation, which Kalundewa leads its property's marketing with, is very remote; it can only be reached by boat, which is currently out of service and in need of major repairs.

Beautiful place and calm environment

Everything is perfect

It is one of the best places we have ever stayed! Amazing architecture. We stayed at Bakmee Upper and Lower Chalet. Kayaking was an amazing experience specifically in the lake with lots of trees. The food was good, and they prepared separate small meals for the kids too. Friendly staff. Very spacious rooms and washrooms. Comfortable beds. The plunge pool with a jacuzzi is nice; wish it was a little bigger pool. Lots of peacocks and many birds can be seen. Highly recommend. Admirable place.

Excellent place, with great staff and delicious food. Highly recommended! If you're looking for a spot to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect choice you'll feel much better...................................

Such a beautiful place which surrounded by the peaceful nature. One of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited.

An ideal place for a relaxing vacation

My recent stay along with my wife at this retreat was nothing short of magical. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the retreat offered a surreal view that was simply breathtaking. The experience of being surrounded by nature was truly rejuvenating. I was delighted to encounter a variety of birds, including majestic peacocks, adding to the charm of my stay. The retreat provided complete privacy, allowing me to unwind and relax in peace. The ample space offered plenty of opportunities to explore and roam freely. I particularly enjoyed cycling around the property, taking in the scenic beauty. Dinner was delicious, kudos to the chefs. The staff, especially Mr. Kanth, was exceptionally attentive and ensured that all our needs were met. Overall, my stay at Kalundewa Retreat was the most relaxing and enjoyable retreat experience I've had. The combination of stunning views, tranquil surroundings, and excellent service made it a truly unforgettable getaway.

While the retreat was generally well-maintained, I did notice a few cobwebs in some corners. A more thorough cleaning in these areas would enhance the overall cleanliness. Additionally, while the breakfast was enjoyable, a bit more variety would have been appreciated.

A wonderful location with hundreds of amazing birds, and the design of villas, the sounds of nature at night - unbelievable

Restaurant a bit overpriced

The concept of the hotel as a retreat is very nice. Huuuge property with beautiful nature everywhere you look, which you can explore by the free-to-use bikes they offer. The view from our room into the nature and to tge mountain was beautiful. We liked the architecture of the rooms and the restaurant area with the window facades. We also liked that there was no music in the restaurant area to be able to enjoy the sound of the wind, trees and animals (especially birds). Also, as the hotel has only nine rooms in total, you have a lot of privacy. Actually my friend and I have only seen two other guests one time at dinner but had the pool all to ourselves (but we have to say that we have been there during low season). The staff of the hotel is very friendly and attentive. If you have any wishes/needs they are happy to assist you with anything (e.g. the FO manager helped us to book the train from Kandy to Ella). The best feature of the hotel for us was the food, which was included in our room price for 2 nights. For breakfast they have a Sri Lankan option and a western option (we chose the latter and enjoyed omelette and nice fruits and sweets). Dinner was excellent the two nights. Well-thought 4 course menus that are changing every day, including starter, soup, main course and desert. Every course was a gusto. Also they cook a lot with their own grown plants from the garden and you can really taste the difference between these fresh nutritious meals and the frozen fish and vegetables in Germany. We really LOVED the food. The only thing we would improve is the maintenance of the hotel. The walls, windows and the pool could be cleaner. Also the sun loungers could be renewed as well as the bikes and the roof covers. If maintenance and restoration in the hotel would be improved, it is without doubt an amazing place. Just a little tip on the side: the time we were there it was very windy, especially during the night.

Cleanliness and condition of the property or rather equipment

The concept of the hotel as a retreat is very nice. Huuuge property with beautiful nature everywhere you look, which you can explore by the free-to-use bikes they offer. The view from our room into the nature and to tge mountain was beautiful. We liked the architecture of the rooms and the restaurant area with the window facades. We also liked that there was no music in the restaurant area to be able to enjoy the sound of the wind, trees and animals (especially birds). Also, as the hotel has only nine rooms in total, you have a lot of privacy. Actually my friend and I have only seen two other guests one time at dinner but had the pool all to ourselves (but we have to say that we have been there during low season). The staff of the hotel is very friendly and attentive. If you have any wishes/needs they are happy to assist you with anything (e.g. the FO manager helped us to book the train from Kandy to Ella). The best feature of the hotel for us was the food, which was included in our room price for 2 nights. For breakfast they have a Sri Lankan option and a western option (we chose the latter and enjoyed omelette and nice fruits and sweets). Dinner was excellent the two nights. Well-thought 4 course menus that are changing every day, including starter, soup, main course and desert. Every course was a gusto. Also they cook a lot with their own grown plants from the garden and you can really taste the difference between these fresh nutritious meals and the frozen fish and vegetables in Germany. We really LOVED the food. The only thing we would improve is the maintenance of the hotel. The walls, windows and the pool could be cleaner. Also the sun loungers could be renewed as well as the bikes and the roof covers. If maintenance and restoration in the hotel would be improved, it is without doubt an amazing place. Just a little tip on the side: the time we were there it was very windy, especially during the night. The wind was very loud and the roof cover made noises due to the wind. So if you are noise-sensitive and can’t sleep when it’s too loud, better bring ear plugs 🫠🙂

love the nature, the private pool, the food were al good.

the turn down service was not according to expectations and in general a lack of attention to detail was missing.

We recently had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful hotel, nestled in the breathtaking outback of Sri Lanka, close to Dambulla. It exceeded all of our expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the serene, eco-friendly surroundings 🌿. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is truly admirable, with lush gardens where they grow their own plants and vegetables, creating a beautiful and natural atmosphere 🌱. Our room was super scenic, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making every morning and evening a delight 🌄. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind. The ambiance throughout the hotel was incredibly peaceful, making it easy to leave the stresses of everyday life behind 😌. The food was another highlight of our stay. The dishes were not only delicious but also fresh and full of flavor, undoubtedly thanks to the hotel’s own garden 🥗. Dining here was a true pleasure, with every meal showcasing the care and quality put into the ingredients. One of the most magical experiences we had was seeing fireflies at night, a sight that added an extra touch of enchantment to our stay ✨. The staff at the hotel were equally impressive. They were friendly, attentive, and always ready to assist with a smile 😊. Their dedication to making our stay enjoyable was evident in everything they did. We highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a peaceful, eco-friendly getaway with top-notch service, fantastic food, and stunning natural beauty 🌟. We can’t wait to return!

Best and perfect blend of comfort , luxury and breathtaking view with relaxing nature enviorenment . highly reccomended for couple who needs relax and comfort getaway. foods are yummy too . friendly staff clean and quite environment. Absolutely worth for the money

The karanda chalet was amazing. Great design with full glazed facades; you stay completely surrounded by nature. Great staff always super kind and efficient. The plundge pool was incredibile. The surrounding are spectacular, filled with lakes, rice fields and animals.

Maintenance could be better.

The location is amazing, the food very tasty and the staff very friendly and helpful. We had the water villa and it is one of the best option to really enjoy the nature.

It is really strongly visible that they do not take well care of the property and it is missing investment. Unfortunately you can never trust their time management - usually they are 30 mins late which is not so nice if you want to be on time. Ones we even had 1 hour delay to our arrangement - when you are in the middle of the lake you unfortunately can’t leave without their boat transport… Also they overcharged us to the room the 10% for which we should have the discount from booking.

The place is serene and simply stunning. If you want to have a relaxing holiday, not doing much but hanging out by the swimming pool, cycling around rice fields, enjoying locally produced organic vegetable meals away from crowds of tourists and being attended to by friendly staff - here is your spot. It is in the midst of the nature so if you have limited tolerance to wild life, maybe reconsider, but I consider such place in this world today as a hidden gem. It was a perfect get away for us and would love to come back again.

Very bad smell in the bath area. Upper floor guest made huge noise and spoiled our stay. Since the upper floor is timber, it's better if you avoid this combination. It was nice place

The location is great with lots of tranquility. The design is top notch and we really enjoyed the serenity. It was truly a getaway to the middle of nature.

Some dust on furnitures and windows stained. Couch cushions are stained. The property has so much to offer so it is very evident when small details are overlooked.

Highly recommend the friendly staff and the clam environment so relaxing

Nothing

Environment Food

Cleanness of some area

The hotel is very spacious and relaxing, the rooms were nice and private, all far away from each other. We booked half board and the food was fantastic

For the service/training of the staff and the amenities of the room the charges are too expensive for what it is

Everything was amazing, no comments, the only thing that the river water level was not according to the photo due to the Rain ... But overall the vacation was amazing

The Staff was amazing, I couldn’t ask more. Best kind people with kids. Facilities awesome unbeattable

I like it all!

We had a truly amazing time at Kalundewa Retreat. The location is just so serene and magical, especially around sunrise &-set when the birds are all singing. Right in the middle between lakes and paddy fields, it's the ideal place for people who love nature and want to disconnect for a bit. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. Very responsive to questions and requests. We took the half board option (breakfast and dinner), and we were honestly impressed by both the quality and the quantity of the food. The food all tasted great and was always plated so delicately and beautifully. They delivered dinner/breakfast to the room on request, which was a nice touch. More local flavors on the menu would have been appreciated, though. Minibar - and other food/drink prices were all very reasonable (eg; 1.5 USD for a 500 ml soda) Room/bungalow was tastefully designed, with powerful A/C. Wifi was stable enough to stream shows on eg; Netflix. If you book one of the over water villas, I'd recommend getting up early for sunrise to enjoy the spectacular show nature will be putting on. A walk around the massive grounds at sunset is also highly recommended. Even though there is enough stuff to see and do in Dambulla, we only left the premises for a short 2 hr visit to the Cave temple and Golden Bhudda. We were just enjoying our time at the resort too much.

In some areas, the resort started to show a bit of its age and could use some TLC in the near future. The room could have been cleaned a little more thoroughly on arrival (eg; cobwebs here and there and lime scale in the bathroom/shower) These issues should be easy to fix. Its truly a special place.

Loved staying here and watching all the birds and butterflies. Magical place to stay in the middle of all the paddy fields. The staff were super helpful and lovely.

Limescale problem in the bathrooms on the glass and tiles - easy to solve with the right cleaning products.

We absolutely loved our two nights at Kalundewa Retreat. The location is tranquil and beautiful, you can’t beat waking up every morning to the paddy fields and views of the mountains! The food was absolutely delicious (some of our favourite in Sri Lanka) and the staff were fantastic, going out of their way each day to ensure you have everything you need for the perfect stay.

Superb location, like living in our own nature reserve.

We liked everything

I had a wonderful experience at Kalundewa Retreat in Dambulla. The staff was incredibly pleasant and went above and beyond to ensure our comfort throughout our stay. One highlight was the fantastic golf cart ride they arranged for us around their expansive 100-acre property, providing us with an amazing view of the surroundings. Highly recommend Kalundewa Retreat for a relaxing and memorable getaway!

This stay was truly exceptional. The staff went above and beyond to make our time relaxing and special. One morning they even brought us breakfast in the middle of the rice paddies. Incredible nature, stunning room and really delicious food. Do not hesitate to book!

The scenery at Kalundewa is breathtaking, it is so serene and peaceful - the perfect place to relax. There is so much wildlife to see and the grounds are immaculately maintained. The room we were given was beautiful, super spacious and clean. It had everything we required and more! We really appreciated the option of having dinner brought to our room as it meant we had more time to enjoy using the pool. Staff at Kalundewa were amazing, they treated us with so much kindness during our entire stay. The chef made some vegetarian dishes to accommodate me and the food was 10/10. Special thanks to Kanth who was a superb host during our stay, going above and beyond for us!