Royal Botanical Garden

This was a stunning end to my stay in Sri Lanka. Staff couldn’t do enough for you and general manager was around and introduced himself during breakfast. Cocktails and food was great. Breakfast was excellent. So many choices and nothing too much trouble. I can see it may be an issue in high season, but in October there was enough sunloungers at the pool and beach for everyone. Water supplied in room and on the beach/pool areas. WiFi was fast and reliable. Hotel offered turn down service which was a nice touch. Tip try the King Colada! Thank you Banisha for being so friendly and welcoming! <3

I had a really wonderful time at Tabula Rasa. Felt like the staff couldn’t do enough to ensure my stay was perfect. The location is stunning. It is worth being located up hill in the peace and quiet, and so easy to pop out in a tuk tuk. The food was really good, I expected to eat out more but, I’d often crave the chef’s dhal! I was able to eat really good plant based meals without getting bored of the menu. The chef would come out to chat, and was very keen to ensure I enjoyed the food. All of the staff make you feel part of the family and nothing was too much trouble. They organised a driver for my longer trips, and a tuk driver who was perfect for getting into local towns or the beach. I had a plunge pool room which was worth the extra. Relaxing out there, with an endless view of the jungle, the ocean in the distance, and monkeys leaping from the trees is pure heaven. The monkeys even enjoyed coconuts above my sun lounger one morning. I have no doubt I will return!

Outdoor space, with beautiful, lush garden, direct access to the beach and facilities (one of the largest, nicest pool we have ever seen) as well as the beautiful architecture of the main building easily justify a 5. The room would be 3 only, hence the 4 on average. The rooms are large and have largely kept their original style and furniture (a plus) but felt tired. The carpet on the floor was worn out with a dodgy large brown spot. The aircon couldn’t be adjusted. It was either very cold and noisy or no aircon at all. We had to go for no aircon which meant a musty atmosphere given the significant external humidity. One of the lamps was damaged. Staff generally nice and helpful. There was a wedding in the hotel for two of the three days. Manageable but quite noisy at times.