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The Wallawwa, Sri Lanka

The Wallawwa

Sri Lanka

The hotel’s name, ‘Wallawwa’, is a Sinhala term for aristocracy, specifically for a family with good connections to the local kings or colonial masters. As such, the property has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and during World War II was even occupied by the Royal Air Force.

Today it has been lovingly restored into an attractive, well-appointed boutique hotel that has retained the charm and character of a classic Sri Lankan estate. Set in peaceful gardens, it has the feel of a secluded hideaway despite its convenient proximity to the airport, and the team of staff here will make you feel instantly at home.

OUR OPINION:

A lovely boutique property that’s conveniently close to the airport, but still sufficiently isolated to make an ideal leisure stop at the start of your tour or a relaxing stay before flying home.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Rooms

Rooms span four categories and are modern in design. Amenities include air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, widescreen satellite TVs, safes, hair dryers and tea/coffee facilities. They also have spacious en suite bathrooms with rain showers.

The entry-level Wallawwa rooms are generous in size at 35 square meters, with each featuring a king size four-poster bed. Garden Suites offer additional space at 55 square meters, including a sitting area complete with window seat and a furnished veranda. The 90 square meter Family Suites have an extra two single four-poster beds, while the two bedroom Mountbatten Suite is 162 square meters in size, featuring a king size four-poster bed and two queen size four-poster beds, a large living room, private plunge pool and private garden.

Location

Set within manicured gardens, The Wallawwa is located close to the Dambulla, Kandy and Galle highways, and is just a 15-minute drive from the airport. Central Colombo is around an hour’s drive away.

Food and drink

The property’s restaurant, The Verandah, serves à la carte meals, specializing in Asian fusion cuisine. Food is served all day, with a separate dinner menu available in the evening, and can be enjoyed on the veranda looking out across the pretty gardens. A selection of vegetarian dishes is available, and special dietary requirements can be catered for if informed in advance. There’s also a children’s menu, as well as the option to dine in the comfort of your room.

Families

The Family Suites, as well as the Mountbatten Suite, make excellent accommodation options for those traveling as a family. A children's menu is offered at the restaurant, while the good range of facilities here will keep guests of all ages entertained during their stay.

Facilities and activities

The hotel’s modern Z Spa offers a variety of health and beauty treatments and massages. There’s also a swimming pool, which has been built using natural Indian stone tiles and is surrounded by the garden’s lush foliage, a well-stocked library, a study complete with iMac, scanner, printer and internet access, and a gift shop where all profits are donated to the hotel’s chosen charity. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and a number of games can be played on site, including croquet, badminton and board games.

Environmental and social responsibility

All profits generated by the hotel's gift shop are donated to its chosen charity. The charities are hand-picked and change regularly, but are always local organizations that support Sri Lankan children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The majority of products in the shop are sourced locally, often from small craft businesses, helping to support employment in Sri Lanka.

Tour ideas in Sri Lanka

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Wallawwa as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map