Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa

Wonderful hotel with great staff speaking English and beautiful environment. It doesn’t have beach access, so there’re tuk tuks by the gate that can take you to your destination. Delicious breakfasts and nice views. You can also meet different animals on the territory of the hotel. I’m totally satisfied with my experience of staying here and can recommend this hotel to others 👍

With only 24 rooms this is really a place you must visit. A steep drive brings you to the gate of this hotel, nestled in the jungle of Sri Lanka with a jaw dropping view at the infinity pool. We were upgraded from a Villa to a Pool Villa, thanks to our HH Gold status. Do reach out to the hotel to receive very good rates and deals! Our room was spacious and could sleep all of our 3 kids. The bathroom was modern and fully equipped with amenities. The master bed was foreseen of a mosquito net, aswell as a mosquite spray (keep windows closed, especially after rain to avoid them). The patio had 2 sunloungers, a table and a small plungepool. This was ideal to spot the monkey family in the trees, not far from the room. During our 2 nights we encountered heavy rain and thunder, but skies cleared up in the morning. Awakened by monkey's on the roof we headed out for breakfast, which was a la carte. Choices and portions were great and service was quick. Small note: paper napkins gives the hotel a cheap look, i would replace them with linnen, as they do for dinner. We used the main pool once as most of the day we were out exploring. Dinner is also available and nicely presented, altough staff should refrain to clear plates whenever others are still eating (etiquette). Overall, a good choice whenever you are close to Galle and the hotel and room has all you need.

Room: We had booked a standard room but we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a beautiful villa with a balcony and plunge pool. The room was immaculate and very tastefully decorated. The views down to the coast was very impressive and we spent many hours on the balcony listening to the sounds of the jungle and watching passing troops of monkeys. Activities and excursions: On our first day we took a Tuk Tuk to Galle Fort. The journey took around about 25 minutes (priced at 5000 rupees return, with the driver waiting for us whilst we wondered around the fort. We spent a day in Weligama having travelled there by train from Habaraduwa station. The trip took around about 20 minutes (cost 40 rupees). The main reason for this particular activity was that we wanted to experience a Sri Lankan train journey and this fitted the bill perfect (for a couple who are a bit too long in the tooth for lengthy backpacking style train journeys). During the rest of our time we visited a local tea plantation and went Whale watching both of which we would recommend. Facilities at hotel: At the hotel itself we made use of the pool, spa and yoga master. Though the Spa is a little more expensive than a local spa, the hotel’s services were excellent and well worth the money (I should say that the price was considerably cheaper than UK equivalents). Restaurant: The restaurant (‘The Dutch’) was excellent and served a range of Sri Lankan inspired high end European dishes. There was an extensive cocktail menu with most drink priced at around $6. Location: Though I had been a little worried that the location of the hotel may be a little remote, it transpired that the hotel was perfectly situated to allow for rest and relaxation in a jungle setting whilst only being 15 minutes walk to the local town. In our 5 days here we found plenty of activities and it was a great base for exploring this beautiful section of the Sri Lankan coast. Summary: All in all we had a wonderful time and would return in a heartbeat. The setting is beautiful and the staff could not be more helpful or accommodating.