Tri Lanka: The Best Hotel in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a land of many things, from gorgeous beaches, to abundant rainforests, to bustling cities, its a fairly sizable island that shares just as much with South Asia as it does with it’s Eastern neighbors.  After spending time at most of the major tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, and feeling a bit run down from sightseeing, I found myself needing what one might call a “vacation from the vacation”.  I found just that at Tri Lanka.

The Tri Lanka is a boutique hotel, with 11 Villas and a very personal touch.  The property is set far back from the main road on the precipice of Koggala Lake, and was built by Photographer Rob Drummond.  Rob’s background shows everywhere, as the property has a certain je ne sais quoi about it.  Everywhere you look, the combination of modern architecture set against the organic background creates a feeling of tranquility and awe.  I was told that many parts of the hotel were built around the “golden ratio” which is a mathematical formulae that can be applied to architecture to create aesthetically pleasing results.  The outcome, in layman’s terms, is a subconscious calming effect, as if nothing is out of place.  There’s also a feeling of tranquility as a result of the golden rule & golden ratio.  As a guest, it was something different and new, as I thought I had seen it all after staying in over 300+ hotels.

The infinity pool looks out over the lake and is the perfect place to relax with a book and a drink

One of the lake villas. Notice the proportions of everything in the room, following the golden ratio.

Although a small property, everything here was what you would come to expect from a full service 5-star chain hotel. Meals were delicious and catered to your personal food preferences, the maid and turn down service was impeccable, and the property offered many local activities including a guided bicycle ride around the neighboring forest, romantic boat rides across the lake, and spa/fitness classes with seasonal menus.

It tasted as good as it looks.

My favorite parts of this property, however, were the public spaces.  There’s a library that is open 24/7 that overlooks the lake – the perfect place to lose track of time and read a book or just relax, an infinity pool with gorgeous vistas where I spent hours at, and a water tower replete with a rooftop honor bar and 360 degree vistas.  There was obviously a lot of thought placed into developing this property, and I would say of all of the properties that are available in Sri Lanka this one was the most modern of them all.  It would be a shame to visit Sri Lanka and miss out at an experience at Tri Lanka.

This is the library at the Tri Lanka where you can relax and unwind. During the daytime it overlooks the lake.

 

 

RATING:

Hard Product:

-Location (How close is this to top attractions in the surrounding area?) 

9/10

-Cleanliness (Is the grout in the bathroom clean?  How good is maid service here?)

Not a single thing out of place here.

10/10

-Upkeep (Is the hotel in need of a remodel, or is it being constantly kept up?)

Still a relatively new property, it is being kept in tip top shape

10/10

-Public Spaces (How unique/inventive/useful are the public spaces?)

This hotel has so many spaces to explore for what is essentially a boutique property.  Also with only 11 rooms there’s no shortage of peace and quiet.

10/10

 

Soft Product:

-Service (How good is the service here?)

Staff were attentive and great to speak to, however the lack of 24/7 room service is something to be aware of.  Not a big deal for most people though.

9/10

-Restaurants On-Site (Are the restaurants on site somewhere even the locals would go to?)

The food was incredible and their attention to food preferences or allergies was impressive.  The staff was attentive enough to notice items you ate more or less of and catered every meal to that preference.

9/10

-Concierge (Specifically, how effective is the Concierge at helping you with a new locale?)

Every member of the hotel was essentially a concierge, giving great suggestions

10/10

TOTAL: 67/70

(35/70 is average)

 

PROS:

  • The setting is stunning
  • The use of the “golden ratio” to build the property made this an experience in itself
  • Absolutely tranquil and serene

CONS:

  • Only recommendation would be some in-room dining options or a refrigerator for the late night munchies.

SECRETS:

  • This place books up quickly so be sure to plan accordingly!