After having been to Sri Lanka several times, finally we have found a place that caught our spirit. At Hiyarapitiya we have found peace, beauty and serenity. When we arrived, we only had planned to stay for one night. However an unexpected health issue forced to extend our stay. With Athula's kind and competent assistance the health issue was quickly dealt with. All staff contributed in ways highly surpassing the usual to an exceptional stay. Recovering at this beautiful place the disaster of a health issue turned into a form of blessing: With the splendor of the home, Athula's fabulous cooking and various exciting excursions in the area our recovery became even joyful. We could have stayed here indefinitely.

More time at this gorgeous place would have been nice.

This place is an Undiscovered gem! So please to have discovered it and stayed there. It’s like staying as a guest in someone’s private home - and the boys making sure you get everything you need. Food is delicious (we recommend the jackfruit curry!) The house is set in its own private tea estate... With stunning views all around - can hardly see another house which is amazing considering it’s so close to Kandy... A peaceful haven on our travels - with lot of wildlife and exotic birds (there was a handy book to look things up). The house itself is stunning - newly finished to exacting standards ( I really doubt there is a nicer place to stay). Can see its been designed very carefully - lots of traditional elements that make it very calming and timeless. The main space is so beautiful - set under pitched tiled roofs, an internal courtyard and with postcard views. Also lots of lovely art and books to nose through! Almost tempted to stay at home... but unfortunately there was so much to see in Kandy! All in all a great base to explore Kandy from. Lots of Temples to visit nearby - don’t miss Lankatilaka a short walk to the bottom of the hill. There’s so much to see could easily have stayed a week! Will be back for sure - just hope it’s not fully booked next time!

It was so good. Goodness me. If you're anything like us, you've found it. Don't bother carrying on your search. Starting with the building itself - it's wonderful. The interiors, exteriors, and setting are fabulous. Traditional colonial and Sri Lankan architecture at its best. It sits in the garden of a renowned architect, and it shows. You cannot help but feel very lucky. After the initial euphoria, and as you settle in, you will start to feel relaxed and at home. You won't want to leave. Ever. Athula, and the team, were excellent hosts. We were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived. As luck, or destiny, would have it, it turns out that Athula is an excellent chef. It started with a great breakfast. As a rule, we choose not to eat where we stay. The thing was here though.. our breakfast was just too good.. of course we had to go for the dinner. We loved it. Athula has passion and talent for sure. We ate out the second night at one of the "top places". Don't bother. Stay put. The house is in a very pretty location and close enough to Kandy to just pop in. It turns out the local village is pretty and with some genuine touristic value. We stayed 3 days/nights. On the last night we had two serious conversations: 1) Let's figure out how we should cut the rest of our holiday plans short to stay longer and, 2) Can we fit a return for a full month in May. We loved it. There's only 3 rooms. Shhh!!!! Don't tell the looneys please.

It was tough to leave..