Horathapola Coconut Estate, Pannala

Set amid a working coconut estate, Horothapola is a stunning hotel. Only an hour from the airport, but as remote and far away from the sights and smells of town as you could wish. Relaxing in the garden, enjoying the soft peaceful atmosphere; swimming in the lush pool; whiling away the evening in the Jacuzzi; enjoying a drink on your veranda or exploring the coconut estate; there is everything and nothing to do here.

The estate was the Fernando family home, and Javana Fernando converted it into a small hotel. The gorgeous antique furniture and polished wooden floors retain an elegant family feel. The four bedrooms in the house are huge and spacious, allowing the air to flow freely. The beds are wonderfully large and welcoming. All rooms open out to their outside sitting area, the feeling of space and comfort prevailing. One of the rooms has a smaller twin room attached for families. Next to the main house is Pokuna Camera - with large verandas looking out over the pool. Set back a 2-minute stroll away is the family lodge with 2 bedrooms, a roof terrace and a large veranda.  

The service in the hotel is attentive but unobtrusive. The Sri Lankan rice and curry is excellent while simple western dishes are also prepared to a very good standard. There is something distinctively Sri Lankan about this laid back hospitality, something which is often lost in the rush to supply every western need in some of the islands other hotels.

The garden and estate is an absolute paradise, and a nature guide had recently listed in the guestbook, 37 different bird species spotted on one morning stroll. There are excursions that they offer in the area if you can tear yourself away, and they are happy to show you around the estate, by bullock cart, if you like! Horathapola is an ideal place to begin or end a visit to Sri Lanka.