Buckingham Place

Amazing stay, even extended twice. The service is second to none, everything is no problem. From the amazing view of the sea to all the varied wildlife in the grounds, posse of monkeys visit every day drinking from the pool and generally being monkeys to peacocks, a mongoose, frogs, all the birds. Nick the owner is a friendly chap and clearly set the ethos of this place and is always around to help if needed. Kalpa and Umesh (managers) are great, absolute credit to the place. Can’t say a bad word, if we are back to Sri Lanka then a visit here will be on the cards again. We had 2 rooms, both great, outdoor showers, very clean, air con, amazing views over the lagoon, comfy beds. Best place we stayed in Sri Lanka, only left as we had plans. The beach is 2 min walk away past all the hermit crabs, we saw baby turtles going into the sea one evening just before they close the beach due to conservation. We then went another night with the turtle conservation next door and witnessed a turtle laying eggs. This place has it all.

This hotel is truly a hidden gem. The serenity you feel when you're here is out of this world and every little detail is thought through. My fiance and I stayed here for 3 nights and wish we could have stayed longer because it was the first time in our trip when we felt we could stop planning the details of the day and just relax. Nick, the owner, greets every guest and asks several times how their stay is. He makes sure you know that everything could be customized to your liking and there is no pressure to conform to any sort of "norms", starting from the time you want to eat breakfast to where you want your meals to what is actually in the meal itself. And by the way, the meals are all a la carte and not buffet-style because they are all made from fresh, local ingredients (the dinner options rotate as well to keep it fresh and interesting). We planned to do at least one day trip, but ended up not leaving the hotel at all during our stay because it was just so perfect. The only downside is that you cannot swim in the stretch of beach directly in front of the hotel, but we liked the pool better anyway and just went for walks on the beach instead. The staff is so friendly and make you feel like family. Even if you don't like something you ordered, you can send it back with no problem and they will be kind and apologetic about it instead of treating you like a problem (which I've experienced at other places). 11/10.

Having been to around 45 countries and experienced backpacking in hostels to luxury 5* star resorts and everything in between - Buckingham Place was by FAR the best hotel we have ever stayed in. There are too many positive things to say without writing for hours, but here are three highlights : 1) The attention to detail - from the incredible bathroom toiletries (even toothpaste!) to the complimentary refreshing pool side drinks, everything has been thought of. 2) The swimming pool is PERFECT. Sparkling clean, great temperature, large, beautiful - with a bar section too! 3) The staff - they make you feel part of their family. On Xmas morning, a knock on the door with breakfast in bed and a HUGE bag full of presents and Sri Lankan souvenirs - where else would this happen?! This wasn't just a hotel, it was a memorable experience we will cherish!