Haritha Villas and Spa

Easy 2hr drive from the Airport. Arrived in a glorious jungle heaven. Birds, wild peacocks, monkeys, all keeping their distance but creating much amusement during meal times in the trees. Very clean, efficient rooms. Butler service exceptional. Very private with a deep pool. Everything was available at anytime of the day. No set meal times. Being May there were some rain but whether in bed or sitting in the searing areas it was glorious. Excursions galore I wouldn’t normally join but loved every bit. I took suggestions from my butler who was with me the whole time on our trips. I highly recommend this. Don’t forget the garden tour! Oh and the cooking class!

Haritha Villas - Where to start?

This was our third visit to Sri Lanka, but our first to Haritha. We arrived in Sri Lanka on the 6th May and then travelled around the central part of the country, even though we have been before there was still plenty to see and do. We met up with Ian the local Kuoni rep, who told us that we had made exceptional choices for our 7 hotel stay – which we were pleased to hear, but you never know until you personally see for yourself. Along the way before we got to Haritha we had stopped at 5 different hotels. All of them were magnificent, with amazing food and first-rate hospitality, something which is heartfelt by them all. As a national Sri Lankans are always so kind and want to portray their country in the best light. This time we even had the chance to go to Yala and see the elusive leopard, which really was the highlight to any trip but there was more to come! After 12 days of travelling, so much so that our clothes just hopped back into the case on their own (I wish) we had a wonderful driver collect us from Chena Huts (a good drive of over 3 hours). He was so kind and funny, he told us about his twin daughters with such pride, it was heartbreaking to hear of one of the little girls having to work so hard to learn to walk after a bad spell of meningitis at birth, but he was very positive about her future, which was wonderful to hear. We arrived at the Haritha gate and drove up the well-maintained and beautiful jungle driveway, rounding the bend to where we were greeted by Nilanka (our Butler for the duration of our stay of 7 nights) His soft welcoming voice gave us an instant relaxed feel – he smoothly and promptly checked us in and then took us to our room. Your “Butler” takes care of everything from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, so you always feel exceptionally cared for. He wouldn’t even let us carry our small bags. When we walked from the Spa entrance and could see the view, pool and dining room, you just said WOW – it is amazing – the whole country is so beautiful, but this was just next level. Nilanka, walked us through the lush luxurious greenery to the very private and romantic gateway to one of the seven villas – number 4 the Myna suite is very private based at the far side, so very quiet and peaceful As soon as we opened the gate you are greeted with more lush jungle greenery, where there is so much wildlife which you can watch as you sit on the lounger or whilst resting in the very welcoming private pool. We opened the door to a specious and well-maintained room, with loads of clothing storage and a separate toilet and shower. We dropped our bags and then sat outside in the spacious area which had both a sofa, chair and dining table. Nilanka gave us a welcoming foot spa which was done with such care. We then swapped numbers on whatsapp, where you can make contact with him if you should need any help whatsoever. We upgraded to half board as we had no intention of leaving this oasis! Nilanka then forward us the menus for us to drool over until we wished to eat. During our stay we tried most things on the menu, everything we had was Michelin quality, far too much food was consumed – the Sri Lankans are feeders, which is so wonderful as you just know that they want you to fully enjoy your time in their country. The service each meal was given by Nilanka, which itself was always top class. As I am a coeliac chef Niranga, adjusted the meals so that I could appreciate everything safely on the menu, which was just so thoughtful. Each night he would take the time to have a chat which was always welcome. The daily fruit was always so fresh and tasty as were all of the foods – one thing I truly love about Sri Lanka is the fresh vegetable which are served just perfectly cooked and they taste so fresh. Some items cooked into a curry which we would never have considered, but boy they were delicious! Whilst we were there, we celebrated our 46th wedding anniversary, Nilkana and the team made the night so special for us, with a special setting and most celebratory meal – with a special gluten free cake too! Each morning, Nilanka took us on a tea tour, as British we think that we are tea drinkers, but you have not drunk tea until you drink Ceylon tea! We tried so many different teas and Nilka talked us through each type and made the “journey” both interesting and meaningful. One day we decided to visit Galle – Nilanka arranged a tuk tuk (he was a lovely man too) and Nilanka came with us. We first visited the Hikkaduwa tsunami memorial which is both heart wrenching but also shocking to actually see the height and devastation that the awful day created. We spoke to other people about that day and they lost everything but were so kind to say that the British helped them and they will always be grateful for that. We then went on to a mine, cinnamon factory, silk works and wood carving shop, everything was very interesting and different to what we have seen in the past. Finally arriving in Galle, Nilanka gave us some free time to walk at our own pace and finally met us and gave us a detailed tour of the fortress, which is such a nice place to walk around. But returning to our villa was so welcoming again. There is a cooking session, which you can attend – but to be honest I wasn’t sure as we like to blend into the background, but it was absolutely great – the session was ran by Amila the Sous Chef– it was made to be fun and also informative, he was so lovely and some of the other staff were so encouraging. We made the most delicious curry, dhal and rice which we consumed as soon as we had finished our lesson One night we had the chance to look at the converted mansion villas and they are at such a high standard that anyone able to stay in them would feel like royalty, they were amazing! All of the staff even down to the lovely maintenance/pool man and gardener who has been there for 17 years – were all so wonderful and kind a special mention has to go to Roshan, who always had a smile on his face. Finally, the most important person to mention is Nilanka – by the time we left, he was not our Butler but a dear friend who we know would give the next people to arrive the best time ever, as he did for us! Many thanks the Haritha team but most importantly to Nilanka – you made our stay one which we will always remember.