Hark back to my childhood bedtime stories
The night lamp burning
The shadows morphing into heroes and villains
Of ancient warriors and demons battling for pride and honour
The contest of light over dark; good over evil
Playing out over the creases of my warm blanket
The graininess of hot chocolate still on my lips
Overlooking the rolling lush valleys
Fleeting ravines criss-crossing through the gullies
A forest of clouds assemble below
Like a carpet stretching in and around the undulating country side
It is only here that you’ll find yourself a dainty boutique hotel
Away from prying eyes
High on a palisade
Charmingly minimalist
Simple yet luxurious
This tasteful little gem
Just outside the Kandy wall limits
Is the perfect place to kick back, stretch your legs
And familiarise yourself with the new book you bought at the airport but conveniently forgot to read on the plane
Sky Lodge
An apt name really
Where you are seated in prime position
Over mythical Nuwareliya spread out across the opalescent horizon
An ideal place to start before you venture into the fabled lands
Searching for your star crossed love
Feuding demons and monsters
In the setting of a legend older than time itself
Taking me right back to that warm blanket where ancient battles were played out on the creases and the shadows flickered in the night
79 Misty Grove, Illagolla Rd, New Wariyagala Estate, Kandy, Sri Lanka
*The infinity pool overlooking the mountains at sunset is a highlight. Aeration rating: STRONG
**If you are lucky you may be witness to migratory birds, mongooses, deers, wild boars, wild chickens, village canines (the list just keeps on going)
Location 3+/5
5/5 in terms of natural beauty and unmatched views. Perfect start into the Nuwareliya region However, in terms of convenience a 2/5 if using as a stop to explore Kandy. About 30mins to Kandy and 15mins to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Tuk tuks roughly 1000LKR to get into Kandy town.
Ambience 4/5
Minimalist erring on clinical. Slightly impersonal. However, the view does all the talking. Also the hotel manager Kaushi is a lovely and professional man that will help you enjoy your stay.
Room 5/5
Comfy beds (tick), Modern room (tick), plenty of space (tick), wanton creature comforts (tick), wanton mountain views (tick)
Bathroom 4/5
Hot shower (tick). Modern toilets (tick). Cannot complain (tick)
Amenities 5+/5
The big drawcard is the infinity pool overlooking the valleys below (pictured above). Perfect place for an afternoon dip and have moderate-serious life reflections with a gin and tonic in hand. Satellite tv is available both in the lounge and in the rooms. Has access to wifi but is spotty at times
Food */5
A set menu is available that caters to Western and Sri Lankan cuisines. However, I personally did not try much on the menu during my stay. I’m sure it would be delicious.
Bottom Line – Aeration rating 9/10
Stunning views. Sunset swims. Childhood reflections. Moderate-strong breeze was enjoyed
The Sarong Diaries 