Absolutely stunning place! Highly recommended for visiting and relaxing in such a beautiful location.

Stayed in August 2025

Beautiful view, perfect architecture, well designed rooms and bathrooms, infinity pools and monkeys :)

Stayed in August 2025

Heritance Kandalama is a truly exceptional property, seamlessly woven into its natural surroundings with breathtaking views of the lake and forest. The Bawa architecture is striking and thoughtfully designed, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere throughout. Our room was both comfortable and impeccably maintained, and the pools and shared spaces were nothing short of spectacular. Each evening offered a magical experience as the sun set over the lake—a view that’s hard to forget. Lucky enough to see three elephants walk past the property for an evening stroll to the lake. The staff—from reception to room service and wait staff—were outstanding: warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. Their hospitality made us feel truly cared for. And of course, the cheeky monkey visitors added a playful touch to the experience, working hard to keep us entertained! All in all, it was a peaceful and unforgettable stay. I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking tranquillity, nature, and a touch of luxury in a uniquely beautiful setting.

Stayed in August 2025

Nature tours and amazing architecture.

Stayed in August 2025

We had an amazing stay at this hotel. All the staff greeted us with a smile and were very friendly. We enjoyed the buffet with lots of options to pick from. The location of the hotel is in the middle of nature with a beautiful view of Sigiriya Rock and many animals including monkeys and wild elephants to see! We enjoyed so much that we wished we could stay longer!

Stayed in August 2025

some details: There wasn't the hair conditioner which we would have expected from a 5 stars hotel. A plates of fruits was offered once in the room (really appreciated) but brought with only one dish and cutlerie and we were 2. The room was noisy due to the fact that it was directly on a corridor used by everyone to access rooms. Also the fan was a bit noisy

Beautiful location with view on Kandalama lake and forest, nice room and buffet either for dinner and breakfast is really good. Access to three pools also. Staff very kind and present. 9/10 mainly thanks to location and food, otherwise 8-8.5/10 would be the right note for this hotel that is 5*.

Stayed in August 2025

Our room was noisy until after midnight. When there are functions there, guests should occupy rooms in a different location. It’s a huge hotel and rooms available in other parts away from the noise.

Superb architecture and design. Very lovely staff and superb location. The breakfast and dining room views were fabulous. Totally surrounded by nature and the hotel was unobtrusive in the setting. Breakfast was fantastic!

Stayed in August 2025

While the staff were all very friendly, the service was a little slow at times (e.g. it took 10-15 mins to get water after we asked for some)

Kandalama is beautiful! We loved the setting and felt very relaxed being in nature. The hotel itself is beautifully designed, covered in vines and it was fairly conveniently located to Sigiriya and Dambulla. We also enjoyed the food and the pool is a wonderful place to relax with a cocktail after climbing Sigiriya and Pidurangala.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

Architecture that really works. A simple concept of openness to nature, the cliff, the jungle and the wind. Great views and great pools. At the same time as all of this, it was unpretentious, comfortable and classy.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing really

Exceptional property by a renowned architect. Very well looked after but that’s reflected in the price.

Stayed in August 2025

Needs some love and care and a bit of a refresh. Would have been absolutely sensational back in its day!

Beautiful Bawa designed hotel in Sigiriya

Stayed in August 2025

The place where you dine is too cold and noisy.

Splendid. Just impressive and in a very nice area.

Stayed in August 2025

NA

Everything. Very environment friendly. Staff very happy and friendly

Stayed in July 2025

I think the wood in the showers will need to be replaced.

Design and connection to nature and biodiversity

Stayed in August 2025

The only area for improvement is the service, which could be faster and more attentive to match the high standards of the property.

Heritance Kandalama is an extraordinary property, perfectly integrated into the natural environment with spectacular views of the lake and forest. The architecture is unique and offers a relaxing, enchanting atmosphere. The rooms are comfortable and well-maintained, the infinity pool and common areas are simply stunning. Breakfast and dinner offer a good variety of quality dishes. I stayed here the night before my brother’s wedding. Initially, I was not expected to attend the ceremony, but at the last minute I changed my mind, and the staff managed to find me a dresser very quickly, allowing me to be ready for the event. Overall, a memorable stay that I would recommend to anyone looking for relaxation and nature in an exclusive setting.

Stayed in July 2025

The view of the dambulla lake was awesome. we took breakfast and dinner , and the options were good. the 6th floor pool area was very nice

Stayed in August 2025

Very little not to like.

The staff were excellent as usual. Attentiveness, kindness and a sense of calm far out strip the latest gadgets and newness of a property.

Stayed in August 2025

Beds are hard they could do with mattress toppers.

Absolutely stunning location. Amazing views all round the hotel. Watching the monkeys from the bedroom is mesmerising. Breakfast buffet is outstanding.

Stayed in August 2025

Kandalama is so unique. Beautiful setting with surrounding lakes, the view of Sigiriya rock in the distance and the open windows overlooking the plants and wildlife. The food at Kandalama was beautiful, really enjoyed the variety of dishes. Can highly recommend this hotel.

Stayed in July 2025

The food (buffet) had a lot of choice (and generally tasty) but it was obvious that it was very catered to Indian and Chinese customers with not so much western food. We booked a suite six months in advance. It was therefore very disappointing to get a message the evening before arrival that we coups only get the suite the first two days of our stay (we had booked three nights). We complained and it all turned out well. But that is not a way to treat customers. The snack menu was good. I find it a bit annoying that the prices doesn’t include service charge and VAT, meaning that you pay something like 25 % more than is on the menu. But I think it is common all over Sri Lanka.

The layout and design of the hotel (by Sir Geoffrey Bawa) is amazing, so serene and beautiful and respectful of the setting. Our room, a suite, was lovely. The pools were nice, especially nice the empty lower pool. Also nice with table tennis etc. The hotel only felt a bit crowded at meal time, otherwise quite spacious. Friendly staff (but that is always the case in Sri Lanka). We saw a wild elefant on the road just by the hotel one afternoon, cool.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing

Fantastic location with super friendly staff. Excursions could be arranged upon arrival. Food from buffet as well a la carte was terrific. The naturalist of the hotel was super friendly and really enjoyed showing us around.

Stayed in July 2025

L’architecture , l’emplacement

Stayed in August 2025

The staff let it down. The welcome process is loooong and cumbersome entailing walking to the cafe and then back to reception to pay and then back to the cafe and then to the front desk to get key and then to the room. Don’t understand why staff can’t take money at the front desk and you have to go to a cashier room. For the price tag I would expect much more seamless check in and out. Pool is small for the number of people. There are two other pools but they are not as nice.

Wonderful hotel building and history. Nice pool overlooking the lake. Panoramic view room is great. Wonderful breakfast.

Stayed in July 2025

Service charges are high.

The incredible view of sigirya rock, the stunning infinity pool which looks out on to the dambulla lake and the insane amount of monkeys all over the place. This is my third time here and it never disappoints. The buffet is lovely and the rooms are stunning. My daughter and I will always come back here, it holds a special place in our hearts.

Stayed in July 2025