Reviews of Nirbana Retreat
Thalduwa Island, 80650 Ahangama, Sri Lanka

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Reviewed: 12 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewNirvana Retreat was by far the best, comfortable and most beautiful place we stayed at during our holiday in Sri Lanka. Mark, his brother and the complete staff is super friendly and their hospitality feels like a warm bath.
absolutely nothing comes to mind
Reviewed: 4 April 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewPerfect place ! Maybe from the greatest at Ahangama
Reviewed: 16 March 2025 · Stayed in March 2025
Verified reviewHeaven, Nirvana, This is Nirbana, It’s a completely magical experience that I’ll hold close to my heart!!! What a spot, lovely staff, lovely food & beautiful owners. Thanx for everything & I’ll be back for sure 🙏
Nothing
Reviewed: 14 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 13 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 8 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewNirbana Retreat is a beautiful place in Ahangama with amazing personal and owners. We stayed there 11 nights and personal was very friendly and helpful with everything. Mr. Anusha and Rashika took really good care of us. They made us feel like home. They did an amazing job. The Chef is amazing! His food is so delicious. We loved the each food that he cooked for us. Rooms are big and comfortable. If you wake up early you can see the lotus flowers blooming in the lake and beautiful birds singing. They have an amazing yoga place with a beautiful view. You can’t miss this experience! We definitely recommend the place.
As we are remote workers, the WiFi connection wasn’t good enough for us.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Nirbana Retreat and that Mr. Anusha, Rashika, and our chef made your experience so special. We’re glad you loved the rooms, the serene surroundings, and the yoga space. We apologize for the WiFi issues and will look into improving it for our remote-working guests. We hope to welcome you back soon for another memorable stay
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Nirbana Retreat and that Mr. Anusha, Rashika, and our chef made your experience so special. We’re glad you loved the rooms, the serene sur… Show more
Reviewed: 8 February 2025 · Stayed in February 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful calm oasis on an island in the jungle, just a couple of kms from the coast and town. Owner’s and staff are very friendly helpful and welcoming, they did everything they could to make sure we felt at home.They allowed us to stay the day of our departure without us asking which was lovely. I also stupidly left the side lights on the hire car so had a flat battery and they called the local garage to come and get me going which nobody asked to be paid for just a tip for the mechanic. So thank you everyone at Nirbana and I will definitely return and stay again. We are already trying to plan a big family vacation to one of the bigger villas there.
Nothing was wrong at all the only thing that I can think of if I had to say something is the drive way does not reflect the absolute beauty of the resort once inside.
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Nirbana Retreat and felt so welcomed by our team. It’s wonderful to know that our staff went above and beyond to make you feel at home and assist with the car issue—we’re always happy to help! We’re thrilled that you’re already planning to return with your family, and we can’t wait to welcome you back. We’ve noted your feedback about the driveway and will certainly look into ways to enhance that first impression. Thank you again, and we look forward to hosting you again soon
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay at Nirbana Retreat and felt so welcomed by our team. It’s wonderful to know that our staff went above and beyond to make you feel at hom… Show more
Reviewed: 27 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewThe property is quaint..will maintained and very tastefully done. It's as tranquil as it's tropical.
Would have liked a blanket instead of a sheet of cloth but it was a very minor issue. The property is a bit inside from the main road and needed a little bit of a navigation to get to. It could be a plus for some people.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that you found Nirbana Retreat quaint, well-maintained, and tranquil. We appreciate your feedback about the blanket and will certainly take it into consideration for future improvements. We’re glad you enjoyed the secluded location, as it adds to the peaceful vibe of the retreat. We hope to welcome you back soon for another serene and tropical experience
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that you found Nirbana Retreat quaint, well-maintained, and tranquil. We appreciate your feedback about the blanket and will certainly take it into consideration for futu… Show more
Reviewed: 27 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewThe staff are super sweet , they are also very attentive & kind! The fresh fish meals cooked by the Chef were also delicious, as for the bedroom they are clean and spacious, the view is beautiful!
NOTHING!
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the kindness and attentiveness of our staff, It’s wonderful to know that everything met your expectations, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another amazing stay.
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the kindness and attentiveness of our staff, It’s wonderful to know that everything met your expectations, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another am… Show more
Reviewed: 19 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewAbout 1.5km from the beach but feels like you’re in the jungle surrounded by nature. So peaceful and beautifully crafted. The hosts were so friendly and really made us feel at home. The food was unbelievable (the best I tasted during my two week trip in Sri Lanka) and I could’ve sat watching the abundance of nature in the gardens all day. The rooms were beautifully decorated and had some awesome finishing touches. Highly recommend for a relaxing stay.
No negatives.
Dear Andrew Thank you for your kind words! It was a pleasure hosting you, and we hope to see you again soon! 🌸
Reviewed: 15 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 8 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewAn amazing location, just offset from the main town. Secluded and relaxing vibe
We never got to stay here which is partly for the review. I can’t comment on the property facilities or staff however I can comment on the experience we had prior to this. I booked this accommodation via booking.com 3 months prior to the trip and a week before our arrival, I received a message to say they couldn’t accommodate us in the room we’d booked but we were being upgraded - lovely. Fast forward to two days before our arrival and we’re told they’ve overbooked and can’t accommodate us at all anymore! Crazy. They did help us find alternative accommodation nearby but overall I’d say this was bad form.
Dear Demi Thank you for your feedback and understanding. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the overbooking and appreciate your patience as we arranged alternative accommodation. We'll strive to prevent such situations in the future.
Dear Demi Thank you for your feedback and understanding. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the overbooking and appreciate your patience as we arranged alternative accommodation. We'll strive to prevent such situati… Show more
Reviewed: 5 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewLocation in the middle of nature. Great food by in-house chef.
Thank you for your kind words! We're delighted you enjoyed your stay and the delicious food. 🌿🍴
Reviewed: 2 January 2025 · Stayed in January 2025
Verified reviewAbsolutely beautiful natural surroundings that create the perfect setting to relax and unwind. The whole team of staff are so friendly and attentive and offer a warm and friendly personal service. The food is absolutely out of this world and made to order depending on what you like to eat. You can do as much or as little as you like here as guests are encouraged to do exactly what makes them happiest, which is a refreshing approach. I almost didn’t want to write this review as it was so amazing, I selfishly want to keep it a secret… but it’s too good not to share :)
Nothing at all :)
Dear Lisa Thank you for such a heartfelt review! We're thrilled you had an amazing experience and truly appreciate your kind words. It means the world to us! 🌟 and hope to see you again
Reviewed: 1 January 2025 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewThe very beautiful location and helpful staff .
The safe deposit boxes were not functioning .
Dear Ros Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the location and our staff's hospitality. We'll address the issue that you mentioned
Reviewed: 28 December 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewBeautiful boutique hotel surrounded by nature. In house chef very good at preparing traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed the peaceful setting and our chef's delicious Sri Lankan dishes. 🌿🍛
Reviewed: 23 December 2024 · Stayed in December 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 21 August 2024 · Stayed in August 2024
Verified reviewBreakfast was excellent. Staff was excellent especially Rashi. Pool was amazing and the area was very peaceful. This hotel is 100% for relaxation. If you are coming to Ahangama for surfing, this is not the hotel for you.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Your kind words mean a lot to our team, and we are thrilled to know that our service met your expectations. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Nirbana Retreat soon
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Your kind words mean a lot to our team, and we are thrilled to know that our service met your expectations. We hope to have the plea… Show more
Reviewed: 18 August 2024 · Stayed in August 2024
Verified reviewFirst of all, big big WOW The location and the place are spectacular!!!!!! I think it’s one of the most unique and special place that we have ever been! The beauty of the place, the rooms, the breakfast, the stuff, literally everything! Keep it in mind that you need to take a tuktuk ride or any other ride, to the mine road but it is so worth i. You don’t want to go out from the hotel…
Absolutely nothing
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Your kind words mean a lot to our team, and we are thrilled to know that our service met your expectations. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Nirbana retreat soon
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Your kind words mean a lot to our team, and we are thrilled to know that our service met your expectations. We hope to have the pleas… Show more
Reviewed: 12 July 2024 · Stayed in July 2024
Verified reviewReviewed: 10 July 2024 · Stayed in June 2024
Verified reviewPerfect place to relax for a few days! Went on a girls trip - the whole place was ours and we were treated like royalty. Yoga and massages were arranged for us everyday, and we even got to SUP down the river. We saw lots of wildlife on the property too - beautiful kingfisher birds!
Food options could be improved / we were very proactive and said what we wanted from the market everyday. But would be good to have a menu/ some options provided throughout the day.
Thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted you enjoyed your stay, the yoga, massages, and the wildlife. Your feedback on the food options is valuable, we will work on improving it. We look forward to welcoming you back.
Reviewed: 18 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewA great hotel for a relaxing and luxurious holiday. Responsive staff and sincere hotel owners who made our stay unforgettable. Mark and Nastya, thank you very much!
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Dear Alexei, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're thrilled to hear that your stay with us was relaxing and luxurious, just as you had hoped. Providing a memorable experience for our guests is always our top priority. We're glad to know that our staff members, especially Mark and Nastya, were able to contribute to making your stay unforgettable. They'll be delighted to hear your kind words of appreciation. Should your travels bring you back to our area, we would love to welcome you for another wonderful stay.
Dear Alexei, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're thrilled to hear that your stay with us was relaxing and luxurious, just as you had hoped. Providing a memorable experience for our guests is always our… Show more
Reviewed: 13 February 2024 · Stayed in February 2024
Verified reviewLovely hotel isolated from the crowds and noisy. We felt like we were in our private jungle villa. The owners of hotel and staff are attentive. The hotel offers activities such as sapsurfing or yoga. Breakfasts are specially prepared for you and of course a wonderful visual (look like Bali).
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Dear Julia, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and that our hotel provided the peaceful and secluded atmosphere you were seeking. Creating a serene environment where our guests can unwind and feel at home is what we strive for. We're thrilled that you felt like you were in your own private jungle villa and that our attentive staff and owners contributed to your memorable experience. It's always a pleasure to ensure our guests feel well taken care of. We're glad you had the opportunity to enjoy our various activities, such as sup surfing and yoga, as well as our specially prepared breakfasts. Providing both a culinary and visual delight is something we take great pride in. Thank you once again for choosing to stay with us. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another relaxing getaway in the future.
Dear Julia, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and that our hotel provided the peaceful and secluded atmosphere you were seeking. Creating a serene environment where … Show more