Waraka will always be special to us — it’s where we got engaged last week, surrounded by the gentle stillness of the river - it felt like a dream. The property is a secret retreat, with elegant design in harmony with nature. Our room was immaculate with the most intricate details. The staff were exceptional, and our safaris with Melan were magical — his knowledge and keen eye is exceptional. Waraka is now part of our story, and we cannot wait to return.

Stayed in August 2025

We just stayed with the family at Waraka for 2 nights and it has been amazing. A beautiful place, great food and lovely people. There is so much love, care and attention. A big thanks to the fantastic staff!!

Stayed in August 2025

The water pressure in the showers could have been a bit higher to make our stay perfect but this was a very minor niggle!

Beautiful hotel in a peaceful location close to the Udawalawe National Park. The architecture of the hotel was also unique and noteworthy, with lots of recycled and up-cycled materials used throughout. The staff were excellent in taking care of us, including arranging a special Ayurvedic facial scrub to replace an item we had forgotten to pack. We enjoyed relaxing in the pool in between exploring the local area and stuffing ourselves with the delicious food. Despite it being outside the season to enjoy the eponymous Waraka (ripe Jak fruit), the staff had prepared a delicious steamed Jak fruit dish for one meal which we relished. Finally, the spa was another highlight that we enjoyed during our stay.

Stayed in August 2025

the structure and the material of the construction makes it a bit noisy if people are climbing down the stairs from their room very early morning for safari/checking out with luggage

very clean, classy, nice staff, nice food, very relaxing atmosphere, nice pool, the hammock by the river side is so peaceful, naturalist very knowledgeable to go on safari with, definitely recommend!

Stayed in August 2025

Amazing place in the park. Lots of nature around. The safari with naturalist is really worth it.

Stayed in March 2025

Totally a unique experience. Wonderful set up. Great food selections. We had traditional SriLankan dinner. Which included 4 different dishes made out of Jack fruit. Which was very tasty. Even the pudding. Staff very pleasant, polite and friendly. Looking forward to come back again

Stayed in June 2025

Exceptional experience from the service to the architecture to the safari!

Stayed in June 2025

We stayed for one night to visit the Udawalawe safari, and even though it was a short stay, it was truly memorable. The hotel’s design is beautiful and elegant, giving it a high-class feel from the moment you arrive. The service was excellent. We were treated to a relaxing 20-minute massage, which was a lovely touch after a long day of travel. The food was outstanding as well—delicious and beautifully presented.

Stayed in April 2025

Beautiful and great staff

Stayed in April 2025

the family room was HUUUUGE!

Stayed in April 2025

What a fantastic and peaceful place. The stuff was very friendly and the views were amazing. We booked a safari trip to Udawalawe National Parc and Elephant Transit Home with them. We left early in the morning, and they packed a lovely picnic to take with us and had it in one of the beautiful place in there.

Stayed in April 2025

Wonderful property with amazing tranquility. The chef made us one of the most amazing dinner while the staff make it an unforgettable experience

Stayed in March 2025

Toilet had a bad smell

Nice and cosy

Stayed in March 2025

Stunning place. You won’t find many that are in more beautiful settings The rooms were fantastic, clean, well facilitated and very well sealed to prevent any gusts in the night from entering! Pool is stunning and set on a lovely river. Bar and restaurant are a beautiful setting and very well thought out. Staff were very welcoming and could not do more for you. My wife had a one of the massages and said it was one of her best she’s had. The only downside to this wonderful place was the food was a little underwhelming. The price isn’t bad but the food could have been better. We had the tomato and red wine soup - amazing I then had the lamb chops. They were nice enough, but not quite what I was expecting. My wife then had the crispy chicken. This was fried chicken strips (dry) and chips. It was more what you would give to the kids. Deserts were okay. We had the cheesecake and the brownie. They also do not have an alcohol license. Which means drinks are limited to beers and wine. They did provide us with a pack up in the morning for our safari though and that was superb. Would highly recommend. Just a shame regarding the food.

Stayed in March 2025

Can hear all of the noises from the room below.

Great place to relax!

Stayed in March 2025

Waraka is a beautiful facility with very a friendly and welcoming staff. The food quality, preparation and service was excellent.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing

Can’t say enough good things about this Amazing, idyllic location Modern , spacious rooms with great bathroom. So relaxing !! Warm and friendly staff who appear to be rightly proud of their hotel .. Excellent dinner and breakfast We had a brilliant safari organised by the hotel .. our guide and driver were amazing . We saw elephants ( one of the few groups to do so that morning as they all seemed to be in hiding !) Crocs, water buffalo , land monitors , deer , monkeys and loads of amazing birds ( never really been into Birds .. until now ) How they spot a tiny kingfisher in a bush from 20 mts whilst on the move, I have no idea. Nice breakfast snack by the lake . Thoroughly recommend hotel and safari. Just brilliant Free massage at hotel also good. I’ve had plenty in the 2 months we have been travelling and this was definitely the best .

Stayed in March 2025

Excellent food a relaxing location, organised safari and a car to Galle

Stayed in February 2025

Mosquitos but we're in a tropical country and that really can't be helped anywhere! Well worth the bites!

Everything. My partner and I had the best time here. The spot is tranquil, incredible. We've been fortunate enough in our life to stay at some wonderful hotels around the world but honestly this might be my favourite if not top 5 experiences. The staff were incredibly attentive and kind. The food was excellent. I got the prawns with vegetables for my dinner and they were exceptional. I swam in the pool at 7 am on the day of checkout and I felt so at peace. The location is serene. The crickets and wild animals lull you to sleep - no need for a relaxation soundtrack. My masseuse/massage was also exceptional. We just honestly had a brilliant time here and wish we could stay longer. Thank you so much to all the staff who made our stay so peaceful and enjoyable. I hope one day to return and will also be recommending the hotel to any friends who visit Sri Lanka. Sublime. Exceptional. Thank you! We love the sustainability ethos and will definitely be buying the natural soap and lotion products provided in the hotel room when we checkout!

Stayed in March 2025

We felt at home right away! The atmosphere is very calm and relaxing, and the staff is incredibly helpful. The hotel organized our safari, and we had the absolute best guide—make sure to ask for Madhawa! He will make your safari experience truly special.

Stayed in March 2025

The service was amazing, beautiful room and decor. The pool and grounds were tranquil. Food was superb.

Stayed in March 2025

Nothing to complain. Just the Air conditioning needs to be more powerful and isn’t enough during day time

Very calm and Serene little place. The staff were lovely. The food is top notch.

Stayed in February 2025

Nothing to dislike.

An incredible place, conveniently close to the nature reserve at Udawalawe. Peaceful and tranquil.

Stayed in February 2025

For dinner, there were very little of the drinks on the menu available

Little oasis in nature. Great value for money.

Stayed in February 2025