Ravinvilla

It's a good place, though it needs some development.

The whole team made our holiday unforgettable with their smiles and care. We spent two weeks at Wild Pineapple and were thrilled with the peaceful beach location on the Pacific Ocean. The food was fresh, healthy, delicious, and sometimes Ayurvedic, prepared individually by the friendly kitchen team. There were fresh flowers on the breakfast table every day, and at night Ajid, the hotel guard, brought us jasmine. Neel organized a fantastic, interesting five-day tour tailored for us. We also loved going with Chalinda and Charid inland to Lake Koggala, the rainforest, a farmer's garden, and the vegetable market. We shopped together and ate the delicious produce in the evenings. Sanuca calmly arranged tasty coconuts for us, and Kerstin helped charge my phone and shared excursion tips. Sujith's Ayurvedic massages at the guesthouse were excellent too. It's a hidden gem for anyone wanting peace and quiet. If you want more bustle, tuk-tuks and buses make it easy to get around.

We spent a great week at Hotel Wilde Ananas after a varied 5-day tour of the usual sights, which Neel and the hotel arranged with a guide and driver. Highly recommended. The hotel is on a secluded stretch of beach, good for walking or jogging toward Koggala unless the tide is high. At the end of April, the waves in front were great for bodysurfing and surfing, probably the best spot along the beach, while some parts near Koggala have a strong shore break. A few stray dogs were around, as is common in Sri Lanka, but they were peaceful. The small German-run hotel isn't new, but it was spotless and well maintained. We had half-board, with fresh curries, fish, lentils, vegetables, and salad served on the veranda overlooking the sea. The team were incredibly friendly and helpful, happily accommodating requests like fresh coconut. The chef showed us plants and herbs on tuk-tuk rides. You can arrange Ayurvedic massages at the hotel, highly recommended, and Galle is well worth a tuk-tuk trip. A small batik workshop in Habaraduwa behind the airfield also has beautiful pieces. On our last evening, a 1-meter-long turtle came ashore next to the hotel to lay eggs. A relaxing, varied holiday with excellent value for money. Highly recommended!

The beach location is unbeatable, and with only eight rooms, the house never feels impersonal. Everyone speaks excellent German and is incredibly friendly and helpful. Chalinda is the best tuk-tuk driver in town, and a divine cook too. Kerstin and the team made us feel at home from day one, and meals are even discussed with guests. We went shopping at the market together. No wonder so many people return. We arrived as guests and left as friends. Absolutely recommended, and the island is fantastic too! :-)