Governor's Mansion

The food was fantastic, and the staff were the nicest I’ve come across at a hotel. They were friendly every time we came through the door and checked how our stay was going. The hotel was beautiful and clean, with comfortable rooms and little touches that made it feel like home. We enjoyed our stay so much.

The grounds were beautifully kept, and there’s a tennis court. You won’t find a pool or beach here, but we didn’t miss them. Meals were included, with silver service, plenty of choice, and a great afternoon tea. The food was very good, local or Western, and we could dress casually throughout. The house has just 11 bedrooms and a careful renovation that takes you back to another era. It felt like staying in the home of the celebrities and royalty who had visited over the years. Staff service was fantastic, with at least one staff member per guest, and nothing felt like too much trouble. Meeting the owners, Frank and Joy, was a pleasure; they made us feel like VIPs in their home. The rooms were beautifully appointed, and despite no air conditioning, the altitude and breezes kept us comfortable. After two weeks in Sri Lanka, this was our favorite five-star stay. I’ve spent a couple of thousand nights in hotels, so I’m a little worried this glowing review might make it harder to find availability when we return.

I loved the calm surroundings and all the greenery, as well as the interior and atmosphere. The hotel is set in a tea plantation, and I enjoyed both the stay and the morning walk through the estate. The staff were great and welcoming, the food was good, and there was a nice wine selection. Highly recommended.

Dinner was the one letdown: all our dishes were bad, soup included. Breakfast, on the other hand, was very good, and the service was also very good. We liked the place, especially its gardens and interesting setting among tea plantations. It has a Victorian-era feel and is a good choice if you want somewhere quiet and away from everything.