Manthally Cabanas

I liked how the property is laid out; it has the feel of a resort, and the rooms are spacious. It's also near the beach and other places. But the upkeep needs work, and for $85 a night I don't think it's worth it when you can find somewhere better for the same price. There are several fans but no AC, and our pillows had no covers. The bed didn't have a proper sheet either, just an uncomfortable plastic mattress cover. I spotted sandy-looking dust on one of the beds, then realized on closer inspection it was termite wood dust. The WiFi signal in the room was extremely weak.

The breakfast was the best we had in Sri Lanka, so I'd recommend booking it. We were fascinated by the place itself, tucked a little way up the hill among plants, with a jungle feel. Wild animals at night aren't unusual. The staff were welcoming and helpful, and they tried to teach us about the plants and animals around the property. The manager speaks English well, which made communication easy. Big thanks to the staff for such a great experience. I'll add pictures to Google Maps. :)

The jungle setting was a highlight, with so much plant and animal life, and we loved giving Roxy, the resident doggo, plenty of attention. Kolitha, the property manager (a thousand apologies if I'm misremembering your name!!), was kind and knew a lot about the plants on the property. Breakfast was delicious too. We stayed two nights in January to spend time in Hikkaduwa. The beach and shops are about a 20-minute walk down the road, which we enjoyed each morning. The cabins are comfortable, though a bit rustic. Food in the cabin attracts ants, and the humidity makes it hard to dry wet clothes. The property is off an unlit country road that can be hard for drivers to find. Getting back to the cabins from town after dark was okay, but trying to get a tuk-tuk from the cabins after dark can be very difficult. A lovely off-the-beaten-path stay, just plan ahead.

The food was great, though we only had breakfast, and the rooms were good. Service was attentive and friendly, and the ambience was just right. Mr.Kolitha, the caretaker, helped with all our needs and wants. The one thing we missed was a television in the room. On a rainy day spent indoors, it could get a bit boring without anything to do. Only the double rooms have air-conditioning; the family room doesn't. Cabana is in a delightful spot and worth visiting.