Buckingham Place

We spent six nights at Buckingham Place in February and loved it. Nick has made it a welcoming, comfortable, well-run place to unwind on Sri Lanka's lovely southern coast. Our villa had a spectacular lagoon view, and the gardens, full of exotic crotons and palms, were neatly kept and lit beautifully. The hotel feels airy, with Miami-esque pastels and vivid artwork by the artist in residence. The restaurant menu balances western food with delicious Sri Lankan favorites. We enjoyed evening cocktails, cold beers during the day, and tea at the swim-up bar. There's even an outdoor arena for a weekly film night and a peaceful spa for a relaxing massage. Nick seems to have thought of everything.

The place makes it easy to lose track of time. The garden and ocean facing pool are blissful, and the spacious, private villas have terraces overlooking either the garden or lagoon. There's a beautiful beach right by the quiet hotel, ideal for long walks, and the nature, gardens, and resort upkeep are outstanding. Food and drinks were excellent, served by wonderfully attentive staff. We also highly recommend the spa treatments. We understand why so many guests return, and we're already looking forward to planning another stay. Many thanks to Nick and the whole team for making it so memorable.

The beach takes your breath away, and the whole place is remarkable. It's peaceful and relaxing, from the rooms and food to the pool and atmosphere. Nick is a wonderful host, supported by a superb team. Everyone greeted us with a smile, including many people who were still there from our earlier visits. Our first stay was 9 years ago, and it's only gotten better.

We spent seven days at Buckingham Place during our 17-day trip around Sri Lanka, and it was the highlight. We've traveled widely and stayed in many outstanding hotels, yet this one has its own character. The luxury feels personal and thoughtful, with a strong atmosphere rather than a generic style. The hotel is made up of spacious suites in individual small houses. They're beautifully designed, with generous layouts, stunning bathrooms, and details that feel intentional and calm. It combines comfort and character in a way that's rare. Right by the beach, you can always hear the ocean. The large pool fits naturally into its surroundings, and there are lovely places to eat and relax among lush greenery. The atmosphere feels magical, relaxed, elegant, and full of soul. Service was outstanding, warm and professional but discreet. The staff spoke excellent English and seemed to know intuitively when to engage and when to give us space. We felt cared for without ever feeling managed. Dinners followed a rotating menu and were consistently delicious, creative, and beautifully presented. Piano concerts and quiet entertainment often accompanied the evenings, adding to the distinctive mood without disturbing the peace. Buckingham Place has a clear personality, an independent hotel run with passion and integrity. It's a place to truly unwind, where time slows down. The stay felt deeply restorative, almost meditative, like a rare sanctuary in a busy world. It gave us lifelong memories and became a true salga pause in our travels. We'll most certainly return. Highly, highly recommended.