The Flame Tree Estate & Hotel

If Sri Lanka is the pearl of the Indian Ocean, this place is the diamond of Sri Lanka!!! Location, vibe, setting, service, ambience - all is absolutely amazing! This is not probably the place for you if you are looking for a big, grand hotel - 5* international chains. This place is so much more than just a hotel - full of character, style and just little details which make its guest feel special and more like at a private villa than at a hotel. Firstly - location is just amazing. Set amidst a private estate bordering the jungle, the hotel is both close enough to Kandy but far enough to be in a peaceful, serene setting filled only by the bird songs and the wind. Grounds are vibrant and full of colour - manicured without looking manicured. Rooms are large, comfortable and full of character. Huge bathrooms with outdoors showers, bedrooms overlooking the greenest green you can ever see. Service - perhaps the one thing that really sets this place apart. The team is so welcoming, friendly. Service is so personal and yet inobtrusive. Hareth was so kind that he took us on a night trekking around the grounds looking for the elusive (but common) porcupine. He showed us giant squirrels and brought us tea from local herbs (picked only early mornings). In fact, we ended up spending all our time in the area not leaving the property with the exception of a quick dash to the Royal Palace and temple in the city. The Flame Tree Hotel is one of this rare places that a seasoned traveler stumbles upon sometimes and feels so happy because they know they have found a place where they would want to come back to again and again and is simply becoming a destination of its own. Will certainly go back!

I have always wanted to stay in one of these restored country houses and I was delighted by Flame Tree. The beautiful decor and the art collection is worth the trip alone. I am interested in Sri Lankan art and history so this ticked all my boxes. Our room was gorgeous and we went for a walk around the estate grounds. David has done a magnificent job and he is a charming host, taking the time to chat to those who want to and also giving guests space and privacy. The set menu food is delicious and we enjoyed it on the terrace as the monsoon rain poured. When the sun came out, the pool was exactly what we needed to relax with a cooling lime soda or king coconut. Our only regret was not being able to stay longer due to our flight rescheduling.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said. The house and grounds are stunning ,the staff ,food and beautiful family of miniature schnauzers are an absolute delight. Our 3 days just wasn’t long enough so we will be back😀 Special thanks to Malike our guide and driver who we spent 2 very enjoyable days with & who also recommended a driver in Galle to take us back to the airport. David well done on making The Flame Tree should a special place to stay.

Wow -- what an amazing and truly unique place. It is like stepping into an episode of Poirot, albeit with no crimes, just true style and genuine friendliness. The manager Angelo, the owner James, and every single one of their staff are all a dream to be with. The surroundings are gorgeous, the buildings exciting as well as impeccably well kept, the rooms and beds very comfortable, the food fantastic, the spa and its masseurs brilliant, and the atmosphere one-of-a-kind. We had just read about it online and weren't quite sure what to expect -- and were blown away. We came in low season, so we and our driver were the only guests, but even if all seven or eight guest rooms are used, there is plenty of space for everyone. We are truly grateful for having made the decision to come here and just would have wished to stay longer. We are also grateful to the whole staff for taking so good care of us. Given the quality of this boutique hotel, I must say the rates were also very reasonable.

Having read the other glowing reviews of this delightful hotel, I am running out of superlatives to describe this gorgeous place. The main house is utterly stunning and has an air of colonial splendour to it. The owner, David, has restored it beautifully and the rooms are full of stylish furniture, art and Sri Lankan artefacts. The staff are so kind and helpful – just when you are taking a breather between delicious meals, they arrive at your lounger with tea and cake. The views from the hotel are stunning – looking across the infinity pool at dusk is breathtaking. David’s arrival is usually heralded by his hilarious and very pampered five schnauzers. They do bark excitedly occasionally but soon quieten down and follow him about devotedly. Bear this in mind if you aren’t keen on dogs. Personally I loved them. We stayed at the hotel for a full 2 weeks and used it as a base with day trips out to various places including the amazing Sigirya and Dambulla, all organised via the hotel manager with Malshan, an excellent local driver. I wouldn’t hesitate to return to this blissful place. We spoke to many other guests and all of them were very happy and wished they were staying longer. We stayed in the Dancing Elephant family room with its huge bathroom and beautiful view at the back of the Annexe. Sometimes we could watch monkeys swinging through the pink blossomed trees in the early morning and it’s also a great place for birdwatching. I can’t wait to return.

We booked a 2 night stay here and ended up staying for 4 nights because it was just the most incredible estate. From the moment we arrived, Angelo and all of the staff made us feel instantly at home. From the food to the service to the design of the place, we loved everything about it. We've travelled a lot and this is by far one of the nicest places we've ever stayed. We can't wait to visit again! Miss it already!!