KALUNDEWA RETREAT
Tucked away in a lush 100 acre land is our Dambulla hotel, that you may want to call your paradise. Let the mountain speak to you as you experience losing yourself to the enchanting wonders of nature, here at Kalundewa Retreat.
The Kalundewa Retreat draws its beauty from the mystic Kalundewa Mountain range that seems to come alive with each sunrise. The glimmering rays of sunlight that fall on the natural slopes of the mountain bounce off the terrain in myriad angles as if though it speaks to us. It’s a truly singular experience that we wish to pass on to our guests each day.
With an inimitable perspective on the human-nature bond, Kalundewa Retreat is easily one of the most unique boutique hotels in Sri Lanka lying amid 100 acres of pristine land, home to four beautiful lakes which also support a rural farming community. Located about 150 km from Colombo, this isolated farming community contributed to our journey that ultimately brought about the remarkable Kalundewa Retreat.
Long before development took place, Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect and a pioneer of the concept of ‘tropical modernism’, singled out Kalundewa as the most idyllic spot for a hotel in the entire district of Dambulla. Following an exemplary vision, we have combined the mysticism of the Kalundewa Mountain range in our concepts, architecture and layout. Cradled in the arms of lush vegetation and adorned by acres of unpolluted nature, Kalundewa Retreat consists of a handful of dwellings, thus, maximising on our eco-friendly concept.
We pride ourselves on our little returns to nature; solar panels that provide 50% of our power, organic gardens, bees honey production and traditional irrigation are a modest tribute to the idea of sustainable tourism. The awards won during our short time in operation are humble proof to us that we are on the right path to creating a truly outstanding holiday experience.
LODGING AT KALUNDEWA RETREAT BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Wake up to the sounds of nature; a flowing lake, rustling trees or birds chirping amid a paddy field. Let the day unfold as the mist reveals majestic mountaintops that blend with the green landscape. Relax as your butler attends to your every requirement. Witness the harmony of untouched nature and modern stylish settings that set the mood for a memorable vacation at a unique boutique hotel in Sri Lanka. Each of these distinctive rooms also draws its name from the beautiful trees in our property such as Ehela, Nika, Damunu, Bakmee & Kumbuk.
ATTIKKA CHALET
“ATTIKA”, the unique chalet is named after a respectable giant tree also known as Cluster Fig Tree, found abundantly in our gardens that gives much shade and clean air and fruits to numerous birds & animals that makes our natural community.
The villa is designed to give you extreme luxury in a virtual natural habitat, probably found only at Kalundewa! Experience and enjoy as much of nature around you including various bird calls and sounds of nature that includes water & seasonal winds and noise of trees and their healing aromas!. Don’t be surprised if the feathered kind including a majestic peacock or an Indian flycatcher gives an early wake-up call on the door that may put you out of the bed! Sorry, it is their kingdom that we have encroached into and their rules apply; enjoy their way of life!
Room Size: 1700 Sq feet
Room Facilities:
Private Plunge Pool
Tea/Coffee Maker
Refrigerator
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
Outdoor Dining Area
Butler Pantry With Induction Cooker & Kitchenware
Wi-Fi
“ATTIKA”, the unique chalet named after a yet another respectable giant tree
KARANDA CHALET
“KARANDA”, the dream chalet is named after a sturdy valuable tropical tree (Pongamia pinnata-) found in our gardens that gives much shade, clean and cool air for you to immerse in the best of luxury, the nature offers!
Experience and enjoy the surroundings around you including various bird calls and sounds of nature, water bodies, seasonal winds and noise of trees and their healing aromas. You may be visited by the inquisitive feathered kind including a majestic peacock or an Indian flycatcher and call you to get out of the bed and enjoy their kingdom at its best.
Room Facilities:
Private Plunge Pool
Tea/Coffee Maker
Refrigerator
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
Outdoor Dining Area
Butler Pantry With Induction Cooker & Kitchenware
Wi-Fi
“KARANDA”, the unique chalet named after a sturdy tropical tree
KUMBUK CHALET
Nestled by the quiet waters of the lake and surrounded by flourishing Kumbuk trees (White Marudah) that whisper tales of long ago, the Kumbuk Chalet offers the perfect combination of seclusion and serenity. Among the most distinctive abodes in hotels at Dambulla, this intimate living space blends traditional style with modern comforts including a private plunge pool and features wide glass panels, providing closeness with nature amidst true tranquillity.
Room Facilities:
Private Plunge Pool
Tea/Coffee Maker
Mini Bar
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
Outdoor Dining Area
Wi-Fi
A romantic lakeside escape cocooned in the breathtaking beauty of nature as the world drifts slowly by.
BAKMEE CHALET
Choose the Bakmee Chalet at our eco resort in Sri Lanka and wake up to the sounds of birds chirruping and sunlight gleaming through your windows. This heavenly two-storey abode is nestled on the banks of a lake, surrounded by lush paddy fields and within view of a mountain range. Travellers seeking the comfort of the Bakmee Chalet can either choose to book the Upper Bakmee Chalet, Lower Bakmee Chalet or for a most memorable vacation with your family or friends, the entire chalet in all its natural seclusion.
BAKMEE CHALET
Enjoy a fairytale getaway at the Bakmee Chalet where full glass walls offer uninterrupted views of the jade coloured lake and paddy fields. Consisting of both the Upper and Lower Bakmee Chalets, the spacious and sophisticated abode is ideal for families and groups of friends. Enjoy your day as the nature around inspires you; gaze out of the private balcony while the subtle sophistication created by hardwood floors and traditional brick walls offer intimacy at one of the most unique Dambulla resorts.
Rustically chic settings accompany exquisite nature outside beside the waters of a lake, offering you & your loved ones a blissful ambiance in the Bakmee Chalet
UPPER BAKMEE CHALET
Those looking for accommodation at luxury boutique hotels in Sri Lanka are in for a most enchanting experience at the Upper Bakmee Chalet. With wooden flooring and interiors as well as the lush foliage surrounding it, the Upper Bakmee Chalet makes the ideal escape for travellers seeking a hideaway amidst nature’s best. Wake up from a peaceful slumber in your king-size bed and head out to the balcony from where you can enjoy the views of misty mountains that are not so far away from the retreat.
Room Facilities:
Tea/Coffee Maker
Mini Bar
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
Outdoor Dining Area
Wi-Fi
Elevated in luxury and surrounded by nature’s finery, the Upper Bakmee Chalet makes the perfect hideaway for nature lovers
LOWER BAKMEE CHALET
Surround yourself amidst nature’s serenity. The Lower Bakmee Chalet at Kalundewa Retreat, one of the most unique eco resorts in Sri Lanka, is designed to impress even the most discerning nature traveller. Lying on the banks of a lake, this abode can comfortably accommodate up to three adults. A king sized bed lies facing the lake and paddy fields beyond while wood flooring, brick walls & floor to ceiling windows add a rustic appeal. Outside, a bubbling Jacuzzi plunge pool awaits your indulgence.
Room Facilities:
Plunge pool Jacuzzi
Tea/Coffee Maker
Mini Bar
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
Outdoor Dining Area
Living Area With In-Room Dining Setup
Lake Front Pier
Wi-Fi
Featuring a Jacuzzi & stunning lakeside views, the Lower Bakmee Chalet can accommodate up to three adults
NIKA SUITE
Begin and end your day with the majestic sight of Kalundewa Mountain staring into the heavens, a face as old as time, with many tales to tell. The Nika Suite lies just across from idyllic paddy fields and provides a spacious yet intimate escape. This ground floor suite has its own cosy living room overlooking the mountains, providing a truly unique vantage point amongst hotels in Dambulla area. Out back, a quaint pathway leads you to a sheltered area amidst this landscape, a perfect spot for romantic outdoor dining under the stars.
Room Facilities
Tea/Coffee Maker
Mini Bar
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
Wi-Fi
A quiet hideaway overlooking the mountain, where nature is your ever-present companion
DAMUNU SUITE
Arise to the sight of a majestic sunrise, slowly making its way above Kalundewa Mountain, as soft golden-hued daylight spreads and sparkles across emerald landscapes. The Damunu Suite at our luxury resort in Sri Lanka overlooks a paddy field, encompassing panoramic views of the mountain range beyond. Blending space with contemporary design, this suite lets you truly experience the harmony of nature, as the traditional songs of farmers in the fields beyond create a rhythmic lullaby that drifts across the wind.
Room Facilities:
Tea/Coffee Maker
Mini Bar
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
Outdoor Dining Area
Wi-Fi
Lush green paddy landscapes merge with elegant comfort to create your very own sanctuary where time stands still
EHELA DELUXE ROOM
The call of Kalundewa Mountain whispers in the breeze telling tales of days long ago, beckoning you to come uncover secrets of this enchanting land. An ideal choice amongst boutique hotels in Dambulla for those looking to commune with nature, the Ehela Deluxe Room lies on the ground level of the Damunu Suite, with lush paddy fields across the doorstep. This intimate hideaway features traditional touches and comforts, while in the distance the mountain stands watch over the landscape as it has done for centuries.
Room Facilities:
Tea/Coffee Maker
Mini Bar
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
Wi-Fi
Seclusion and serenity combine, providing an intimate getaway beside emerald paddy fields
NIL MANEL FLOATING VILLA
Named NIL MANEL, the Blue Water Lilly, the National Flower of Sri Lanka (Nymphaea nouchali) is the latest and luxurious addition to rest of its creative and most relaxing series of dwellings. Designed & built with a passion by the internationally reputed Sri Lanka’s no. Luxury Yatch manufacturer Neil Marine has a Bed room space of 219 Sq.ft, Deck space of 693 Sq.Ft, a BBQ deck of 182 Sq.Ft. Offering luxury of space in a magical setting surrounded by majestic trees and birds of beauty, berthed in the still waters of its lower lake. Extending the award winning architectural style of Kalundewa Retreat the Villa encapsulates a 360 degree vista of nature at its best. It has its own Jacuzzi plunge pool on its Teak wood deck making NIL MANEL the best of its kind for the Honeymooners or for those who seek a getaway!
Room Facilities:
Plunge Pool Jacuzzi
Tea/Coffee Maker
Mini Bar
Hot/Cold Water
Hairdryer
BBQ/Observation Deck
Outdoor Dining Area
Wi-Fi
KALUNDEWA RETREAT RESTAURANTS
From the excitingly exotic flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine to an intimate meal right amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, dining at Kalundewa Retreat is truly special. A standout amongst Dambulla restaurants, our main dining venue beside the lake serves dishes utilising produce from our organic garden, along with gluten-free meal options, fair trade coffee and single estate tea, blended to perfection. For a change of scenery head outdoors, experiencing al fresco dining right amidst the paddy fields and the ceaseless call of the wind.
TREE HOUSE RESTAURANT
Find yourself lost in picturesque scenes of lush paddy fields on one side & breathtaking views of the lake on the other at The Tree House Restaurant. Sit back in the ambience that adorns this unique restaurant in Dambulla which lets you truly unwind in the constant breeze that flows through.
You can delight your taste buds in flavourful a la carte local & international dishes produced using our very own organic ingredients while our staff introduces you to some of the most tasteful wines, beers & cocktails from the bar.
AL FRESCO DINING
With a 100 acre property home to paddy fields, quiet lakes and sheltered spots amidst secret tree groves, Kalundewa Retreat provides some of the most enchanting settings for al fresco dining in Sri Lanka. Take your pick from any one of these magical backdrops and share in a seven course romantic dinner with that special someone be it on a floating barge, by our natural pool or just under a star filled sky. For something truly unique you can even dine at a traditional Govi Gedara (farmer’s house) right amidst a Kamatha (threshing floor), used by farmers after harvesting.
THINGS TO DO IN KALUNDEWA RETREAT
Experience the rugged beauty of Ceylon with Kalundewa Retreat. Some of the most popular things to do in Sri Lanka include wildlife and culture experiences that can be enjoyed at our retreat through bird watching tours, traditional cookery classes and village excursions.
BIRD WATCHING
Catch the creatures of the wild in action as you meander your way through the bird watching and wildlife tours offered at Kalundewa Retreat
ULPATHA THE NATURAL SPRING
Dip into the soothing waters of Ulpatha, a natural spring and let the cool waters wash away the stress and replace it with rejuvenation
CYCLING
Peddle your way through forest trails while listening to the chatter of birds or cycle towards villages and meet cheery faced locals
SRI LANKAN COOKERY CLASSES
Learn the art of cooking the exotic cuisine of Sri Lanka with the traditional cooking classes at Kalundewa Retreat
RELAXATION
Relax and rejuvenate yourself with fresh mountain air, lush tropical finery & revitalising yoga at our eco friendly retreat
VILLAGE LIFE
Sri Lanka is famous for its generous hospitality. Experience this warmth and vibrancy of local culture with our village tours.