The Hideaway - Experience the Unique Sri Lankan Hospitality

location: home / experience

A large roofed gate with a white building in the distance was the 1st impression of my vacation. Driving further up the estate, an old mansion surrounded with greenery that became larger and more focused as we got nearer, and we were finally there!

Ayubowan!

I was greeted with a young lad with a leaf held in his palm that had a glass of delectable looking juice! Pineapple, it was freshly picked from the adjoining fields. ‘Ayubowan’ – A greeting in Sinhala means – may you live long! The leaf – Beetle, is given for special occasions as tradition, a touching gesture.

Hideaway is a mansion turned boutique-style hotel offering two suites named the Sun and The Moon and a deluxe room called the stars. Each have their own characteristic charm with high wooden ceiling, 4-poster netted beds, personal hi-fi, outdoor toilet and Jacuzzi with constant hot and cold water.

Sinking into the atmosphere I was escorted into my suite, the Sun, a fresh orange coloured well appointed suite, complete with antique and steel amenities, complimenting each other. Soft cotton and white on the beds and sofa, large brass windows to bring the cool country breeze was the perfect combination to put oneself at ease.

On a tour of the rest of the hotel, there was a large sofa for drinks or to view the giant television, DVD and surround sound. A library of movies, audio and books are also at ones disposal. The dining can be either indoor or outdoor, with grill and barbeque are only a remote controlled button away, as is the discreet service. The bar room, also called the eclipse, is a fine setting with kegs as table tops, bullock cart wheel as glass holders and a fair collection of spirits. The indoor dining table is made from a solid tree trunk as are the chairs, supported by wrought iron. Resident antique furniture with modern fittings complement the ambiance, that is not too less nor too much. Beyond is another indoor garden with pineapple fields to the horizon. The kitchen is fully equipped to cater to whatever requirement your system yearns. The staff are mostly from the countryside. Smiling and relatively discreet, they are familiar with the hospitality business and make you feel at home, as is the manager of the hotel. Finally it must be mentioned that all of this was mine, that is when one rents Hideaway, it is for the entire property and all of its amenities.

Fine dining is the order of the day, where the menu will get one’s preferred choice. Quality fine china and tableware that is complimented with some fine foods cooked to detail make dining an experience. Furthermore you can follow your biological clock and have your meals served when you are hungry, no matter what the time maybe. International as well as Sri Lankan meals can be requested for, and where else can you get your hands into some country food with rice and curry and also opt for a country breakfast rather than bacon & eggs. You may know what it tastes like if you do not try it.

Also available is a Specially planned herbal health program, complete with meals to rejuvenate your body and re-vitalize you.

Eco friendly practices are carried out by the owners as well as the guide who will accompany you, should you wish to venture out. However being opened to nature has its drawbacks as little creepy crawlies do make visits indoors too, although harmless.

Someone in the kitchen department has the ability of churning fantastic fresh fruit juices. No matter what the fruit is, a large glass always brings cheer back into life! The long armchairs in the front verandah are splendid places to sit sipping a fresh fruit juice and wonder of life’s inconsistencies

With a concept that is opened out to nature the sound of nature clears ones mind and makes a perfect setting to relax, unwind and reach out to life. In the mornings & evenings the stillness of air breathe the freshness of foliage together with quiet solitude of the surroundings. It is a place for individuals and not masses.

The evenings are special, lighted oil lamps around the pond, scented oils burning inside the suite, a glass of preferred spirits in your hand makes you sit back and sink into the feeling.

The final words could perhaps come off the front page of the ‘visitor’s book’ where it is stated as “A jewel in the countryside”.