Introduction
Amaya Lake is a four-star hotel of appealing simplicity with nature very much to the fore and benefiting from a peaceful and beautiful setting by the banks of Kandalama Lake, in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. An excellent eco hotel, which retains a personal feel and offers a variety of cabanas which blend subtly with the surrounding woodland. Interior décor combines tradition with comfort. Extensive grounds lead down to the lake and include a "quiet zone" where you can listen to birdsong. A largely elderly clientele and a big package intake but rural bliss for all ages, especially when the groups depart for the cultural triangle sites and you have a large pool and scenic surroundings largely to yourself. This beautiful lake-front resort in an expansive setting might be a package hotel but it works better than many for individua travellers.
Accommodation
There are 119 chalet-style rooms and suites, well appointed, but many possessing an unfussy, slightly rustic feel, and all of which benefit from an attractive natural landscape. They are decorated in inoffensive and traditional tones of white, beige and mustard. Standard facilities include: Refrigerator and mini bar, coffee/tea facilities, in-room safe, hair dryer and shaver outlet, wi-fi, 42-inch TVs, umbrellas, rain showers, bathtub, bathrobes, laundry, in-room dining, doctor on call, in-house florist. Extra beds, baby cribs and ironing boards are available on request.
The Standard Villas (43 sqm, 3 adults or 2 + 2 children) open onto a stunning forest landscape, affording a quiet retreat. The Deluxe Villas (45 sqm, 3 adults or 2 + 2 children) feel slightly more spacious and have a better spec. The Signature Suites (83 sqm, 3 adults or 2 + 2 children) are a considerable uplift in quality, feel more modern and have their own private balconies. Families will love the Signature Family Suites (83 sqm, 4 adults or 2 + 2 children), which also offer a personal butler to take care of your needs. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find the Deluxe Suite with Plunge Pool (102 sqm, 3 adults or 2 + 2 children) ideal, especially the private plunge pool with its own sunbeds for added privacy. The Family Villa or Club Lodge (83 sqm, 3 adults or 2 + 2 children) has four rooms in one independent block.
Facilities
Two large and confident open-air pavilions provide ample space for a bar and relaxation area and the Samara buffet restaurant which offers an international buffet, Sri Lanka dishes and a la carte. There is also a seafood restaurant and a BBQ terrace. TV lounge, shopping arcade, conference room, an excellent-sized pool with poolside bar, floodlit tennis court, jogging track, table tennis and cycles for hire. There are daily yoga routines in the yoga pavilion and a 24-hour gymnasium. The Panchakarma Ayurvedic Spa has six treatment rooms with herbal baths and steam boxes. Their signature treatments include Reflexology, Avagaha, Shirodhara and Pina Sweda. Traditional delights include regular evening entertainment, led by the Agampora martial arts show which displays ancient combat techniques, lakeside barbecues and theme nights. The Amuna Ayurveda Retreat is the perfect place to rediscover yourself with this holistic healing science and it is located only two-minute drive away. You can enjoy a barge boat ride on the lake or go mountain biking.
Why we like it
Strolling through the extensive park for a spot of birdwatching by the lake.
Location
Amaya Lake is set on the banks of Kandalama Lake in tranquil woodland. Well placed to explore the many historic delights of the cultural triangle including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya and the Minneirya wildlife sanctuary. About a 4-hour drive from Colombo airport.
