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!

Beautifully located not far from Kandy in an idyllic spot which allows complete and utter relaxation. We booked privately with Angelos the manager. Communication excellent which follows through to during your stay where the staff are all very attentive without being intrusive. We were half board and the food was amazing. The owner David sets the vibe with his wonderful description of the property he exquisitely renovated. And his passion for Sri Lanka topped with a mindful of local knowledge make him certainly the host with the most.

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.

This property is a delight, a stunning retreat. We stayed for 2 nights in September and thoroughly enjoyed our short stay whilst sightseeing in Kandy. Our driver weren’t too sure where it was had to use his satnav which took the scenic route up the precarious long winding lanes high up in the mountains. I’d wondered if I had done the right thing booking this accommodation but upon our arrival we were blown away. The main house and grounds were absolutely breathtaking. The staff were friendly, the food homemade and the hearty breakfast were very tasty. We were there in low season hence just us and another couple were there. Our room was spacious and the bathroom equally as large, the complimentary toiletries smelt heavenly. Although we did think the room needed coffee/tea making facilities and a telephone for emergencies. We met the owner, David, who coincidentally use to work in our neck of the woods back home in the UK. David has renovated his home to a very high standard, I commend him. His five miniature dogs are also a delight. We have no qualms in recommending The Flame Estate, a hidden gem. Would love to return.