Kahanda Kanda
Totally indulgent hideaway hotel with sweeping views over a tea estate and lake, just 15 minutes from the beach
Reviewed by Laila Ram
OVERVIEW
Perched on a ridge overlooking Koggala Lake and surrounded by 12 acres of a working tea estate, Kahanda Kanda is a small, luxurious and totally indulgent retreat. Fom the moment you are welcomed with a refreshing fruit drink, a chilled hand towel and a broad smile, you can feel any stress start to melt away.
The amazing views are on display at every turn - behind the shimmering infinity pool, mirrored in the lily strewn ponds around the open-sided living and dining pavilions, or from your very private suite (there are only 5). Even the 80-metre saffron wall which juts across the property has windows judiciously cut out to frame glimpses of the estate, the verdant jungle, even the lake in the distance.
Exotic-chic interiors combine polished concrete floors, a quirky mix of Asian antiques and contemporary Sri Lankan furnishings, which, together with the impeccably friendly service, make Kahanda Kanda a thoroughly sophisticated and romantic place that you will find hard to leave.
HIGHS
* The 20m infinity pool which always looks cool and inviting
* The utter peace and tranquillity of the place
* Resident owner George Cooper makes you feel totally at home
* Have I mentioned the breathtaking views?
LOWS
* This place is not easy to find so make sure your driver has exact instructions
* It's a (bumpy) drive to get anywhere – the hotel can arrange for a tuk-tuk to take you to Galle and its beaches, or a car and driver for places further afield
ROOMS
The 5 air-conditioned suites are spread among 4 free-standing pavilions. Each is large and private, with its own terrace or patio set in the gardens. Airy interiors are beautifully designed, with a canopied 4-poster bed (two of them in the Tea Suite), day beds built into the window bays, and pillow-strewn rattan couches for lounging about on and, dare I say, enjoying the views. All the bathrooms are fitted with double sinks and 3 of the suites have showers that are open to the sky.
Peacock Suite: This large master bedroom has windows right around to maximise the vistas. The bedroom is furnished with a kingsize four-poster bed, a sitting area with cushioned window seats, and a romantic private courtyard with sun beds. There are two ensuite bathrooms (his and hers), each with an outdoor shower.
Mango & Tamarind Suites: Hidden behind the saffron wall, these two suites are each set in their own pavilion. Each has a bedroom with sitting area, ensuite bathroom with twin basins and twin showers, and private verandah with views over the tea estate.
Garden & Tea Suites: Located on a lower terraced level beyond the swimming pool, these two suites are set in a private garden. The Garden Suite is furnished with a four-poster double bed whilst the Tea Suite has twin four poster beds; both have an ensuite bathroom with twin basins and an open air shower. There is verandah around these two suites where you can relax or even dine in total privacy.
EATING
At Kahanda Kanda (or KK, as it's become known), you can eat when you want and where you want: in your suite, on your private patio, by the pool, in the open-sided dining pavilion, or even as a picnic somewhere in the beautiful tropical gardens. You can expect fresh, healthy food, with most of the fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on the estate, whilst seafood and meat is bought daily at the local market.
The two resident chefs have both been trained in Thailand and the result is a delightful fusion of Western, Thai and Sri Lankan food.
ACTIVITIES
The historic town of Galle is 17km away and a 30 minute tuk-tuk ride. Spend a wonderful day exploring the fort’s narrow maze of streets with a growing collection of art galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants and make sure to watch the sunset from its ramparts.
The beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa are both a 15 min drive away, where swimming, surfing and snorkelling are possible.
Take a boat ride on Koggala Lake scattered with little islands including Fish Eagle Island, where hundreds of eagles come to nest at dusk, and Cinnamon Island, where 4 families process cinnamon into essential oils. Or visit the nearby tea factory.
Yoga is offered once a week and Ayurvedic massage can be arranged at the property for those who do not want to stray too far.
http://www.i-escape.com/minihotel.php?hotel_key=SL053