Ranawara

Ranawara is a stunning haven for relaxation. Once we arrived, there was no need to leave during the entire stay. We were a large group mixed with adults and teens and there was something for everyone. We spent a lot of time in the massive pool gazing out over the estate watching birds, peacocks and other wildlife while listening to the crashing waves. In addition to the cricket match with the staff, the teens enjoyed the cinema room with movies, video games and board games. The study provided a nice space for the girls studying for their upcoming exams. The huge outdoor living room on the first floor was our favorite place to watch the sunset and have predinner nibbles and drinks. The director organized massages for us in the spa room overlooking the estate grounds and they were sublime! The food was delicious! We had Western and Sri Lankan dishes and they were all wonderful. The chef was a master at utilizing local, fresh ingredients. For those that did want to venture out, the director arranged a trip to the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary which is very near the estate. There were other similar trips that could have been arranged nearby, however, who could be bothered to leave the doting staff and lovely surroundings.

Ranawara was amazing. The house and staff were superb. Senaka was outstanding. We all wanted to take him home with us. We had a fantastic yoga teacher come each morning which was heaven. It was a very relaxing week as there is less to see and do in that area but was the perfect house to just chill.

"Ranawara, like Sri Lanka itself, exceeded all of our lofty expectations. The place is quite simply magical. Beautifully put together, delicious food, a wild and wonderful beach, cricket every day with the charming guys who work there – we will be coming back again and again."

Our stay at Ranawara exceeded every expectation. Any detail you can think of, they've got it covered! We stayed there with 2 other families (12 people in total) and it was perfect. Every need by Senaka and his team was anticipated, yet so unobtrusive. The bedrooms are beautifully decorated (and large) and all exactly the same, which is very clever. The mattress and pillows are best I've had. So now down to the 30m pool with its twinkling night lights. Stunning and the temperature - perfect. The food was phenomenal. Fantastically prepared and the variety incredible. There were a few different dietary needs amongst the group (vegetarian, nut allergy, taste) - no problems for the chef. The team played cricket with us which was lots of fun. The kids entertained themselves swimming, reading, on the playstation, watching a movie in the cinema rooms, games and learning how to play poker. I know I've overdone the superlatives but Ranawara deserves every one of them. Honestly, we lived like royalty for a week and if I ever get the chance to go back, it's a no brainer. Do yourself a favour - GO.

We stayed 7 nights at Ranawara with 2 other families and it was the perfect place for our group of 6 adults and 6 teens. The villa is absolutely stunning - the photos cannot do it justice. Every detail, big and small, has been carefully considered. As beautiful as the villa is, what really lifted our experience to the next level was the unparalleled service from Senaka and all the Ranawara team. The welcome was warm and genuine, the mix of local and western food prepared by the chefs was restaurant quality, varied, plentiful and always delicious, and our every need was anticipated - cold towels, drinks and chocolates in an esky ready for early morning tennis, afternoon tea by the pool, evening drinks in the upstairs bar area, a cooking demonstration by the chef, massages in the spa cabana, a friendly game of cricket with the staff, transfers to Galle with sandwiches packed for the trip … the list goes on. Tourism in Sri Lanka has been decimated by the Easter bombings, but we felt safe at all times (there is a guard patrolling the property around the clock) and are so glad we went. Book now - you won't regret it.

I may not have stayed in all the worlds best hotels or villas but would be very surprised if this is not in the top 10. The venue is unsurpassed in its beauty and the pool is enormous. But what really makes Ranawara amazing is the on-site staff who are exceptional! The food served to us was consistently excellent, and going the extra yard is what this team is all about e.g. we never asked for cool boxes full of children’s snacks but they did it anyway. I would love to come back but I fear I may never and worse still, this benchmark will never be surpassed.

Ranawara is an incredible palatial house on the beach. To call it a villa does not do it justice. From the beauty, size and comfort of its main building and two accompanying garden villas to the stunning and absurdly long pool, manicured garden and glorious deserted beach, it provides a uniquely luxurious holiday location. We, and another family, some 13 of us in total, spent Christmas 2020 at Ranawara. It made for a really special holiday. We wanted for nothing. Every wish was impeccably attended to by Senaka and his wonderful team. Every meal was carefully chosen, cooked to perfection and delicious (the tuna sashimi was particularly good). Our rooms were beautifully maintained (Bougainvillea petals were picked up almost before they had fallen). Every activity (trips to a local wildlife sanctuary, a nearby fishing port, to Galle and Colombo, and to the local town; a cricket match; the daily provision of massages) was organised with consummate and understated skill. We were genuinely sad to depart. We can't wait to return.