Travel Kuoni

 Amba Yaalu 

Sri Lanka’s first women-led hotel

Lake views, elegant interiors and a tranquil ambience – all with a slice of female empowerment.

This lakeside retreat is as relaxing as they come. Its setting – amidst hundreds of mango trees and the mountain-backed Kandalama Reservoir – is the definition of magical. Days here start with sunrise yoga or hot air balloon rides across the sleepy skies. Nights consist of wildlife safaris, mouth-watering bites and cocktails under the stars. There’s also an infinity pool, fitness centre, spa and table tennis for those in-between times. Inspired by children’s novel ‘Amba Yaluwo’ and Sri Lankan cinema, the décor takes on a nostalgic vibe with poster-adorned walls and vintage cameras on display. Rooms mimic the natural surroundings with calming colour schemes and views worthy of a postcard. But what really sets Amba Yaalu apart is its female-led hospitality.

Why we love Amba Yaalu

  • Led by an amazing team of women, the hotel is a true celebration of female empowerment.

  • You’ve got ancient sites like Sigiriya on your doorstep, along with experiences like bird watching, hot air balloon rides and guided safaris.

  • Whether you’re a vegan or the polar opposite, dining covers all bases.

  • The hotel sits on the shores of lake Kandalama and surrounded by mango trees; it doesn’t get more serene than this.

4 stars
Dec - Mar
Colombo 10½ hours
Located in Kandalama next to the Kandalama Reservoir
Approx. 3 hours’ transfer from Colombo airport
Boutique, Sustainability

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Sustainability
  • Families

Dining here is a mix of mouth-watering menus and lakeside panoramas. Bioscope is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving both Sri Lankan and international flavours. There’s also a vegan restaurant for plant-based options and a BBQ terrace for grilled delights. Yaka Bar is the hotel’s pre or post-dinner spot. A lively bar with cocktails as creative as you like.

Bioscope 

The hotel’s main restaurant with a menu consisting of local Sri Lankan delicacies alongside popular western dishes. Meals here also come with a view.

Vegan restaurant 

A restaurant devoted to vegans, serving creative plant-based options.

BBQ terrace 

Perfect for low-key nights. Enjoy freshly grilled meats whilst soaking up the glorious views.

Yaka Bar 

Lively bar with a décor that immerses you in the Sri Lankan culture and a menu perfect for cocktail-lovers.

What's Included

Breakfast at Bioscope

Upgrade Options

Half Board • Breakfast and dinner at Bioscope 

Full Board • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Bioscope

Switching off comes easily at Amba Yaalu. Pull up a lounger by the infinity pool or meditate on the Yoga Terrace. Ayurvie Spa offers individually tailored treatments designed to cleanse and restore. There’s also a fitness centre for cardio and strength training.

Amba Yaalu are big on sustainability. As well as supporting inclusivity of women, there are a range of planet-friendly initiatives in place. These include rooftop solar panels, reducing single-use plastics, reusing linens and using energy-efficient lighting systems.

The Suites and Attic Suites can sleep up to 4 people (Suites sleep maximum four adults whilst Suites with Attic can sleep maximum three adults and one child), perfect for families.