26 Jul Theva Residency in Sri Lanka: Jacuzzis, award-winning food and mountain views
We’ve stayed in some pretty special places while travelling, including a boat on the Bay of Islands in New Zealand, a wood cabin in Maine and a chic apartment in Chiang Mai. When it comes to fancy accommodation though, Sri Lanka wins hands down. We started our trip with a stay in a secluded jungle hideaway and continued with perhaps our most lavish hotel experience ever at the Theva Residency.
Our lavish stay at Theva Residency
Perched on the slopes of the Hantana mountain range, Theva Residency’s crowning glory is its views over the forested peaks of Sri Lanka’s central province and Kandy city, which lies just two kilometres away. We were able to take in the stunning views from the deck, restaurant, swimming pool and our suite, which had huge glass windows overlooking the mountains.
We love staying in independently-run, unique places rather than faceless hotel chains and Theva certainly fit the bill. The boutique hotel has just 15 rooms, all of which are uniquely decorated with separate colour schemes and feature traditional Sri Lankan art, wood and fine silks and cottons. Every room has large windows to showcase the exceptional views.
Our suite was quite literally the most lavish we’ve ever stayed in, with an in-room Jacuzzi which we soaked the evening away in while gazing out at the stars. We were also impressed with the little details; a complimentary fruit bowl and selection of Sri Lankan teas, spa products in the bathroom and heart-shaped chocolates placed on our pillows whilst we were at dinner.
Theva’s award-winning restaurant
Speaking of dinner, we enjoyed some of our best meals in Sri Lanka at Theva’s, which was a World Luxury Restaurant Awards winner in 2016. There was plenty of choice for us vegetarians, with a menu offering a mix of Sri Lankan and western dishes. I opted for the vegetable lasagna, while Andrew went for the fajitas. Desert was a delicious rhubarb and pear crumble, as well as a passion fruit cheese cake.
Breakfast was just as tasty, consisting of a fresh fruit platter, basket of bread and pastries accompanied by jams, juice, tea and coffee. We also opted for a plate of sweet waffles and a savoury breakfast quesadilla. Everything was served by friendly, courteous staff who even offered to take our photo out on the balcony.
Since we’d already spent a few days exploring Kandy town, we were free to spend our time at Theva simply relaxing. Although it was a bit too cold for a dip in the infinity pool we did use the sauna and spent some time in the games room playing pool and checking out the book and DVD collections.
In the end though, nothing was better than simply chilling out in our luxury suite, clad in white fluffy robes with a cup of Sri Lankan tea whilst admiring the mountain views.
Full disclosure: we received a complimentary stay at Theva Residency but as always, all views are our own and we genuinely loved our stay there. If you’re looking for a slice of tranquility and five-star boutique luxury, we’d definitely recommend a stay at Theva.
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Louisa klimentos
Posted at 04:13h, 27 JulyI would love to stay there.It looks incredible with lovely views .I am slowly recovering after being very ill I am lucky to step out of Mount Pritchard where I live at the moment .Maybe one day i could visit Sri lanka and stay atTheva Residency.It is just what i need right now,but that won’t be happening any time soon.i hope you and Andrew are doing well,love always louisa
Amy
Posted at 16:09h, 27 JulyHi Louisa, oh no, I hope you’re feeling better now? I’m sure a stay at Theva would be just the thing you need to recover! We loved our time in Sri Lanka and Theva was a beautiful place to stay.
Louisa Klimentos
Posted at 11:35h, 31 JulyThank you
Victoria @The British Berliner
Posted at 11:04h, 08 AugustWhat a marvellous place!
I can see myself there quite easily. The fantastic food, the infinity pool, the fluffy gowns, and the luxury of service with a smile and sweet-smelling flowers. Yes, please!
Amy
Posted at 12:19h, 08 AugustYep, it was lovely Victoria, I can see you there too if you make it to Sri Lanka 🙂
Suba
Posted at 16:31h, 12 SeptemberWow amazing views of Kandy. Love the infinity pool. Does the restaurant cook western foods only?
Amy
Posted at 15:03h, 13 SeptemberYes, the views were incredible! The restaurant also served a lot of traditional Sri Lankan food that looked really tasty – we just fancied some western meals while we were there 🙂