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Kalu's Hideaway

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Charming eco-friendly rural retreat, 14 rooms
- On site birdwatching and complimentary bikes
- Near Uda Walawe national park
- Pool, volley ball, games room, fishing lake

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Overview

Kalu’s hideaway is an immaculate 14-room retreat set in peaceful gardens adjacent to the Udawalawe Reservoir in Sri Lanka’s southern reaches. This charming eco-friendly property has a rustic ‘close to nature’ feel and offers genuine comfort and some luxurious touches in a rural location just 15 minutes away from the Uda Walawe national park. There’s a lovely large swimming pool with jacuzzi, an in-house spa service, a volley ball court, a games room complete with pool table and a welcoming bar. There’s also a fishing lake in front of the hotel and some wonderful birdlife to boot.

The 14 spacious rooms range from the 5 ‘Superior’ rooms, to 2 ‘Chalet’ rooms, 6 ‘Deluxe’ rooms and a suite. All house an en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, and pristine garden views. The five ‘Superior Rooms’ in the main building are ideal for families due to their interconnecting doors; the 6 ‘Deluxe Rooms’ are closer to the swimming pool and overlook the gardens and the 2 ‘Chalet Rooms’ have balconies with garden views. There’s also a single luxurious ‘Suite’ on the top floor of the newest building which opens out to a private balcony.

The hotel’s restaurant is open to the general public. It comfortably seats around 50 people, but it’s a popular venue so be sure to get a table early. Buffet style meals are served, although there is an a la Carte menu available. Either way, guests will enjoy fruit and vegetables from the hotel garden, as well as fresh local meats and seafood.

Activities aside from relaxing at the hotel comprise nature walks and bird watching, and anyone who wishes to explore the nearby rural village can borrow one of the hotel’s bikes. The nearby Uda Walawe National Park is the best place in Sri Lanka to see elephants in their natural habitat and it’s also home to leopards, wild boar, Ceylon spotted deer, and even a few crocodiles.

Children are more than welcome at Kalu’s Hideaway, with the interconnecting ‘Superior Rooms’ ideal for families. There’s plenty of space for children to run around in the gardens, including a play area with a swing and a tree house to keep them entertained. Parents should note that the pool is unfenced so children must remain under adult supervision at all times.

Suggested Itineraries for Kalu's Hideaway

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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