Highlights
- Historic property with colonial feel
- Temple visits in nearby Kandy
- Picturesque train journeys
- Lovely infinity pool
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireElephant Stables is a grand, ex-colonial residence with an imposing façade located just outside the bustling and historic lake-side city of Kandy. The one-time owner Sir Cudah Ratwatte, head of the island’s leading aristocratic family, used to keep elephants in the grounds, hence the property’s name. Today, the residence features six elegant bedrooms and one luxurious suite, each boasting colonial inspired decor. The property enjoys stunning views over Kandy and the Knuckles Mountain range and there are tea plantations, rainforests and sacred Buddhist sites to visit nearby. There’s a lovely infinity pool, a living room with a DVD player and classic movies to choose from, and a reading room complete with books about local wildlife, history and architecture. In the early evening, everyone can relax with a drink at the bar. The bartender will happily recommend the hotel’s signature drink, the Elephant Unstable, or mix a cocktail or ‘mocktail’ of your choice.
There are six elegant ‘standard’ bedrooms, five of which are on the upper floor of the Main House, and the other, the Cottage Suite, is set apart in the gardens. This suite is ideal for a family since it has a separate bedroom and living room with two large beds, and it’s close to the pool and gardens. All rooms in the Main House include a four-poster bed, an en-suite bathroom, and modern amenities such as a 42 inch TV with satellite channels, Blue Ray DVD player, and film library. Wi-Fi is also available. The most recent addition to the hotel is the sumptuous Luxury Royal Tented Suite with two bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, and reception area, all of which are beautifully decorated.
Kandy is just ten minutes away by tuk tuk and there are some fascinating and picturesque religious sites to visit, with highlights including the famed Temple of the Tooth and the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue. Scenic train rides to Nuwara Eliya to visit the tea plantations are also a delight, with expert guides on hand to explain the history of the plantations, explain the tea-making process and arrange tea-tastings.
Children of all ages are more than welcome at Elephant Stables. Two of the suites have adjoining rooms, and one has a bunk bed for children. The ample proportions of all rooms mean that family accommodation doesn’t feel overcrowded. Parents are reminded to keep an eye on their children at all times and the swimming pool is conveniently within view of the bar.
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We just wanted to thank you for an absolutely amazing holiday. Everything went exactly to plan and we were blown away with the quality of the guides, transport and accommodation. The itinerary was perfect for our family with a great mix of guided and free days and the different destinations complemented each other well. We will definitely be using Tourdust again for our next trip! Particular highlights were the Ha Long Bay cruise, Hanoi, and the morning cycle tour in Siam Reap
Jane P
reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families
on 14 May 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024