Find 5-Star Hotels in Matale

Amba Yaalu — A Swan-Like Masterclass in Women-Led Luxury I arrived at Amba Yaalu by Thema Collection without quite knowing what to expect—after all, it was my first time staying in a “women-led” hotel. I wondered what the experience would feel like, and what new energy the concept might bring. What I found was exceptional: the service was of the same highest standard I would expect from this caliber of hotel chain—yet delivered with a distinctive style, unmistakably described as “swan-like.” 🦢 There’s no question the women are working ferociously—in the way a swan’s feet move beneath the water to create effortless beauty. And that’s exactly what you feel here. Under the surface, everything is operating with precision, speed, and strength. But what guests experience is something else entirely: grace. poise. warmth. smiles that arrive with such ease that it feels like the entire property glides. The atmosphere is genuinely welcoming. I noticed it not only from the staff, but in the way kindness seems to move through the whole guest experience—women, men, and children all smiling in a way that is tender, natural, and beautifully effortless. And yes—because luxury should be truly thoughtful—all of my bags were carried to my room for me. No fuss. No lifting. Just seamless, dignified care from arrival onward. If you’re looking for a stay that pairs top-tier hospitality with a rare, elegant spirit, Amba Yaalu is it. A hotel that doesn’t just host you—it makes you feel quietly cared for, beautifully welcomed, and entirely at ease. Truly unforgettable.

Excellent staff and food. Point to note - the hotel is literally in the jungle. It’s remote. You’ll feel bugs and insects, so walk with a repellent, but I think it is a wonderful experience.

We stayed for 2 nights for sightseeing in Sigiriya Rock, but it was a nice resort hotel living in a large forest. The room was a two-story cottage style and our room was on the first floor. It was noisy that the footsteps of the people on the upper floor heard the slapstick from 4 o'clock in the morning and I was worried about the smell of the drain, but the rice was delicious (breakfast did not change much) It was good to be able to eat comfortably at the restaurant in front of the pool where the refreshing breeze passes. I had dinner because there was no restaurant nearby, but I chose the first night from the a la carte menu, and the second night was a buffet with plenty of curry and desserts. On the second day, I was troubled because I couldn't use Wi-Fi on the １ day due to network failure, but it was fixed the next morning. The staff were kind and smiley. Because the hotel is remote, I asked the hotel to arrange a round trip to Sigiriya Rock and a round trip to Pidulangara, but it was said that it was 4800 ruby twice. The same driver came on both days and was a good young man, but the local guide was surprised that this price was much higher than the tuk-tuk I caught around it. Please be careful if you are using it.

The hotel is nice, spacious beautiful room at check in we were treated to a refreshing juice. There is a big pool on the grounds and a big jacuzzi with hot water in the room.  Minuses of the hotel: Far from the attractions. Taxi from the center only go there for the price of pick me x2. Hotel taxi are 3 times more expensive. There are no stores and restaurants near the hotel, so inside the hotel prices for food x3, Also after 6pm it is dangerous to be outside because elephants are walking around. Now let's talk about the premium status and the five races. In 7 years of traveling, this is the first hotel that did not have a bathrobe, slippers and toothbrush and toothpaste in the room. The plumbing in the shower leaks, and the doors creak so much that you could call the spirits at night. Regarding the attention to the customer. I mentioned my upcoming birthday in conversation with the manager, but this fact was not used in any way to show any form of attention from the hotel. This is a huge miscalculation on the part of the staff at a premium hotel. We also had a late departure and our request to delay in the hotel for a couple of hours was refused. This was not due to the arrival of new customers, as the manager offered to extend our stay for a fee. For future customers this fact may be decisive in their choice. In general, the hotel is not bad, but the service and flexibility of the staff, as well as individual approach to customers, does not correspond to the premium level and requires improvement.

Set in a lovely, peaceful location beside the Kandalama Reservoir, Amaya Lake Dambulla offers a relaxing retreat within a large property with plenty of mature trees, giving the resort a natural and spacious feel. The property features a good range of amenities, with the swimming pools being especially refreshing after a long day exploring the surrounding area. The buffet breakfast offered a comprehensive selection, catering to a variety of tastes. The chalets were clean and reasonably well maintained, and the staff throughout the resort were warm and friendly.

Kalundewa Retreat has an amazing concept and a beautiful, secluded location that really stands out. The surroundings are peaceful and unique, making it a lovely place to disconnect. That said, there are visible signs of wear and tear in certain areas, and some aspects of property maintenance could be improved. However, what truly made up for this was the hotel team — their service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The food was excellent and clearly prepared with care, which added greatly to the overall experience. With better upkeep, this place has the potential to be exceptional.

The environment is great, a large mango garden, the hotel only occupies a small area in the middle, walk in the early morning and evening in the middle of the green grass, monkeys running around the hotel, or relax on a deck chair in the room with a balcony at night Drinking a clear spring. The dinner buffet is very rich, and the meals at noon are also very good. The swimming pool is downstairs, enjoying the food while overlooking the greenery, mango trees, coconut trees and the swimming pool, it is really enjoyable. Hotel service staff The service is also very professional.

這家酒店首先位置非常偏，周邊沒有任何東西，出行不方便，其次酒店的環境設計看得出花費了功夫，但是沒有得到很好的保養，我們在一天內一共被換了四個房間，第一個入住不到 10 分鐘説水管有問題，等了很久才帶我們換了一個跟我們定的不一樣的房型，入住之後發現還是沒有水，換的第三個房間，晚上不停地有大的蟲子掉在床上和身上，很嚇人。最後一個房間是晚上 10 點多才得洗換好的，總算能夠睡個覺，但是第二天一早發現固定的吹風機又是壞的！交給他們洗的衣服説了不用熨燙衹要洗，結果結賬的時候還是算了熨燙的費用！還好我老公之前有用文字 what's up 發給他們我們的要求，這才把多計算的免去。耽誤了我們足足大半天的行程計劃！