Once a governor’s house and now a luxurious boutique hotel I knew as the gates were opened onto the sweeping drive that all would be well here. In fact much more than well, incredibly spoiled and decadent were the overwhelming feelings during my stay.

We were welcomed with cool moist towels and refreshing passion fruit juice served in a martini glass whilst we stretched our backs after the drive from Casa Heliconia in Kaleliya in the Western province.

The exterior has been preserved and the interior transformed into nine beautiful luxurious pods of heaven. Located  in Gunnepana just far enough away from the city to make visiting easy (twenty minute drive) and far enough into the countryside to make  tranquility the order of the day.

Each room is named after a local butterfly and ours was Sunbeam, a comfortable room overlooking the garden. Four poster bed with mosquito net, a large claw bath, a rain shower and plenty of room to swing more than a herd of cats this was going to be home for six perfect nights.

What makes The Kandy House  special is the personal service from each of the staff members and the beautiful grounds; lush verdant tropical vegetation so typical of the island and of course the brightly coloured gorgeous heliconias and the butterflies that visit. We could hear birds calling and see the local three striped squirrels and even glimpsed a visiting monkey. But the sleeping beauty icing on the cake has to be the infinity pool overlooking the rice fields.

The hotel will organise private drivers, trips and a visiting masseur, the garden boys will take you on local walks and the serving staff will explain the canapes, enthuse over the grand Sri Lankan curries and answer any question that you are likely to ask.

Thank you Kandy House, each and everyone of you, I hope to return.