Water Garden Sigiriya

Style

Water, water, everywhere

Setting

Sigiriya in sight

The clue’s in the name: Water Garden Sigiriya is a liquid-lovely watery wonderland that puts the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya centre stage. Landscaped grounds with a multitude of ponds and streams take inspiration from Sigiriya’s 2,000-year-old water gardens; you can eye up the famous fortress as you explore them. After hot and humid days scaling world-famous rocks, nipping to cave temples and going elephant-seeking in national parks, you’ll appreciate the spacious, air-conditioned sleeping quarters, each of which occupies its own building (some have a private pool). A tranquil spa, relaxed restaurant and two-floor bar are your additional cues to come here.

Facilities

Rooms

30 suites.

Checkout

Noon; earliest check-in, 2pm. Both are flexible, subject to availability.

More Details

Rates usually include Continental breakfast. For under-12s, the Bed and Breakfast rate is USD45 and USD65 on a Half Board basis. Over-12s are charged USD75 for Bed and Breakfast and USD95 for Half Board.

Also

Common areas are wheelchair accessible; the hotel has one adapted villa, and all are at ground level.

Fitness Center

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Pool

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

Spa

At the Hotel

Impressive grounds, fitness centre, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV, WiFi, air conditioning, minibar, free bottled water, tea and coffee kit, black-out blinds.

Our Favourite Rooms

They’re all inviting, but the Superior Deluxe Villa with a Plunge Pool is particularly honeymoon-worthy. Request a villa close to the pool and communal areas if you want to be near the thick of things – or one further away, for maximum privacy. It’s an eye-pleasing stroll to the restaurant…

Poolside

The pool is a tempting slice of dazzling aqua among all the greenery, at the heart of the grounds. Stake out the cushioned wicker sunloungers and prepare to unwind.

Spa

There’s an indulgent spa, housed in a quiet building near the bar. Be soothed with a Balinese or four-hands massage, have an Indian head rub, a body scrub or be wrapped in pampering unguents: aromatic mud and honey, perhaps.

Packing Tips

Bring multiple changes of swimwear, keen eyes for birdlife and comfy shoes for trekking and temple tours.

Children

Little Smiths welcome. Cots can be added to any room for free upon request. Deluxe and Superior Deluxe villas can accommodate one extra bed, while Duplex villas can have up to two extra beds, also on request. Babysitting can be arranged (US$35 an hour).

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

Dine outside and eye up the pools and rice paddies while you eat. Private tables can be set up poolside; if it’s raining, there are alfresco tables under cover.

Dress Code

Channel your inner water nymph/sprite and dress accordingly. If in doubt, model liquid-lustrous silks in peacock hues, plus optional pearls or shells.

Hotel Restaurant

Sample Sri Lankan and Western cuisine in the relaxed restaurant, which has an air-conditioned dining room with white-linen-topped tables and a striking chandelier, plus plenty of view-tiful outside seating.

Hotel Bar

During the daytime, enjoy cocktails and cold beers in the bar’s minimalist ground-floor space; at night, scale the stairs to the first-floor terrace and enjoy drinks and nibbles with winsome views.

Last Orders

The restaurant is open from 6am until 10.30pm.

Room Service

Order from the full menu during the restaurant’s opening hours.

Planes

Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport is a four-hour drive away. If you’re already in Sri Lanka, you could catch a short domestic flight to the closer Hingurakgoda airport, an hour’s drive from the hotel.

Trains

Intrepid travellers could catch a train to Habarana station, which is 10 kilometres away; services are operated by the Sri Lanka Railway Department.

Automobiles

It’s definitely worth having a car – or hiring a driver – if you want to explore the island. Drop bags off at the hotel first, as the car park is about a kilometre away (the hotel has free valet parking).

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Cultural thrills, wildlife galore and natural highs abound here. Before heading out, spend some slow time at the hotel, enjoying the pool and trying out the spa. Explore the grounds on foot, by bike or in a buggy, admiring the rice paddies and feathered fellow residents. There’s a wealth of world-class heritage spots within easy reach: the Dambulla Cave Complex, for example, where a jaw-dropping array of ancient Buddha statues and cave artworks await – or the sacred city of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals, whose well-preserved ruins caught Unesco’s eye. Set off on a safari in Minneriya National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for elephants and co, or go on a Jeep safari in Kaudulla National Park. And you absolutely cannot come home without scaling Sigiriya Rock – it’s on your doorstep, after all.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .