Water Garden Sigiriya
Water, water, everywhere
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. .
