Yala National Park

I had a great holiday at Riff Hikkaduwa. The hotel is good but there is room for improvement. Hotel staff are absolutely charming. Everyone is truly friendly and trying to make your stay as good as possible. Location is absolutely stunning right on the beach but not too close. Free breakfast was plentiful and very tasty. Wifi is patchy and laggy. In my room 209 after about 5pm kitchen fumes were coming in, especially when raining. At some point it was quite bad. My guess is their kitchen uses the same ventilation shaft as guest rooms and the wind blows fumes into rooms. Other than that all was great.

We are architects and the property is one of the most architecturally significant modern properties in Sri Lanka blending vernacular architecture with modern design. It’s fabulous considering a slightly odd site accessed only via a new bridge. The architecture and furniture and some of the best I’ve seen. The staff are great and friendly. slightly too over attentive at meal times but that’s probably just me! The only shortfall is the integration of the amenities into the overall operation - it needs a designated bar (apparently in the works) as after dinner the only option is to go to your villa room. Not a problem per se but would be nice to socialise a bit after. During the day if you hang out at the property we missed some attentive drinks and snacks being considered for the pool area (lovely pool overlooking the pady fields!) when you felt slightly left to your own devises. If this was a soho house there would be someone around acknowledging your presence and servicing from time to time - you have to go and find the staff who then they snap into action. A bit snoozy if you are trying to have a fun time! - major issue is the lack of variety of drinks - beers and wines only - I could have done with a gin and tonic or two beside the pool - slightly not understanding why management haven’t worked this out (I know licensing is tricky in Sri Lanka) as I would have probably spent 50% more on my extra/ ove bill (over and above the half board) if this had been worked through 4/5!