Set on a 12-acre tea plantation high on a hilltop, Kahanda Kanda is a very unique and spellbinding hideaway, that while close to beaches and sights around the fortified city of Galle, feels like you’re getting away from it all.
Kahanda Kanda has ten individually designed villas set in twelve acres of verdant ex-estate land. They are perched dramatically on a ridge, gazing out over the verdant, palm-filled countryside, giving this resort the opportunity to exude a natural sense of place. To add to the theatre, the accommodation at Kahanda Kanda is gorgeously and artistically decorated with old antiques, framed photographs and books, meticulously curated and placed by its interior-designer owner.
We liked that every room is appointed and decorated differently (a reason to come back, obviously), with large, inviting beds and rain-showers for two … and if you haven’t already worked it out, romance is effortlessly high on the cards here. Ours felt completely private despite the hotel being full and we whiled away many hours sitting out on our terrace just drinking in the view (not to mention a number of gin and tonics). When the humidity was high, we took to our own plunge pool … there are only three villas that have private soaking pools, so make sure to ask specifically if you want one (we highly recommend that you do).
With just a small number of rooms in this boutique property, attention to detail and personal service leads the experience at Kahanda Kanda. In fact, we’d go as far to say that the stand-out feature of the hotel is the people that work here, who couldn’t do enough to ensure that our stay was absolutely memorable. And that’s saying something, considering the property itself is simply awe-inspiring.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Escapist | CMB | GMT +5.5 |
| While you’re Out There |
| This is one of those properties that we recommend you do absolutely nothing, and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Let your mind do the wandering. |
Photography courtesy of Kahanda Kanda
