Gonnoruwa Holidays from AU$1,099

Friendly staff and great food

What a beautiful place with kind, caring staff! I was sick during most of my stay, and they were quite understanding, helpful, and attentive! My bed at Villa Thamburu was the most comfortable out of any place I've stayed during my nine years of traveling abroad. It truly made being sick ok because of the warmth and peaceful environment of my room.

My family and I had an incredible 14-night stay at RIU Ahungalla in late July and August. After flying into London and taking the roughly two-hour drive from Colombo Airport, we arrived at 8:00 AM. Check-in was fast and efficient. Even though we were early, the staff gave us wristbands so we could grab a much-needed breakfast and enjoy the clean, well-maintained pools right away. We received our two requested quiet, adjacent rooms with sea views by 11:00 AM. They were spacious, spotless, and came equipped with great air conditioning, large bathrooms, balcony ocean views, and daily refreshed mini-bars. Because it wasn't peak season, the hotel was never overcrowded, and we never had to wake up early to reserve a sunbed. The food was the absolute highlight of the trip—especially the main buffet, which was so exceptional we actually looked forward to every meal. The variety, labeling, and incredible Indian dishes surpassed any restaurant standards. The drinks selection at the bars was great, including local Lion beer on draught, and while the Italian restaurant was fine, the buffet couldn't be beaten. Every single staff member—from reception and the buffet to the bars and entertainment team—was remarkably polite, friendly, and brilliant at their job. We loved the evening entertainment, including the ABBA, Fusion, and Bollywood shows. The resort maintained faultless cleanliness throughout, It was an flawless stay, and I cannot fault a single aspect of this hotel.