The Paradise Resort and Spa ( formerly Green Paradise), Dambulla, was my personal favourite of all the larger luxury hotels we tried during our 2016 Sri Lanka tour, it was also my favourite location, sitting in the green heart of Sri Lanka, equidistant between Dambulla cave temples and Sigiriya.
The hotel itself was beautiful, a glorious design that showcased the natural surroundings to great effect. Spacious rooms featuring natural wood paneling were spacious and restful, with outdoor areas to sit in the peace of nature.
The food was good, the hotel facilities were above average and it made an interesting change to actually stay in this part of Sri Lanka rather than visiting the cultural triangle on day trips. It was lovely to be able to relax in our chalet or by the pool after the Sigiriya or Dambulla climb, rather than have to face hours on the road.
Located 14km outside the town of Dambulla and its magnificent cave temples, The Paradise Resort and Spa is also a short 15 minute ride away from Sigiriya Rock Fortress ( post to come on visiting this highlight), one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and visited attractions.
Set not far from the beautiful Kandalama Lake, The Paradise lies secluded from the usual hustle and bustle of modern Sri Lanka in a serene jungle setting.
With Sygiria being so close this is the perfect base from which to explore and climb the famous rock fortress.
In fact, after a leisurely breakfast you can still be back by mid afternoon to enjoy cooling off in the huge pool and make use of the pool bar and spa.
Dambulla is almost in the middle of Sri Lanka and as such you can catch a bus or hire a vehicle to just about anywhere in the country from here.
The Paradise Resort is not far from Minneriya National Park where wild elephants still roam. You can organise a safari tour to spot wildlife or simple drive through the area, we saw elephants each time we passed through the area.
The food and beverage experience at the resort is based around the breakfast and dinner buffets.
Both featured live cooking stations with an assortment of dishes being prepared by the chefs. Omelettes, eggs and real ( not chicken!) bacon were on offer in the morning and, on our stay, a pasta station was open at dinner.
Both buffets showcase a mix of western and Sri Lankan food. Chef and I always head to local food choices and here they didn’t disappoint. Both breakfast and lunch were varied, fresh and full of flavour. Local fruits took centre stage which was great to see, but for the less health-conscious, deserts were superb.
We didn’t get a chance to sample the lunch menu as we were out exploring.
Another on-site dining option is the wood fired pizza restaurant. Unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to try their Italian-style pizzas.
After dinner the bar became the place to be. Set high up in the stunning reception and dining building, it featured a full size pool table and plenty of seating to while away the evening.
Our room was a Garden Suite, a beautiful, spacious two-story chalet, the top-end accommodation point at The Paradise.
Downstairs we had a huge double bed, wardrobes, mini bar, safe, seating and of course tea and coffee making facilities were downstairs. The bathroom was big and full of natural light. The shower was a lovely mix of rain shower and normal shower with matching his and hers sinks to complete the room.
Upstairs was a mezzanine level with another tv and seating.
An extra child bed could easily be fitted either upstairs or down.
All the lights and tv/radio could be controlled from the bed if you so wished. Both A/C and fan kept things at a comfortable temperature right through the day and the night.
Wifi was good.
The outdoor seating, relaxing and dining areas of the Garden Suites were vast, a wide verandah provided easy chairs, to the rear we even had a jacuzzi, which unfortunately we didn’t get to try.
Other room styles are also available, check the Paradise website ( link below) for special offers.
The Resort features a spa, gym and a huge pool in a beautiful natural setting.
Everyone visiting Sri Lanka should leave the beaches and see some of the interior. Kandy is an absolute must, and even if you only manage one of the big cultural attractions, it’s worth staying up north to experience something completely different. The location of Paradise sets it apart from the other hotels in Sri Lanka. Close enough to all the attractions of the Cultural Triangle but private enough to enjoy even the most intimate relaxing holiday.
The design and beautiful accommodation, along with the resident wildlife, make this place very special.
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Visit The Paradise Resort and Spa website or find them on Facebook. They currently have no other social media accounts.
You can also view their Trip Advisor profile here and their Agoda listing here to book direct.
Address: Kubukkadanwala, Dambulla 21100, Sri Lanka
We were delighted to be guests of Paradise Resort and Spa during our stay. All views are 100% honest and our own, as always.
