Living Heritage

Introduction

Living Heritage Koslanda is an exceptional property in a gorgeous setting on the fringes of Sri Lanka's southern highlands. Much of the estate is untouched wilderness that attracts numerous birds, monkeys, deer and even the occasional elephant. Misty mountain peaks of the southern highlands forms a beautiful backdrop. Living spaces are spread across a hillside with the accommodation at the top of the hill and dining and lounging areas below. The peaceful infinity swimming pool is a short stroll away. Living Heritage emphasises Kandyan architecture. Each of the three spacious suites is designed with verandahs and courtyards. The living and dining areas are housed in open sided pavilions with clay tiled roofs. There is even an Atuwa (wooden granary) that was traditionally used for storing paddy. The estate even has its own waterfall. Living Heritage welcomes children above six years of age.

Accommodation

Living Heritage emphasises Kandyan architecture. Each of the six spacious suites is designed with verandas and courtyards, and the living and dining areas are housed in open-sided pavilions with clay-tiled roofs. There is even an atuwa (wooden granary) that was traditionally used for storing paddy. Living Heritage welcomes children above six years of age. Accommodation is in six luxurious suites – Luxury Villa Suites, Pepper Garden Cottage and Forest Pavilions.

Luxury Villa Suites: Inspired by traditional Sri Lankan architecture and design, the three suites are housed next to each other in a long pavilion with a veranda that skirts around. Offering spectacular vistas of the jungles and mountains beyond, the suites are spacious and feature antiques, emperor-sized beds and ensuite bathroom. Enter through the main doorway of a suite and step into a central courtyard and lounging space furnished with a day bed, couch, writing desk, TV, mini-fridge and tea/coffee facilities. The bedroom opens out to a small rear garden with a Jacuzzi, and there is also an ensuite bathroom with h/w shower leading to the back garden. These three suites have interconnecting doorways if required. Extra bedding is provided at an additional charge.

Pepper Garden Cottage: Set in a private garden away from the main villa, the Pepper Garden Cottages makes a beautiful couple’s hideaway. The cottages features a sitting room overlooking the garden, a king-sized bed, ensuite bathroom with shower and an ambalama (pavilion). In-room facilities include mini-fridge, TV, DVD player and tea/coffee facilities.

Forest Pavilions: Occupying traditional ambalama pavilions on raised platforms, these rooms offer a unique indoor/outdoor living experience. Featuring thick canvas curtains with bamboo blinds for privacy, these rooms are each furnished with king-sized bed with mosquito netting, ensuite outdoor bathroom with shower and a private terrace with forest views. Facilities include mini-fridge and tea/coffee facilities.

Facilities

Traditional Sri Lankan and western cuisine is served in the open sided dining. Meals are prepared with fresh market produce. For those wanting to learn Sri Lankan cuisine, the chef will be happy to share his traditional recipes. BYO alcohol. The swimming pool is a short walk uphill from the dining pavilion. Hours can be spent by the poolside taking in the spectacular views or even doing yoga or meditation in the pool pavilion. A relaxing Ayurvedic massage can be arranged with prior notice. Wifi is available at the main office. Extensive gardens are scattered with teak, mahogany, pepper and fruit trees with a major portion of the estate left as untouched wilderness. Living Heritage places much emphasis on preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and an area known by the locals as Deviyange Kelle (God’s forest).This forest is traditionally said to extend from the sacred Adam’s Peak to the jungle shrine of Kataragama in the Deep South. Guests are invited to participate in the reforestation programmes by planting a tree during their stay.

Why We Like It

Not too many hotels can claim to have their own private waterfall in an escapist setting!

Location

Living Heritage Koslanda is set on a tranquil 80-acre estate on the fringes of the southern highlands. A perfect stopping point between the southern highlands and the south coast beaches; Arugam Bay in the South East Coast; and Yala in the Deep South.