Mahaweli Reach

Introduction

Mahaweli Reach, one of Kandy's premier traditional hotels, was the original ancestral home of the Panabokke family and has evolved over the years from a four-roomed guesthouse to the present 116-roomed luxury hotel. The family still manages and lives in the hotel itself, providing a personal touch and maintaining the Kandyan heritage. Mahaweli Reach is now a joint venture with the Universal Group, who own many beach resorts in the Maldives. The hotel continues to maintain an intriguing mix of aristocratic Kandyan style giving it a unique atmosphere – refined yet not too stuffy. Go on a boat ride along the Mahaweli river, indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa, learn to cook a traditional Sri Lankan meal or learn to drape the Kandyan sari. Mahaweli Reach is well prepared to host weddings and is also an ideal holiday getaway for families with children.

Accommodation

Mahaweli Reach has 112 Deluxe Rooms, two luxury suites, the Presidential Suite and the Executive Suite, all of which have river or garden views. All rooms have A/C and overhead fans, IDD, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, mini bar, electronic safe and 24 hour room service. Ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers.

Deluxe Rooms: These 112 spacious double rooms with private balconies have garden and pool views. In-room facilities include all of the above.

Junior Suites: These two luxurious suites overlook the Mahaweli River and consist of living area opening out to a balcony overlooking the river, work area with an executive desk, and double bedroom. The ensuite bathroom is well laid out with black marble and have h/w rain head shower, Jacuzzi and twin vanities. Other in-room facilities include home theatre system, LCD Screen, satellite TV, IDD, fax, minibar, and electronic safe. Red Dot recommends these Junior Suites overlooking the Mahaweli River.

Executive Suite: This suite overlooks the river on one side and the garden and swimming pool on the other. This spacious suite has sitting and private dining area, bedroom and guest toilet in case you wish to do any entertaining within your suite. Other facilities include satellite TV, IDD telephone, mini bar, room safe.

Presidential Suite: The Presidential Suite is a large self-contained apartment consisting of 2 double bedrooms, large sitting and dining area, kitchenette, and guest toilet. The ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom is fitted with a Jacuzzi.

Facilities

The garden is dominated by a huge outdoor pool, which licks alongside the terraced restaurant and large lounge and bar. A mix of Sri Lankan and western meals are served, usually buffet style, at the restaurant or by the pool side. Other facilities include: a fully equipped gym; floodlit tennis courts; squash; billiards; a well-equipped business centre with individual work stations and Wi-Fi; an Ayurvedic centre providing relaxing therapies; hairdresser; gift boutique; florist; conference and banquet facilities, and regular in-house entertainment.

Why We Like It

A huge pool and a very relaxed vibe in this long-standing Kandy favourite.

Location

Mahaweli Reach is a large `five-star’ hotel perched on the banks of the Mahaweli River in Kandy, 15 minutes from Kandy town. The journey to Kandy from Colombo’s international airport will take about 3.5 hours.