Buckingham Place

As one approaches Buckingham Place, the roads get progressively more narrow and rural, but as you enter the property through the gate, you realize that you have arrived at Shangrila! (Or is it Hotel California?) This was reinforced on check-in, where we were greeted by name. There was an excellent pianist playing in the middle of the afternoon, while Mr. Nick, his dogs and guests looked on. This property is the embodiment of Nick's vision - a bright colour palette, tasteful design, hospitality and service that is second to none. Our impressions were reinforced as we met several other couples who were repeat visitors and whose stays were as long as a month. Nick is a hotelier extraordinaire, overseeing all the details and holding court with his guests in the bar before and after dinner.

The meals were delicious. Breakfast was ample with lots of choice (do try the curried bacon!). Lunch and dinner menus changed daily, with lots of seafood options. If you are so inclined, there's a seafood platter that can be pre-ordered. We ordered it on our last night, and it was a meal that we'll always remember!

L’emplacement très isolé est super pour avoir un aspect plus calme du sud et des plages. La vue depuis la piscine et la piscine en soit est exceptionnelle, c’est un cadre absolument fabuleux. Pleins de petites attentions de la part du propriétaire de l’hôtel ainsi que du personnel également .

Everything. Food, quietness, lovely helpful staff, rooms, cleanliness etc

Buckingham Place is, without comparison, one of the most wonderful places we have ever stayed. The surroundings are truly magical – peaceful, beautiful, and filled with a special positive energy that you feel from the very first moment.

The owner, Nick, is incredibly present and attentive, which sets the tone for the entire place. You genuinely feel welcomed and cared for. The atmosphere is homely, personal, and warm – more like being a guest in a beautiful home than staying at a hotel.

The food is in a class of its own – without a doubt some of the best we had in Sri Lanka. Every single meal was a delight. The service from the staff is far beyond exceptional; they notice everything, and before you even have to ask, they are there – discreet, smiling, and always ready to help.

Everything is simply perfect. Our six days here were absolutely fantastic, and Buckingham Place has set the bar extremely high for future stays.

A place you don’t just stay at – you experience. We will most certainly return.

We have stayed in many hotels throughout the world and have to say this place made you feel more welcome and comfortable than anywhere we have stayed before. The staff and owner Nick take great pride in making this a truly memorable experience.
Add to the outstanding service the superb food, and if there is something you wanted that wasn't on the menu, no problem, the chef will accommodate you.
And then there is the beach. Miles of empty golden sand with a raging sea. Unspoilt by row upon row of sunbeds, music blaring etc. This is a place to unwind, relax and let the world go by.
Buckingham Place is a must, many of the guys we met were returning year on year. I suspect we will become regulars as well.

Excellent stay! Very good hotel with a friendly, professional owner and amazing staff. The pool and beach view were absolutely breathtaking. The food was super good, and the surrounding nature made the experience even more special. Highly recommended!

Loved our stay here! It’s a beautiful hotel with the most amazing staff that make you feel like part of the family. Would highly recommend if you are in this part of Sri Lanka.

Comfortable room with a view of the lagoon. Excellent food and service. Large swimming pool overlooking the sea. Special thanks to Kalpa in assisting with a hospital visit. The owner Nick is on site to give everyone a personal welcome.

Everything. View. The colours lift one’s spirit.

To me- hotels are all kinds of things, but a really good hotel doesn’t just make the everyday effortless, it elevates it. This hotel does that by the bucketload. I have to be honest, I had my doubts, first the name- Buckingham place, a pun like that brings to mind all manner of concerns, least of all- were we about to enter into some kind of themed hotel with a letter box in the foyer and a taxi parked outside?. I needn’t have been so suspicious, the owners surname is Buckingham. Simple. Although we were away for Christmas, we wanted to stay somewhere that would still make it feel like an occasion and it was becoming more and more apparent that the kids definitely felt that way. Buckingham place was perfect. The service, the friendly staff for whom nothing was too much, the owner who clearly, genuinely adores the place and loves to host, which he does incredibly well, the 2 dogs who’s presence makes it feel familiar and comfortable. Being the cynical type, I’ll admit I may have rolled my eyes at the Christmas feast, but…in for a penny…plus the owners charm had softened me. I’m so glad we did, from the breakfast in our rooms, to the bag of gifts from the hotel, to the mince pies and sherry round the pool (could have been naff, but somehow it wasn’t) to the very festive table settings and the company of a really lovely and interesting bunch of guests, it really was the perfect way to spend a Christmas Day away. Despite myself, I even enjoyed the Christmas pudding, I HATE Christmas pudding!

Aside from this, the setting is incredible, it rests between wild, empty beaches, you can hear the roar of the ocean (and see it) from the infinity pool. Behind the spotless and well appointed rooms with their outdoor bathrooms- beyond sloping landscaped gardens is a still lagoon, just the sound of birdsong. Honestly, to create such a carefully curated spot in the middle of the wild is a pretty mean feat.

Staff and accomodations

The views of the sea and lagoon and the very welcoming staff and owner

The staff were super kind and the place is amazing.

Virkelig et flot sted, der massere af aber og påfugle på hotelgrunden.
Vild udsigt fra poolen og restauranten.

Medarbejderene var virkelige serviceminded og flinke, ejeren Nick gjorde også sit, for at få os til at føles os godt tilpas.

Vi fik også den bedste morgenmad på hele vores Sri Lanka tur.

Lovely property but very expensive compared to others we stayed in. Also the amount we were billed was different from what Booking.com said though it was reflected in an email we hadn’t checked.

Simply outstanding.
Nick and his team have got looking after clients down to perfection.
Rooms are super spacious and comfortable.
The pool is out of this world.
The staff are amazing.

We absolutely loved this hotel for its tranquility and calm. It’s the perfect hotel to switch off and enjoy slow living. Nothing is too much trouble and the staff go above and beyond. Every single detail has been thought of by the owner & staff, including coffee & tea in your room before breakfast, escorting you directly to see turtles on the beach and even waving you off when you leave. The food and drinks are spectacular. We already are planning to come back to this hotel. We only stayed for 2 nights, and wish we could have spent more time here.