Waraka - Udawalawe by Thema Collection

The property was absolutely immaculate. The pool and facilities were beautiful. Highlight was definitely the private safari, our naturalist was incredibly knowledgeable and the park was uncrowded when we went in June.

I had a wonderful time at Waraka. I spent two nights, and arrived about 1.5 hours later than planned (a little after 9pm) due to my driver getting switched at the last minute (I did not organize my car from Colombo through Waraka, so that’s on me). The staff stayed up for me, and were in contact about my arrival (sorry, again!). They offered me dinner but I was still getting over jet lag so went right to bed.

They packed breakfast for me the next morning for my safari, and had it ready for me. My lunch back at the hotel was great, as was dinner. During lunch, across the river, I saw a heard of buffalo which just made it fun. I had breakfast my second morning when I returned from my safari, and it was delicious and huge with a nice plate of fresh fruit. Again, they were very accommodating to serve me a little outside of their regular breakfast hours.

As far as I could tell, I was the only guest, but the staff were all friendly, kind, and flexible. My room was very spacious, the bed comfortable, and a great view. The entire property is very serene and peaceful. I did not end up getting in the pool, though I had every intention, but a short rain sent me back to my room.

I would absolutely stay here again, and highly recommend it to those of you looking. My only note is that the prices they shared for safari were more than double what I found with other companies, so I did some research and booked outside of the hotel. I felt badly about this, but I really couldn’t justify it and having had some less than desirable safari experiences, I wanted to make sure I was with a company that met my needs. But again, would absolutely stay here again!

I had an amazing experience at Waraka! The staff went above and beyond to be helpful and welcoming, making me feel right at home. They organized an incredible safari for me– ask for guide Dinuka, he was superb. The rooms were spotless, spacious, and beautifully decorated.

Fabulous hotel and incredibly friendly staff. Perfect room for our family of 4. The pool was great and we enjoyed our kayak trip along the river. So much wildlife to spot. Highlight was the safari trip with the hotel’s naturalist. He was super - very knowledgeable and friendly.

I loved its location and the whole ambiance of the hotel. Being able to lounge close to the river/canal added a differnt experience to other hotel stays. The organisation of the safari trips and the care the guides took was exceptional, we loved the trips we took with them. Food was good in the resturant and it was overall a fantastic place to spend a few days.

Their approach to recycling and relaxing in beautiful surroundings was commendable. It was a lovely place to spend a night.

Very unique and pretty hotel felt part of the national park. All the staff were amazing and the Naturalist Guide that took us on safari was very knowledgable and the picnic in the middle of the park was an unexpected pleasure.

An amazing location with fantastic service and wonderful rooms. Close to the Udawalawe National Park, it provides a perfect base to relax and unwind after adventurous days

Nice grounds, friendly staff

Beautiful place and

The setting is idyllic next to a canal/river with roadway on other side, saw passing water buffalo, tuk tuk and bikes. resident Asian Water Monitor made a star appearance one morning. Hotel organised the safari and trip to the elephant transition station. Both were excellent and informatively guided.

Ottimo, molto suggestiva

Eco friendly property focussing on sustainability, which given that you are visiting to see the wonderful local wildlife suddenly seems very important. Small, inventive design, tranquil and thoughtful. Lovely open restaurant facing pool and lagoon

Location, serenity, quirky, unique, wonderful staff

Un accueil parfait un moment de détente

Die Safari, die wir über das Resort gebucht hatten und die vom Naturalist des Hotels begleitet wurde, war super.
Das Essen war gut - wenig vegetarische Optionen, allgemein wenig Auswahl und keine Alternativen in näherer Umgebung.