Set against the lush backdrop of Sri Lanka’s emerald green countryside, Malabar Hill offers a peaceful escape with its blend of modern luxury and natural beauty.
This boutique hotel, sat atop a hill, provides a quiet haven for travellers looking to unwind and soak in the serene landscapes.
With its thoughtful design, the hotel merges local architecture with contemporary comforts, ensuring a stay that’s both relaxed and refined.
We spent three wonderful nights at Malabar Hill and it was our final hotel on our Sri Lankan adventure.
Whether you’re staying to explore the nearby attractions or simply to take a break from the everyday, Malabar Hill Hotel is your laid-back luxury retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Here I share my honest review of Malabar Hill and whether I recommend staying.
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Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
Location and architecture
Perched on a hillside, the views here are something else. You’ve got rice paddies rolling out in the distance and verdant forests that catch the light just right at sunset.
The architecture is a cool mix of local style and modern design. If you love a beautiful aesthetic that’s very Instagrammable then I know you will love the design here.
The result is a hotel that feels both impossibly chic and remarkably down-to-earth.
Every corner of the hotel has been designed beautifully, with a rustic charm that feels just right for the hotel’s location.
Rooms at Malabar Hill
There are just 15 rooms at Malabar Hill and each is exactly the same – so you know you’re all getting the same experience.
The rooms come with their own infinity plunge pools, which are a game-changer for those lazy afternoons when you just want to chill in the water and take in the views.
In fact, we loved our own little pool so much that we didn’t even use the main pool at the hotel.
Inside, the rooms are spacious, filled with natural light, and decked out with everything you need for a comfy stay.
With doors that open fully, I adored the indoor-outdoor living vibe. It really felt like you were part of the forest and the surrounding nature – but in your own little haven of luxury and comfort of course!
The balcony was the perfect spot for a morning cup of tea or a late-night stargaze.
Dining
The culinary experience at Malabar Hill Hotel was, for the most part, excellent.
The restaurant’s dedication to a farm-to-table philosophy ensured every dish was a fresh, flavourful journey through Sri Lankan and international cuisine.
Our only issue was that they didn’t have a number of items on the menu, as well as a number of wines.
This isn’t usually an issue, but when the wine menu is already very limited, it does become quite frustrating. I’d also rather be told before ordering what’s not available.
One morning we decided to treat ourselves to a floating breakfast in our villa.
I would absolutely recommend doing this as it was such a fun experience.
Eating breakfast in the pool with such breathtaking views was a very special moment.
Wellness and activities
The main infinity pool is another great place to hang out, with cabanas that invite you to lounge all day.
If pampering is your thing, the spa’s got you covered with treatments that’ll have you feeling zen in no time.
For the adventurers, there’s plenty to do around, from exploring the area by bike or visiting nearby areas like Galle or Weligama.
There’s also a cosy library for when you want some downtime with a good book, surrounded by quiet and maybe a wandering peacock or two.
Speaking of, the wildlife around here adds a cool dimension to your stay.
From a seriously impressive range of bird species to monkeys swinging in the trees, and reptiles hanging around.
Sri Lanka’s stunning coastline is also within easy reach, offering pristine beaches that are perfect for relaxation or taking to the sea with some surfing lessons.
Although we only spent a few nights here, you could easily spend a lot longer and still find plenty of things to do in the area.
Service and sustainability
The eco-friendly approach here is genuine, from conserving water to supporting the local community. It feels good to stay at a place that cares.
And the service? Top-notch. Friendly faces everywhere, ready to make your stay memorable without getting in your face.
Final words
Malabar Hill Hotel is the spot if you’re after a laid-back luxury escape in Sri Lanka.
It’s got all the perks of a high-end hotel with a vibe that’s relaxed and welcoming.
From the moment you arrive to the last goodbye, it feels like a slice of paradise that’s hard to leave behind.
For more Sri Lanka travel inspiration, you may also like:
- 10 best things to do in Galle
- Guide to visiting Yala National Park
- 15 amazing things to do in Colombo
- 10 fun things to do in Nuwara Eliya
- 12 beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka
- 10 luxury hotels in Sri Lanka
- Ultimate 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary
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