The Flame Tree Estate & Hotel

This property is a delight, a stunning retreat. We stayed for 2 nights in September and thoroughly enjoyed our short stay whilst sightseeing in Kandy. Our driver weren’t too sure where it was had to use his satnav which took the scenic route up the precarious long winding lanes high up in the mountains. I’d wondered if I had done the right thing booking this accommodation but upon our arrival we were blown away. The main house and grounds were absolutely breathtaking. The staff were friendly, the food homemade and the hearty breakfast were very tasty. We were there in low season hence just us and another couple were there. Our room was spacious and the bathroom equally as large, the complimentary toiletries smelt heavenly. Although we did think the room needed coffee/tea making facilities and a telephone for emergencies. We met the owner, David, who coincidentally use to work in our neck of the woods back home in the UK. David has renovated his home to a very high standard, I commend him. His five miniature dogs are also a delight. We have no qualms in recommending The Flame Estate, a hidden gem. Would love to return.

What can I say that hasn’t already been said. The house and grounds are stunning ,the staff ,food and beautiful family of miniature schnauzers are an absolute delight. Our 3 days just wasn’t long enough so we will be back😀 Special thanks to Malike our guide and driver who we spent 2 very enjoyable days with & who also recommended a driver in Galle to take us back to the airport. David well done on making The Flame Tree should a special place to stay.

WOW Where do I start…. This place is special and I will try to keep the summary super clear. 1) This former plantation house is hidden from the road and set in 25 acres. When we drove up the lane I did think OMG what have I done as it’s very off beat…. But then we were blown away. 2) Angelo and the team are just world class as nothing is too much. We had an issue with an air conditioning unit and they resolved it immediately 3) The owner is English and David’s attention to detail is incredible . We didn’t meet him which was a shame as he wasn’t in the country. 4)The main house is incredible and the former home of the mayor of Kandy. 5) The food was incredible with a tasting menu each night. 6) Breakfast was a joy to start the day and lunch superb. 7) The chef is excellent 8) Rooms are super clean and all differently decorated which is a nice touch. 9) Affinity pool is superb 10) Now the estate walk. Incredible for the 30min or the 1.30hr BUT watch out for the leechs as we both got bitten. Didn’t realise until we took our shoes off and blood everywhere but it’s a top walk. 10) The resort taxi team especially Malsham is a must if you are doing a tour. Super lad and a good driver . 11) Watch the slippy marble in the rain as I went flying 12) wildlife is unreal! Mongoose , eagles, monkeys and of course leeches and snakes! This resort is a 9.8 on *********** and for me to make it a 10 I would add tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms and have feather pillows. That’s it! World class !!!! Honestly one of the best places I have ever been to and would love to return.

This is one of the nicest boutique hotels i have ever stayed in. The surroundings are serene and idyllic, the food amazing and the staff exceptional! I will definitely return one day- it was stunning. The rooms are luxurious, the view is beautiful, the ambience is about relaxing and serenity.

If Sri Lanka is the pearl of the Indian Ocean, this place is the diamond of Sri Lanka!!! Location, vibe, setting, service, ambience - all is absolutely amazing! This is not probably the place for you if you are looking for a big, grand hotel - 5* international chains. This place is so much more than just a hotel - full of character, style and just little details which make its guest feel special and more like at a private villa than at a hotel. Firstly - location is just amazing. Set amidst a private estate bordering the jungle, the hotel is both close enough to Kandy but far enough to be in a peaceful, serene setting filled only by the bird songs and the wind. Grounds are vibrant and full of colour - manicured without looking manicured. Rooms are large, comfortable and full of character. Huge bathrooms with outdoors showers, bedrooms overlooking the greenest green you can ever see. Service - perhaps the one thing that really sets this place apart. The team is so welcoming, friendly. Service is so personal and yet inobtrusive. Hareth was so kind that he took us on a night trekking around the grounds looking for the elusive (but common) porcupine. He showed us giant squirrels and brought us tea from local herbs (picked only early mornings). In fact, we ended up spending all our time in the area not leaving the property with the exception of a quick dash to the Royal Palace and temple in the city. The Flame Tree Hotel is one of this rare places that a seasoned traveler stumbles upon sometimes and feels so happy because they know they have found a place where they would want to come back to again and again and is simply becoming a destination of its own. Will certainly go back!