Holiday Rentals in Matale

When my driver edged up the narrow-inclined driveway of this very modern home, I didn’t know what to expect. But Pearle and her husband Ranjan greeted me with broad smiles and open arms. After they had retired, they built this sophisticated home on their family’s property. Since the terrain of Matale is mostly mountainous, their home is perched up high on a small hill, allowing a beautiful view of the city from their wide terrace. Communication was swift and efficient as their daughter fielded email questions from the UK. English was spoken perfectly by all members of the family, so no worries for any miscommunication. I had arrived in the late afternoon and Pearle offered me tea. Ranjan returned with some short eats and we sat around chatting. The conversation was easy and I felt like I was visiting good friends for the afternoon. My room was located just off their living room with an adjacent bathroom with contemporary fixtures – it felt like I was in a fancy hotel! The stylish room with extremely high ceilings was spacious and tastefully decorated with an enormous mosquito net tied with ribbons around the large four poster bed. There is a portable air conditioner/fan which was not really needed as the evenings are usually cool and temperate. Breakfast was a luxurious feast with red rice string hoppers, potato curry, dal, green gram and a delicious, spicy chicken curry. Watermelon, pineapple, and sweet juicy papaya from their garden rounded out the meal. After retirement, Pearle turned her interests to cooking and she is certainly an accomplished cook! My only regret was staying only one night and will certainly come back for a longer visit!

Dave’s place is a paradise—peaceful, incredibly beautiful, and thoughtfully designed. The house was spotless and tastefully furnished, with fresh flowers and other welcoming touches that made it feel cozy and warm. The tradition of afternoon tea was especially lovely—restorative and a thoughtful way to connect with guests while introducing them to local teas. The food was excellent. We had the chance to try many new dishes and discover a wide range of Sri Lankan ingredients and flavors. The tea experience was very well done. We picked tea alongside the local tea ladies working on the property’s seven-acre plantation, and afterward, Dave walked us through the entire tea-making process—from plucking to producing both green and black tea. His passion for tea, and more broadly for his community and the work he's doing there, really shines through. The surrounding environment is magical. We went on a five-hour hike through the area—one of the best hikes we've ever done. The people in the nearby village of Gammaduwa were also incredibly welcoming, friendly, and kind. The staff were professional, warm, and well-prepared. Dave himself is a fantastic host. He even helped us arrange a driver at a fair price, which we greatly appreciated. The vision behind this guesthouse is truly inspiring—it reflects Dave’s deep care for the local community and his desire to make a meaningful impact. I really encourage anyone staying here to take a moment to learn more about it. It deserves recognition and appreciation.

It was one of the most amazing stays we had. We were well taken care of and the food was out of this world. They make all the food in house and it’s super delicious. Edward, the manager speaks really good English and will accompany you on giving tips around what can be done in the area. The hotel is placed in a calm estate so you hear birds and insects and a lot of nature. Overall it was a superb stay and we wish we could stay there for a bit longer.

A really nice and idyllic place!

Book this place when you wish to see many things in and around Kandy! The owners went the extra mile to make me super happy. He is a safe driver who showed me many places per day in his comfortable car and she cooked fantastic meals for me with fresh herbs and spices out of their own ‘jungle’. They are a lovely and honest family, the best hosts during my world-travel :-) Also: the place is a gem in the mountains, beautiful decorated and with a clean pool. I felt really at home here.

This is a beautiful place set in a tranquil setting, perfect for a few days to unwind. The staff are very friendly and welcoming, the local food excellent. We highly recommend staying at Strathisla

Its just a dream! We just felt at home!

We loved the environment and the aesthetics of the vila. The staff were friendly and welcoming.

I traveled for work purposes. And I like the serene ambiance and the comfort I experienced there. Excellent property for a solo or family stay.