Covid has made travelling almost
impossible for myself, I guess it is the same with most of you. I have been
trying to get away somewhere mountains being out of reach due to high constraints,
decided to look for hotels that I can settle into. As the interprovincial
restrictions are in place, only option I had was to visit a hotel in the central
province. With the help of my friend Gayathra I got an offer to visit
Mountbatten hotel.
Let me give an introduction about
the hotel first.
The Bungalow:
Mountbatten Bungalow is a part of
the theme resorts chain. It is situated in Hanthana. It was once t he residence of Lord Mountbatten
whom even I was not aware of till I visited the place. It is a colonial
bungalow still having the colonial majesty. The hotel is now modernized and
equipped with all the modern facilities including a small swimming pool which a
like an infinity pool facing Hanthana. There are bungalow rooms, including the
suits and the newly constructed garden chalets. There is a big garden with
flowers, trees, grass that is soothing for the eyes and a wonderful place to
relax for families and ample rooms for the kids to play. From Kandy you must
take the Heeressagala road and pass the Amaya Hill hotel to reach the bungalow.
Anyone climbing Hanthana will not the place on the way.
Lord Mountbatten:
Lord Mountbatten was the last viceroy
of India. In this role, he was the chosen representative of King George VI,
empowered to govern on his behalf in the then British colony. The then British
Premier Winston Churchill appointed Naval Officer Louis Mountbatten as the
Commander of the SEAC Headquarters at the newly created headquarters on October
27, 1941. Mountbatten was born in Vienna Austria, which was then known as
Battenberg. He was a grandson of Queen Victoria and a second cousin of King
George V. Mountbatten commanded the war to victory from the Dumbara soil of our
country. If an atomic bomb was dropped like in Hiroshima or Nagasaki today this
story would be different. The devastation caused in these places could be seen
even today with the charred dead bodies now seen in their museums.
My Stay:
I chose a garden chalet and made
a half board booking. When I reached the hotel there was one family who have occupied
the Bungalow room, but they were about to leave. I had to wait till my room was
ready. On the day it was only me (except
for the hotel staff) and I had the hotel for myself.
The chalet was beautifully built entirely of wood. It is spacious for two, but I do not think would best fits a family. It had a queen size very comfortable bed. Bathroom with a bathtub. All glassware were there in the room, so I do not have to ask for anything. The room was sanitized, and all linen were fresh. Hot water and television were there with Dialog connection. The room was air-conditioned. It also had a balcony but outside was not that pretty as it was opposite to Hanthana mountain view and there were people gardening and working down. But it was a good place to lay down and have a drink reading a book.
The pool was small, but I liked
it. When you go to the deep end you are facing the Hanthana mountains. There
were pool chairs but with a many people I think it would be bit crowded. Next
to the pool was the spa (Which was not in operation) and a small deck where
people can have a nice drink. I guess the garden was not in full bloom as landscaping
was ongoing and there were not many flowers to be seen.
The reception was inside the bungalow. It was mainly white and outside the gutters were fitted with hanging flowerpots. The sitting area had cozy sofas and a good fireplace. I was able to peep into the rooms inside and they were furnished with poster beds with colonial style set up. But the bathrooms were equipped with modern fittings. The walls were decorated with portraits, maps, paintings. The dining area was simple but elegant. There were candle posts and stylish lightings giving it the grandeur of a colonial mansion. I loved the corridor like walkway that extended from the sitting room to the back of the bungalow which was carpeted.
Food:
As I mentioned, I went on half
board basis. It was a 3 course set menu. I had a choice of 3 for the mains.
Food was well presented and tasty. For the breakfast I had the choice of a Sri
Lankan and an English one. As I was the only guest, I had to stick to the menu
that was given. I can’t make many comments due to the prevailing set up, but I
had nothing to complaint.
Staff:
Mostly a young crowd. I was
greeted well. Again, as I was the only guest, I had the full attention when it
came to dining and reception. I was given to freedom to do what I want, and
even to check out at my own convenience. There were few working in the garden
and making repairs to the rooms. The main staff was dressed in a sarong and a
kamis in the colonial butler type of outfit.
My experience:
I can’t give a detailed review as I was the only guest, and I went in during the Covid times. But in general, it is a good place for a family to go and relax away from the city. Even couples would enjoy it but in terms of privacy there will not be much of a freedom. Would be ideal for garden parties or to organize a picnic. Definitely a place to visit if you like the colonial style of living. Make sure you enjoy the evening breeze sipping a glass of wine or drinking a cup of tea/coffee.
I spent some time reading by the pool and also immersed in the bathtub sipping wine. The room was so comfortable that I did not want to go out much. I was either tucked in the bed or in the balcony reading. Luckily there was no one around so I could be as free as possible inside the room and the balcony. I loved the view in the evening from the pool where the mountains were beginning to be covered with the mist. The air was so refreshing and the breeze easily takes one's weariness away.
I would come back for sure with my family to enjoy the place live with its grace and majesty once it is in full operation.
