Mountbatten Bungalow - A Colonial holiday facing the hills of Hanthana

 

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.

Lord Mountbatten while in Sri Lanka, stayed in many places; in Kundasale, Polgolla and Peradeniya and other secured places, overseeing operations. The Chief Commanding Officer was General William Slim who was also the Commanding Officer of the Fourth Regiment.

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.

Visit to Santani - a luxury getaway

Santani, when someone even hears the name, creates feelings of desire. It is a dream place where most of us wants to go. But due to its pricing and the type of retreat, it is beyond the means of many. But an experience that everyone should indulge in. 

It is located in Arantenna estate in Warapitiya closer to Narammpanawa in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is about 32km from Kandy. They have labelled themselves as a "Luxury Wellness Resort". So if you are looking for a family vacation, Santani is not your place. 

It was former a tea plantation and they have built the retreat without destroying the natural landscape. The resort maintains highest sustainability and eco standards. All rooms are non Air conditioned but use of natural ventilation.  

There are two types of Chalets mountain and garden with twin or king sized beds. I booked a mountain Chalet with the help of Trips Lanka. I guess its better not call these rooms.  

There was a king size bed. Spacious. It was built according to the open concept. The bathroom was open to the room and it is open to the outside basically you will be pooping with a mountain view. The shower is also open (No doors). It had all amenities needed. The room opens to a verandah which is separated by a transparent wall so when you are awake, you will be looking at the mountains. All chalets are elevated and has a rectangular cubic structure. 

The restaurant is also on an elevated pavilion. The walls are transparent. When you dine you can see the surrounding very clearly. What is interesting was that your meals will be customized. When you check into the resort, the chef will have a chat with you and discuss the options and you can customise your meals accordingly. 

The pool was a 16m long infinity pool. When you take a dip, you can see the mountains, the tea estates and also the resort. The best part is that you can see the sunset while you are in the pool. There is a jacuzzi that is free to use. But for the spa facilities you need to pay separately.

There are no artificial plants introduced. At night is can be quite dark, but your pathways are well lit giving it a different ambience. 

When I went there the best thing I felt was that the resort itself was in harmony with the surrounding. There were no disturbances to the environment by the constructions and the architect has nice incorporated the natural landscape into the resort. 

This is ideal for solo travelers or couples who seek a kind of rejuvenation. NO extra beds can be accommodated into the rooms. If you are a yogi, looking for a wellness retreat, Santani is the best place for you. There are wellness packages that you can customize based on your needs and ideally in order to get a real experience, you should stay here for a minimum of 2 days. 

The resort will arrange any excursions needed. Hulu ganga flows below at a walking distance, so if you want to take a dip in the natural stream you can easily do that. 

The privacy within the chalet is protected but if you go to the balcony of one chalet, you can have see the balcony of the next. 

As a solo traveler, you can simply stay in the chalet reading a book, or just enjoying the surrounding or you can also take a dip in the pool or the hot water jacuzzi. 

I only stayed there for one night. The staff was extremely friendly.  The resort had only few guests as I went when Covid was beginning to spread in European countries. 

For me Santani was an experience. It may not be affordable to all. But if you can, I recommend you at at least go there once and detach yourself from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life and retreat into a surrounding that would destress you. 

Thank you for reading. I will catch up with another review soon. 

Cheers

Chitta