This is what the Sunday Leader Review has to say about the Regent Lodge of Kandy.
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“Regent Lodge” is built into the side of a jungle hillside overlooking the Mahaweli river. Set in a posh, but rural, residential area within 10 minutes drive from the action and attractions of the Kandy city centre. Its seclusion is a virtue; from the outside you don’t even know it’s there.
Entrance is through the Lodge gates into a large, high-roofed hall open to a view of tropical wilderness cascading down the valley side to the river. This is the Reception, and where guests can relax with a drink on the balcony. It is uncluttered – with a few old pieces such as an HMV wind-up gramophone – and with a stimulating, zestful atmosphere.
Look down the well at one of the halls and you see the dining area on the next level. A patio that is the setting for some remarkable meals. Staircases lead to the Lodge’s seven bedrooms. One off the patio, the other on a different third level down to the garden below. Lucky Senanayake designed this fantasy that not only functions as an intimate place to stay. But is also an adventure in architecture, proving that a guest house does not have to be dreary or conventional.
The rooms are of simple, white walls with blue cement floors and tiny bathrooms (which have hot water). In Room 19, on the ground floor, the rock face of its foundations form one wall. All the rooms have large windows with plenty of light, and shade from rattan blinds, and an entrance to the garden or a balcony. Beds are supremely comfortable with two mattresses, one of coir, one of foam… on wooden frames.”
Regarding the meals, the Sunday Leader Review remarks:
“The table d’hote lunch or dinner is not cheap. It consists of five courses created from fresh local ingredients and presented in a way that is instantly appreciated by gourmets. Not bland pap but artistically arranged dishes. So full of flavour that even someone hooked on rice and curry would be impressed by the taste.”