Clingendael

Kandy

Kandy, located in the heart of the country, is very dear to the hearts of Sri Lankans and well worth a visit for those who want to discover the culture and the numerous traditions of this lovely island. Nestled in the midst of hills, at an altitude of 500 meters, this former capital of Sri Lanka is one of the symbols of the island’s resistance to repeated attacks by the Portuguese and Dutch, before falling into the hands of the British Empire in 1818. Thanks to its many fabulous sites, it was declared a UNESCO world heritage in 1988. Although there are a number of Buddhist temples and monasteries to visit, one stands out in particular: the famous and sumptuous Temple of Buddha’s Tooth, the Dalada Maligawa. This site of pilgrimages has contained a relic of Buddha’s tooth for several thousand years, and every day a variety of ceremonies are held in his honor, with a long line of spectators waiting to get in. Another symbolic site in Kandy is the botanic garden, the Peradeniya, created in the 19^th century and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Romantic visitors are bound to fall under the spell of its exotic trees including the Java fig, and the numerous tropical plants.

A haven of peace lost in the hills

A few dozen kilometers from the lovely city of Kandy, we discover the charming luxury hotel known as the Clingendael. Perched on a green hill, this intimate and elegant establishment is the ideal setting for anyone in search of a totally calm and relaxed vacation.

Reputed for the beauty of its landscapes which the hotel enables its guests to discover, the Clingendael has five rooms and suites, each with a refined décor, divine colonial charm and a number of contemporary touches assuring guests of sensational comfort. Guests feel privileged and perfectly at ease. Most of the rooms have a living room space with sofas, armchairs, a table, a desk and a lovely wooden staircase leading to a small mezzanine for enjoying a moment of calm after a game of croquet in the garden or a round of golf.

Outside, guests discover a true parcel of paradise thanks to the magnificent infinity swimming pool and the wooden terrace with its deck chairs and parasols. In the shade of the huge palm trees, they can enjoy a cocktail from the bar and the services of a butler dedicated to their well-being.

The hotel’s Chef proposes a wide variety of traditional Sri Lankan dishes in order to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Meals can be enjoyed in the garden, in the dining room around an immense communal table, or simply in the cool environs of the swimming pool on one of the verandas. Thanks to room service, guests can also have their meals in the privacy of their suite.