It’s best for exploring Anuradhapura’s ancient ruins, rural villages and lakes though is within easy reach of all Cultural Triangle sights.

It feels extremely tranquil, and the grounds – which harbour an organic garden, manicured gardens and reclaimed paddy fields – border two reservoirs dotted with lotus flowers and majestic kumbuk trees home to over 100 bird species. The setting is distinctly rural with traditional villages and local rice paddies all within walking or pedalling distance.

A century-old, pillared manor house – once the most important noble seat of the region – is at the heart of the hotel and infuses it with a sense of history. Beautifully renovated, the house is home to the lobby, restaurant and bar, and overlooks a pool and landscaped lawns peppered with mature trees presided over by troupes of grey langur monkeys.

The hotel is designed to indulge yet it also has a strong cultural and ecological focus – the 25 freestanding chalets are built from local materials, wildlife thrives within the grounds and the hotel’s eco credentials are boosted by an on-site solar farm and reverse osmosis water management system.

We loved the horse-riding here, the Nachchaduwa drive at sunset, and the village bike tour with the Ullagalla naturalist.

One of my favourite hotels in Sri Lanka!