Amaya Hills Kandy

This hotel is located in a beautiful countryside setting with lush plantings all around, though the real star of the show are the gorgeous mountain views all around. The traditional low-slung architecture has charming local details built into lintels and banisters, helping set the stage for a stay at this stylish property. The look throughout blends classic and modern styles in handsome ways. The lobby is wide open, with the reception desk in the center and many wooden columns throughout, along with ancient Kandyan decorative motifs. Carved wooden seating with cushions provides places for guests to sit and hang out, and much of the activity at this property revolves around relaxing. Since it's in the hills and away from the city action, the hotel has a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. It's primarily geared toward couples, though families and small groups of friends also pass through the hotel as well.

This hotel is situated on a wooded hilltop overlooking the Hanthana Mountains, about a 20-minute drive from the city center of Kandy. It's also about a 20-minute drive to Dalada Maligawa -- or Temple of the Tooth -- where Sri Lanka's famed annual 10-day festival, Esala Perahera, is held each summer. The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, and the Kandyan Art Associatio -- a good place for buying art and crafts -- is about a 30-minute drive. The closest airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, is about a two-hour drive west of the hotel back near Colombo.

Rooms and suites are undeniably handsome at this hotel, done in a blend of modern classic looks that employ Sri Lankan and contemporary design details. Color schemes feature brick red, deep yellow, and black. Dark hardwood furniture adds a classy element, and carved wooden accents are used throughout. This all looks particularly sharp when highlighted by accents like etchings of Buddhist myths or birds. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, air-conditioning, safes, minibars, free bottled water, and electric kettles. Bathrooms are also modern, with granite countertops, above-counter sinks, contemporary fixtures, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, toiletries, and tiled tub/shower combos. Robes and slippers also are provided. Junior Suites provide a separate living area with a sofa bed, and suites offer separate living areas plus a second bed in the upstairs loft. Suites also have two bathrooms, one with just a walk-in shower and the other with a shower/tub combo. Balconies are furnished with wicker chairs, and views are of the garden, pool, or beautiful countryside. 

There are a number of features at this property that give it a resort-like vibe without all of the pretense, though some are nicer than others. Dining takes place in Raswasala Restaurant, which serves local and international fare for all meals, both buffet and a la carte. Dinner each night follows a different theme, such as Chinese, Sri Lankan, Italian, and other international options, though food only gets mixed reviews. Guests can dine inside in the elegant dining room or out on the terrace with views of the hills. The Dumbara Bar in the lobby offers cocktails and light fare such as pizza and burgers, and the Tea Lounge serves tea and specialty coffees along with cookies. Room service is available during restaurant hours. The long rectangular outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, but it's also a beautiful spot for relaxing poolside and taking in the views of the surrounding mountains. Lounge chairs and umbrellas surround it on the narrow pool deck, and there are large potted plants, some with colorful flowers. There's also a shallow end for kids and ping-pong is available under the adjacent shelter. The fitness center is open around-the-clock and is well-equipped with modern cardio and weight-training machines, plus free weights. Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors allow in lots of natural light. There's also a squash court, and personal trainers are available. Excursions can be arranged for hiking, trekking, cycling, and fishing. The spa has seven treatment rooms and offers massage as well as face and body treatments. Packages are available. Le Garage Night Club is a funky space with pieces of vintage cars, buses, and motorcycles as decor. It provides live entertainment and dancing on weekend nights. Guests also can get their palm read by the on-site palm reader. The hotel's function rooms are flexible and designed to accommodate a variety of social and business gatherings. Outdoor spaces also are available, and planners will assist with all the details. Wi-Fi is free at the hotel, as is parking.