Authentic, friendly and upscale: a nugget in the heart of the Sri Lankan jungle

We had a wonderful stay at Living Heritage. This eco-lodge / boutique 9 room hotel is a haven of peace in the heart of jungle and tea plantations. Everything was perfect: the enchanting setting, the infinity pool with the magnificent view, the super massage at the spa, the authentic and comfortable room, the local and delicious cuisine … and the attentive and warm Welcoming of Johnson – in charge of the hotel always listening – and his team. For a stay that is both quiet, friendly and really upscale, we recommend Living Heritage without reserve! Thanks to the whole team

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Nature

Living Heritage Koslanda is one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever stayed. You’re literally surrounded by nature—lush trees, birds singing, and even monkeys in the distance. It feels like a hidden paradise.

The staff were so kind and welcoming. They really went out of their way to make us feel at home, always smiling and happy to help.

The rooms were super cozy and beautifully done, with a nice blend of traditional style and comfort. Waking up to the sounds of the forest was such a special feeling.

If you’re looking to disconnect from the noise and just enjoy nature and good vibes, this place is perfect. Already missing it!

Just book it

I can’t speak highly enough about this hotel. Tucked away in a remote location it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. I’m so pleased our tour operator booked us to stay here. There are only a handful of rooms and this is particularly brilliant because the pool is always quiet – none of the masses you might get at other spots which so greatly lend themselve so instagram shots etc!! It was possible to properly relax. The hotel has a nightly cocktail hour where guests can chat and enjoy a drink before the most superbly cooked dinner of local cuisine. On the subject of food, we booked a cooking demonstration and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Hotel chef, Sathis, talked us through how to make seven different curries! He was enthusiastic, knowledgable and encouraging throughout. The hotel spa is not to be missed, and I encourage anyone staying to opt for the massage followed by steam box – something I’d never tried before but found to be very relaxing. As for the accomodation – we were staying in one of the treehouses. It was so special, to be perched above the treetops, watching the monkeys swing past. One night there was a rainstorm which we watched from the safety of our canopy as the sky lit up. An experience which I am sure could not be replicated – don’t think, just book it.

Paradise Found

Sri Lanka holds many cultural and nature attractions, but Living Heritage Koslanda, brings it all together as a personal experience. Our room there this April was a replica of a Sri Lankan nobleman’s house from a 1000 years ago, with a ceremonial living room, and a private patio with a jacuzzi. Other constructions — for a maximum of just over 20 guests — were arrayed in a garden space. The rest of the property, 75 acres, is a Secret Garden. Formerly a coffee, then tea, plantation, the forest paths lead among cinnamon trees and pepper plants to a waterfall and the best jungle swimming hole I’ve ever been in.

Most of the food we ate came from Living Heritage’s organic garden and the chef was always available to explain the various Sri Lankan and Western dishes he had on offer. Living Heritage invited guests to cocktails — or mocktails — every evening before dinner in the ambalama, which usually resulted in people changing seating so they could continue their conversations. It was all very natural.

My wife was delighted with Living Heritage’s ayurveda spa treatments. “One of the best massages I’ve ever had.” My grandson was entranced by the infinity pool — and the peacocks flying overhead. I was surprised at how the place touched him.

Living Heritage has the magic. In Sri Lanka, I believe they call it “Serendipity”.

My photos don’t match those creative people @LivingHeritageKoslanda.

A real gem in the highlands

We think this might be one of our favourite places we stayed on our two-week trip to Sri Lanka. Beautifully hidden in the highlands, this hotel is a gem. The rooms are just what you’d expect in the jungle – local materials, mosquito nets, bamboo screens and balconies with great views out. The grounds are beautiful, the staff delightful and the food absolutely delicious. Highlights were the Ayurvedic massages, the infinity pool which has got to have one of the best views in the world and the onion bhajis! Hugely recommended.

Unparalleled eco luxury

This is a truely special resort. We stayed at Living Heritage Koslanda for 3 nights, in a Forest Pavillion. The room was fantastic and we spent much time just sitting on the veranda watching and listening to the sounds of the forest all around us. The facilities, from the pool area, accommodation, restaurant, and the extensive grounds are first rate. The hike to the on site waterfall is a must. The staff are excellent, particularly Mr Johnson, the manager and Madhu who took us on a birdwatching tour at dawn. Breakfast and evening meals were excellent. Sitting at night having dinner in an open pavillion with fruit bats flitting about is something special. For something different on holiday, we can absolutely recommend a stay at the Living Heritage Koslanda.

Superb Unique Hotel

Such an amazing place to stay. The highlight of our 12 day trip and there have been many BUT staying in a treehouse open to nature but cleverly designed to also offer the comfiest bed and hot water as well as superb food served in stunning surroundings is definitely TOP. The general manager Johnson couldn’t have been more helpful and went out of his way to suggest amazing waterfall walks ( inc a private one on the property!) and the pool well the photos don’t lie it really is that spectacular! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

A Stunning piece of Tranquility

This was a magical place to stay.
We were lucky that Lucy the owner was there during our stay. What her and her late husband have created (and she is still creating) on this 80 acre piece of land is nothing short of amazing. Lucy was full of local knowledge and history. She was extremely generous with her time for her guests as well as delightful to speak to. She is properly hands on too with the development and upkeep of this Estate.
Stunning scenery, including tea plantations in the far distance, a waterfall that you can walk/climb to and plenty of nature to soak up.
The staff were lovely & helpful.
Our accommodation was beautiful and spacious.
All in all a sanctuary to chill and relax at but with lots of places to see and visit that aren’t too far away should you wish to explore.

Magical spot

What a beautiful oasis of peace and tranquility …. from the moment we were welcomed by the wonderful manager, Johnson we were in heaven. Living Heritage is a truly incredible place. The magical room open to the wild but swathed in mosquito netting when needed was the perfect place to feel connected to the wilds of Sri Lanka. We had fabulous massages with the two male masseurs which was an absolute treat after days of touring and driving around the countryside. I only wish we could have stayed longer.

Relaxing oasis

Our 2 night stay at Living Heritage in March 2025 was perfect in every way. This is a relaxing oasis with lovely spacious accommodation and a beautiful infinity pool. All staff were very friendly and made all guests feel very welcome. 7.30 each evening was cocktail time and a perfect opportunity to meet other guests and the owner. A lovely atmosphere was created and the cocktails were the best we had ever tasted. I had an amazingly relaxing head shoulder and neck massage. It was faultless.
Do not miss the chance to stay here

Forrest Pavillions

Stayed for 2 nights in Forest pavilion and was a totally different experience than I have ever had.

The forest pavilions are small open villas which are covered via cloth blinds and some bamboo blinds and literally there are no walls in the villas. You will be fully exposed to the surrounding nature which was quite nice. In addition no A/C in the forest pavilions.

These villas will not suite you if you don’t like few insects here and there, some ants walking across the wooden planks etc. Also you will not find 5 star type amenities here, since this is focused on providing you with wooden cabin style experience. So be prepared to with your expectations. Villas are located bit close to each other so privacy is bit lacking but not something to be concerned about.

They have different spa treatments available on premise, and the service provided by Kishan and Lasantha are excellent. Mainly the treatments are based on Ayurveda, and fully worth the price.

Food and service is top notch as well. The spread may be less than other places but the taste is excellent.

See above

We had the most wonderful stay at Living Heritage Koslanda. The staff were amazing, the food was delicious and the setting was perfect. We stayed in Jungle Pavillion so there was a frog or two but the birdsong was delightful and it was very romantic!

We had a super guide, Karun, who guided us to the top of the Diyalima Waterfall which was spectacular. He took us to the best parts and there were very few people around.

It is remote but the swimming pool was gorgeous and just being there made us happy. As did a couple of massages by the résident masseurs.

It has been a high point of our trip.

A wonderful experience

What a wonderful little hideaway this hotel proved to be. The accommodation was superb. I stayed in one of the jungle pavilions and it was clearly an experience of immersion, particularly in the morning with the jungle came alive with bird calls.

Meals and service (in particular) were faultless and i am keen to return sometime soon with my family. Sadly my stay of only one night was way too short.

A perfect place to be immersed in nature

We absolutely loved our stay at Living Heritage.. set in an amphitheatre of stunning trees with a swimming pool location to die for and charming staff.. nothing too much trouble.. we could not fault this place. They grow so much of what you eat.. and are so proud of their eco sustainability ethos.
Mr Carrim and his staff should be very proud…
A perfect place to be immersed in nature

A very peaceful location in a forested setting

This is an eco hotel in a remote location set in a forested area with nice gardens and a walk to their own waterfall for swimming in a river pool. The accomodation is very good – we were in a deluxe king suite , well appointed and close to the restaurant and relaxation area. The room had its own courtyard and a small garden with private plunge pool.
The swimming pool is a lovely infinity pool with magnificent views over the valley but is up many steep steps so unsuitable for those with limited mobility.
The food choice is excellent and was of high quality. Range of curries for breakfast along with eggs cooked to order.
Spa treatments available on site.
We did a walk down through paddy fields which was very interesting. Took a tuk tuk into the nearby village of Koslanda 4km to experience authentic Sri Lanka. Such friendly people . Got a wonderful haircut in the Salon Kasun barbers for €3!
Highly recommended for rest and recreation . 3 km to Diyaluma Falls