The service is a little slow, but the friendly staff make up for it!

Amba Yallu offered a beautiful boutique stay, within a serene environment and with a very welcoming and personable team who were always accommodating and friendly. Many thanks to the team, especially Champika and the gym attendant. Great breakfast and lovely pool. The drivers quarters were also very accommodating. Thank you for the stay. We can’t wait to come back.

Stayed in August 2025

Felt a bit far away from things, but we had everything that we needed right on site.

Really cool interiors and a very friendly staff!

Stayed in August 2025

Amazing hotel with more than 400 mango trees and a wonderful staff! Probably, being a fully female-led hotel makes the difference not only in envisioning a new way of doing business, but also in guaranteeing a high standard level of service!

Stayed in August 2025

Everything took long: check-in, getting food and drinks etc. And a shame you don’t have clear view of the lake

Beautiful pool. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff

Stayed in August 2025

The service in the bar area is hit-and-miss and sometimes took much longer than you would expect for the number of waiting customers. The air-conditioning in the rooms wasn't always effective - possibly due the positioning of the units near the door into the room. The food options are a bit limited if you stay more than a few nights and the hotel's location means it is a bit of an effort to find restaurants outside. Also, they do need to install fly deterrents in the enclosed breakfast buffet area.

Wonderful hotel on shore of Kandalama lake. Sizeable, comfortable rooms, all with views to the mango garden and the lake beyond. Beds were comfortable and the day bed inside and spacious balcony were well utilised for relaxation. Bathrooms are well equipped with powerful showers, and there is an external bath tub on the balcony. The staff were fabulous - friendly, helpful and welcoming. They seemed to enjoy working there and this came across in the service. Although it is women-led, and the majority of the staff are women, don't be surprised to find men working in the spa and also kitchen areas. The swimming pool is magnificent and the pictures don't do it justice. We spent many hours in the infinity pool gazing at the view to the garden and hills in the distance. There is also a pool table, but we didn't get to use it as it is very popular! There is one main restaurant for tasty buffet breakfasts and dinners (with a la carte option). There is also a bar area, which serves a la carte food from the restaurant. The walk round the garden with the naturalist to talk about mangoes was excellent and should not be missed.

Stayed in August 2025

The hotel far exceeded my expectations and I wish I had booked more than one room so we could have taken advantage of the place more! Staff were exceptional and the setting perfect.

Stayed in August 2025

We felt that some of the staff at the hotel were not very friendly or accommodating. It also seemed quite disorganised particularly at breakfast. It’s a buffet so staff are there to clear plates and bring drinks. We had to ask for coffee five times before it arrived, the first time they brought tea, we asked for water which never arrived. It actually felt over staffed in the hotel at times so we couldn’t understand why they were not able to get these small tasks right.

The hotel is in a peaceful location.

Stayed in August 2025

The pool water was not very clean, therefore less inviting to swim in. Ordering food a la cart took very long time. A d dinner buffet didn’t open till 19.30 which was a bit inconvenient with our 2 year old. It’s far for Sigiriya

We loved this place. Stayed 5 nights to reject after travelling around for 3 weeks in Sri Lanka. The atmosphere is very pleasant at the resort. The feminine energy makes it very welcoming and comfortable. Staff is super friendly and accommodating. Food is nice too! And loved the mango garden!

Stayed in August 2025

Some staff have quite poor levels of English

All the wonderful female staff Mango yoghurt at breakfast Views snd comfortable rooms Bath on the balcony Buffet dinner good value

Stayed in August 2025

Having to leave….

The setting of this well designed modern yet intimate hotel making reference to local culture in its manicured operational mango grove against the backdrop of a lake and mountains. The team of staff are no less impressive from that of the administration, in the grounds, the kitchen, reception, dining room, bar and cleaning. The selection of local dishes changed daily, being prepared, presented and served with care…the food was a delight.

Stayed in August 2025

The hotel is located in a perfect setting, the garden is beautiful as well as the lake and the surrounding mountains. The staff is very helpful and friendly. Food was also great! The atmosphere was very relaxing.

Stayed in July 2025

Nothing really.

Loved the decor and the ambience of the hotel. So serene.

Stayed in August 2025

We loved everything

The hotel was awesome! First we were welcomed with refreshing wipes and nice juices. They also made some kind of nice ritual with candles. Then we went to our room,which was so big,clean and comfy. Also we had a bathtub on the balcony. There was super big mango garden,where you can take walks and you can visit the nearby lake. There were several activities like big beautiful chess and ping pong. The food was a great combination of traditional and international food. It had great presentation and was delicious. The best thing in this hotel was THE STAFF. Everyone was so nice, always there to help you and assist. They were always smiling. We loved the manager,the cleaning ladies,all the girls from reception and restaurant. So nice! We reallyliked a girl named Sachini, which was mainly on the ba, she was super nice. My personal favorite one though was the NATURALIST!!! Her name was Sithumi. We definitely recomend going on the safari tour with her. She was so so so nice,always helping out and she knew so much about all animals! She saw birds for maybe 2 seconds and already knew the kind! So impressive! She was caring for all of us so much! Definitely recomend this hotel and we would love to come back❤️

Stayed in July 2025

Everything was perfect.

Everything was just perfect! The food was delicious, the team super attentive and caring.

Stayed in July 2025

Exceeded expectations, great peaceful location, wonderful staff.

Stayed in July 2025

Every this is so amazing and wonderful

Breakfast was amazing with the view . Good selection of Sri Lankan and international cuisine. It’s a great pleasure they the executive chef of the hotel came and approach us and help to select the foods and give a great support

Stayed in July 2025

We didn’t stay here for long enough. We look forward to coming back next time.

Arriving at Amba Yaalu we instantly felt relaxed, calm and rejuvenated. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle and with sweeping views across the lake to Sleeping Soldier mountain, the friendly staff greeted us and made us feel immediately welcome. The infinity pool was cool and inviting, and we enjoyed a game of chess among the mango trees. This boutique hotel is beautifully decorated to complement its cinematographic theme, which unobtrusively flows through to the restaurant. The food here is superb, and is clearly crafted with love. This, on top of impeccable service from front of house staff Chathuni, Hiruni, Paganini and Rehani meant our stay was fantastic and memorable.

Stayed in July 2025

The atmosphere is great, the location is sublime, and the staff are smiling, pleasant and professional. The service was impeccable. I'll definitely be back.

Stayed in July 2025

Mainly the staff great food. We had dinner and breakfast. Very friendly staff. All helpful. Clean and all the best facilities.

Excellent staff. Very polite and very helpful, pleasant in all departments. Front office staff unbelievable very knowledgeable girls Ishani, Rehani, Chathuni and Hiruni in particular. The best place I ever stayed. Looking forward to go back again soon.

Stayed in June 2025

The room was clean when we checked in but the next day no cleaning was done despite hanging the logo on the door. I think balcony’s door sealing could be improved as a lot of tiny flys can get in but maybe it was only our room

The place felt very peaceful surrounded by nature. The view from the room is amazing. They have good outdoor swimming pool, a well equipped gym and a spa that i really enjoyed. We tried both options buffet and set menus for breakfast and dinner both were good. We had two tours arranged by the hotel the first is to see the elephants and second to Sigiriya Rock fortress both were with Ms. Sithumi the excellent tour guide we had a really good experience with her as she is very knowledgeable about the places and animals we saw, I could tell she really loves her job. All the women working at the hotel were extremely nice and helpful. definitely I would stay at the hotel again when i go back to Sri lanka.

Stayed in May 2025

Very friendly and helpful staff who worked as a team to ensure our stay was exceptionally comfortable. The team went out of their way to accommodate our every wish. Good value for money. The all girls team was effective in creating a very quiet and calm atmosphere.

Stayed in May 2025

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and made to feel completely at home. Every member of the staff went out of their way to make our stay special — always kind, attentive, and genuinely caring. Traveling as a family, we especially appreciated how thoughtful and accommodating everyone was. The atmosphere was serene and inviting, and every detail seemed designed to ensure comfort and relaxation. Our room was spotless, beautifully maintained, and incredibly cozy. The common areas were equally lovely — ideal for both moments of peace and time together as a family. Whether it was a kind gesture at breakfast or a friendly chat at reception, we felt seen, valued, and cared for, especially my 15 months old daughter! This was more than just a stay; it was an experience of true hospitality. We left with full hearts and wonderful memories. We can’t wait to come back — thank you for everything!

Stayed in May 2025

More casual entertainment area like a nice bar

Breakfast was excellent Good location

Stayed in April 2025

One of the hidden gems in the Island. Wonderful Unique artwork and amazing blend with nature.

Stayed in April 2025