Nothing.

We had a fantastic week at the Sleeping Elephant Resort, a family of 5 in one villa and one bungalow. The accommodation is new, very clean and really spacious. The feel is of a small, high quality resort that’s secluded, with the gardens providing privacy and a beautiful setting. The beach is incredibly picturesque and we pretty much had it to ourselves. We ate at the restaurant for most meals and the food was great. The local curry dishes were the highlight. There are a number of other restaurants nearby along the beach. Above all though what made the stay so special was the service and attentiveness. John and Adela were incredibly helpful and booked us transport, a safari and trips to Ella, the bird sanctuary at Hambantota and to Hiriketiya beach and turtle beach at Dikwella on our way back to Galle. All of the trips were excellent and we had a perfect mix of relaxation and experiences for the kids and adults. Every member of staff was really welcoming and helpful. We’d absolutely recommend the Sleeping Elephant.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing.

Clean, spacious and good design. John, Adela and team are very welcoming and friendly. Stunning location, picture postcard tropical sunsets and sunrises with good café options for local food close-by. Good suggestions for local attractions and helpful drivers.

Stayed in August 2025

Beautiful, peaceful, beachside resort. If you love casual and relaxed, you will love this gem. Monika is a lovely host and the staff are sweet and helpful. Food is delicious and reasonably priced. I had an excellent massage too. The pool temperature is just right:)

Stayed in April 2025

Nice host family, friendly staff, beautiful villa

Stayed in January 2025

everything was perfect

We had an absolutely wonderful stay – it truly is a dream destination. Every detail has been carefully taken care of by the owners, reflecting their dedication. What stands out the most is how they’ve managed to combine a sense of luxury with a laid-back, natural ambiance. It never felt overdone, but perfectly integrated with the surrounding nature, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The staff, both in the restaurant and in maintaining the property, were outstanding – attentive, professional, discrete and always smiling. We really appreciated the exceptional attention to every aspect. A truly unforgettable stay.

Stayed in January 2025

none

Carefully managed piece of heaven on the edge between ocean and jungle with european comfort and fantastic cuisine! Fantastic beach where you can swim. You can see peacocks, monkeys, varans, mongoose, buffalo, fireflies around the resort. Spacious and extra clean rooms. Well maintained pool. Owners are great people and experienced travelers, they know how to make your stay calm and comfortable. Strongly recommended! All our big family hope to come back there next year!

Stayed in January 2025

Everything perfect

Wonderfully situated property on an incredibly gorgeous beach. Amazing that this high level of accomodation can be offerred in such a remote location. Clean, comfortable with staff eager to please.

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing we didn’t like!

Stunning location and so peaceful - away from it all. So much care and thought put into making this a little piece of paradise.

Stayed in January 2025

Nothing at all!

We travel with our 2 boys 8 and 9 yo We just loved the place!! The villa had a closed bedroom and a second floor for our kids There is a small kitchen with the basics to prepare snacks. And 2 fridges There is so much space and its really comfy The pool was lovely. And the beach right in front was super quiet. The waves were pretty big but fun to play in The staff was really nice and the food delicious And the owners were really helpfull and really nice

Stayed in December 2024

There was nothing we didn’t like. The bed could have been a little softer, but that’s me being extra picky. It’s pretty far from the airport, maybe 3 hours in a taxi, so if the extra travel isn’t your thing this could be an issue. But was well worth it for us to be there.

Everything was amazing. We travel a lot and are not easily impressed, but as we left my partner said “that was the best holiday I’ve ever had”. We never go back somewhere more than once, but we’d go back to sleeping elephant again, hands down. The location was a little plot of paradise, all you could hear were the waves and the wildlife. The staff made it for us. Monkia and Doslik the owners did everything to make our stay wonderful, booking trips, organising transport to and from the airport, and were incredibly friendly. Nuwan and the rest of the hospitality staff were just incredible. So friendly, personable and went out of their way to make us feel welcome and were like friends by the time we left. The Gardner and housekeeper were also wonderful ensuring the grounds and rooms were kept in perfect condition. The room was large and well furnished with a HUGE bathroom. There was a fridge with drinking water, a kettle and coffee. Pool towels and bath towels provided. WiFi was in every room with its own extender. Could access the WiFi everywhere. Speeds could be a little troublesome at night, but this is normal for Sri Lanka. The pool was lush, we had a room that looked out onto the pool and the beach, it couldn’t have been better placed. The beach was so quiet, the only thing going on was watching the local fishermen bringing in their nets daily, and the monkeys running around the trees. Probably the best hotel I’ve ever been to. Couldn’t recommend it more.

Stayed in December 2024

Location worked for us as we only stayed 2 nights and had the beach to ourselves If you want to dine out there is really little choice as not much within walking distance That could be a positive or negative depending on what you want to do Staff were lovely but there were 2 members who hovered for 3 hours by our room to take our bags we felt this was intrusive but they were the exception as restaurant staff and owners all lovely

Excellent rooms very comfortable bed like the cold outside shower along with good inside bathroom nice big terrace Delicious breakfast Very relaxed atmosphere and quiet

Stayed in December 2024

They didn't accept credit or debit card, It was my mistake I didn't check the terms Pay "Just In cash". Generally travelers doesn't carry lot of money for safety reason. I suggest it will be best if they encourage card payments.

Room lay out was nice with a rear entrance leading to open shower area, enjoyed the sea food for dinner.

Stayed in December 2024

An utterly beautiful, serene place to enjoy peace and quiet. The villa was super clean and comfortable, the restaurant provided delicious meals and the staff and hosts couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. The location was on a long stretch of idyllic golden sandy beach with no one around. The pool area perfect. If you’re looking for tranquility and quality, look no further.

Stayed in December 2024

Absolutely amazing stay here. Felt like a private hotel, there were a few other families staying but plenty of space by the pool. The beach was really gorgeous and lovely for a quiet walk. The restaurants food was amazing. We had fresh fish one night and then rice and curry the next, it was incredible. The owners were really friendly and very accommodating

Stayed in August 2024

We don't have a single complaint at all. However, I'd go as far to say that the accommodation pictures on Booking.com don't do justice to the incredible rooms available.

The perfect place to relax; we couldn't have been happier with our stay at Sleeping Elephant Beach Resort. We received such a warm, friendly welcome with such an attentive team, and the hosts simply couldn't do enough for you. The accommodation is, by far, the most comfortable property that we've stayed in throughout our 3 month travel (both in Sri Lanka and Thailand). The Deluxe Villa is spacious, modern and certainly catered to not only all of our needs, but also those of our 6 month old baby. The location offers the perfect place to unwind. With immediate, private access to the beach, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy the sunset and extremely peaceful away from the usual touristy bustle; our daughter was even able to nap on the beach. The food was brilliant. We'd certainly recommend the Sri Lankan breakfasts but the rest of the menu is just as varied and definitely tasty. A wonderful, relaxing piece of paradise and a place I'd completely recommend for any length of stay or even for an afternoon by the pool and an evening beach drink.

Stayed in August 2024

It was a perfect time. Everything was great.

Stayed in August 2024

The Sleeping Elephant Beach Resort was absolutely incredible, we even extended our stay because of how beautiful it was, perfect for our family getaway. The area wasn’t too touristy, so you felt like you were in your own paradise oasis. John and Adele were amazing, they basically organised everything for us, which made our trip so relaxing. The food was awesome and the staff treated us like royalty.

Stayed in July 2024

Nothing- all perfect!

Amazing, peaceful resort with wonderful, friendly staff and excellent facilities. The family bungalow was perfect, beautifully decorated and very comfortable. Really hope we will return one day!! Thanks Monika and the team 😊❤️

Stayed in April 2024

We don't understand how anyone could present anything bad to say of this resort!

A very welcoming reception by the hosts after a rather long trip (26 h). The staff, from the extremely kind Tila and Santa to the waiters and kitchen personnel, gave a golden feel to our stay. WIFI was good, food was very good, especially the tuna and the breakfast, the pool was very clean holding around 30 degrees and the beach was fantastic for early morning walks. The hosts are offering all kinds of excursions but we intended to just chill out by the pool and onto the beach at their private sun chairs. However, they easily booked a car for us to get back to the airport, which was very convenient. The evenings at dusk was a highlight from our balcony for spotting the wildlife. There are only four villas so it never feels cramped, no need for reserving a sunbed early in the morning :) Thanks again for a memorable (short) vacation!

Stayed in February 2024

Not a criticism, just an observation on our part, we found the kitchen hours a little restricted and no chance of any snacks… but that could be considered a good thing!

Lovely spacious modern rooms, with a great modern bathroom and outside shower. Tea and coffee making facilities and endless water. Beautiful part of the coastline chosen for its remoteness and empty beaches. All the staff were very friendly and accommodating.

Stayed in February 2024

Location, too far from everything. Food is a little bit overpriced

Staff, facilities, it is very clean, the apartment comfortable, the pool is great

Stayed in February 2024

We loved it! The slightly remote location may not be to everyone’s liking but we loved the slow pace and tranquility. The pool is lovely so it was fine not to be able to swim in the sea. The breakfast was fabulous as was other meals but food and drinks pricing slightly higher than one might expect for the area. But delicious.

Everything. Real attention to detail and comfort. Small, welcoming quiet resort and spacious room with modern decor and right on the beach with very few people around. Complete switch off …

Stayed in February 2024

Considering standard of accommodation choice of breakfast a little unimaginative

The location is stunning, our accommodation to high standard and very comfortable bed

Stayed in February 2024

Waves to big for a children’s, but really good swimming pool

A very beautiful place for a relaxing holiday. It is immediately clear that the owners are Europeans. Everything is very clean, renovated, very clean pool. The hosts are very friendly - they will help and advise you on all questions. In the hotel restaurant, you can finally get non-spicy food. The beach is very wide and clean, but the waves will not allow swimming with children.

Stayed in January 2024