Highlights
- Historic property with colonial feel
- Temple visits in nearby Kandy
- Picturesque train journeys
- Lovely infinity pool
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 0203 291 2907
EnquireElephant Stables is a grand, ex-colonial residence with an imposing façade located just outside the bustling and historic lake-side city of Kandy. The one-time owner Sir Cudah Ratwatte, head of the island’s leading aristocratic family, used to keep elephants in the grounds, hence the property’s name. Today, the residence features six elegant bedrooms and one luxurious suite, each boasting colonial inspired decor. The property enjoys stunning views over Kandy and the Knuckles Mountain range and there are tea plantations, rainforests and sacred Buddhist sites to visit nearby. There’s a lovely infinity pool, a living room with a DVD player and classic movies to choose from, and a reading room complete with books about local wildlife, history and architecture. In the early evening, everyone can relax with a drink at the bar. The bartender will happily recommend the hotel’s signature drink, the Elephant Unstable, or mix a cocktail or ‘mocktail’ of your choice.
There are six elegant ‘standard’ bedrooms, five of which are on the upper floor of the Main House, and the other, the Cottage Suite, is set apart in the gardens. This suite is ideal for a family since it has a separate bedroom and living room with two large beds, and it’s close to the pool and gardens. All rooms in the Main House include a four-poster bed, an en-suite bathroom, and modern amenities such as a 42 inch TV with satellite channels, Blue Ray DVD player, and film library. Wi-Fi is also available. The most recent addition to the hotel is the sumptuous Luxury Royal Tented Suite with two bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, and reception area, all of which are beautifully decorated.
Kandy is just ten minutes away by tuk tuk and there are some fascinating and picturesque religious sites to visit, with highlights including the famed Temple of the Tooth and the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue. Scenic train rides to Nuwara Eliya to visit the tea plantations are also a delight, with expert guides on hand to explain the history of the plantations, explain the tea-making process and arrange tea-tastings.
Children of all ages are more than welcome at Elephant Stables. Two of the suites have adjoining rooms, and one has a bunk bed for children. The ample proportions of all rooms mean that family accommodation doesn’t feel overcrowded. Parents are reminded to keep an eye on their children at all times and the swimming pool is conveniently within view of the bar.
I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.
fiona g
reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families
on 15 April 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024