Simpson's Forest Hotel

Fabulous stay at this lovely hotel, nothing was too much trouble, from checking in everything was brilliant. The pool area was gorgeous and the view was spectacular. At dinner times the food was buffet style but really well cooked and tasty with an excellent choice. Special mention to Lalith who was excellent. We had to leave early at 6am and Lalith was there waiting with a breakfast packed for us to take and bottled water. Recommend this hotel to anyone.

Now this is a discovery, for me at least, a true gem nestled at the foothills of the Knuckles range, around twelve kilometres up from Kandy town. We normally choose two new hotels to stay, over a four day spread. But a last minute decision made us settle on all four days at Simpson’s. The photos spoke volumes, but the reality was beyond words. It was more than a vacation, it was more like a divine meditation amid more than 70 acres of tea and other flora and fauna too numerous to call out separately, crowned by a tiny jewel of a natural rock pool (Simpson’s pool) that unveils itself to the committed lover. From the get go Front Office Manager Dilan was all courtesy. The GPS was a bit sketchy and we called him more than ten times for directions. He was patience itself, and the man in person matched the voice. All smiles, all service. The same goes for the entire staff top down or bottom up, starting from Manager Asela, who takes pains to speak personally with each guest enquiring after their welfare. The restaurant staff were perfection of service once again, Ajith, Wasantha, Lalith and the rest (apologies if I missed some of their names). Wasantha and Ajith went out of their way to satisfy my son's specialised palate. The food was some of the best we’ve had in a long while, compliments to a true culinary maestro, Senaka, the man behind the taste. Isuru, what a guy, naturalist, nature lover, movie buff all rolled in to one. You must take the mini treks that include a visit to Simpson’s pool. Isuru explains the flora and fauna while keeping eyes on the guest’s comfort and safety at all times. I was introduced to some rare birds and a cute fawn on one of the walks. The dip in the natural rock pool was heaven on earth. An honourable mention of the infinity pool that offers an Eagle’s eye view of the lush green around and below. The rooms were spacious, with five star comforts and furniture that offered an old world charm, crowned with views to die for, from the private verandas outside each room. The hotel displays a colonial look that blends in nicely with the lush finely maintained green lawns and backdrop. Now…the the relentless wait until my next visit.

I visited this resort for my wife’s birthday, and I had requested a room decoration to surprise her. They not only fulfilled the request but also provided a complimentary birthday cake, which was served as a surprise during dinner at the restaurant. Everything was arranged exactly as planned. The room and bathroom were spotless, and the mountain view from our room was absolutely breathtaking. The service was outstanding, with every staff member going above and beyond to make our stay special. The resort offers buggy service to the pool area, which has an incredible view, especially from the infinity pool. There are also trekking trails available, and we both enjoyed a trek during our stay. At the top of the resort, there’s a small helipad with a view, and we were able to watch the sunset — though unfortunately, rain prevented us from fully enjoying it. Specially, the food is so delicious even it was a set menu. Prabuddha and Yatawara from the restaurant were exceptionally helpful, even arranging a candlelit dinner for us outdoors. The front desk staff was equally accommodating. Isuru, the tour guide for the trekking, was very knowledgeable and provided us with the information needed. The front desk provided us with the leech socks and spray for the trek, which was much appreciated. Note: There wasn’t bathroom slippers provided in the room. It’s better if you could put them in the rooms going forward. Everything about our stay was perfect, and we are already looking forward to returning.