LESS than 4 hours away from Dubai, at 490m above sea level, the mountainside town of Kandy – Sri Lanka’s most famous holiday destination – hosts the 150-year old Victorian style hotel Mahaweli Reach, distinguished as one of the last, if not the only, independent, family-run hotels in its class.

Mahaweli Reach actually caters to a variety of guests with many choosing it as a honeymooner’s paradise as well as business executives using it as the perfect location for team building retreats. Rates during the off-peak season – which runs until October – are around a very reasonable $125 per night although, special meeting packages can range from $195 for three nights’ bed and breakfast (BB).
For the newlyweds and romantics, the honeymoon package starts at only $495, for both persons, for a three nights’ stay that includes a romantic dinner, boat ride down the Mahaweli river and a special aromatic bath on an evening of the guests’ choice.
The 114 deluxe-room hotel hosts a mix of modern and traditional luxuries with amenities including satellite TV, Ayurvedic spa, tennis courts and gymnasia.