Buckingham Place Hotel & Spa

The one constant in our visits to Sri Lanka over the years, is a stay at the wonderful Buckingham Place. It's really an oasis of calm and whether you choose to go there for respite after travelling around Sri Lanka, or make it a destination in itself (we've done both) you really won't be disappointed. It's beautifully located with views of lagoon and the ocean with a spectacular beach. The sea is a tad rough to swim in, but there's a rock pool which is safe to swim in further along the beach and on the way there you may be lucky enough to see some baby turtles emerging from their nests down to the sea. The gardens that surround the well set out buildings are delightful with resident birds and monkeys (they keep their distance). The oceanfront infinity pool has to be seen to be believed, but there's also a smaller, quiet garden pool.|All of the rooms at this boutique hotel are stunning - clean, spacious, elegant and above all comfortable. We really love the semi-outdoor shower. The standards at the hotel have remained consistently high as well as sustainable since our first visit 13 years ago - that's quite an achievement. We loved the lack of tea and coffee making facilities in the room, the joy of using the local mobile phone provided to order as much pre-breakfast tea and coffee to your room is such a treat.|The food in the restaurant is delicious and they have a rotating menu meaning you don't get bored with the offerings. And if you're not keen on anything, they will prepare something that is to your liking at the drop of a hat.|The team will organize trips out to towns such as Galle or Tangalle, as well as to rock temples and nature reserves, there are bikes to borrow and a snooker room to if that's your thing. You can relax but there's no need to be bored.|But for me the thing that marks out Buckingham Place is the staff team, led by Nick. They were unfailingly polite, smiley and so happy to help. We left (reluctantly) feeing honoured and cherished guests. Thank you Nick, Kalpa, Chamidu, the Commander and whole team

My daughter and I had the most fantastic 4 nights here and were so well looked after by the warm and welcoming Nick and his team. The atmosphere is so relaxing, the food unbelievably delicious and spa treatments excellent. We loved walking along the beach with its spectacular sunsets, seeing tracks laid by turtles in the night and the rock pools for swimming in. I now understand why guests want to continue returning and I look forward to returning myself to the very special place. Thank you!

My wife and I spent a wonderful week here, and would gladly have stayed longer. ||We were particularly bowled over by the service. To a man, the staff were professional, highly trained, hardworking, and just some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. ||The food was consistently superb. The menu changes every day and there are no buffets here – everything is freshly cooked to order and beautifully plated, with generous portions. I would recommend the half- and full-board plans.||We stayed in a Secluded Superior View Suite (aka Garden Suite), the biggest hotel room I’ve ever seen. Floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto a large verandah and garden, offering spectacular views of the lagoon and mangroves. It’s just open water and lush greenery as far as the eye can see, and not a building in sight.||We enjoyed long walks on the pristine beach with Bella, the hotel’s dog. We were lucky to see turtle hatchlings and even a nesting turtle on one evening walk. Besides this, we saw peacocks, mongoose, langurs and tropical birds on our lawn. ||August is a great time to visit for off-season calm (it’s warm, but the sea breeze is ever-present). Yet Buckingham Place is intimate enough that it’ll never feel ‘crowded’, even in peak season. If the design seems quirky, it really grows on you. The other guests also tend to be an eclectic bunch, and you’ll come away with new friendships.||At the heart of it all is Nick, who regaled us with stories over wine, and whose imprint is everywhere in this place – in its design, its service and above all, its generosity.||Go to Buckingham Place, stay awhile and let it unfold at its own pace. You’ll remember it for a long time.

My husband and I started off our honeymoon at Buckingham and what a stay it was! We felt so taken care of (from the cold glass of water waiting for us after a long walk in the beach to the hot chocolate by the pool). The room itself was amazing, extremely clean, spacious, beautifully kept with the most beautiful view; we had everything we could've possibly needed. Extra points for Bella - she's the cutest!!||The food was a highlight on it's own, literally every bite was a true delight to the senses. We were so spoilt with a candlelit dinner and the most loveliest card which all the staff at the hotel had signed - something we both will cherish for a long long time to come. ||For us, what really set apart Buckingham from all the other hotels we stayed at was the personalized hospitality where we were always greeted with big smiles and our needs anticipated even before we asked for anything. Our stay was peaceful and unforgettable, without a doubt one of my favorite hotels I’ve ever experienced.

We had a wonderful stay at Buckingham Place, 4 blissful days by the beautiful pool, listening to crashing waves, walking on the beach and being looked after by the hotel’s amazing team. Nothing too much trouble, we had water and other drinks brought to us before we even realised we needed them and the food was superb. They made a real effort to accommodate our every wish, including preparing special gluten fee food for our daughter. We can’t wait to visit again and thank Nick, Karpa and the whole team at the hotel for such a special and memorable few days. ❤️

​In Sri Lanka, there are surely many hotels, each one more different than the last, but there is definitely no other quite like the Hotel Buckingham Place. It’s not just about its privileged location; it's about the magic that surrounds it, the nature, the wonderful rooms, the unbeatable cuisine, and above all, the marvellous staff who work there. ​When you put it all together, you create the best experience, especially when you've been travelling through the spectacular paradise of Sri Lanka for three weeks and decide to finish on a high note. Words can't express our gratitude for the 24/7 care and affection we felt. Everything is looked after down to the smallest detail, and that's thanks to the great Nick, the hotel's owner. ​While all the hotel staff are wonderful—from the dining room and massage area to the housekeeping and bar staff—I would like to highlight the impeccable and kind attention of Sheham, who did everything and more to make our stay perfect. When I return to Sri Lanka in the future, I know that a visit to this wonderful hotel will be an absolute must. ​Thank you and see you soon.

Many places call themselves boutique hotels but Buckingham Place is truely the definition of what that really is. Fabulous suites, delicious meals, knowledgeable and attentive staff in a glorious location with excellent facilities make this place our favourite resort in Sri Lanka. All this is overseen by the hospitable owner, Nick Buckingham, who has lovingly developed the resort over many years, providing valuable employment for the locals and has built up a well trained crew. Nothing was too difficult and any need was happily accommodated. We will be back for our 4th visit either later this year or early next year

This is a fantastic boutique hotel with the most amazing staff and service. The rooms are massive and well-appointed, and the food is consistently excellent. The views of the sea and the lagoon are spectacular, and a great beach is on the doorstep. Very highly recommended.