As well as this, construction was undertaken with mostly manual labour, in order to be less disruptive than using heavy machines. Sustainable materials were used throughout, such as ‘pun’ roof sealing, which is made of woven reeds and rattan, sourced locally. Finally, the design means that there is plenty of natural lighting and ventilation in order to reduce energy consumption, as there is no air conditioning in guest rooms.
‘Nestled between a beautiful golden beach and green paddy fields. Discover a luxury, sustainable hotel where the cuisine is as memorable as the sunsets.’
Scroll down to see top tips for Ravana and to meet your host! Click on the leaf-rating tab to reveal sustainable & regenerative efforts across waste, energy, biodiversity, and more.
Overview
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Highlights
From $153 USD per night (incl. all 3 meals, drinks & snacks)
Luxury suites with ocean & garden views
Authentic, incredibly tasty plant-based cuisine.
The abundance of wildlife on your doorstep
The peaceful bird boat tour at the nearby lagoon
Outdoor wood fire cooking sessions
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Top Tip
‘Try the private breakfast experience, nearby the Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary’
Eco Activities
Witness the incredible natural surroundings with a cycling tour through the village and paddy fields. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness beautiful peacocks, wild rabbits & a mongoose
Visit the Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary with a boat ride. One of the largest bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka guests can witness the vibrant selection of tropical birds
Take a hike to Ussangoda Mountain or red rock, steeped in local legend and mysticism. Enjoy the natural beauty as you dive into a delicious sunset picnic created by the chefs.
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Rooms
Choose from a relaxing ocean or garden suite, or indulge in the honeymoon suite. With waterfalls and plunge pools to relax in and spacious wet rooms discover both comfort and sustainability. The native flora and trees throughout the hotel create a natural calm and peace.
Spacious open-air bathrooms
The secret hideaway for newlyweds
Adjacent gardens with fragrant herbs
Enjoy a digital detox, with no TV
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Meet your Hosts
Meet Rasika and his lovely wife Dulangi, the founders of Ravana Garden in Sri Lanka. Rasika has been a tea taster and recipe creator for the last 25 years.
Passionate about sustainability since he was young, he was inspired by visiting the forests in Sri Lanka, his eco-hotel is a dream come true.
‘We didn’t cut a single tree in the construction of the hotel, we didn’t use any heavy machinery. You can see from some of the pictures that the rooftop bar has a tree coming right through it’.
Discover more with ‘Behind the Green’ here.
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Bring the Taste of Sri Lanka to Your Home
We believe Food is Travel. You don’t need to wait until you visit the destination to experience its wonders.
Founder Rasika had the inspiring vision to bring Sri Lankan spices, seasonings and all it’s exciting flavours to kitchens all around the world. 100% natural, handpicked, and certified sustainable the Back To Origins range is both refreshingly authentic and healthy for the perfect smoothie, curry, or dish.“Creating an authentic Sri Lankan dish isn’t easy but the Back To Origins range makes it so convenient and accessible. A beautiful, ethical range that is natural, sustainable, and supports local families. What more can you ask for?” – Rebecca, Kiwano
Shop Online
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Need to Know
In keeping with ‘sustainable luxury’ there is naturally no air conditioning in the rooms, instead, there are fans, humidifiers & coolers which can be provided upon request
Don’t expect a TV in the rooms. One of the main objectives of the hotel is to reconnect guests with nature & each other. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, including a Spa, Library and Pool
You’ll need to be open-minded if you’re a big meat eater. The hotel does not serve unsustainable foods such as Lamb, Pork, Beef & farmed Salmon. Instead, there are fresh vegetables and plenty of local sustainably sourced fish.
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Location
Ravana Garden is located in Ambalantota in the Hambantota district of Sri Lanka. Fortunately, this hotel sits in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, so guests can visit at any time of year.
How To Get There
Sri Lankan Airlines goes direct from London to Bandaranaike international airport (CMB) circa 10-hour flight. From (CMB) Ravana Garden can arrange private transfers on request. It will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes’ drive on via south expressway to reach Ravana Garden from this airport. The nearest airport is Mattala International Airport, it is about a 50-minute drive from the hotel. There’s an option to take a Cinnamon Air domestic flight from CMB to Mattala international airport, where a private transfer can also be arranged by Ravana Garden.
Gallery
Leaf Rating
2-leaf status
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DesignBefore construction began Ravana Garden revised the plans several times to ensure that not 1 single tree was felled during construction. And that the family of mouse deer who had a home here would not be disturbed.
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Energy85% of the power at Ravana Garden is powered by onsite solar panels. Measures such as LED lighting, not having TVs in any of the rooms and no air conditioning units, reduces energy usage...Read More >>
usage significantly. This sustainable hotel has an electric car which takes guests to and from activities nearby. During any gov lead power cuts in Sri Lanka, the hotel sometimes has to resort to a diesel generator, as the clean energy generated is cut off by the grid. The plan is for the owner to invest in a battery to store the energy to avoid this happening in 2023-2024.
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CommunityRavana Garden is located in a rural farming and fishing village where there are few opportunities, especially for women. Over 60% of the staff are from the immediate towns and villages...Read More >>
Rasika the owner is hugely passionate about women's empowerment. The staff carry out regular beach clean ups along the coastline. All of the staff are given training, including the practices of sustainability. There is also a Workplace Wellness Policy in place which includes high-quality meals, medical insurance and a spacious staff accommodation. Prior to COVID there was a tree planting initiative and school books were donated to over 180 families. The team are hoping to restart these campaigns as tourism slowly returns to the country.
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BiodiversityTurtles have been known to visit beaches in the area, so there are zero beach-facing lights which can confuse newly hatched babies finding the ocean. The hotel alerts guests to be aware...Read More >>
of eggs that might be buried in the sand. The birdbath is regularly cared for by the Ravana team and many species rely upon it. Not one tree was felled during construction and many areas have been left untouched which provide shelter and provide food for wildlife. From land and water monitors, to spotted mouse deer, monkeys, kingfishers, endemic birds, mongoose, the hotel area is home to so much wildlife.
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WaterRainwater is captured in large tanks for use in irrigating the garden, which features only indigenous species and vegetables that naturally require less water, a very effective way to conserve water...Read More >>
As well as this, grey water from the guests’ showers is also stored and reused for the garden. Any water used in the plunge pools by guests is also reused for the gardens.
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WasteFood waste is virtually non-existent here. Any organic waste is composted in the onsite bio-gas system onsite. Which generates methane gas used for cooking with and natural fertiliser...Read More >>
Any food scraps go to feed the hungry feral dogs on the beach. This hotel exercises a zero tolerance to plastic. The large water filters in every room replaces plastic bottles, bamboo toothbrushes replace plastic ones and re-usable bags are provided. This zero plastic policy is something that this sustainable hotel encourages their local suppliers to practice as well. Ravana Garden also tries to minimize paper usage during operations: tablets used instead of hard copies of menus, phone directories etc. E-bills strongly encouraged (paper bills only printed upon request); and business e-cards are used instead of printed ones.
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Food & DrinkThe most unsustainable foods: Lamb, beef and pork are off the menu here, a sign of this sustainable hotels commitment. Instead plant-based cooking is front and centre stage. And it is spectacular...Read More >>
Fish is sourced directly from local fisherman who use low impact fishing methods including casting out beach nets. The chefs are proud to promise zero MSG and organic produce is used as often as possible. Some ingredients are sourced from the on-site vegetable gardens, but most is sourced from local farmers markets.
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Engaging GuestsRavana Garden offers a range of free activities to engage guests in the local culture and the environment. From a cycle tour around the paddy fields, to a sunset picnic at red rock...Read More >>
There is also an outdoor cookery class with the talented female chefs and guests can tour the organic gardens to learn more. Sri Lanka's first ever bird sanctuary boat tour is a must - it is at extra cost but is totally worth it. Ravana garden will arrange a local, knowledgable guide for you.
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HousekeepingThe toiletries offered at Ravana Garden are natural and biodegradable, given to guests in refillable ceramic containers to avoid single-use plastics. As well as this, the cleaning products...Read More >>
used in the hotel are biodegradable, sourced from Amami, the same company as the toiletries.
Reviews
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"An authentic, peaceful, and memorable stay."In this unspoilt, authentic corner of Sri Lanka, the staff made our week-long stay at Ravana Garden truly memorable. This is a simple but impeccably run beachfront property, operated on sustainable principles on an isolated beach, where you more likely to see fishermen pulling in their catch and families enjoying the sunset than other tourists.
caldascm, TripAdvisor, June 2019
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"Forging a pioneering path in Sustainable luxury!"
I stayed 2 nights here with my teenage son and we were extremely well looked after. The hotel is in a beautiful beachfront location. The white, airy rooms have a ‘modern seaside’ vibe; go for sea view if you can or otherwise the view over the green paddy fields behind the hotel are lovely.
Alice, TripAdvisor, August 2019
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"Hope to visit that place again."
Best place ever they organised a fantastic dinner for us the, amazing atmosphere, kind staff, best chef who makes the most delicious food in Sri Lanka, and wonderful owners.
Mayada, Facebook Review, June 2019
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"It was worth every penny."
One of the best beachfront resorts in Sri Lanka for the environment conscious travellers. A lot of planning has gone into being in sync with the natural surroundings and the nature in this beautiful property located in deep South of Sri Lanka.
Nalin, Google Reviews, July 2019
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"The staff are very accommodating and so pleasant."
Our stay here was simply lovely and very relaxing. Incredibly beautiful location with friendly staff. The hotel is set in the most beautiful surroundings with well-maintained gardens and large pool area.
Sayendrika, Facebook Reviews, June 2019
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