We spend 3 days at Nil Manel. The house and gardens are splendid. We loved the swimming pool just in front of the bedrooms. We stayed for dinner every evening. A different menu was available every day, in addition to the regular 'a la carte'. If you are there during the lobster season, ask for one. Take some time to... More

This is a beautiful arty hotel packed with style and layers of detail in the house, garden and rooms. Monique and Chanaka made us feel so very welcome. Nothing was too much for them. Everyone working at Nil Manel were happy and attentive and made it a great place to relax in. We will remember for some time the flowers... More

We spent two nights at Nil Manil and wished it could have been longer. The attention to detail is exceptional, Monique is the perfect hostess and makes you feel an honoured guest in their home., whilst Chanaka creates the best food in Sri Lanka. It really was a privilege to have stayed there.

We stayed at La Maison Nil Manel ( www.nilmanel.com ) for just over 4 days at the beginning of January 2012; it was the perfect relaxing end to our touring holiday in Sri Lanka. Monique and Chanaka, out of the devastation of the Tsunami, have created a beautiful boutique villa and grounds with an eclectic mix of old and new.... More

Small, private, beautiful, real and unpretentious... By the time we reached Nil Manel we had been in Sri Lanka 2 weeks. (We were 2 adults, 2 older children and 1 x 2yr old... I think the first time they have had a guest this young - very brave of them to accept us). We were greeted with the scent of... More

Monique, Chanaka and their team welcomed us with much kindness in their beautiful home Le Nil Manel, decorated in good taste. Monique is very keen on Sri Lankan antics. The entire property exudes serenity and calm. Everyone is attentive and available but always with discretion. It's especially agreeable to laze near the pool under the frangipani trees. In the outdoor... More

My husband & I stayed at La Maison Nil Manel for our 4-night Honeymoon at the end of our 15 day tour of Sri Lanka. After packing in such a variety of amazing sights over the two weeks in this fabulous country (including our wedding!), it was like paradise arriving at Nil Manel for a few days of pure rest... More

Stayed here for a few days including new years eve. It was like staying at a rich relative's luxurious mansion filled with antiques, art, and smiling staff to take care of everything you might require. beach is a short stroll and we took two days of tours; to Galle / tea plantation and to a nearby lagoon.

Please take the time to read our full report as we are probably the first reviewer to score La Maison Nil Manel as less than excellent. We did think that this hotel was excellent. The building is splendid - a fine property retaining original features and incorporating contemporary materials and furnishings alongside traditional furniture and antiquities. The swimming pool is... More