The enchanting Water Garden Sigiriya Hotel, Indigaswewa, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Photos: Supplied.
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its fortress and elaborate water gardens, which are a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering and artistry.
The Water Garden Sigiriya refers to both the ancient, sophisticated water garden system within the Sigiriya fortress complex and a modern luxury hotel inspired by it. It is the literal focus of Water Garden Sigiriya, an impressive boutique hotel that seamlessly blends extravagance, relaxation and ethnic immersion. It takes inspiration from the impressive 2000-year-old rainwater-harvesting system atop nearby Sigiriya Rock.
Just six kilometres from this distinctive resort, the astounding rock monolith is easily visited along with other famous sites of the triangle, such as Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
A flowing aqueous fairyland that flashes the limelight on the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, this hotel offers a unique experience surrounded by nature, serene lakes and meandering streams. Unwind with flair and in comfort!
What’s equally appealing is the special accommodation and dining package being offered for two people – representing a 20 per cent discount on published rates – from 1 September to 31 October.
Executive chef Ruwan Dharmakeerthi at the Water Garden Sigiriya.
Style, spaciousness and serenity are at the fore of this stunning, water-line hotel featuring a selection of beautiful villas. Offering contemporary, sophisticated interiors and intimate secret gardens, the deluxe villas, partially submerged in water, are tastefully furnished and offer sublime views of the estate’s streams and pools.
The superior deluxe villas and duplex twin villas blend beautifully into the surrounding colourful gardens and feature private plunge pools, a sun deck to while away the hours and sensational views of the Sigiriya Rock.
Although the 200-metre-high rock is a few kilometres away, it rears clearly above the surrounding grassy plains and the resort’s stunning symmetry. One of Sri Lanka’s foremost architects, Channa Daswatta, artfully created this complex, located about 145 kilometres from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
For many years, Water Garden Sigiriya’s Main Restaurant has earned a stellar reputation for its exceptional fine-dining cuisine, blending authentic Sri Lankan flavours with international culinary artistry. There is a dining initiative for those who book half-board accommodation packages inclusive of breakfast and dinner (excluding beverages) for a minimum two consecutive nights. Offered is a personalised culinary experience that goes beyond traditional hotel dining options.
The gastronomic adventure begins with a carefully curated dinner set menu with options. During the first evening’s dinner, executive chef Ruwan Dharmakeerthi or executive sous chef Buddika Sandaruwan meets guests at their table for a consultation that sets the stage for something special: a personalised menu for the following day, designed around preferences, dietary needs and culinary curiosities.
While many are drawn to Sri Lanka’s authentic culinary heritage featuring the island’s rich spices, traditional cooking methods and time-honoured recipes, the options are limitless, whether you crave the aromatic complexity of Indian cuisine, the rustic charm of Italian classics or the refined balance of Chinese gastronomy.
Appreciate the dining options with curated menus at the Water Garden Sigiriya.
Dating back to 477 AD, Sigiriya is considered one of South Asia’s best-preserved examples of urban planning and one of its most important archaeological sites. They are some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The elaborate palace and its towering construction on top of the rock, as well as its risqué artwork, are of prominent note. However, its ingenious garden and water systems at the foot of the rock are what make it a national treasure.
In his essay titled Sigiriya: City, Palace and Royal Gardens, Sri Lankan archeologist Senake Bandaranayake, who served as emeritus professor and vice-chancellor at the University of Kelaniya, illustrated that the site was a brilliant combination of deliberate symmetry and asymmetry playing on both natural and geometric forms.
Water Garden Sigiriya, a modern oasis where ancient water gardens meet lavishness, is offering a special rate of about $640 on a deluxe villa and about $780 for a superior deluxe with plunge pool per night, half-board (breakfast and dinner, excluding beverages), for two people, from 1 September to 31 October. Inclusions are a box of chocolates in the villa on arrival, a candlelit dinner and curated menu plan for a minimum two-night stay.
Guests will also be offered a free night at Glenross Living Kalutara when staying a minimum three nights at Water Garden Sigiriya in a superior deluxe villa with plunge pool.
Immerse yourself in a variety of activities and excursions. Go on wildlife safaris to discover the rich biodiversity of Minneriya or Kaudulla national parks. Engage with the scenic countryside through guided nature tours or bike rides. Rejoice!
