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Reviews of Sleeping Elephant Beach Resort

Ranna Wellodaya Road, Rekawa Beach, 82125 Tangalle, Srí Lanka SLEEPING ELEPHANT beach resort, 82125 Tangalle, Sri Lanka

#10 of 128 hotels in Tangalle

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 37 hotel reviews

9.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.8

  • Comfort

    9.9

  • Location

    9.5

  • Facilities

    9.9

  • Staff

    9.8

  • Value for money

    9.3

  • Free Wifi

    8.8

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 13, 2025

    10
    Spacious bungalows right on the beach. Casual vibe 💎
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Beautiful, peaceful, beachside resort. If you love casual and relaxed, you will love this gem. Monika is a lovely host and the staff are sweet and helpful. Food is delicious and reasonably priced. I had an excellent massage too. The pool temperature is just right:)

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: January 31, 2025

    10
    We enjoyed our stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nice host family, friendly staff, beautiful villa

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 27, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    everything was perfect

    We had an absolutely wonderful stay – it truly is a dream destination. Every detail has been carefully taken care of by the owners, reflecting their dedication. What stands out the most is how they’ve managed to combine a sense of luxury with a laid-back, natural ambiance. It never felt overdone, but perfectly integrated with the surrounding nature, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. The staff, both in the restaurant and in maintaining the property, were outstanding – attentive, professional, discrete and always smiling. We really appreciated the exceptional attention to every aspect. A truly unforgettable stay.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 17, 2025

    10
    Carefully managed piece of heaven with european comfort and fantastic cuisine!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    none

    Carefully managed piece of heaven on the edge between ocean and jungle with european comfort and fantastic cuisine! Fantastic beach where you can swim. You can see peacocks, monkeys, varans, mongoose, buffalo, fireflies around the resort. Spacious and extra clean rooms. Well maintained pool. Owners are great people and experienced travelers, they know how to make your stay calm and comfortable. Strongly recommended! All our big family hope to come back there next year!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 12, 2025

    10
    Tha Ultimate Beach Experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything perfect

    Wonderfully situated property on an incredibly gorgeous beach. Amazing that this high level of accomodation can be offerred in such a remote location. Clean, comfortable with staff eager to please.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 4, 2025

    10
    This is a very special place. The owners and staff are the most wonderful people who made our stay very very special. A
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Two-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing we didn’t like!

    Stunning location and so peaceful - away from it all. So much care and thought put into making this a little piece of paradise.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: December 16, 2024

    10
    Best holiday and hotel we’ve ever been to.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    There was nothing we didn’t like. The bed could have been a little softer, but that’s me being extra picky. It’s pretty far from the airport, maybe 3 hours in a taxi, so if the extra travel isn’t your thing this could be an issue. But was well worth it for us to be there.

    Everything was amazing. We travel a lot and are not easily impressed, but as we left my partner said “that was the best holiday I’ve ever had”. We never go back somewhere more than once, but we’d go back to sleeping elephant again, hands down. The location was a little plot of paradise, all you could hear were the waves and the wildlife. The staff made it for us. Monkia and Doslik the owners did everything to make our stay wonderful, booking trips, organising transport to and from the airport, and were incredibly friendly. Nuwan and the rest of the hospitality staff were just incredible. So friendly, personable and went out of their way to make us feel welcome and were like friends by the time we left. The Gardner and housekeeper were also wonderful ensuring the grounds and rooms were kept in perfect condition. The room was large and well furnished with a HUGE bathroom. There was a fridge with drinking water, a kettle and coffee. Pool towels and bath towels provided. WiFi was in every room with its own extender. Could access the WiFi everywhere. Speeds could be a little troublesome at night, but this is normal for Sri Lanka. The pool was lush, we had a room that looked out onto the pool and the beach, it couldn’t have been better placed. The beach was so quiet, the only thing going on was watching the local fishermen bringing in their nets daily, and the monkeys running around the trees. Probably the best hotel I’ve ever been to. Couldn’t recommend it more.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 14, 2024

    10
    Tranquil and relaxed
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location worked for us as we only stayed 2 nights and had the beach to ourselves If you want to dine out there is really little choice as not much within walking distance That could be a positive or negative depending on what you want to do Staff were lovely but there were 2 members who hovered for 3 hours by our room to take our bags we felt this was intrusive but they were the exception as restaurant staff and owners all lovely

    Excellent rooms very comfortable bed like the cold outside shower along with good inside bathroom nice big terrace Delicious breakfast Very relaxed atmosphere and quiet

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 10, 2024

    9.0
    Enjoyed the 2 night stay & the sun sets.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    They didn't accept credit or debit card, It was my mistake I didn't check the terms Pay "Just In cash". Generally travelers doesn't carry lot of money for safety reason. I suggest it will be best if they encourage card payments.

    Room lay out was nice with a rear entrance leading to open shower area, enjoyed the sea food for dinner.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: December 5, 2024

    10
    Perfect paradise.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    An utterly beautiful, serene place to enjoy peace and quiet. The villa was super clean and comfortable, the restaurant provided delicious meals and the staff and hosts couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. The location was on a long stretch of idyllic golden sandy beach with no one around. The pool area perfect. If you’re looking for tranquility and quality, look no further.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: September 1, 2024

    10
    Truly beautiful beach resort with amazing managers and staff!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 6 nights

    There was nothing not to like - everything was top notch!

    It started when we arrived and were already awaited and greeted by manager John and his girlfriend Adele with big smiles :) They were so very helpful and nice throughout our stay and made the experience perfect. John always had tips for us about where to go and was always available when we had any questions. We were staying in one of their two villas, and it was so nice to have our own living room with comfy couch and even small kitchen with two fridges for drinks. The villas are the most set back from the front of the property and offer perfect privacy if that's what you want. Everything was super clean and nicely furnished - we felt very comfortable. The terrace with lounge chair and sitting area with coffee table was ideal for having a morning coffee and just enjoy the sounds of nature. The staff! Nuan and Ruzindu (I hope I wrote the names correctly) were the two waiters in the restaurant, and they both did a great job. While I do not remember the chef's name, I need to mention him and the kitchen staff as well, because the food there was some of the best we had during our stay in Sri Lanka. Also, Tila, who takes care of the cleaning and gardens, together with another man, whose name I unfortunately can't remember, where truly warm and kind to us and always passed by our villa for a chat whenever they passed. The staff, together with John and Adele made the stay there to what it was - PERFECT! The property itself is simply beautiful: Laid out very well with lush greenery and nicely done paths throughout, there are 5 rooms in total - 2 villas and 3 bungalows. The hotel was planned and designed very thoughtfully and you feel the emphasis on the detail there. It sits on a beautiful stretch of beach, which is always empty and you can walk for miles in any direction. The sea was not swimmable while we were there due to the strong waves, but it was still beautiful just to look at it and enjoy the views.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 28, 2024

    9.0
    Lovely peaceful stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Two-Bedroom Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Absolutely amazing stay here. Felt like a private hotel, there were a few other families staying but plenty of space by the pool. The beach was really gorgeous and lovely for a quiet walk. The restaurants food was amazing. We had fresh fish one night and then rice and curry the next, it was incredible. The owners were really friendly and very accommodating

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 11, 2024

    10
    Relaxing Beach Resort
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We don't have a single complaint at all. However, I'd go as far to say that the accommodation pictures on Booking.com don't do justice to the incredible rooms available.

    The perfect place to relax; we couldn't have been happier with our stay at Sleeping Elephant Beach Resort. We received such a warm, friendly welcome with such an attentive team, and the hosts simply couldn't do enough for you. The accommodation is, by far, the most comfortable property that we've stayed in throughout our 3 month travel (both in Sri Lanka and Thailand). The Deluxe Villa is spacious, modern and certainly catered to not only all of our needs, but also those of our 6 month old baby. The location offers the perfect place to unwind. With immediate, private access to the beach, it is a wonderful spot to enjoy the sunset and extremely peaceful away from the usual touristy bustle; our daughter was even able to nap on the beach. The food was brilliant. We'd certainly recommend the Sri Lankan breakfasts but the rest of the menu is just as varied and definitely tasty. A wonderful, relaxing piece of paradise and a place I'd completely recommend for any length of stay or even for an afternoon by the pool and an evening beach drink.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 8, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    It was a perfect time. Everything was great.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: July 26, 2024

    10
    We loved our visit to Sri Lanka, thanks to everyone at The Sleeping Elephant, we miss you already.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa with Sea View
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The Sleeping Elephant Beach Resort was absolutely incredible, we even extended our stay because of how beautiful it was, perfect for our family getaway. The area wasn’t too touristy, so you felt like you were in your own paradise oasis. John and Adele were amazing, they basically organised everything for us, which made our trip so relaxing. The food was awesome and the staff treated us like royalty.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: April 8, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing- all perfect!

    Amazing, peaceful resort with wonderful, friendly staff and excellent facilities. The family bungalow was perfect, beautifully decorated and very comfortable. Really hope we will return one day!! Thanks Monika and the team 😊❤️

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: February 26, 2024

    10
    Excellent for a week's relaxing
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Villa with Sea View
    • Stayed 7 nights

    We don't understand how anyone could present anything bad to say of this resort!

    A very welcoming reception by the hosts after a rather long trip (26 h). The staff, from the extremely kind Tila and Santa to the waiters and kitchen personnel, gave a golden feel to our stay. WIFI was good, food was very good, especially the tuna and the breakfast, the pool was very clean holding around 30 degrees and the beach was fantastic for early morning walks. The hosts are offering all kinds of excursions but we intended to just chill out by the pool and onto the beach at their private sun chairs. However, they easily booked a car for us to get back to the airport, which was very convenient. The evenings at dusk was a highlight from our balcony for spotting the wildlife. There are only four villas so it never feels cramped, no need for reserving a sunbed early in the morning :) Thanks again for a memorable (short) vacation!

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 22, 2024

    10
    Lovely chilled out stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Not a criticism, just an observation on our part, we found the kitchen hours a little restricted and no chance of any snacks… but that could be considered a good thing!

    Lovely spacious modern rooms, with a great modern bathroom and outside shower. Tea and coffee making facilities and endless water. Beautiful part of the coastline chosen for its remoteness and empty beaches. All the staff were very friendly and accommodating.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 21, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location, too far from everything. Food is a little bit overpriced

    Staff, facilities, it is very clean, the apartment comfortable, the pool is great

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 17, 2024

    10
    Blissful with beautiful facilities and friendly staff.. a little gem
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We loved it! The slightly remote location may not be to everyone’s liking but we loved the slow pace and tranquility. The pool is lovely so it was fine not to be able to swim in the sea. The breakfast was fabulous as was other meals but food and drinks pricing slightly higher than one might expect for the area. But delicious.

    Everything. Real attention to detail and comfort. Small, welcoming quiet resort and spacious room with modern decor and right on the beach with very few people around. Complete switch off …

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 8, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Considering standard of accommodation choice of breakfast a little unimaginative

    The location is stunning, our accommodation to high standard and very comfortable bed

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 7, 2024

    10
    Best place for peaceful relax
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Waves to big for a children’s, but really good swimming pool

    A very beautiful place for a relaxing holiday. It is immediately clear that the owners are Europeans. Everything is very clean, renovated, very clean pool. The hosts are very friendly - they will help and advise you on all questions. In the hotel restaurant, you can finally get non-spicy food. The beach is very wide and clean, but the waves will not allow swimming with children.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 5, 2024

    9.0
    Lovely place to relax and be looked after
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The price of having a deserted beach location is that the hotel is pretty remote. About 20 minutes in tuk-tuk from Tangalle. Food is very pricey. Payment in cash with prices in Euros or dollars, which was confusing.

    The bungalow was clean, comfortable and offered a great view. Pool was most welcome. Staff were great - particularly Thila and restaurant staff who were so friendly and helpful. The owners - Monika and her husband- were lovely and appeared genuine in their efforts to ensure we had the best of stays.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: December 20, 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Bungalow with Garden View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing.

    Everything! Super attentive and caring hosts have created a little paradise gem here. Worthy of five star rating+ the SE family make you feel very special indeed. We look forward to returning next year.

    Stayed in December 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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