The Spice Trail

This was the second most expensive hotel we stayed in out of 7 in Sri Lanka and in our opinion this was not value for money and the only one we would not recommend to friends or return to. The selling point of the hotel is the location with it being right on the main *****. The rooms are very large and the air conditioning is good but other than that they're very basic and really dark! The bed was comfy but the sheets were old and felt and looked a bit dirty. The bathroom was functional but dated. We had ants crawling all over the bedside table and this hotel was the only place I got bitten while I slept despite the mosquito net. The pool area is nice but having to dodge the bird poo while sat on the sun lounger or in the pool was not enjoyable and something we haven't experienced anywhere else ever. The lunch menu was basic, took a long time to be made and was very small. We went for the chicken and chips as we were in a rush before a safari and it was Happy Meal size. Luckily we didn't bother with the breakfast included option and just paid for breakfast one morning which was really poor. There were much better options just outside of the hotel that are much much cheaper. Each evening when we came back from dinner out there was a frog in our room and all over the front door which was very annoying. We also found the hotel staff the most unfriendly and unhelpful compared with everywhere else we stayed. Be aware the hotel is all sand and the staff don't help with bags. Not necessarily a problem but we were in room 1 and were woken up by the call to prayers at 5am ish as it was just so loud and took us by surprise. Overall we were really disappointed with this hotel. Should have stayed at the hostel we originally booked which was less than half the price!

The Spice Trail is a gorgeous hotel in the heart of Arugum Bay across the road from the beach. We aren’t surfers so the pool was important to us and we spent most days there. The beach isn’t really for sitting on but amazing if you like to surf. The hotel rooms are huge and the shower in the bathroom was amazing. We had a great few days here - really liked it

Nice location just across the street and you are on the beach. A few nice beach restaurants opposite the accommodation who offer chairs as long as you take a drink or snack. Great place to learn to surf on the waves. The accommodation is fair, not too fancy but functional.

It was one of the most spacial places I've been staying in my whole life. Firstly, the rooms are amazingly beautiful, the shower is a surprize you must go see for yourself and ther is a little garden for every room. Secondly, the place is super welcoming an fun, there is a beautifule swiming pool and great jupanies resturant. but the most amazing surprise of all is the crew who made this experience one to remember. Very recommended!

We had such a nice stay at Spice Trail. The rooms are so big, clean, and luxurious. Everything worked perfectly (AC, shower, etc.) and the room had all the nice touches (good shampoo & conditioner, drinking water, mini fridge, kettle, etc.). The pool was fantastic, and the whole place had such a nice vibe. The service was impeccable. Special thanks to Kasun for taking such great care of us. I’m leaving feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, and definitely plan to stay here next time I visit Arugam Bay.

Our stay in the Spice Trail - Arugam Bay has been wonderful. I’m travelling with my husband & brother. Our rooms have A/C and are spotlessly clean, and refreshed daily by the same friendly man. All the staff on site are extremely polite and friendly. The gardens are stunning. We have breakfast most days here in the hotel, Dharsan has been wonderful. Always available to help with meal choices and assist with any questions. He is a superstar. His English is great, a really lovely chap! ( I’m not sure when he has a day off, as he always seems to be available! ) It’s taken some adjustment to get use to the tropical heat here in Srilanka, when we booked I thought a pool would be important but we love to swim in the sea, the pool water is hotter than I have a bath at home. I can’t rate The Spice Trail highly enough, the staff and accommodation are fantastic. I highly recommend. We are very happy.

Recently we spent a few nights staying at the "Spice Trail" villas in Arugam Bay and it was such a nice experience. The staff were great , the accommodation was amazing and the food served up by Prasanna and Dharshan from Little Bang Kitchen 👌

Everything is excellent at this place. The pool, gardens and location are great. The rooms are spacious and clean. The food was great and fresh. Staff are amazing. Genuinely happy and they all work really hard to keep you happy and the place tidy. We had a truly great time here and felt welcome. Wifi in the room was non existent (rooms 10 and 11) so that’s the only negative.