Buckingham Place

I recently had the great pleasure of dining at Buckingham Place. It was an unforgettable experience in the most breathtaking surroundings. It was apparent as soon as we arrived that a great deal of thought and love has gone in to creating such a magical place. From the luscious tropical gardens to the glorious design and decor of the dining and bar area it managed to feel exclusive yet extremely welcoming. It is the kind of setting where I imagine Bond and Hemingway would happily settle. We started the evening with superb cocktails in the bar/lounge area to a soundtrack of the Indian Ocean and some magnificent jazz. Unobtrusive yet wonderfully atmospheric. We then moved to the airy dining room which looks out onto one of the pools surrounded by palms and the white sands below. I ordered the sesame crusted tuna salad with fresh mango and a miso/wasabi dip which was one of those dishes I will forever try to recreate but will never come close to succeeding. It was exquisite and I would return to Sri Lanka for that alone. The service was also superb. The staff were attentive but not overly so. They seemed to appear when we needed something but were not watching our every move. I can not recommend Buckingham Place highly enough. I plan on returning there as soon as I can. Magnificent.

This is the place to be whilst in Rekawa. Well worth staying in this fabulous place. Had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Mr Nick Buckingham himself, and enjoyed our conversation. The staff made sure we had everything we needed in this fabulous hotel. The room was excellent, the only drawback was that we only spent one night. Will stay here if we return to the area.

Highly recommend place for a memorable stay. Kind staff with great service and hospitality. They provide the service in high standards and they are very much attentive to the guests. They make you surprise with lovely memories at your special events. Very delicious freshly cooked meals with authentic taste. Lovely rooms with all facilities and large area.

A very colourful hotel, which provides a beautiful view of the lagoon. The room is extremely large, with an even larger bathroom - which had both a round tub and a large shower. The shower area is open-air, which can be definitely romantic, however, we did have some friendly birds get trapped inside the bathroom, and some insects roaming around as well. The staff and owner (who lives on site) are very friendly, and there is a snooker table as well as board games for those rainy days in. Dinner and breakfast are a la carte, so it may not make sense to purchase half board, as opposed to just ordering what you want to eat on the day, as the menu is the same. If you want to go watch the turtles after dinner, make sure you ask for an early dinner slot. We were told that 1 hour was enough, but we had to skip dessert because 1.5hrs into the meal we were still not served. The infinity pool is gorgeous, and very relaxing (although a bit cold).

Our second time visiting and loving this utterly fabulous unique boutique hotel! Everything from the setting to the location is perfect! Nothing, absolutely nothing is too much trouble and every member of the excellent staff give 100% to looking after you and making you feel wanted, part of their lives and in every moment looked after and valued to such a fabulous level! They make me smile inwardly and outwardly and the pleasure they generate is just .. well just exquisite! You are engaged with on every single level. Room staff / garden staff / stewards / leads absolutely everyone work tirelessly to seamlessly make your stay extra special. What do I love most? Everything! The resident dogs Gracie B and Bella even welcome you (Well when Gracie B warms to you). The rooms are spotless. The bathrooms are unique and I adore the open roof touch that even when a rainfall comes adds to the specialness of this place! The Spa is likewise a fabulous moment in this extraordinary place! Thank you all so very much!! We are coming back and are privileged to be now called regulars! We love it!!!

We stayed for six nights in a Lagoon View Family Bedroom suite at Buckingham Place. We loved every minute and since returning home we are still reminiscing! What a hotel…from the beautiful complimentary Italian coffee delivered to our room once we woke to the enjoyable dining experience each night. The food is really the best and it comes with outstanding service. Nothing is ever a problem! We came to rest and we did just that…lazed by the pool and listened to the sounds of the sea and nature. It really would be a dream to return. Thank you to Nick, Kalpa and the team.

This was my fourth visit to this incredible destination, albeit a brief one with colleagues en route to the deep south. Nick and his team at Buckingham Place truly go above and beyond to ensure a flawless stay. Every guest receives exceptional treatment, with personalized care and a commitment to exceeding expectations. Nestled amidst stunning surroundings, the hotel's 16 spacious suites offer panoramic views of the lagoon. From the balcony or terrace, guests can enjoy the sight of birds of prey soaring above, monkeys in their natural habitat, and majestic peacocks strutting gracefully. The spectacular, empty beach provides a unique and refreshing vibe. The hotel is fully equipped with a spa, a stunning restaurant, an ocean-facing infinity pool, another garden pool, a bar, a lounge, and many more amenities. Buckingham Place is peacefully secluded, forming part of a tranquil community near two renowned game reserves, Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, both just a two-hour drive away. Yet, the captivating wildlife often visits right at your doorstep—monkeys, peacocks, mongooses, squirrels, lizards, and a myriad of bird species. Nick and his exceptional team, including Kalpa, Arshad, and all others in the kitchen, garden, and housekeeping departments, deserve special recognition. Until next time, our heartfelt thanks for creating such unforgettable experiences. This is a true gem and not to be missed.

Buckingham Place has got to be a clear favourite out of many hotels I've visited in Sri Lanka. It really is home from home, from the time you arrive it has hospitality in abundance. Nick Buckingham is not only the owner but he makes this a very special experience. The staff are superb, Kalpa and his team are simply fantastic. As a person who works in the tourism sector in Sri Lanka I can without a doubt say....this should be top of your list to stay. Once you come and stay you will know and understand the reason for me raving about this one of a kind property. I call it a property but it's way more than that...for me it's so relaxing and inviting, you actually don't want to do anything but forget everything and bask in the warmth and kick back and chill. The rooms are beautiful, bathrooms are wonderful, the food and ambience just tremendous. This is a true GEM and not to be missed. Nick you open your arms to everyone what a beautiful quality and it really is home. So it leaves me to say you must come and see Nick, Kalpa and the team...remember you heard it from me. Well done xx