Theva Residency: Blissful Retreat in the Mystical Hills of Kandy, Sri Lanka

By Mark Wiens 18 Comments
Hills of Kandy, Sri Lanka
Hills of Kandy, Sri Lanka

As the rickety tuktuk rickshaw came to a halt at the sleek gates of the Theva Residency, I couldn’t help but hope for a blissful retreat from the chaotic clutter of the streets of Sri Lanka.

It was about a 10 minute mountain ride from the center of Kandy until we arrived.

I was immediately greeted by the friendly Theva staff and ushered away to my room on the bottom floor of the neatly designed boutique hotel.

Fruit Shake at Theva Residency
Fruit Shake at Theva Residency

Just after taking off my dusty shoes and refreshing my face with a splash of cool water, a waiter came to my door bearing a cold blended tropical fruit smoothie. I was delighted.

Though the blistering rays of the midday Sri Lankan sun were harsh, Theva Residency provided a true retreat of escape in the higher elevation of Kandy’s foothills.

Room at Theva Residency, Sri Lanka
Room at Theva Residency, Sri Lanka

My spic and span room was spacious and outfitted with an assortment of luxurious furnishings, an in the room money safe, a flatscreen television, and a small fridge hosting a minibar.

The bathroom was modernly designed with an external transparent glass sink bowl and one of those shower heads that encourages someone to fall asleep while showering.

On the Balcony at Theva Residency
On the Balcony at Theva Residency

The best thing about the room at Theva Residency was the balcony.

Not only was it big enough to include a reclining beach bed and a table with 2 chairs, but also an outdoor tub and shower spigot that overlooked the rolling green hills of Sri Lanka.

Taking a Shower Outdoors
Taking a Shower Outdoors

I had no other choice but to take advantage of the balcony by stripping down to my boxers (I didn’t have a swimming suit with me) and enjoying the blissful outdoor relaxation.

After the outdoor shower extravagance I took the opportunity to try out the bathrobe, something I rarely ever get to do in life!

Buttery Croissant for Breakfast
Buttery Croissant for Breakfast

In the morning I sampled a variety of the specialties off the menu at Theva Residency including a basket of bread and jams, potatoes covered in spinach and poached eggs, an egg and sausage burrito and a platter of delicately cut Sri Lankan fruits.

Egg and Sausage Burrito
Egg and Sausage Burrito

Each dish was so beautifully prepared that it was hard for me to dig-in, but luckily, those feeling lasted merely a few seconds. Each dish I tried was delicious!

Theva Residency
Delicate Fruit Platter
Spinach and Egg
Spinach and Egg

The chef did an excellent job of presentation and all in all the food was fantastic!

Theva Residency, Sri Lanka
Theva Residency, Sri Lanka

After my brief stay at the Theva Residency, I can say that my quest for a blissful retreat was accomplished!

If you are looking for a higher end trendy boutique hotel to spend a few nights in while in Kandy, Sri Lanka, have a look at Theva Residency. It’s a great place to get away from the boisterous streets of Sri Lanka and into the fresh air of the hills of Kandy!

Theva Residency, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Website: http://theva.lk/

Phone Number: 94 (81) 7388280

Note: I was sponsored to stay at the Theva Residency in Kandy, Sri Lanka, but this is my personal opinion of my stay there.

18 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • ciki

    12 years ago

    what amazing photography and what an amazing place! Mark, you make me want to visit like now:)

  • crazy sexy fun traveler

    12 years ago

    Shower outdoor? That is great 🙂 Very nice place!

  • Scott – Quirky Travel Guy

    12 years ago

    That looks so luxurious. What an awesome balcony!

  • Christy @ Technosyncratic

    12 years ago

    This whole place looks lovely, but it’s that balcony that seals the deal for me. Gorgeous view, comfy lounging, and bathing outside? Sign me up.

  • Arti

    12 years ago

    Kandy is a beautiful hill station, I have read so much about it. Now I have seen a bit too. Loved the place, the views are amazing. The food and the room and the overall ambience looks great.
    Thanks for sharing this, Mark:)

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      No problem Arti. I’ll be getting some more article out about Kandy soon!

  • Ruth of Tanama Tales

    12 years ago

    The shower in the balcony is so cool. And the food look delicious. Who would think of a burrito in Sri Lanka?

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      The burrito was pretty cool, I hadn’t had one in years! Yah, I think the shower and outdoor balcony with the view was my favorite part about the room.

  • monette | fliptravels

    12 years ago

    such a beautiful place! i miss theva’s food! 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      You’re right Monette! Beautiful place and awesome food!

  • 2summers

    12 years ago

    Lucky you! Looks absolutely fantastic. Great food photography, as usual.

  • Phil

    12 years ago

    Wow! Definitely bookmarking this post. If I ever make it to Kandy, this sounds like a great refuge.