Review Author: jackaizlewood, United Kingdom

Review Date: 30 Jan 2019

Review Body: Our stay at the Natural Mystic Sanctuary was, without doubt, our favourite stay in Sri Lanka. Sam and Karina were extremely welcoming, and the location of the rooms is simply flawless. From taking ourselves off to explore the peaceful and relatively untouched rainforest, to enjoying a naturally occuring fish spa in the nearby river; our stay will certainly live long in the memory. While there, we went on one of the guided tours of the rainforest (highlighted in the Sanctuary's helpful guidebook), which I would strongly recommend. Sagara, our host, seemed genuinely passionate about the area, taking time to point out specific elements of the rainforest and explain their wider ecological and cultural significance, which not every guide seemed to - he also had the best (homemade) samosas we experienced in Sri Lanka! Our favourite, and perhaps the most simple, part of the stay however, was enjoying the amazing food on offer while looking out onto wildlife activity at dawn and dusk. Though it seems slightly 'off the beaten track', our stay was more than worth the effort. Should we return to Sri Lanka, we will certainly be going back. Thank you again, Sam and Karina!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Andrew S

Review Date: 30 Oct 2017

Review Body: A long steeeeep 20minute walk up a track ( not really suitable for vehicles) ... into jungle / rainforest ... to this amazing little place on the edge of Sinharaja rain forest. The owners (Sam(English) & Karina(German)), have acquired part of an old tea plantation lodge in 7 acres of beautiful natural jungle. Totally off-grid - solar power only, water from their natural spring, all food / spices / fruit grown organically and excellently home cooked - by Sam & Karina, who are in the process of re-building, creating an idyllic place to stay, sensitively curating and cultivating their patch of jungle - with monkeys scampering in the trees, eagles floating on thermals, and fireflies dancing, Bob Dylan and good Reggae drifting lazily ... Met some lovely people (Nati, David, Nico) - volunteers helping with the project & They even let me loose with a machete to help clear a little bit of jungle !!! Enjoyed that immensely! All in all ... Natural Mystic Sanctuary is just that ! Thank you Sam & Karina

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lior H

Review Date: 30 Aug 2018

Review Body: Possibly one of the best spots in the world, overlooking the jungle and tea plantations. The view from our room was outstanding and the sound of the jungle that surrounds the place is magical. The food was excellent and the place has amazing atmosphere. We visited Sinharaja rain forest which was mind blowing and only about 40 minuets away and also Lumbini which is a tea factory nearby. Karina and Sam who work hard to run the place are very friendly, kind and helpful. The place runs on solar power and has fresh spring water and also two very friendly dogs :) Highly recommended!!!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Hugo

Review Date: 30 Jan 2019

Review Body: This is a most unusual place which has been developed by friendly young couple from wild forest over the last 5 years . Very eco (only solar energy) but major problem for some will be the 15 min hike up cobbled path having crossed a wide stream. Their jeep was not working when we visited and getting luggage up was a struggle . Initially they charged us for getting our luggage up and back but they then saw sense and reimbursed us. Once they get their transport sorted it will be considerably better . Interesting walk around their “farm” but beware leeches ! They have worked incredibly hard and the rooms were comfortable. Food was very average but we were told their cook had suddenly taken the week off. Sinharaja Rainforest walk which we did was an hour away . If that is what you want suggest you book somewhere closer, as there are not really walks starting from this place. Rainforest was well worth the effort . If you want peace , solitude and want to support their eco efforts at this Sanctuary then go for it ! Reasonably priced .

Review rating: 4

Review Author: Martibass, England

Review Date: 30 Jan 2019

Review Body: If you want to be away from it all and are not too needy when it comes to luxuries and accommodation and you are fit enough to deal with the hike up to the home then you may love this place. Sam and Karina are clearly committed environmentally and strive to be self sufficient and work to preserve the area of rainforest they have there. Largely self sufficient, the food was veggie but tasty. Favourite activities for us were being nibbled by the fish in the pools, walking in the forest and relaxing with only the noises of the forest. Expect bugs and frogs - it’s a forest! You may need to bring your own beer!

Review rating: 4

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Today you will discover the sanctuary, relax and unwind in your accommodation.

Itinerary Description: Do make sure to arrive before 6pm Natural Mystic Sanctuary can be accessed by crossing through a shallow river and going up a stone road to the top of the hill. It is a lovely walk up through the tea plantations and takes about 15 mins to walk up. Enjoy a cool drink at the sanctuary restaurant after a small hike uphill through scenic rainforest & tea plantations. The owner will show you the little paradise with its refreshing river, natural pools, giant Banyan tree and plantation. The tour through our 6-acre Sanctuary takes about 30 minutes. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon by the river or just watch the birds, giant squirrels or monkeys pass by your veranda.

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Today you will trek 7 km in the forest to waterfalls and see rare birds.

Itinerary Description: 7.45 am: Breakfast 8.30 am: Pick up down by the river where you arrived the day before (it takes about 10 minutes to walk down) and transfer to the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve where you meet the experienced guide at the park entrance. Hike along the 5 km standard trail. After visiting the first waterfall and rest for a lunch break with an optional swim, you will hike deeper inside the forest to experience the real, undisturbed nature with it’s hidden animals, flora & fauna to a second waterfall. The tour is in total about 7 km long and takes about 7 h. Please bring a water bottle which you can refill with free spring water at our Sanctuary before you leave. Lunch will be supplied by the guide as well as salt against leeches. 6.30 pm: Sri Lankan oil candle dinner

Itinerary Day 3

Itinerary Summary: Today you will visit a local village, scenic Buddhist Temple and be surrounded by the stunning views over Diyadawe Rainforest Range.

Itinerary Description: 8.45 am: Breakfast. 10 am: The local guide will meet you after breakfast down by the river and drive you along the scenic Batandura road. With good weather conditions, you will go to a waterfall where you can have a refreshing swim, enjoy a “king coconut” with locally prepared, traditional village snacks. You will get an idea about the local way of life. After that, a tuk-tuk will bring you to a scenic Buddhist Temple (Getabaruwa of Kotapola) which is situated on top of a hill with stunning views over the Diyadawe Rainforest Range. It ́s surrounded by jungle and has some wildlife like Macace, Purple Faced Leaf monkeys and Giant Squirrels. Around 2 pm the tuk-tuk brings you back to the Sanctuary. Total duration 4h. 6.30 pm: Sri Lankan oil candle dinner

Itinerary Day 4

Itinerary Summary: Get ready for departure!

Itinerary Description: 8 am: Breakfast and departure