Dry Zone
Buckingham Place
Sandwiched between the tranquil Rekawa lagoon and the turtle beach of Rekawa in the south of Sri Lanka, Buckingham Place feels more like an upmarket homestay rather than a hotel.
The British-owned hotel offers 15 modern and spacious en suite rooms and lavish suites built with the use of natural materials and featuring verandas, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibar, safety deposit box and room service.
The verdant surroundings include gardens, a small swimming pool and an open air restaurant catering to vegetarian, international and local cuisine. Other amenities include coffee and tea in the lobby, free use of bicycles, and laundry facilities.
The long beach of Rekawa is used as a nesting ground for 5 species of turtle (mostly green turtles) and offers good walking. Sea swimming is only possible in a couple of spots due to the rough seas and currents here (ask the management for details).
Rekawa Lagoon offers good birdwatching plus gentle canoeing through mangroves and natural forest. Evenings can be spent turtle watching (in season). The hotel is within driving distance (one to two hours) of three of the south’s main national parks (Uda Walawe, Yala and Bundala) plus the whale watching area of Mirissa. You should expect early starts to make the best of the wildlife watching at each.
Facilities
Swimming pool, lavish gardens, large rooms with verandas, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibar, safety deposit box, room service, open air restaurant, complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby, free use of bicycles, laundry facilities.
Local Wildlife
5 species of nesting turtles (mainly green turtles), waterbirds in Rekawa Lagoon, day trips to Uda Walawe, Yala, Bundala and Mirissa.
Optional Activities
Turtle watching, canoeing, cycling, bird watching, tea estates, village walks, beach walks, temples, surfing lessons, Yoga, exploring by tuk-tuk, day trips to Uda Walawe, Yala, and Mirissa.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
The main turtle nesting season runs from March to September. Although five species can be seen here (Green, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Loggerhead), the majority are green turtles with the occasional leatherback. The organised night excursions can be busy but are usually successful. Heed the advice to not use torches or flash photography to avoid disturbing the turtles . Make an effort to get up early one day and head to the beach at first light: you often have the beach to yourself and can occasionally see adult turtles or new hatchlings return to the sea.
If you have any questions regarding our Sri Lanka tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Our guide was excellent being knowledgeable, interesting, trustworthy and a good travel companion. I would unhesitatingly recommend him to your future clients. Yala was undoubtedly the highlight of the tour and from a wildlife point of view exceeded our expectations. My wife and I have had a thoroughly enjoyable two weeks in Sri Lanka. Everything ran smoothly and there were no major faults. Astounding scenery and wildlife, friendly people and delicious food.
We will certainly consider using Reef and Rainforest again. Thank you for putting together a wonderful itinerary which covered all our needs in the time available. A return visit to see other parts of the island will be on our list!