Designed along the lines of a Colonial-period Kandyan Wallauwa (ancestral house), this magnificent boutique hotel and villa exudes a stately grandeur yet is also infused with the latest in modern technology. The creation of Clilngendael has taken five years with its Dutch owner painstakingly putting together original doors, windows, stair cases, floor boards and furniture that were collected from old Colonial houses in the south of the island dating back to 1782.  The old-world charm is blended tastefully with a touch of colour, contemporary art on the walls and the best of modern day conveniences.  Clingendael’s terraced gardens, cascading waterways, verandahs and tranquil setting is ideal for relaxation. Indeed, you don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy this remarkable property, one of the finest houses in Sri Lanka.

Accommodation
Named after five old Dutch estate houses, each of the spacious airconditioned suites at Clingendael is unique with a character of its own.  All have ensuite bathrooms equipped with double overhead showers, bathtub, vanities, and w/c.  Some of the suites have an antique wooden staircase leading to a quiet loft area with views into the gardens which is ideal for reading or just relaxing.  Each suite opens out onto a private verandah overlooking the gardens, and has a dressing area and work space. All suites have an LCD Television with satellite channels, an ipod with a selection of music, internet connection and IDD facilities.

• Welt e Vree (Green Room) – has twin beds and antique staircase leading to the loft which is ideal for work or lounging with a Birdseye view of the gardens.
  
• Vreugd en Rust (Brown Room) – has a Queen-size hardwood four-poster bed, dressing area, private verandah and loft space and an ensuite bathroom with a `Japanese Bath’ which has a large overhead shower.
  
• Harmonie (Red Room) – has a King-size bed on a cemented platform, dressing area, private verandah and loft space.
  
  Meer en Duyn (Blue Room) – has King-size bed on a cemented platform, dressing area and private verandah.
  
• Uytvlught (Master Suite) – spacious suite with living and dining area, dressing room and King-size canopied four-poster bed.

Facilities
Clingendael’s dramatic entrance leads you downhill through landscaped gardens past an infinity pool overlooking the Victoria reservoir and a cascading pond.  The main entranceway to the house is through a verandah which serves as living and dining spaces.  Through the more formal living area is a tranquil living space at the rear that opens out to a manicured garden, the reservoir and mountains beyond.  The property has numerous locations for dining including the main dining room which seats 14, the private verandah just outside your own suite, or anywhere in the front or rear garden.  Sri Lankan and Western cuisine is served here prepared with fresh meats and vegetables purchased in the local shops.  Discuss your preferences with the chef and he will ensure that meals are prepared to your liking.  A selection of beverages is on offer and is served from the bar in the front verandah.  Clingendael has an excellent in-house manager, chef and housekeeping staff that are courteous and helpful.

Excursions
The Victoria Golf and Country Resort, just 10 minutes walk away, offers a wide range of facilities including an 18-hole golf course, putting green and practice range, Pro shop and PGA golf academy.  Other sports and recreational facilities include bar and terrace dining,  floodlit tennis court, Saddle club and horse safaris, outdoor infinity swimming pool and an Ayurvedic centre. The surrounding reservoir and central hills are ideal for bird watching.  Over 100 species of birds can be spotted on nature trails within the 500-acre estate accompanied by a local expert. Mountain bike trails also provide for much adventure.  The city of Kandy, just 30 minutes away, is steeped in history and culture.  Interesting activities include: a visit to the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined; Peradeniya Botanical gardens, with its orchid collection and formally laid-out trees; Kandy’s rich ancient arts and crafts including drum making, Dumbara mat weaving and Kandyan dancing and drumming.