A wonderful Garden of Eden within the madness of Colombo.
Master Suite 2 was quite wonderful, the room huge, with an incredibly comfortable bed. The lounge room had an excellent desk, fit for a president and a comfortable L shaped sofa, with plenty of sunlight from the many windows that line the walls. Each room within the suite was equipped with a Bose surround sound speaker set up which was an added bonus, and a TV which you can airplay connect to, or watch the local channels, including sports. The bathroom was spacious with a walk in shower area and dual basins.
As for the hotel itself, like a top end Riyad you may find in the equally bustling Marrakesh, it is broken into many different rooms, nooks and crannies. Despite this, there is a flowing feel to the whole villa. The pool is a wonderful teal, with enough space for yourself and your partner to take a dip to cool off from the humidity. The wood of the furniture expertly accentuates the luscious greenery that fills the garden and the bronze fixtures give that northern African feel.
The staff that maintain the villa are steadfast and hard working. Ashan, the butler who contacts you prior to your stay to ensure a smooth trip, is professional, warm and attentive. The other staff who make up the great team are equally so. The chef prepared a wonderful multiple course breakfast which began with a selection of fruit, pastries and bread, and later a sweet course followed by a main. Isabelle, the manager, personally greeted us upon arrival and is there to assist with any queries or suggestions you may have for your trip.
A massive thank you to everyone involved. I hope to see...
Read moreI recently had the opportunity to stay in this lovely location, and I have to say, it was an absolute treat. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was struck by the sense of grandeur and nostalgia that permeated the space. The lobby was ornately decorated, with antique furnishings and old-world charm. lush green spaces and open air in the middle of colombo city! WOW!
As I made my way to my room, I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate details that had been preserved throughout the hotel. The furniture was antique with proper contemporary architectural viewpoints and adjustments with lights. classic books and ornaments properly placed, and the hallways were lined with vintage photographs and artwork. It was clear that ishq tells a unique story of its rich history, and it was a pleasure to be a part of it.
But despite its old-fashioned charm, the hotel was also thoroughly modern and comfortable. My room was extra spacious and well-appointed, with all the amenities I needed for a comfortable stay. The bed was soft and inviting, and the bathroom was spotless and well-equipped. and the food was amazing. the cherry on top is the amazing staff who truly lives and owns this space beyond a job of work. Undoubtedly one of the best places that I have ever visited.
All in all, I had a wonderful stay at this historic unique masterpiece and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique experience in a calm and content space. It was a true pleasure to be a guest here, and I can't wait to...
Read moreOur week-long stay at Ishq Colombo in early September was a pure delight. We were unprepared - despite the many photos online - for the beauty and serenity of this magnificent house at the end of a long, quiet driveway in the heart of the city. The lovingly nurtured courtyard gardens, cascading greenery by the poolside, and verdant upper terraces provided the perfect setting for an abundance of exquisitely curated furnishings and artwork throughout the public spaces and private rooms. Above all, we must commend highly the courteous and efficient staff at Ishq who took care of our every need. Our butlers, Asanga and Ashan, deserve special mention for their professionalism, attention to detail and warm hospitality extended to us as well as our own guests whom we entertained on several occasions in our temporary ‘home’. Kudos to the head chef and his team for the delicious meals served, and discussed in person with us every time. Last, but not least, we won’t forget assistant manager Dilanka’s gracious welcome on our initial arrival at Ishq at 2 a.m. which included a freshly-brewed cup of Ceylon tea. A heartfelt...
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