OceanEye — Hotel in Sri Lanka

OceanEye – A Stylish but Flawed Retreat in the Sri Lankan Jungle

OceanEye is a spot finished in a cool, raw, European style, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s picturesque jungle. Staying here surrounds you with endless greenery, playful monkeys, large lizards, and even the occasional snake (I saw one myself).

Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end.

We stayed there for almost two weeks, and honestly, that was the biggest issue. We just felt unwelcome. Despite Lova’s constant smile, her partner Lee managed to ruin the atmosphere every single time.

Rooms: We were offered the chance to try three different rooms, as suggested by the owners: First room: No privacy whatsoever. When you wake up, you can watch people swimming in the pool—and they can watch you too. Next two rooms: The problem was the water. It was so yellow and full of sediment that it clogged the showerheads, leaving yellow stains on the sink. At first, we thought this was just how it is in Sri Lanka, but as we continued our journey, we realized this was not a common issue. Installing water filters would be a good idea. Final room: No internet at all. So if you need to work or just want to watch a movie in the evening, you’ll need to arrange reliable mobile internet yourself.

Breakfasts: The breakfasts were another letdown—they were just too small. Two fried eggs and two dry toasts (one time the toast was moldy, which was taken away but not replaced with anything else). The pancakes with honey were the least disappointing option, so I’d recommend those.

Other Observations: The strangest thing for me was the owners’ fixation on everyone walking around barefoot—even without flip-flops. In an age where we’re aware of conditions like athlete’s foot or HPV, this feels quite unhygienic in a place where guests are constantly coming and going.

Final Thoughts: I know Lova might respond with, “everything is clearly described in the listing,” but I’m not judging their writing skills—I’m reviewing the experience of staying there.

If you’re considering OceanEye, it might be worth visiting for 1–2 nights to take some Instagram-worthy photos. However, for anyone planning a longer stay, I strongly recommend checking out accommodations in nearby Hiriketiya or Dickwella, just 30 minutes away. For the same (in my opinion, completely overpriced) rate, you can find much...

oceaneye is an incredible architectural hideaway run by two expats lova from sweden and lee from england. they’ve created a beautifully modern/minimalist airbnb middle of the jungle - perfectly secluded and thoughtfully designed 🌴🐒✨

their homestay feels like a magical oasis in the jungle. the structure is designed without windows, allowing a natural flow of air that keeps the rooms breezy and cool even without air conditioning (and it’s 33-34 here these days). sunshine fills the space most of the time, while the surrounding greenery brings a gentle freshness and shields from the intense heat, creating an ideal balance.

the homestay’s remote location adds to its charm. each trip out to discover beaches and interesting sites is a 10-12 km hike for us, which makes the experience feel even more like a hidden retreat in the wilderness. perfect place for those who love both adventure and tranquility - feel so lucky to have stumbled upon this...

A Magical Jungle Retreat!

We had such a wonderful stay at this Airbnb! The location is absolutely stunning—nestled in the jungle, yet still easy access to beaches with tuktuk. The house itself has a special energy, making it feel both cozy and relaxing. You can tell there’s a lot of attention to detail in every part of the home, from the thoughtful decor to the little touches that made our stay extra comfortable.

The property is a joy to explore, with beautiful garden full of wildlife.The pool was the perfect place to cool off.

The host was fantastic—welcoming, knowledgeable, and full of great local tips that helped us make the most of our trip. And their friendly dogs were such a treat! They added to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the place.

If you’re looking for a peaceful jungle escape with character, charm, and a great host, this is the perfect spot. We can’t wait...