This was the first stop in our Sri Lankan trip and We weren’t quite ready to brave the hustle bustle of Colombo, Athma house was perfect for that. A small escape where you could admire the city lights over the lake while nestled behind a jungle shield. However central enough for you get out there if you want to. The owner of the property was our highlight. A fabulous well traveled woman with a warm welcoming energy. Her mission to make us feel at home. The interior was a feast for the eyes. Authentic and eccentric. The property was originally built as her home and it still feels that way, lived in and full of soul. Our only regret is we didn’t stay longer. We stayed for one night and would recommend a minimum of two nights.

Nothing not to like

Completely blown away by this amazing place. The house is overlooking the lake with beautiful gardens and a long swimming pool. The architecture and interiors are unlike anything i've seen before. Incredible attention to detail. They have just reopened after some renovations and the rooms were artfully decorated, spacious and had everything i needed. Breakfast was top notch, homemade granola and the house special curries were delicious. Staff and owners were all really helpful and attentive. Will definitely be back. Thank you

Very nice and very individual hotel. Very individual rooms with many details and a great breakfast.

The pool could have used some cleaning

This is one of the most interesting and beautiful hotels we have stayed in. Duchy, the owner, has spent many years designing and decorating the hotel with care, love and exquisite flair. The result is a wonderful oasis in Colombo with comfort and interest around every corner. It is a fabulous place to relax, particularly situated around the shores of a large lake. All the staff are incredibly friendly, attentive and helpful. My wife was a little unwell during our two nights stay and she was looked after with superb care and warm attention - thank you. In addition, the food is of a very high quality. We were so very sad to leave but it is our firm intention to return. Don’t miss this wonderful Colombo gem.

Nothing to dislike

Aathma totally exceeded my expectations. We needed a place to stay for one night at the end of our trip - we thought this would just be a stopover, but it felt like a whole holiday in itself. The room was INSANE, so ornate and cool. You really feel like you're in someone's incredible house. The team especially made it special: massive thanks to Shandheep and Rifath, and Gayan (food service). The food was delicious! We had room service, which was a real treat. Thank you Aathma team!

The location is beautiful, but fairly remote. This was perfect for us as we didn't need access to the city by foot, Ubers are easy to get though. It's an amazing oasis in an otherwise hectic city.

Aathma is a feast for the eyes and the heart. The setting is so lovely with lake views and peaceful gardens. As others have said there is always something new, beautiful or quirky to catch your eye. The hotel feels like a treasured family home in which you are an honoured guest. The staff are excellent, so professional and competent but friendly and fun as well. Bohoma stoothi Imran and Geeth for your outstanding care of us. The food was also some of the best we have had in Sri Lanka.

I would change nothing other than staying longer!

Delighted to spend our 2 final nights of our Sri Lanka tour in Aathma Colombo House! The photos don’t do the hotel justice… it’s quirky, colourful style is exquisite and beautifully crafted by the owner who was happy to chat with us and explain her project. We didn’t realise when we made our booking, that The Sun House in Galle is also run by the same family, so do look up this hotel which is equally stunning in a colonial style. It was lovely to have such beautiful hotels at the start and end of our trip. Not only are the hotels stylish with delicious restaurants, but the team look after you so well throughout your stay. Both are very special!

Nothing!

This place is beautiful. From the garden and the patio facing the lake, to the surrounding nature, to the breakfast with the chorus of birds in the morning. The decorations and the art pieces make this place magical. We had also dinner, and that was absolutely delicious. The bed was super comfortable and the staff very helpful. We will come back for sure in the future!

The cleanliness of the bathroom was ok, but could be improved with a little more attention to check for big insects before the check-in ( even if as it is very close to a lake we can understand that it's possible to find some insects around)

Over 25+ countries travelled and this hotel is truly the most beautiful we’ve seen. Every single detail is incredible. Probably the best bed we’ve ever slept in. The most wonderful staff - they were all so lovely and helpful - we didn’t know how to accept such kindness all the time. What a blessing to have met such a team. Colombo is often left off the typical tourist route but this place in itself made it 100% worthwhile. ((although we adore colombo so 100% recommend regardless)). Thank you all for everything. We’ll tell anyone with ears about our stay and will treasure the memories forever.

I loved staying at this beautiful, proud, authentic and uncompromising Sri Lankan family home come hotel, finished as it was to the highest of standards and so very tastefully decorated, all risen up from the once lakeside bank. I was greeted by my courteous hosts on arrival, respectful of my long journey from the UK, and made to feel welcomed and comfortable right away. My accommodation was as described and expected; it was immaculate (cleaned twice during my stay of three nights) and more than adequate for my needs. The food was delicious; although breakfast was lovely, my evening meals have been the best I have had here so far, being especially well cooked and prepared, further enhancing my first-time-in-Sri Lanka experience. The hosts arranged local tuc tucs and drivers for me, usually at short notice, and we're always keen to help out, particularly with timings on my leaving day. I said that if I came to Sri Lanka again I would stay here again and I meant it. Thank you all for the quality of all of your services and your thoughtfulness throughout my stay.

Nothing