The newest addition to the W15 Collection – W15 Ambuluwawa blends itself into the mountain folds of the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex with breathtaking 360-degree views of Sri Lanka’s Central Province.

Somewhere in the unrelenting spread of peaks and valleys of Sri Lanka’s Central Province, W15 Ambuluwuwa welcomes guests to a tasteful blend of artful luxury and natural beauty nestled amidst the biodiversity complex of the Ambuluwawa mountain hill.  The boutique hotel opened its doors on November 1, 2024, and is the latest addition to W15’s Experience-focused collection, joining its sister properties the likes of W15 Weligama, W15 Ahangama and W15 Glenfall.

“We are very excited to open this property to guests. It’s a special place where guests have the unique experience of indulging in a relaxing stay while having enough activities and experiences around the area to keep them entertained,” shared Hardy Jamaldeen – Chairman of the W15 Collection. “With the 360-degree views this place offers, we wanted to share this property with people but also respect and do justice to the nature and the space it’s in. Everything is designed in a way that the hotel is integrated with nature – it’s like stepping into a framed piece of art.” 

The Property
The eight-room boutique hotel is the first and only luxury accommodation found at the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex. With bragging rights to unrestricted, front-row seats to 360-degree views of mountains and valleys as far as the eye can see, this property is nothing short of spectacular.

A property that has built itself around its surrounding natural wilderness, W15 Ambuluwawa’s eight rooms—three standard, four deluxe, and one master suite—capture a panorama that unfurls itself in every direction, revealing a patchwork of green land in endless layers of jungle and cloud.

The Master Suite is the property’s pièce de resistance – with floor-to-ceiling windows framing three out of its four walls and an open-plan bathroom with a soaking tub. It’s as if someone has built a bedroom inside a snow globe and swapped snow for lush greenery and yes, it’s truly as magical as it sounds. The other rooms are not to be outdone of course–all rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows framing a different version of the view and a private balcony/deck that extends outwards like an invitation to either catch the morning fog of a quiet sunrise or the evening glow of a phenomenal sunset.

The hotel’s four-foot infinity pool stretches right to the edge of a cliffside and is tailor-made for slow, lazy swims and catching the first rays of the morning.  The casual living spaces are scattered with books, and plush armchairs and don’t fail to give guests the view that they came for. The use of earthy tones and textures in its décor creates an organic flow between indoor and outdoor living and easily sets a peaceful and tranquil tone for the stay.

The restaurant is the hotel’s quiet gem, serving a tidy à la carte menu built around fresh, local ingredients. There are no pretensions, no overly inventive garnishes here—just well-made, hearty food that pays homage to its home while keeping the standard W15 is known for. The restaurant is open to outsiders too, for the day-trippers who, in their pursuit of the famous Ambuluwawa Tower, might want a wholesome meal with a view.

At sunset, the hotel’s rooftop deck transforms into a dramatic stage for the setting of the sun, best enjoyed with a W15 signature drink in hand. On our visit, we were treated to a spectacle of a sunset, the kind with sharp shades of orange and pink, playing over the distant mountains and the lakes of the valleys below that had us in awe for the several minutes it took to set.

Experiences at the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex
W15 Ambuluwawa naturally takes full advantage of its address. The Ambuluwawa biodiversity complex offers guests a variety of activities to do during their stay–should they wish to pry themselves away from the quiet luxury of the boutique hotel.

The iconic Ambuluwawa Tower rises as Sri Lanka’s first multi-religious monument and the tower’s unique spiralling structure has become a must-visit landmark, drawing thousands of visitors-both local and foreign-to climb the narrow stairway for a stunning view. Ambuluwawa is gradually blossoming into a magnet for discerning travellers seeking adventure and experiences with a view. The region welcomed over 30,000 visitors in August alone, making it an up-and-coming destination in Sri Lanka.

The biodiversity complex extends beyond the iconic tower, its dotted with open spaces for picnics and bird watching, lakes for boat rides and an adventure course (Pine Tree Adventure) for the adrenaline junkies where the 16-course set up with zip lines and rope bridges promises a fun experience for those seeking a bit of adventure. The famous Amber Swing is where nature meets thrill and makes for a great Instagram post of swinging high over the Ambuluwawa mountain hill.
All these experiences are offered as packages by the W15 Ambuluwawa team, inclusive of arranging transport and purchasing tickets.

W15 Ambuluwawa: Quiet Luxury
W15 Ambuluwawa is a hotel that doesn’t bother with a big pitch or a slogan – it doesn’t have to. It’s a property that speaks to the slow, rich pace of living that strikes a careful balance between the indulgence of a boutique experience with the raw authenticity of nature’s bounty and wilderness. It’s a property for guests who seek stillness, a piece of peace and a sense that the world ends just beyond their window–something W15 Amuluwawa delivers without fail.

Reservations are now open for W15 Ambuluwawa with introductory special rates.

Pictures courtesy W15