SWIMMING POOLS
In addition to our main 33m infinity pool at the Oceanfront facility you’ll find a second, smaller and more intimate pool on the other side of the property. This second pool was originally the first we built and is still popular with our regular guests, small groups and those learning to swim.
The main pool extends into our bar, with pool seats so you can cool off while throwing back your favourite cocktail!
NATURES POOL
a short amble from our beach gate...
OCEANFRONT
OCEANFRONT, our wow-factor restaurant, is the all-day hub of the hotel. Overlooking a 33m infinity pool to the Indian Ocean, it shares an open air structure with the bar, mezzanine lounge and amphitheatre.
Oceanfront’s unhurried atmosphere, cuisine, and heartfelt hospitality is the highlight of any stay. Diverse, daily changing menus offer something for everyone; authentic Sri Lankan, European fusion, plus a few standup favourites are freshly prepped, feature locally sourced ingredients, and are cooked by a highly commended all-Sri Lankan kitchen crew. Each meal is cooked to your order and preferences – there are no buffets, and every day is another mouthwatering surprise.
POOL DECK
From floorboards to lawns there’s plenty of space to spread out and soak up the rays, with plenty of loungers to go around and handloom pool wraps to kick off your shoes and lay back on.
The Oceanfront deck is the idyllic place for a table under the stars, just reserve one during the day, it tends to be a popular spot to dine.
MEZZANINE LOUNGE
A mezzanine space overlooks the restaurant to the sea, and features colourful comfy sofas and a book case. Library, lounge, work place, viewing gallery, group space – make it what you want and make it yours!
Whether for a mid-morning snack or pre-dinner canapé, let the tropical breeze and vistas make your day.
AMPHITHEATRE
Springing to life on special occasions, often spontaneously, the amphitheatre provides an intimate venue for traditional performers and talented guests who might just be staying with us. Film nights under the stars are hugely popular, and usually an escape to a bygone era. Don’t be surprised to watch Casablanca all over again, it’s by far our most popular movie! At other times our amphitheatre is a perfect spot to enjoy a cuppa or chilled beer with a book, and music lovers are welcomed at Buckingham Place, with a piano to play and guitar that always needs tuning!
The hotel has played host to several impromptu performances as well as planned ones, often by world class performers who just happen to be with us on holiday.
If you are especially talented please let us know, if you want to play the piano and sing for your supper that is!
LOWER BEACH GARDEN
Our undulating property extends to a lower beach garden of about 1 acre, set aside for re-wilding. Roughly 25% of this area being allowed to regenerate with beach mangroves and Pandanus, while the remainder is cut wild grass. Steadily, coconut saplings are being planted in readiness to replace older trees. We have left some space however, for beach volleyball and direct access to the beach – 2 minute walk from Oceanfront - the hub of the hotel.
SPA
Buckingham Place recently opened a two treatment room facility, providing a wide range of services and choice of male / female therapists. Appointments can be made when you’re with us or prior to arrival - helpful in the case of short stays.
Typical treatments shown below are by no means the full range. Recommendation; when staying mid-high season book early!
Massages include head, neck, shoulder, aromatherapy, Ayurveda style, deep tissue back and full body relaxation.
Spa services include foot reflexology, manicures, pedicures, body wraps, scrubs, facials and beauty mini-treatments.
RECREATIONAL
In addition to restful accommodation, the hotel has several quiet areas including an air-conditioned games room with full size Pool table.
There’s something for everybody at Buckingham Place; from Mountain Bikes for exploring the area, Canoes for the lagoon, books, DVD’s, classic board games like Scrabble and Monopoly, to packs of playing cards and volleyball.
NATURE / FRONT GARDEN
Wherever you want to be our gardens can transform into makeshift outdoor lounges on request. Pick your perfect spot under the shade of a big old tree or right under the sun, we’ll bring the beanbags or loungers in moments.
Our front garden for many years was the only garden and site of our first swimming pool. Away from the sea hence more popular with the wildlife, the garden is a great spot to relax, take in our biodiverse paradise and, while away your day.
SONY ABEDEERA | ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
As construction of Buckingham Place neared completion in 2009, we gave a simple brief to local artist Sony Abedeera to ‘be inspired by the names and locations of our suites and rooms to produce unique paintings for them all’.
Sony fulfilled his brief admirably, so in 2016 it made perfect sense to commission further works from him for the new restaurant. It hadn’t occurred to us that his eight painting montage depicting the personality of the hotel, would became its focal point and introduce him to the world!
Opting out of a safe government job to paint full-time, Sony began taking commissions from admirers of his style, throughout Sri Lanka and here at the hotel. His most recent project Paradise Piano took several weeks, being endlessly stalled by guests so inspired by his style they commissioned paintings to go home with! Seeing the interest Sony generates as he paints, it was an obvious step to provide him with studio space plus, an opportunity to become our Artist in Residence for the season. Since re-launching him last November, he hasn’t looked back; as the hotel filled up again so did Sonny’s order book!
Sony Abedeera can be found most days in his studio at Oceanfront. He happily takes commissions ‘to go’ or send on later.
Inspired by collaborating with Sony, we now seek up and coming sculptors to create a unique sculpture garden…