The Mudhouse, Anamaduwa, Sri Lanka

Tucked within sixty acres of forest in the ancient rural heartlands of Sri Lanka, The Mudhouse is a private retreat that sits well off the beaten track. Flanked by lakes and rich with bird life and wildlife, it offers a rare kind of stillness — one that earned it a place on The Guardian (UK) list of the 100 most romantic destinations in the world.

The property sits close to the town of Anamaduwa, roughly two hours north of the international airport by road. The drive to either Kandy or Colombo takes around two and a half hours, and the retreat falls naturally en route between Colombo and the Cultural Triangle, making it a fitting stop for travellers heading to or from the ancient sites at Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Dambulla.

Finding The Mudhouse

Because of its remote setting and deliberately low-impact character, The Mudhouse carries no roadside signs or boards. Guests are typically met by a staff member in the nearby town of Anamaduwa, or can obtain detailed directions through their driver. Pick-ups can be arranged from anywhere in Sri Lanka for those who prefer not to navigate independently.

Accommodation and Design

The retreat is made up of a number of clusters of uniquely designed huts spread across the sixty-acre forest land. The structures range from a traditional village house to a tree house, and all are built from natural materials sourced locally. Traditional wattle-and-daub construction and thatched roofing techniques are woven together with a contemporary vision that keeps the overall aesthetic grounded in its landscape.

Each hut is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. While the layouts differ from one to the next, the facilities follow the same essential approach: outdoor showers, indoor bathrooms with sinks and western toilets, all finished in a style that befits the back-to-nature theme. The lake adjacent to the land serves as what the property calls its extra bathroom, and is well suited to swimming and bathing.