‘Hidden Secret’ boutique hotel opens in Dambulla

By Uma Chandrasiri

Hidden Secret Dambulla, a sustainably driven and environment centric luxury boutique hotel was officially launched on the 24th of January, its ecru clad buildings seamlessly blending with the surrounding jungle and sitting softly under a canopy of stars. This unassuming and elegant property will welcome guests come 1st of February with nine luxuriously appointed deluxe rooms and one suite with fifteen more rooms near completion to be added to the array in April this year. 

Hidden Secret Ltd., Chairman Nalin Malwennna told the Daily FT that considerable and thoughtful planning has gone into the birth of this exceptional hotel ‘we have lingered over every minute detail of construction, especially colour selections since earthy and soft shades merge with the environs and sooth the eye and welcome the spirit. Yet another crucial aspect of Hidden Secret is our constant commitment to maintenance’, he added. Malwenna is the sole investor in Hidden Secret Dambulla of which the total investment was approximately $2.5 – 3 million. Also in the pipelines is Hidden Secret Wadduwa to be opened this year and Hidden Secret Haputale next year at an investment of approximately $4-5 million each. 

Sprawled across eleven acres, this thoughtfully created little haven in the jungle is exceptional in its clever amalgamation of minimalism with luxury. Taking a leaf from the Japanese wabi-sabi method of architecture, Hidden Secret Dambulla is a fusion of raw textures evident in deliberately unfinished columns, subtly luxurious interiors and nature that gently breathes around you, inviting slow and thoughtful living. 

‘At Hidden Secret, we are proud of our sustainable and eco-friendly practices and our strong relationship with the village community, allowing our guests first-hand interactions with the village, enriching their experience at the hotel. We are also pleased that our vision has been fully incorporated as Hidden Secret was brought to life using the wabi-sabi method of fusing the bygone with modern technology by our architects Nilushi Elepurama and Gihan Muthugala of ICONCLAST,’ said Hidden Secret Director and Chief Executive Officer Nishansala Malwenna at the opening ceremony that welcomed guests with poolside cocktails under the stars, music, dance, and fireworks.  

‘Hidden Secret is located in an area of historical significance with valuable artefacts of archaeological importance,’ said Hidden Secret Group General Manager Thushara Kodithuwakku. ‘We encourage our guests to savour this experience as well as gather greater appreciation of village life. With this in mind, we have built 10 village homes and employed 20 females who show tourists how a village home is run and meals prepared,’ he added.  The hotel’s main restaurant offers an authentic culinary experience using organic and locally sourced produce while a state-of-the-art spa and wellness center will pamper guests with rejuvenating treatments, yoga sessions, and fitness lessons. Rates for the completed nine rooms will be $350 on a bed and breakfast basis whilst the suite with plunge pool will be sold at $500 B/B. The 15 rooms that will be added in April will sell at $125 B/B.

The capital of the cultural triangle, Dambulla, and its environs, boasts of remarkable attractions such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pidurangala rock, Minneriya National Park as well as the breath-taking Kandalama lake for the enrichment of one’s travel experiences.