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Thambapanni Retreat

3.0 star property
Hotel with free parking, a short walk to Unawatuna Beach

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Photo gallery for Thambapanni Retreat

Beach nearby
Outdoor pool
Superior Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, free cribs/infant beds
Property grounds
Classic Double Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, free cribs/infant beds

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

Map
Yaddehimulla Road, Unawatuna
  • Unawatuna Beach
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Jungle Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Galle Fort
    ‪10 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Grand Deluxe Room

Grand Deluxe Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, free cribs/infant beds

Grand Deluxe Room

  • 3660 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, free cribs/infant beds

Superior Room

  • 5813 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room

Classic Double Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, free cribs/infant beds

Classic Double Room

  • 3122 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, free cribs/infant beds

Standard Room

  • 3229 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room | Living area | Flat-screen TV

Deluxe Room

  • 4090 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Unawatuna

Thambapanni Retreat places you within a short walk of Unawatuna Beach and within a mile (2 km) of Japanese Peace Pagoda. This 23-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Unawatuna Beach - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Japanese Peace Pagoda - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Jungle Beach - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Galle Fort - 10 min drive - 4.5 miles
  • Galle Lighthouse - 10 min drive - 4.5 miles

Getting around

  • Midigama Railway Station - 35 min drive
  • Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB) - 121 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Unawatuna Beach Club - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Neptune Bay - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Thaproban Beach Resort - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Shark Cafe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Skinnytom's Deli Cafe - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Thambapanni Retreat

Hotel with free parking, a short walk to Unawatuna Beach
Guests of Thambapanni Retreat enjoy an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and spa services. There's free parking, and an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for USD 85 per vehicle one-way. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with securing valuables, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include a library, free newspapers, and a terrace.
Flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Bathrooms offer rainfall showers and free toiletries. Minibars, coffee makers, and ceiling fans are other standard amenities.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including Ayurvedic.

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: USD 12 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Ayurvedic treatments
  • Massage

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Ballroom
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Laptop-compatible safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 16

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 24 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The host will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 15 per night
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 50
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per child: USD 25 (from 4 to 11 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 50
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per child: USD 25 (from 4 to 11 years old)

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately USD 12 per person
  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 85 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 5)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 15 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 16
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free parking.
Property Registration Number GH/726

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Thambapanni Retreat Hotel Unawatuna
Thambapanni Retreat Hotel
Thambapanni Retreat Unawatuna
Thambapanni Retreat
Thambapanni Retreat Hotel
Thambapanni Retreat Unawatuna
Thambapanni Retreat Hotel Unawatuna

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Thambapanni Retreat?

Thambapanni Retreat provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Thambapanni Retreat?

As of Jul 17, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Thambapanni Retreat on Jul 26, 2025 start from $74.1, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do around Thambapanni Retreat?

This hotel is located in Unawatuna, a short 8-minute walk from Unawatuna Beach and also 18 minutes on foot from Japanese Peace Pagoda. You'll also find Dalawella Beach and Jungle Beach within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Thambapanni Retreat?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Is there a spa available at Thambapanni Retreat?

Spa services at the hotel include Ayurvedic treatments and massages.

Does Thambapanni Retreat have a casino at the property?

No, Thambapanni Retreat doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Thambapanni Retreat?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Thambapanni Retreat?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including an outdoor pool, a bar, and a restaurant.

Does Thambapanni Retreat have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Thambapanni Retreat feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Thambapanni Retreat serves continental breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Thambapanni Retreat allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Thambapanni Retreat.

Does Thambapanni Retreat have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Thambapanni Retreat?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer either a balcony or a patio.

Thambapanni Retreat Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Elliot

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Nice Hotel that needs better upkeep

Nice facility, our room was fairly unique with some fake rock. Our daughter's room had a cool outdoor bathtub. You get great use of two other Thambapanni resorts in the area. Rooms are large and interesting. Very musty. The air conditioner needed to be maintained to keep mildew out. Clothes drying rack, nice bathroom and good breakfast. Super accommodating staff. Unawatuna is a bit of a Russian tourist trap. Aggressive tuktuk drivers and merchants. Jungle Beach nice but crowded. The Sea Waves restaurant is awesome for dinner!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

dominique, london

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
everything is made to make you feel welcome, the staff is wonderful, from the cleaners to the pool technician, the cooks , the people at the reception and the manager, thank you all for this lovely stay! the place is a little paradise on earth, the rooms, the restaurant, the swimming pool, the location, one of the best place we ever stay. 2 steps away from the beach, jungle, shopping, restaurants etc.., but away from the busy main street. will defitinely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Cute little hotel.

Thambapanni Retreat is a cute little find in the heart of Unawatuna. I arrived late for the first nights stay and the only room left was a room above the kitchen which was extremely unpleasant and noisy with a window shining light through all evening. I have to say, Anil and his colleague ensured the next day I was upgraded due to the inconvenience and did their level best to resolve the matter.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert, Kuala Lumpur

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely wonderful!. Great service, all of the staff on all levels are attentive and helpful. My room was fantastic, the breakfast was wonderful, location is great. I will definitely be back and for a longer stay. Yoga in the morning made my day, the massage therapists were great. I took a tour arranged by the hotel and it was fantastic. One of the nicest places I have stayed at.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A cute little hotel, made to feel special with plenty of friendly staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were excellent and looked after us. Excellent food and the staff went out of their way to please us. Had an issue with my ears and one of the staff Arune came with us to the hospital to help us sort it out. I thank him for that. A lovely freindly guy. Stay here . Its perfect
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sebastien

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Book it! Don’t wait.

Love love love this hotel! Amazing location - 5 min from the beach walking- the room was stunning and super comfy. The spa was GREAT!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely hotel but they overbooked our room

We were overbooked so the room with balcony which we booked via hotels.com (which was prepaid) was available. Very disappointing as we ended up being put in an inside room with no balcony/patio. After discussing with manager we were moved to another room but only after 2 days, which meant us packing and moving out luggage not ideal. So please be careful if you book through hotels.com or Expedia as all the rooms they sell should have a balcony but you may be put in an inside room. Despite the room issues we did like the hotel, the staff were very accommodating and breakfast was fantastic. It’s a shame about mix up with room as we probably would of returned.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming little gem

Great staff, so friendly. Lovely large room, a little rough around the edges but all the more charming for it. Everything worked! Breakfast was good, good choice and super staff serving. Yoga available 8-9.30 for 1500LKR if that's your thing. Small pool but everything you need ie:- water, sunbeds etc. Location is great, tucked away from the busy main road yet only an easy 5 minute stroll to the beach and shops with plenty to offer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jesse

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely Hotel

Fantastic staff, facilities & food. Thank You
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

4/10 Poor

Margaret

Liked: Amenities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

6/10 Okay

sean

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very average hotel, i would stay somewhere better

First, the staff were not very welcoming. They were not churpy. We did not get the room we booked, it was much smaller than advertised so do not get sucked in like we did. Pros Big bathroom Soft bed safe Cons Terrible breakfast, very basic Room service did not speak english We ordered a Hawaiian but received a tomato pizza Air con was terrible Electricity kept on going out No hot water small bath tub lights outside the room you cant control they were on all night location was not the greatest, had to walk about 10 min to the beach Checkout was slow and bad service The door was so small The massage was soft when i asked her hard 10 times

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good Value Near the Beach

Amazing staff. Buffett breakfast in the morning. Walking distance to Unawatuna Beach, or walk to Jungle Beach is a little further. Nice pool. It's set back off the road for quiet. This isn't a five star hotel, but it's a good value for what I paid and what you get.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2018

8/10 Good

Doreen, Cheshire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely unusual hotel in a good location

This is a fantastic hotel, however at first we were put in the very top room up a flight of 132 stairs! This room has a great view of the sea, etc but my husband has a bad knee and a heart condition so it wasn't at all suitable. The next day we were moved to a fantastic room lower down, the management were excellent. We were not aware if this issue when booking The staff in the restaurant were lovely, nothing was too much trouble,
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming jungle hotel

Might find different kind of insects in the room, but that's the why it is, its in the middle of jungle, I've stayed in superior and deluxe room and I like them both, it is located 5 mins. away the busy beach. I love each room has it's own outdoor resting area nice for a book. Wi-fi is not too stable, breakfast is simple buffet with some local dishes. Front office manager was helpful, restaurant staff. the bald man is such a sweet heart, can't wait to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Elaine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful views and peaceful

Greated with a warm smile wonderful welcome excellent service helped me arrange whale watching and turtle sanctuary The yoga classes are fantastic very knowledgeable teacher and very relaxing Of all the places I visited I would recommend Unawatuna I loved my room which was in the canopy of bamboo and palms Every day the monkeys were a joy to watch along with the parrots Thank you for my stay I will be back Elaine and Savanna from Edinburgh
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

5-day stay

Nice hotel, perfect for a couple of nights with a young baby. Friendly staff as well.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2017

8/10 Good

Suzanne , Burnley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Really friendly staff

Really warm welcome after a long journey, staff always ready to help, wonderful location, especially when the monkeys cross the grounds , clean with fresh flowers every day Good breakfast Great massage, and lovely masseur Yoga every morning, with a very patient teacher Would recommend
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Shaun, dundee scotland.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great hotel two minutes from beach

Great hotel great staff great time had here for two weeks. Great start point for exploring south sri Lanka .
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2017

8/10 Good

Anna, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Peaceful oasis near the beach

This boutique hotel was exactly what we were looking for... classic design, comfortable, friendly and set amongst nature. Just a few minutes walk to the beach, restaurants, bars etc. Staff were excellent.. nothing was too much trouble. We loved our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Eddie and Tina, Brisbane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

We had a real nice 10 days at the hotel.

We stayed 10 days at the hotel, Piomy ( if I spell her name right) was very helpfull and sweet. There are many little restaurants around, and close to the beach.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2017

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort