Where do I even begin? Underneath the Mango Tree radiates warmth, relaxation, and good vibes. With colorful decor, UTMT will light up your vacation – both physically and mentally!
Upon arriving at UTMT, we were handed a local Sri Lankan cocktail served in a coconut with two shooters. In one shooter was lime juice, and in the other shooter was arrack. First, take a sip of the coconut water, then pour both shooters into the coconut, stir with your straw, and drink up! Mmm mmm good!
After check-in, we were given a tour of the resort, and were more and more impressed with each turn that we took. I thought it couldn’t get any better, and then we were directed to our room.
With a personalized greeting outside the door, we were taken into our double room with private pool and terrace! Whaaaaat! I’d already instantly fallen in love with Underneath the Mango Tree, but this was just icing on the cake.
They believe in open areas as much as possible, so the entire shower, bath, and powder room areas were all doorless so that air could easily flow through. This section of the room does not have air conditioning because, quite frankly, it doesn’t need to.
Continuing straight, we were guided through one of two doors that led to our bedroom. Full of light and color, the room oozed comfort.
There was a small desk, access to our balcony, and a rotary dial phone. It also had the most unique mosquito net I’ve ever encountered, as it tucked up into a hand stitched sheath above the bed. One thing you will notice throughout your stay at UTMT is that the styles and colors are completely congruent throughout the entire resort, and that’s because the on-site tailor designed absolutely everything from staff uniforms to the throw pillows, bedding, and a kimono for the spa.
Before going out to explore more of the resort, we were given our own sustainable beach bag with towels, UTMT flip flops (to keep, and sized to you), and a kimono for when we were ready for our massages.
And, of course, we then had to spend some time in our own private pool. With an umbrella and two chairs, I could’ve lounged there all day long… but the rest of the resort was beckoning us!
Not only is UTMT as bright and welcoming as could be, but they truly thought of everything when it came to designing this boutique hotel.
Are you ready for this…?
They have their own cinema with hundreds of movies from which to choose.
They have complimentary light refreshments from 4-5pm daily.
They offer complimentary yoga classes twice daily.
They have a phone booth where you can call internationally completely free of charge.
They allow you to send postcards for free, and even provide you with postcard options! All you have to do is choose the postcard, write a message, address it, and they cover the rest.
They have a beautiful infinity pool that offers the most perfect reflection at sunset.
They provide direct access to the beach below.
They have incredibly good food at very reasonable prices. Their fish and chips truly melt in your mouth (the best I’ve ever had!)…
…and the breakfast is light and delicious. Plus, you can’t get much better than the view from the table either!
And they have an Ayurvedic Spa. The list goes on and on, but I’d like to focus on this. I’d never heard of an Ayurvedic Spa before arriving at Underneath the Mango Tree. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian treatment from over 5,000 years ago — it is the oldest holistic healing method in the world! Key elements of Ayurveda include Ayurvedic massage, nutrition, spiritual practice, yoga, and herbal medicine.
I was interested in what an Ayurvedic treatment consisted of, and after a 60 minute massage, I was hooked. Lathered in oil, and with a focus on pressure points, this massage was as relaxing (and very much needed!) as could be.
Underneath the Mango Tree is in the middle of renovating a second building on the property, which will service as the largest Yoga Center in Sri Lanka. They hope to be combining their Ayurvedic Treatments with Yoga Retreats, and I cannot wait to return to experience this first hand.
With a busy day coming to an end, we made our way to the front of the property to watch the sunset over the ocean, and it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. At first we weren’t sure if the sun would put on a show for us since it was a bit cloudy, but it sure didn’t disappoint!
Each sunset reminds me just how grateful I am to live this life and have the opportunity to explore these magnificent places. I am counting down the days until I have the opportunity to spend more time at Underneath the Mango Tree again. This is an absolute must for anyone visiting Sri Lanka.
Looks fabulous! Never entered my head to consider a holiday in Sri Lanka! Might have to google what Sri Lankan food is like!