Serendipity Lake: Hidden Hikkaduwa Paradise You NEED to See!

Serendipity Lake - Hikkaduwa Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka

Serendipity Lake: Hidden Hikkaduwa Paradise You NEED to See!

Serendipity Lake: Hikkaduwa, Heaven Found (Maybe, But Still Worth It!) – A Messy, Honest Review

Okay, so I just got back from Serendipity Lake in Hikkaduwa. And honestly? My brain is still a little sun-baked. Like, trying to write this review feels like trying to remember what happened at a really good party… the details are fuzzy, but the feeling? That’s still there. And the feeling is… mostly good. Mostly.

First Impressions: Is This Paradise… or Just a Really Nice Lake?

Getting there was the first test. Accessibility, in Sri Lanka, is… an adventure. This is not Vegas. But Serendipity Lake? Pretty good! Airport transfer was smooth, and the ride… well, it’s Sri Lanka. Buckle up and enjoy the scenery! The hotel has car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] which is a HUGE win. Finding parking is a nightmare in this part of the world! Though, I’m pretty sure I saw some monkeys eyeing my rental car with serious intent… but that's part of the charm, right?

Check-in/out [express], but also, Check-in/out [private]. Confused? Me too. Turns out you COULD do it quick, but why would you? The staff are lovely, genuinely warm, and happy to chat. They offer a welcoming drink (more on that later!), and then you're whisked away to your room.

The Room: Your Cozy Little Nest… With a Few Quirks

Alright, let's talk about the room. They have Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (seriously, who uses those?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (thank GOD!), Carpeting, and on and on… the standard hotel offerings. But, and this is a big BUT, it wasn't perfect. My Internet access – wireless was a bit… spotty. They claim Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and technically, they’re not wrong. But think of it more as “Wi-Fi that tries to be free and available.” You know, like a well-meaning but clumsy friend.

One thing I LOVED? The Window that opens. So simple, but so important! And the Extra long bed. Bless. I’m tall, and I slept like a log. The non-smoking rooms are a godsend (though the designated Smoking area is conveniently located - probably a good thing!).

The bathroom, a tale of two showers: the main shower was great, the second one was weird. Like, the water pressure was low, and the water went from scalding to freezing without warning. It was an adventure! But hey, the Hair dryer worked, and the Toiletries were decent. And, importantly, there was hot water!

The Food: A Delicious Rollercoaster

Now, the food. Oh, the food. Sri Lankan food… it’s an experience. Serendipity Lake has some serious options:

• Restaurants: Yes, plural! (And with A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant options.)
• Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential!
• Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant: a good blend.
• Vegetarian restaurant: Important because, well, you're in Sri Lanka, and it’s delightful.
• Poolside bar: Hello, happy hour!
• And Room service [24-hour]: Crucial for those late-night cravings.

The Western breakfast was… okay. Not the best, but not the worst. The Asian breakfast, on the other hand? Amazing. Absolutely go for the string hoppers and sambal. You won’t regret it.

I had a dinner at the buffet restaurant which was a mixed bag. The curries were divine, the rice was perfectly cooked, and the fresh fruit was to die for. But the Salad in restaurant bar? Let's just say, it wasn't winning any awards. The Soup in restaurant was… passable. The Desserts in restaurant were ok.

My Moment of Bliss: Floating in the Infinity Pool… with a View

Okay, here's the moment I'm going to gush about. The Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Pool with view… it’s breathtaking. And the Happy hour cocktails? Even better. Seriously, I spent an afternoon just floating in that pool, staring out at that lake (hence the hotel's name) and actually, properly, relaxing. The world faded away, the sun warmed my skin, and for a few hours, I felt utterly, completely, blissfully… happy. That alone makes Serendipity Lake worth it. That alone.

Okay, I’m going to get really honest here. The pool area itself? It's not perfect. There was a bit of a leaf situation one day (the downside of being surrounded by nature). And the music at the Poolside bar wasn't always to my taste. But, you know what? I barely noticed. That view, that water… it was pure, unadulterated magic.

Things to Do (Besides Ignoring Your To-Do List)

The hotel has some decent options, including:

• Spa/sauna: I didn’t try the sauna. Let’s be honest, I spent most of my time horizontal by the pool.
• Massage: Definitely worth it. I went for the traditional Sri Lankan massage. A bit intense, but totally revitalizing!
• Fitness center / Gym/fitness: Look, I’m on vacation. Moving my body is optional. However, it was clean and looked well-equipped.
• Body scrub and Body wrap: Again, I passed. Relaxation is my main goal.
• Foot bath: I wish I'd tried this!.

Cleanliness, Safety, and the (Modern) World

Listen, it’s 2024. Cleanliness is paramount. Serendipity Lake seems to have taken this seriously:

• Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
• Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
• Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
• Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
• Individually-wrapped food options in some places: Good.
• Rooms sanitized between stays Well done.
• Safe dining setup: Tick.
• First aid kit: Present and accounted for.

They even have Doctor/nurse on call. (I didn't need this, thankfully.)

For the Kids (and the Kid in You)

Family/child friendly: Yes.

Babysitting service: Available (yay!).

Kids facilities: I didn’t see a dedicated kids' club, but the pool is kid-friendly, and there’s plenty of space to run around.

The "Hidden" Part… and the Minor Annoyances

Okay, so the "Hidden Hikkaduwa Paradise" part… is a bit of a stretch. It's not completely hidden. Getting there is easy enough. If you're looking for absolute isolation, this isn't it. But it IS a peaceful oasis.

There were some minor annoyances:

• The Wi-Fi, as mentioned. (But hey, you’re on vacation. Disconnect, right?)
• The room's decor. It's nice, but could use a little oomph..
• Some of the service was inconsistent. One day, everything was sparkling. The next… not so much. But, hey, everyone's got their off days.

The Verdict: Book It (But Manage Your Expectations)

Overall? I enjoyed Serendipity Lake. It's not perfect. It has its quirks. The service is inconsistent. The Wi-Fi can be problematic. BUT… that pool. That lake view. The delicious curries. The genuine warmth of the staff. It’s a good place to relax.

Here’s my offer to you, my potential guest:

Escape to Serendipity Lake: Your Slice of Sri Lankan Bliss (With a Few Flaws, BUT Worth It!)

• Book your stay now and get:
  • A free upgrade to a lake view room (subject to availability). You’ll thank me later.
  • A complimentary welcome cocktail (try the arrack sour – delicious!).
  • Guaranteed access to the infinity pool and its breathtaking views (seriously, this is the main draw!).

Why book now?

• Because you deserve a break.
• Because you NEED to experience that pool.
• Because life is short, and you should treat yourself.

Don’t delay! This offer won’t last forever. Click that link, book your escape, and get ready for a Sri Lankan adventure!

(And, hey, if you see me there, buy me a drink. I'll be the one in the pool, pretending to be a mermaid.)

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Serendipity Lake - Hikkaduwa Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka

Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my slightly chaotic adventure in Serendipity Lake and Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. Warning: May contain sandy toes, questionable food choices, and a whole lotta unsolicited opinions.

Sri Lanka: Hikkaduwa - Serendipity Lake Shenanigans & Beach Bumming (Prepare for Rambles!)

Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and the Serendipity Lake Spectacle

• Morning (and a dash of airline trauma): Landed in Colombo. The airport was a sweaty, chaotic masterpiece. Found my pre-booked driver (thank GOD), a guy called Rohan, who looked a little too relaxed for my liking, and we started the journey to Hikkaduwa. The drive was… well, it was Sri Lanka. Cows in the road, tuk-tuks weaving like they were auditioning for a death race, and a general air of organized chaos. Already starting to feel overwhelmed by the beauty.
• Afternoon: Serendipity Lake Showdown: Finally, Hikkaduwa! Checked in to my guesthouse, The Lazy Lizard (ironic, I thought, considering all the lizard-like scrambling I'd just done). Now, the lake. Serendipity Lake, they called it. It sounded promising. And it was, in its own weird way. Hired a little bamboo kayak thing. Tried to be graceful. Failed miserably. Nearly capsized about five times. Got a face full of muddy water. The resident birdlife – kingfishers, herons, the whole gang – just watched me flounder. Found myself laughing! The sheer absurdity of the situation. This is what I needed.
• Evening: Food Poisoning (Maybe): Dinner at a place called "The Reef." Ordered the seafood platter, because YOLO. Big mistake. The prawns were…questionable. Woke up at 3 a.m. with my stomach doing the cha-cha. Spent the next few hours clinging to the porcelain throne, questioning every life decision. Let's just say I spent the rest of the night, and most of the next morning, in a state of sweaty misery, regretting my adventurous appetite.

Day 2: Beach Recovery and Turtle-Trolling

• Morning: Beach Bumming & Regret Redux: Emerged from my illness-induced coma. Slowly made my way, gingerly, to Hikkaduwa Beach. The sand was glorious. The waves crashed in a rhythmic symphony. Watched a few surfers glide across the turquoise water. Tried to soak up some sun and forget the previous night's culinary disaster. It was working, sorta.
• Afternoon: Turtles! Sort Of…: Went snorkeling to see the turtles. The actual, real-life, majestic sea turtles. Saw like, a baby one. Cool. And then it got crowded. Tourists everywhere, clamoring and flailing to get a photo of the little guy. Felt a bit bad for it. The whole experience felt a little…manufactured. Still, a turtle is a turtle, and it was cool to see.
• Evening: Sunset and… Curry? Back to my guesthouse. Ate a meager dinner. Couldn't face anything remotely adventurous. Watched the sunset – absolutely breathtaking. The sky was ablaze with color. And then, I had a moment of weakness and ordered chicken curry. (I was still very cautious).

Day 3: The Coral Garden Debacle & the Power of a Good Book

• Morning: Coral Garden Adventures: Took a glass-bottom boat to the coral garden. Sounded amazing. Actually… not so much. The coral was mostly bleached, the visibility so-so, another big group of tourists. Felt a bit disappointed, honestly. Underwater photography is HARD.
• Afternoon: Book Recovery: Decided to ditch the planned activities and spend the entire afternoon reading on the beach instead. Found a shady spot under a palm tree (because I was still a bit fragile after that curry experience). The gentle sound of the waves, the warm breeze, the book… pure bliss.
• Evening: Talking to Myself: Wandered into town and grabbed a coffee. Observed. People-watched. Sri Lankan life felt fascinating, and the contrast between the tourist hotspots and everyday life was jarring. Back at the guesthouse, I started to write down the day's events. I realized – for the first time – that I wanted something more.

Day 4: The Road to Paradise (Or at Least, Another Beach)

• Morning: Hikkaduwa Exit Strategy: Decided Hikkaduwa was fun, but I needed a change of scenery, a taste of the real Sri Lanka. Booked a taxi to go to Galle.
• Afternoon: Galle Fort Giddy-Up: Found myself in Galle Fort! The old colonial buildings were beautiful. Strolled along the ramparts, got distracted by art galleries, felt the ghosts of history.
• Evening: What's Next? Sat near the ramparts. Wondering what the rest of my trip will be. Feeling the fear of the unknown, but also the thrill of it.

Final Thoughts/ Rambles:

Hikkaduwa was… an experience. It's a place of contrasts: beauty and chaos, relaxation and the occasional bout of gastrointestinal distress. I think I came in expecting something specific from it, just to be confronted by the raw truth: that travelling is messy. It brings out the best and worst parts of yourself. And it's the best part of my life.

Would I go back? Maybe. Actually, definitely.

Things I Learned:

• Trust your gut (especially when it comes to seafood).
• Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don't plan.
• A good book is a travel necessity.
• Don't be afraid to feel a little lost.
• Sri Lanka is magic. Even when it's giving you food poisoning.

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Serendipity Lake - Hikkaduwa Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka

Serendipity Lake: Hidden Hikkaduwa Paradise - You NEED to See It (But Maybe Not Right Now... Kidding!)

Okay, Spill the Tea: Is Serendipity Lake ACTUALLY as Magical as Those Insta-Pics Make It Sound?

Alright, alright, let's be real. Insta-pics are, like, professionally filtered, right? Serendipity Lake... well, it's got a certain *je ne sais quoi*. It's beautiful, yeah. Sunsets that'll make you wanna cry (in a good way!). Lush, green everything. You could swear you're in a postcard. But 'magical'? Hmm. Depends on your definition of magic. My first time? I was expecting, I don't know, fairies flitting around? Instead, I got eaten alive by mosquitos. Seriously, I looked like I had a disease. So, bring the bug spray. And maybe a hazmat suit. Just kidding...mostly. It *is* beautiful though. The water's calm, reflecting the sky. You can hire a little canoe-thingy and just drift, listen to the birds... bliss… when the mosquitos aren't having their feast on you. So, yeah, go prepared. Magical? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. Just… temper your expectations. And pack the OFF!.

How do I ACTUALLY get to this 'Hidden Paradise'? Because I've seen some reviews that say it's a wild goose chase!

Okay, the goose chase rumors? They’re… not entirely wrong. It’s off the beaten path! And my sense of direction is, let's just say, *suggestive*. Basically, you wanna head towards Hikkaduwa. Then, you kinda need to… well... ask. Locals are your friends. Seriously. Be prepared to stop and ask for directions. And then, probably ask again. And then, maybe a third time. And then, *finally*, someone will point you in the right direction. Or, you can be like me and just, sort of, *wander*. Embrace the adventure! You'll probably get lost, but hey, that's part of the fun... right? I'd recommend having offline maps pre-loaded on your phone for the moments you can't be constantly asking for directions.

Best time to visit Serendipity Lake? I heard it's better at sunrise/sunset...

Sunsets? Yeah. They're epic. Like, "I'm-going-to-put-my-phone-down-and-just-breathe" epic. But… Sunrise is also pretty dang good. Not that I personally *know* because, you know, mornings. But I've SEEN the photos. And they're stunning. Honestly, it's beautiful pretty much all the time. But for the *best* experience? Aim for the golden hours – sunrise or sunset. The light is just… incredible. Just make sure not to miss the mosquitoes. Maybe go for sunset, then you'll finish the day there.

Is there anything to DO at Serendipity Lake besides, you know, *look* at it?

Yes! Surprisingly, yes! You can… * **Canoe/Kayak**: Highly recommended. Peaceful, romantic (if you aren't fighting off the bugs or your partner). * **Birdwatching:** Bring binoculars! The birdlife is fantastic. I saw a kingfisher. Thought I was gonna faint. * **Swimming**: (Potentially) Check the clarity of water beforehand, I personally am a bit wary but many enjoy it. * **Picnic**: Pack snacks! You'll need them. Also, don't litter, you monsters. * **Get lost in thought**: My personal favorite. Just sit and *be*. Amazing.

Tell me about the food situation/restaurants there. Are there any?

Okay, food. This is where things get a little… simpler. By simpler, I mean, bring your own. Or, maybe pre-arrange something with one of the nearby guesthouses. Don't expect Michelin-star dining. Expect… maybe a small, family-run establishment, if you're lucky. Which adds to its charm, in a way. Just… be prepared. Pack snacks. Plenty of snacks. And water. Lots and lots of water. You do not want to be dehydrated. And then get really cranky. And then write negative online reviews. Don't be *that* person.

What sort of accommodations are around Serendipity Lake? Budget-friendly shacks or luxury villas?

Alright, the accommodations are… varied. I've seen cozy guesthouses, some with cute, rustic charm. (Think mosquito nets and the sound of crickets at night.) Luxury villas? Not exactly *right* on the lake's edge. But with a little bit of a drive, you'll find some nice places. So, it really depends on your budget and how much you *need* a hot power shower.

Are there any hidden gems or special experiences people don't usually stumble upon? Spill the secrets!

This is where the real magic happens. One time, completely unplanned, I was canoeing and I ended up in a tiny little cove. No one else around. Suddenly, a local fisherman invited me to join them on the lake. He'd barely any English, me barely any Sinhala... but somehow, we connected. Shared some tea (thankfully, mosquito-free!), and just... sat. Silent. Watching the sun dip below the horizon. That's the kind of experience you *can't* plan. That's the real serendipity. Okay, maybe it wasn't *quite* the fairy tale. I definitely felt a bit awkward initially. I'm a city girl, used to noise and crowds. But after a while... it was pure Zen. The best part? He shared some fresh-caught fish. Best darn fish *ever*. Bring some cash to tip! It felt so good to share a moment like that. Just… find out a way there.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see? (Besides the mosquitos!)

Oh, the wildlife! Beyond the mosquito army, expect… birds! Kingfishers, herons, egrets. I'm talking a whole avian orchestra. And butterflies. Glorious, fluttering, colorful butterflies. Lizards and monkeys, too. Keep an eye out! Don't feed the monkeys, though. Trust me. The drama isn’t worth it. I once saw a monkey steal someone's ice cream cone. It was hilarious at first, until the poor person got all upset. Be mindful, people! Also... snakes. I didn't see any, thankfully. But, you know... be aware.

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Serendipity Lake - Hikkaduwa Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka

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