Escape to Paradise: Oak Tree Villa, Your Hikkaduwa Haven
Escape to Paradise: Oak Tree Villa - My Hikkaduwa Honeymoon (and Some Honest Thoughts!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Oak Tree Villa in Hikkaduwa, and I'm still trying to unpack the experience. Okay, maybe mostly because I'm still buzzing from the Sri Lankan sun (and the cocktails, let's be honest). You're probably here for a straightforward hotel review, but I'm going to be brutally honest - because that’s what made me, well, book the trip.
First Impressions (and a Little Bit of the "ARRIVED!" Hype)
The website promised an "Escape to Paradise," and, yeah, the photos were gorgeous. Palm trees swaying, turquoise pool… the works. But let's be real, those pictures are always a little too perfect, right? Well, walking into Oak Tree Villa, I actually gasped. Seriously. The lobby was airy, the staff were genuinely smiling (not that forced hotel smile!), and the smell of the ocean was already kissing my face. Check-in was hilariously easy - they had our names, our bags were whisked away, and boom, we were in paradise. (Though the "contactless check-in/out" was more like, "sign here, smile, and here's your key" - which, frankly, I preferred. I'd like to see a bit of normal, even if it's a bit off!)
Accessibility - the elephant in the room (or, hopefully, not the stairs in my room!)
Now, I'm not traveling with accessibility needs, but I'm always curious, because, let's be honest, a lot of places say they're accessible and… aren’t. Oak Tree Villa has a Facilities for disabled guests, and a elevator. I poked around a bit (respectfully, of course, didn't want to look like I was snooping!), and I think they've made a good effort. Ramps seemed decent, and the main areas were accessible. But, and this is where it gets a little mucky, let's face it, the true test is always the bathrooms. I didn’t get to test those specifically, so do your own due diligence. I really wish the reviews would just come clean on this…
Rooms - My Hideaway (with Killer Wi-Fi, Thank Goodness)
Okay, the room. We ended up in a Non-Smoking Room with a balcony overlooking something green, which was perfect. Air Conditioning? Tick. Free Wi-Fi? HELL YES, and it worked perfectly! (I'm a digital nomad at heart - a strong internet connection is a MUST). Also, the room was pretty spacious and spotless. The slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch, too! My wife nearly lived in the robe the whole trip.
The Daily Housekeeping was also top-notch. Nothing like coming back to a clean, fresh smelling room. And the bed? SO COMFORTABLE. I mean, maybe a little too comfortable. Let's just say waking up for the "Early Bird" yoga session, nearly didn’t make it.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe (and Sanitized to Within an Inch of My Life!)
Speaking of clean, this is where Oak Tree Villa really shone. In the current climate (remember the "pandemic"?), I was a little anxious. But they clearly took things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocols. Even the little things, like hand sanitizer everywhere, gave me serious peace of mind. The whole place felt sanitized, but not overly sterile. Honestly, sometimes it felt like they were living up to the "safe" bit, too. The security was 24 hours, so that felt really reassuring. The Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers were also great, even if I didn't need to think about them.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Couple Cocktails Too!)
Okay, the food. This is where I need to take a moment, because Oak Tree Villa's food game is STRONG. Breakfast was included (thank goodness!), and it was an Asian Breakfast – think fresh fruit, delicious curries, and the best coffee I had on the trip. They also offered Western breakfasts, but honestly, embrace the local flavours! The Breakfast Buffet was on-point, and there was a vegetarian restaurant as well.
Beyond breakfast, they had a Poolside Bar that was my happy place. Seriously, the bartenders were amazing. They knew my order before I even asked (Mango Daiquiris are my weakness). They also had a Coffee Shop for those afternoon caffeine boosts. The A la carte in restaurant offered International Cuisine, so everyone’s taste was catered for. The Happy Hour? Don’t even get me started. (The prices were also very reasonable - a big win!)
A little tip: grab a seat by the pool, order a cocktail and a Snack Bar item, and people-watch. It’s Hikkaduwa heaven.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa Day? Yes, Please! (and a Little Snorkelling)
This is where Oak Tree Villa really leans into the "paradise" part. They have a stunning Outdoor Swimming Pool with a pool with a view. The Spa was a MUST. I had a massage and a Body Scrub, and I'm still thinking about it. The Sauna and Steamroom are also there, so if you want to feel extra pampered, go for it!
Beyond that, the beach is a short walk away, and the snorkelling is incredible. The hotel can also arrange all sorts of activities. So, if relaxing in a hammock isn't your thing, there's plenty to do. I didn't manage to hit the Fitness Center, but I did see a few people using it, and it looked well-equipped.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
They really thought of everything! Daily Housekeeping was flawless. Laundry service was fast and efficient. Currency Exchange on site. Concierge services. They even have a Gift/Souvenir Shop. It made the whole trip so much easier. Also, they offer Car Park [Free of Charge] and Parking [On-site].
For the Kids - Family Friendly Fun!
While I didn't bring any little ones, Oak Tree Villa is definitely geared towards families. They have Kids facilities and the staff loves children. Also, they have Babysitting service.
My Verdict - Worth It? Absolutely
Oak Tree Villa is a winner. It's clean, comfortable, well-equipped, and the staff are wonderful. The food is delicious, the spa is amazing, and the location is perfect. It's not the cheapest place in Hikkaduwa, but you absolutely get what you pay for.
BUT, and this is a big but: I did have a few minor quibbles. There were a few tiny imperfections, like the occasional slow service at the bar, maybe a little bit off-key. It's not perfect. (Nothing ever is!) But those were so minor, they didn't impact my overall experience.
My Personal Offer - Because You Deserve Paradise:
Book Oak Tree Villa now, and get a FREE bottle of local Arrack (their version of rum) in your room on arrival. You’ve earned it after reading this epic review! Just use code "ParadiseTrip" when booking.
Why Choose Oak Tree Villa?
- Location, Location, Location: Steps from the beach, close to all the Hikkaduwa action.
- Cleanliness and Safety: They take hygiene seriously.
- Foodie Heaven: Seriously, the food rocks!
- Spa Bliss: Pamper yourself silly.
- Friendly Faces: The staff make you feel like family.
Stop reading this review, and book your escape to paradise NOW! You deserve it!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Shore Pool & Sea View Suite Awaits!Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average, perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is Oak Tree Villa, Hikkaduwa, warts and all, and my brain's along for the ride, probably spilling coffee on the itinerary as we go.
Destination: Oak Tree Villa, Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka - Operation: Chill, Fail (Maybe Succeed!)
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh My God, This is Paradise (Probably)"
- Morning (6:00 AM): Ugh. The airport. Already grumpy from the flight, even though I swore I'd be a 'zen traveler' this time. Sri Lankan immigration is… an experience. Let's just say my passport photo definitely doesn't do me any favors.
- Transport: Taxi. Negotiated down from a ridiculous price, feeling slightly smug. Driver's playing some seriously questionable pop music. Am I in Sri Lanka or a bad karaoke bar?
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Holy. Moly. Oak Tree Villa. Photos do not do it justice. Palm trees swaying, the ocean roaring, that perfect Instagrammable infinity pool. I could actually cry (tears of pure joy, obviously). Checked in. My room: simple, clean, airy. Perfect. Except… the mosquito net seems slightly too delicate. Uh oh.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Unpack. Fail. Okay, I'm going to sit on the balcony and stare at the ocean. Deep breaths. This might actually be a good vacation.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Lunch at a local cafe (name escapes me - brain fart). Ordered a prawn curry. Spicy. Delicious. My tongue is now officially on fire. Worth it, though.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Pool time! Managed to not fall off the edge into the abyss the first time. Read. Sunbathed. Almost fell asleep. Bliss. Until…
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): The sun’s already starting to dip. Head down to the beach. Hikkaduwa Beach is seriously gorgeous. Trying to channel my inner surfer. Spectacular wipeout. Sand everywhere. Humiliating but hilarious.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset. Drinks. More drinks. This is what vacations are for.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Dinner at "Red Lobster." Okay, technically not the actual Red Lobster, but a place with a similar name. The food was decent, the company (myself) even better.
Day 2: Surfing, Sunburns, and (Possibly) Regret
- Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up with a splitting headache. The drinks, the sun… ugh. Also, the mosquito net did not hold up. Several bites. Note to self: buy industrial-strength insect repellent this time.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Surfing lessons. I’m convinced I’m going to be a natural. I'm wrong. The ocean is a very humbling place. Spent more time underwater than upright. My instructor was a local legend with a smile that could melt glaciers. Still, epic fail.
- Mid-Morning (11:00 AM): Sunburn. Badly. Should've listened to my mom.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): More beachside noodles. Comfort food is my friend on this trip.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Explore! Walk along the beach and discover a tiny, hidden cove. Stunning. Found a little shop selling sarongs – bought one even though I don’t know how to wear one. Might look ridiculous. Probably will.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Beach. Watching the sunset. Just staring into the ocean because it’s beautiful and I’m so ridiculously relaxed.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant in a treehouse! Seriously. The food was good, but the view was the unforgettable piece. The staff was excellent, the service was excellent, and everything was so fantastic that I wish I could eat again at the same time.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Attempted writing postcards. Failed miserably. My handwriting on the beach is atrocious. Will try again tomorrow.
Day 3: Turtles, Temples, and Tourist Traps (oh my!)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Today is ALL About turtles! Headed to a turtle hatchery. The baby turtles swimming were amazing. The hatcheries are doing great work but it was just too many tourists today.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Temple visit. So peaceful, so beautiful. Remembered to be respectful, unlike that guy in the Hawaiian shirt taking selfies with the giant Buddha (eyeroll).
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Stumbled upon a roadside stall selling fresh fruit. Mangoes. Divine. My hands are now sticky, but my soul is happy.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Hired a tuk-tuk to a local market. Bargaining is an art form. Walked away feeling like I was ripped off but I couldn’t care about the souvenirs.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): The most touristy thing I'll do (but I'm not mad about it): Afternoon tea at a fancy cafe. The tea was great, the cakes, perfect.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Quiet evening. Reading. Thinking. Planning my next adventure, or simply enjoying the final few moments of peace. Dinner at Oak Tree Villa. Enjoyed the hospitality of the host.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Final packing and thinking about how much I’ll miss Sri Lanka
Day 4: Departure (and Post-Vacation Blues)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up, packing up by slowly. So sad to leave this place.
- Morning (9:00 AM): One last breakfast overlooking the ocean. Savouring every bite, every breath of fresh air.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Taxi back to the airport. Bye, bye, Oak Tree Villa, you wonderful, messy, perfect place.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): On the plane. Looking out and thinking about how my next vacation is going to be.
- Evening: Back home. Already dreaming of my next trip to Sri Lanka. Definitely buying better bug spray. And maybe, just maybe, learning to surf.
Post-Trip Thoughts: Sri Lanka is a land of magic. A place that gets under your skin and leaves you wanting more. The food, the people, the beauty… It's all just… chefs kiss. And yes, I'll probably be back. Because even with the sunburn, the mosquito bites, and the surfing failures, this trip was absolutely perfect.
Now, go forth and create your own delicious chaos!
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