Tucked away in the lively city of Colombo, Maniumpathy is a hidden gem that combines Ceylonese history with colonial elegance. Named after Manipay, a town in Jaffna, this boutique hotel occupies a stately mansion passed down through five generations of the accomplished Hallock family. Once a family home, it has been transformed into an intimate retreat with only eight suites, each one unique and arranged around a tranquil centerpiece courtyard with a petite pool.
The property exudes colonial charm, featuring roll-top bathtubs, four-poster beds, and manicured lawns—the perfect setting for guests to immerse themselves in the nostalgia of Sri Lanka while enjoying modern comforts.
Each suite at Maniumpathy is named after a beloved female member of the Hallock family, offering a personal connection to the property’s history. The Master Suite Annapuranie is the most dramatic, featuring an ebony four-poster bed draped in crimson, a private garden, and a roll-top bath that feels straight out of a period film. The Chrysantie Suite offers a cozy, chic alternative with its split-level design and an extra queen-size bed on a mezzanine. For a more private hideaway, the Vasanthi and Anithra Suites provide king-size beds and secret gardens where you can relax and unwind away from the world. Each room is filled with rich heritage hues and decorated with a mix of antique furniture and modern luxuries.
Though the hotel is tucked in the midst of busy Colombo, the pool in the central courtyard is a peaceful sanctuary. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage and sun loungers, it’s an idyllic spot to cool off, read, or simply enjoy the serenity of the space.
Dining at Maniumpathy is just as relaxed as the ambiance. The Nandi restaurant serves a casual yet delicious menu, featuring light lunches like colorful salads, fragrant curries (order Hoppers, a Sri Lankan specialty), and comforting sandwiches such as a fish bap with mushy peas. Come evening, the dining experience becomes more refined, offering local-inspired international dishes like tamarind soup and mango-topped pavlova for dessert.
Maniumpathy manages to do something rare: it lets you live a piece of Sri Lanka’s past while offering every modern luxury.
Top Takeaways
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Address: 56/1, 2nd Lane, Colombo 6, Sri Lanka
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Colombo’s Calm Colonial Oasis
Food + Drink: The Nandi Restaurant, onsite, is open breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Indulge in Sri Lanka-inspired dishes like tamarind soup and cashew-crusted mullet.
Our favorite part of the hotel: Maniumpathy’s charming garden-heavy courtyard makes it feel like there’s no busy metropolis engulfing it.
Amenities: Fast WiFi, petite freshwater pool, restaurant, room service, daily housekeeping, minibar, and spa
What’s nearby? National Art Museum, Sri Lanka National Museum, Colombo City Center, Galle Face Green, Bellagio Casino
Any personal neighborhood recs? The hotel can arrange a guided walk through the buzzing Pettah Market, where you can haggle for everything from aromatic spices to vibrant handwoven textiles and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Head to Galle Face Green, a lively park where kite enthusiasts take over the skies, the calming Gangaramaya Temple for some inner peace, or colonial-era Independence Square.
Rooms: Eight suites
Pricing: Rates start at $270/night
Closest airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) – 40-minute drive
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