Maalu Maalu Resort and Spa

Worst Stay of Our Lives – Unsafe, Unprofessional & Arrogant Management We came to Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa with our family, expecting a peaceful and safe vacation. While I must acknowledge that the location and facilities of the resort are extremely satisfying, everything else was completely destroyed by serious safety issues and unbelievably poor guest service. Our room was full of frogs, which itself was disturbing, but the situation became far more dangerous when we discovered small broken pieces of glass bottles inside the swimming pool and scattered around the pool area. We were traveling with kids, and as parents, health and safety are our top priorities. This situation caused constant fear of injuries, infections, and accidents. No family should ever have to worry about their children’s safety at a so-called luxury resort. When we reported these critical health and safety concerns, the biggest issue we faced was Ashok, the Assistant Front Office Manager. His arrogant, disrespectful, and unprofessional behavior is unacceptable for anyone working in the hospitality industry—especially in a management role that is supposed to resolve guest issues. Instead of helping, he made the situation worse with his attitude and complete lack of concern. There was no empathy, no accountability, and absolutely no effort to treat guests with basic courtesy or respect. We were ignored, dismissed, and made to feel like our concerns—regarding our children’s safety—did not matter at all. It is extremely worrying that people who are not qualified and not deserving are placed in management positions to handle serious guest issues. Ashok should either be properly trained and advised on how to treat guests with the utmost respect, especially since this is the hospitality industry, or the resort should replace him with someone competent who understands guest service, responsibility, and safety. Because of this arrogance and negligence, our entire family stay was ruined. A beautiful location and good facilities mean absolutely nothing when management behaves this way and ignores serious safety hazards involving children. This is one of the worst resort experiences we have ever had, and I strongly do not recommend Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa, especially for families. Until management fixes its leadership and takes guest safety seriously, guests should think twice before staying here.

The Maalu Maalu Resort is a dreamlike place right on the beach – simply perfect for relaxation and enjoyment. The property is beautifully designed, with a magnificent pool and direct access to the sea. Our room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and we were particularly impressed by the enormous bathroom with its impressive shower – we've never seen anything like it! The staff was exceptionally friendly and attentive, so we felt perfectly cared for at all times. Breakfast and dinner were superb: varied, delicious, and of the highest quality. We were deeply impressed by this resort and wished we could have stayed longer. A huge thank you for this wonderful stay – even though it was short. We highly recommend the Maalu Maalu Resort and would return in a heartbeat. Simply wow!

We stayed at Maalu Maalu for two nights starting on the 25th of December, and from the very beginning, the hotel impressed us with its positive attitude and genuine care for guests. The night before our arrival, our child suddenly developed a fever, and we were unsure if we could continue with the trip. Since our package was non-refundable and non-cancellable, we were worried. However, on the morning of the 25th, while I was with the doctor, my wife called the hotel to ask about the possibility of changing dates. To our surprise, the staff kindly said yes and asked us to confirm if we wanted new dates. That gesture alone showed how much they truly care about their customers. Thankfully, with the doctor’s advice, we continued our trip—and we are so glad we did. From the moment we arrived, the positive approach never faded. The service level of the staff is exceptional—sometimes they were there to support us even before we asked. Every team member, from reception to pool staff to room service, was friendly and attentive including from office manager Mr.Chamara A special mention must go to Ruchira, who was simply superb. His energy and enthusiasm created unforgettable experiences for our kids with games, pool activities, karaoke, and movie nights. He went above and beyond to keep children engaged, and even involved in-room guests with fun activities. His dedication added so much joy to our stay. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-maintained, offering comfort and tranquility. The resort itself is perfect if you prefer a calm and quiet atmosphere—not crowded, and free from unnecessary artificial décor. The beach area is pristine, with plenty of space to relax. Unlike other parts of the coastline, this stretch is free from limestone deposits, making it ideal for swimming and enjoying the sea. One area for improvement would be the meal variety. While the food was decent, the range was limited compared to some other hotel chains. It would be wonderful if the hotel could highlight more authentic regional dishes to enhance the dining experience. Beyond that, the bar, game room, and other facilities are well-maintained, and every Saturday night they host a lively in-house nightclub for guests. The hotel is located about 300 km from the airport, which means a 5–6 hour drive from Colombo. Nearby attractions include Batticaloa Lagoon, the Fort, Kalladi Bridge, and Pasikuda Beach, where you can enjoy snorkeling, jet skiing, or coral reef watching during the season (May to September). Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Maalu Maalu to anyone seeking an exceptional experience on the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a place where genuine hospitality, comfort, and memorable moments come together beautifully.