Tri Lanka.

The temperature was in its early 30s, the sky was this Gatorade blue, and the road was a tiny strip of uneven gravel. What we really needed was a shower and an iced drink, what we got was Tri. 

Design & Ambience

Bravely shying away from Lanka's usual affinity for beach resorts, Tri is perched on a natural hill by the Koggala Lake. If you're automatically turned off by the idea of a hotel down south not featuring the Laccadive Sea, have a little faith. With stark nautiladae patterns, a sparkling infinity pool, and clean cement lines, the eco-resort is a testament to sleek design and chic style. It's also supposed to be completely sustainable, but more on that later.

We were just there for a quick lunch and slow drink, so didn't get to experience the rooms or the invitingly azure pool. Stay tuned for our accommodation review, which should be up in the next couple of months. We're pysched to try out their yoga shala and water tower. 

Service

We entered through the parking lot, and saw what appears to be the entrance to a maze almost reminiscent of the stelai of Berlin's Holocaust Memorial. We milled about until a friendly waiter rescued us and ushered us upstairs. It was all smooth sailing from there. The waitstaff was efficient, settling us at the spot with arguably the best view, the lounge/reception area overlooking the vast Koggala Lake. 

The only slight glitch came up as we ordered a bottle of the house white, a Las Moras Viognier (Rs. 5150), which wasn't available. We asked for something along those lines and they offered us a crisp Riesling at the same price, which we were more than happy to settle for. 

The food took about 35 minutes to come, which we neither noticed or minded as we had our wine and view to keep us company. 

The Food

The food predominantly reflects local flavours, while catering to Western palates. The menu is also pretty limited for lunch, which I personally prefer because it generally means the chef and kitchen staff have carefully curated and perfected what they've put on offer. We were informed that dinners feature a 6 course menu usually showcasing the day's catch from the lake.

We attempted a Tuna Burger (Rs. 1700), which had a fresh, lightly spiced tuna patty topped with a crispy quail egg and accented with wasabi sauce, beetroot, bilimbi, and hathawariya. It came served with triple cooked chips, which had that perfect crispy on the outside/fluffy on the inside action going on. Despite all the interesting flavour additions, the star of this was the fresh tuna itself (apparently locally sourced yellowfin). 

We also tried the Short Eat Platter (Rs. 1150), a little selection of local snack time heroes like prawn vadey, curried potato patty, kottu roti, fish roll, and pork cutlet (from Galle's Labuduwa Farm). If you're Sri Lankan, you may have already exclaimed "ammatasiri" and rolled your eyes at the pricing, but this platter is really just meant for tourists to get a feel of local cuisine without having to brave the indigenous saronged kade uncle. 

The kottu was strangely superb, with a light crispiness to it that you usually don't get in your usual cheesy-greasy Hotel de Pilawoo's kottu. It featured some fresh vegetables that weren't tossed and grilled within an inch of oblivion too. The patties were alright, and slightly spiced down so as to not cause heart burn in unsuspecting honeymooning tourists. Our favourite was the pork cutlet, but there was only one of it, which made for some awkward sharing. This platter is really just meant for one person who can't commit to a full meal. 

The Hopper Trio (Rs. 750) was next, a beautifully presented selection of hoppers with three toppings – quail egg, prawn, and beetroot curry. While these were probably the most chic hoppers I've ever encountered, the consistency leant more toward crêpes than that crispy aerated texture of local aappa. Either way, they were well flavoured and surprisingly filling. 

Conclusion

Tri's opened in style, and they're clearly doing quite well for a new spot. With just 11 rooms and a vast lakeside property, it's a secluded and serene getaway. We'd really suggest you go there for a couple's holiday or else just boozy lunch if you're in the area. It's pricey, but you're paying for that view and the luxe.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Browns Hotels Opens Turtle Conservation Hub at Dickwella Resort

On 23rd May, to celebrate World Turtle Day, Browns Hotels & Resorts (BHR) began a

Trending

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Yamu Guide.

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

A Curated List of 9 Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide