Ferndale Retreat has four villas, and that is the whole point. Four villas on one mountainside means a retreat where the forest, the mist and the waterfalls are the main attraction, and where you rarely meet anyone you did not come with.
The idea behind Ferndale
Ferndale is an eco resort in the Knuckles Mountain Range, built around a simple idea: stay small, stay close to the land, and let the setting do most of the talking. Rustic charm sits alongside real comfort. The mountain provides the view, the water and much of the food.
Meet the villas
There are four villas: S Shrub, Leaf Nosed, Tree Nymph and Junglefowl. Each is 33 square metres, and each is a private space in the forest. Each villa is named after a wild animal that is endangered, a small reminder of what the forest around you is home to and why it is worth protecting.
The four villas are identical. Each has a mountain view and the same facilities, so there is no better or worse choice when you book. Most importantly, every villa shares the same promise: quiet nights, forest air and a short walk to the water.
Food from the garden
Meals at Ferndale are Sri Lankan with a modern touch, built on local spices and aromatic curries. About 40% of the food we serve is grown on the property, and it is organic. Some guests pick their own vegetables before dinner. Eating this way changes the pace of a stay. Dinner is not something you book. It is something the garden has ready.
A property built to tread lightly
Ferndale is committed to sustainable practices and aims for a minimal ecological footprint. In a forest setting that matters, because the forest is the reason guests come. The villas are built to blend into the landscape rather than compete with it, and daily operations run on energy efficient systems to keep carbon output low. Across more than 10 acres of wilderness, we encourage slow travel, and our resident naturalist leads guided treks that teach guests about the local biodiversity and keep them safe on the trails. Beyond the property, we run community programmes that support and involve people in the surrounding region.
One mountain, many ways to spend a day
Step outside any of the four villas and you are on the mountain. The grounds feature waterfalls tumbling down rocky cliffs. Three treks start close by: the Waterfall Trek, the Heel Oya Trek, and the High Knuckles Trek, which offers a chance to see rare wildlife. There are night trails and rock climbing too. If you are planning a short stay, our weekend guide shows how we would spend two nights.
Who stays with us
Couples, honeymooners and friends who want quiet, privacy and good food after a day outside. Ferndale is not for everyone. If you want nightlife, a large resort or a beach, there are better places to be, and we are happy to say so.
Book your villa
Book through our website for our best rate guarantee, or find us on Booking.com, Tripadvisor and Expedia. To ask about a particular villa, write to hello@ferndaleretreat.com or call +94 81 753 4803.
Frequently asked questions
Ferndale has four private villas: S Shrub, Leaf Nosed, Tree Nymph and Junglefowl. Each is 33 square metres and sits in the forest of the Knuckles Mountain Range near Rangala.
Any of them. All four villas have the same mountain views and the same facilities, so there is no wrong choice. If you would like a particular villa, write to us and we will do our best to arrange it.
Yes. The menu is Sri Lankan with a modern touch, and about 40% of the food is grown on the property.