About Us
The Niche ‘Views beyond comprehension’
“The Niche” is luxurious contemporary boutique hotel located in a fully functional
thirty acre Cinnamon Estate in the southern coastal town of Hikkaduwa, which has been a tourist hotspot for decades in view of its world renowned coral reefs and golden sandy beaches. “The Niche” which boasts of unparalleled and stunning views of the pristine Hikkaduwa Lake is a magical location for the discerning visitors who are looking for tranquility, peace of mind, natures’ beauty and nature centric activities. The privacy and tranquility that the property affords its visitors is unmatched, with equally unmatched breath-taking views of the pristine Hikkaduwa Lake at sunset.
Visitors to “The Niche” could experience the centuries old methods and technics used in cinnamon pealing at the fully functional “Cinnamon Peeling Hut”, which is operational almost around the year, where more than 25 Peelers are engaged in Cinnamon Peeling using age old technics and methods handed down to them by their forefathers/ancestors. Visitors could try their hand in Cinnamon Peeling and thereby experience the centuries old technics handed down from generation to generation in processing this wonder spice native to Sri Lanka carrying the scientific name ‘Cinnamomum Verum’, which was once upon a time more valuable than gold. Ceylon Cinnamon was known to be the most valuable commodity traded by the “Dutch East India Company” during the colonial occupation of Ceylon.
The vast property offers ample opportunities for hikes and excursions along the lake front and along pathways and anicuts lined with mangroves and canals, which is an experience like no other. The two stunning Rocks located on the property, abutting the Lake, offers vantage points to admire the beauty of the untouched Hikkaduwa Lake, while enjoying high tea or snacks during sun set. The vast array of birds, both local and migratory, resting on tree tops and flying across the property are dream come true for bird lovers. The diverse wildlife found in abundance in the property, including majestic Peacocks, amazing Porcupines, adorable Wild Rabbits and Small Wild Deer mesmerizes the visitors to this property.
One of the highlights of the property is its own Pier covering an area of more than 800 sq ft built into the Lake to offer an unique and romantic experience for Visitors to either relax, enjoy high tea during sunset or have a romantic dinner under the stars. The property offers Boat Rides on the Hikkaduwa Lake from its own Pier, which is an ideal mode for visitors to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Lake, in addition to experiencing the numerous Prawn cultivating plots found on the Lake as well as indigenous fishing techniques used by villagers over the centuries. The discerning visitors have a choice of extensive curated gardens, overlooking the stunning Lake, to choose where to have their meals, be it breakfast, Lunch, High tea or dinner.
One of the most sought-after attractions in the property is the Infinite Pool overlooking the Lake, which perfectly blends with the Lake creating an aura like no other. A dip in the Infinite Pool at sunset is unparalleled experience, watched only by the birds that fly past the property at sunset. “The Niche” offers a heavenly experience for visitors who crave for tranquility, peace of mind and privacy within its precincts, which is a place second to none.
The Niche offers an extensive array of predominantly local cuisine, using the produce and ingredients sourced from the property, the lake and its immediate surroundings. Visitors could experience cooking with the local chefs, using Ceylon Cinnamon and other Spices sourced primarily from the property, with emphasis on fresh seafood obtained from the Fishery Harbours of Hikkaduwa and Dodanduwa. The Visitors can also experience nostalgic drive in a 1970’s VW Combi Van to the Hikkaduwa Beach and the Galle Fort, which is a fun filed experience enjoyed by many overseas visitors.