This year, for our 12th anniversary, my husband and I packed up the girls and headed off to Kurulu Bay for 4 days of nature, relaxation, and a chance to slow down for a little while.
Like every trip we take with our girls, the planning started long before we packed the car.
Finding genuinely pet-friendly places in Sri Lanka can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
We needed to know the girls would be safe, welcomed, and have enough space to enjoy themselves. Living in Colombo comes with its own restrictions, so the thought of escaping somewhere surrounded by greenery was exactly what we were looking for.
Before booking, we called the property and asked what felt like a hundred questions. What were the rules? Where could the girls go? Were there resident dogs on the property?
When they told us there weren't any resident dogs, it was honestly music to our ears.
If you've ever met Mango, you'll know she has a habit of deciding she belongs wherever she goes. Give her another dog and she'll either recruit them into her gang or become a local resident within a matter of hours.
Thankfully, the only companions she found during this trip were the monkeys, who mostly preferred to keep to themselves.
From the moment we arrived, we could see how much care had gone into maintaining the property. The gardens are beautifully looked after, the trees create a sense of calm everywhere you walk, and the entire space feels like it has been designed to work with nature rather than against it.
One of our favourite spots was the deck overlooking Koggala Lake. It was the perfect place to sit with a good book, watch the sunset, and enjoy a cocktail while listening to nature around us. Just remember that the lake is home to crocodiles, so always do your research and follow the property's safety guidelines.
The hospitality was what truly made the stay special.
From the moment we checked in, the team welcomed not just us, but Lisa and Mango too. They helped us settle in, explained the property, and made sure the girls were comfortable from the very beginning. Throughout our stay, every single member of staff from the managers and chefs to housekeeping and the grounds team, treated the girls with so much kindness.
We always say that pet-friendly places are a privilege, not a right. The girls loved exploring the property with us, but when we joined other guests for lunch or dinner, they were always on their leashes. A little consideration goes a long way, and being respectful of the space helps make sure places like Kurulu Bay can continue welcoming dogs for years to come.
What impressed us most was how naturally the staff understood this balance. Fresh water appeared whenever it was needed for our girls, and everyone was thoughtful about making sure nothing unsuitable was given to the girls. It wasn't something we had to ask for, it simply came from genuine care.
The rooms were spacious, clean, and practical for travelling with dogs. We especially appreciated the outdoor taps, which made cleaning muddy paws before heading back inside incredibly easy.
Of course, no trip involving Mango would ever be complete without a little adventure.
One evening, she somehow managed to convince Lisa to assist in a room escape.
We only realised something was wrong when we heard another guest excitedly announce, "Oh my gosh, it's a doggy!"
While we rushed back wondering whether both girls had made a run for it, we discovered Lisa exactly where she was supposed to be sitting outside the room and guarding the door.
Apparently, Mango had only informed Lisa about the "open the door" portion of the plan and neglected to mention the adventure that followed.
Meanwhile, Mango had made her way to the restaurant, introduced herself to a completely different group of guests, and settled in as though she had every right to be there.
The next morning at breakfast, we met several people who had encountered Mango during her evening adventure. Thankfully, everyone seemed to find it just as amusing as we did.
By the end of the trip, we had exactly what we had hoped for, a peaceful anniversary, plenty of time in nature, and four wonderful days spent making memories with our girls.
As always, we want to leave fellow pet parents with one small reminder. Pet-friendly places are still incredibly rare in Sri Lanka. If you're lucky enough to visit one, arrive prepared. Bring your dog's bed, bowls, towels, treats, and everything else they need. Respect the property's rules, clean up after your dog, and remember that these spaces stay pet friendly only when all of us do our part.
Kurulu Bay gave us a beautiful anniversary filled with nature, kindness, and a little bit of Mango-induced chaos.
And honestly, we wouldn't have wanted it any other way.