Mathilda Karlsson talks to Teardrop about her recent travels in Sri Lanka

Teardrop Hotels had the pleasure of hosting Sri Lankan born Swedish equestrian Mathilda Karlsson in March this year. Mathilda qualified as an individual rider for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, being the first Sri Lankan equestrian to compete at the Olympic Games. In this interview, Mathilda shares favourite moments from her trip.

What was it like to return to Sri Lanka?

Every return to Sri Lanka is so very special to me, with every visit it starts to feel more and more like coming home. Every time, Sri Lanka did not disappoint in showing me beautiful places and parts of the country. I also get to know more people and I always miss all my Sri Lankan friends a lot while I’m away.

What is your favourite part of the island and why?

I love the ocean and to be close or in the water – so I do enjoy the beautiful beaches and coastlines of Sri Lanka so much. But honestly every time I visit the hills it always takes my breath away.

Having now travelled, what surprised you most about the country?

It’s probably the diversity, beauty and the energy of the country. Every corner of Sri Lanka seems to have so much beauty and cultural history to offer. What amazes me the most is the fantastic wildlife that is still kept in Sri Lanka. It’s a pure paradise for everyone that loves nature.

What did you enjoy most about staying with Teardrop Hotels?

Again, I enjoyed the diversity of each and every property that I got to visit. Wallawwa definitely took both me and my team by surprise. What a beautiful and peaceful hidden paradise just outside Colombo and next to the airport! It felt like a jungle paradise with incredible food, spa facilities and incredible poolside shaded from the centuries old trees.

What was your favourite Teardrop property and why?

My favourite Teardrop Hotel property (so far) was definitely Kumu Beach, it’s the most amazing boutique hotel I’ve ever visited. Nothing can beat that location for a beach lover like me. The waves – perfect for early morning surfing or afternoon beach walks. We enjoyed the incredible food and cocktails by the pool and because of its intimate and familiar feeling it will always be a place I will never forget, and I hope to comeback to spend my future honeymoon.

What was the highlight of your trip?

For me personally the highlight of the trip was to become more involved and a part of the incredible ‘Teardrop Care Foundation’. I feel very proud to work together with a hotel company like Teardrop Hotels that shares the same values as myself, to give back and help others in a sustainable way and the Teardrop Care foundation is doing an incredible job supporting different initiatives around the country with their foundation.

Getting to finally meet the all the fantastic young powerful girls at the ‘Anula Wijerama Girls Development Centre’ – was very personal for me. I shared a fantastic game of cricket together with the smart and vibrant boys from the Teardrop Foundation, ‘Eco Warriors’ and I got to visit the amazing gardens and the ladies from the ‘Wee Care Foundation’ and learn more from both the Eco Warriors and the Wee Care ladies about the importance of education and sustainability.

Where was nature or wildlife at its best?

In the hills the nature and the wildlife were absolutely spectacular! Camilla Hills was pure nature. I walked parts of the beautiful Pekoe Trail on an early morning to watch nature and the beauty of the tea plantations. I enjoyed the silence and untouched landscapes of Dickoya with a late afternoon canoe ride on the dam. In the evening, we sat by the Camillia Hills cosy fireplace and enjoyed traditional Sri Lankan curry.

What would you say to anyone thinking about visiting Sri Lanka?

The beauty of Sri Lanka definitely has the power to impress everyone. Honeymooners, adventurers, diving and surfing lovers and I think specially family with kids. I think what made my stay with the Teardrop Hotels, so very special was not just the unbelievable beauty of every single property but mostly because of the service and warmth, friendly and familiar feeling from every single one of the team members of the Teardrop Hotels and that’s why I can’t wait to return to my forever “home away from home” very soon.