The Island Spice Grove
The Island Spice Grove
2.5
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2.5
130 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
25
Average
21
Poor
15
Terrible
59
Trinkadink
Tampa, FL33 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
This place is a hard sales pitch in disguise of an educational attraction. It claims to grow and blend herbs that are Ayurvedic and their facility is government- approved. Our “guide” walked us along a short path, crumbled some leaves for us to sniff and then walked us into one of several outdoor rooms where he handed us a list of products without prices. Then to demonstrate the life changing pain relief properties of some cream, several men came in to give us a complimentary neck massage. Then the “guide” requested we give them each tips. Then to the sales room. Amateurishly packaged liquids or small bags of herbs are offered. I purchased 3 products for a total cost of $323 US. Shame on me for not doing the calculations until after check out.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bradley H
Dubai, United Arab Emirates3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
SCAM ALERT. NO ONE every GO there. They seem nice however the scam you for your money. They deliberately over charged us 170 USD. Unaware at the time they took full advantage. Disgusting. Make sure to never visit there!!!
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raquelzepeda
London, UK36 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
They are a total rip off. DO NOT buy any of their products. They are a scam. I paid 93 pounds for products that ended up in the bin. The Aloe Vera Gel was green water in a pot. Everything was disgusting.
I do not understand how the Government if Sri Lanka allows this place to run and have tourists robbed in the most ludicrous way. Taking advantage of the tour they give you which is actually not bad. I wish I can find out how to contact someone in charge in that amazing country to stop this ASAP. It was the only negative experience in the whole trip and it spoilt the lovely feeling that we had about the people oh Sri Lanka while we were there. We felt very disappointing on our return about this experience. .
I do not understand how the Government if Sri Lanka allows this place to run and have tourists robbed in the most ludicrous way. Taking advantage of the tour they give you which is actually not bad. I wish I can find out how to contact someone in charge in that amazing country to stop this ASAP. It was the only negative experience in the whole trip and it spoilt the lovely feeling that we had about the people oh Sri Lanka while we were there. We felt very disappointing on our return about this experience. .
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Subash R
2 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We arrived in Sri langka on our first day.We were brought to this place and greeted by this so called "Medicine Doctor".We were offered a welcome drink.It was a.herbal drink.We drank it and we were taken a walk around tour.The tour did not last more then 10 mins.After the walk around tour we were brought to a lab where we were further explain on their products.We were offered some body massage but we refused.The tour ended and we were brought to the shop to purchase their products.He put the products into the shopping basket and keep toping up.We paid via CC and left the shop.Upon arrival to the hotel we were puzzled on why did we pay so much for off the shelf products.An example an hair oil would cost USD 250,body bottox would cost USD 300.These off the shelf body products would cost a fraction of the price.We were puzzled of our experience and purchases of the products.Some advice do not drink or accept any sort of food or drinks from strangers.Do not.visit this place as it is not worth it.We went back to this place for a full refund and made a stong note not to visit this place.Complaint to the tour guide for stop talking us to such places.Removed this visit from the itenery.Avoid.This and such places.
Written 4 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gopi nath
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates257 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
Our driver took to this place. During the tour, we were told about various oil and also a medicine for treatment of sugar. We were told the particular tree grows only in srilanka and was not allowed to export. We were given free wifi access so that we could do some research in google and we found what they told to be correct.
We bought some oil and also a cup made of tree which we are supposed to pour water for curing diabetis. However, nothing worked. Looks like they have made some fraud website to appear when we make google search. All money we pay is waste. Even the oil they gave us is good for nothing. These guys are the biggest fraud in Srilanka. I think they pay the drivers well.
We bought some oil and also a cup made of tree which we are supposed to pour water for curing diabetis. However, nothing worked. Looks like they have made some fraud website to appear when we make google search. All money we pay is waste. Even the oil they gave us is good for nothing. These guys are the biggest fraud in Srilanka. I think they pay the drivers well.
Written 29 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lpeas
Toronto, Canada16 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Our driver took us there, so we went. The tour was about 30-45min. They claimed to be a government certified location. The presentation of the spices was ok (free), but it was definitely a sales pitch. The prices of products there were severely overpriced. They claimed there was a 20% discount due to it being Ramadan. We bargained down further almost 50%, but still was overpriced and we didn't realize this place was a scam until after...if it was a government location, prices would be standardized. If you're going to go there to buy products, BARGAIN as far down as you can go. Wish we had read reviews prior to going, but we relied on the driver and were tired from a long commute from Jaffna. We should have known better!
Written 5 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clanjar
Peterhead, UK16 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
20th March 2015. As part of an organised outing which did NOT include The Island Spice Grove we were shanghaied (despite our protests) to this establishment. Being assured by the guide that the place was supported by the Government we got the whistle stop tour, the unwanted massage and advise on everything that ails us for which they had the perfect cure. Next stop the shop to be pressurised, in a manner which in most countries would be illegal, into buying vastly overpriced useless products. AVOID THE ISLAND SPICE GROVE in MAWANELLA LIKE THE PLAGUE!!
Written 31 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMcD
31 contributions
July 2019
This place is an absolute disgrace and let's down the tourist industry in Sri Lanka.
We were charmed by an individual who claimed to be a doctor and shown a number of treees and plants with medicinal qualities. Before I knew it I had some idiot rubbing 'natural products' on my face and giving me a neck massage and then asking for a donation for the service. Thankfully I saw sense before I got into the shop and didn't buy any of the vastly over-priced produce. This spoiled what was otherwise a fantastic trip to Sri Lanka.
The Island Spice Grove is operated under a licence from the Ceylon Tourist Board. It is a disgrace that these type of fraudulent operations are allowed to be licensed and trade as legitimate companies.
We were charmed by an individual who claimed to be a doctor and shown a number of treees and plants with medicinal qualities. Before I knew it I had some idiot rubbing 'natural products' on my face and giving me a neck massage and then asking for a donation for the service. Thankfully I saw sense before I got into the shop and didn't buy any of the vastly over-priced produce. This spoiled what was otherwise a fantastic trip to Sri Lanka.
The Island Spice Grove is operated under a licence from the Ceylon Tourist Board. It is a disgrace that these type of fraudulent operations are allowed to be licensed and trade as legitimate companies.
Written 20 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rabih S
2 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
Enjoy the tour but don’t buy anything, u don’t know even what there is in product and selling it for 80$. I took one but I don’t think I will use it
Written 15 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rkumar2763
Singapore, Singapore53 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
We were taken there by our driver/ guide and obviously he was part of the scam too.
Fabulously informative regarding the trees and plants and healing products.. but DO NOT get carried away by the FREE MASSAGE(out of the goodness of your heart- give rs500 and nothing more!
After that they will take you to the shop to buy the products and that is where the major scamming starts! Before you can say JACK ROBINSON! The products are being filled into the baskets,the bill is made and VOILA! You have landed up paying loads of money... friend i was with paid rs161.000! The rest of us had our wits about us.. this one got royally scammed!
Supposed government run but prices are ridiculous.. like gold!
Please be careful!!!
Fabulously informative regarding the trees and plants and healing products.. but DO NOT get carried away by the FREE MASSAGE(out of the goodness of your heart- give rs500 and nothing more!
After that they will take you to the shop to buy the products and that is where the major scamming starts! Before you can say JACK ROBINSON! The products are being filled into the baskets,the bill is made and VOILA! You have landed up paying loads of money... friend i was with paid rs161.000! The rest of us had our wits about us.. this one got royally scammed!
Supposed government run but prices are ridiculous.. like gold!
Please be careful!!!
Written 30 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Finger weg von den Produkten der Gewürzfarm. Auch über Reiseveranstalter gebucht. Nun hier erst alle Kritiken gelesen. Reiseveranstalter hat es nun organisiert, dass wir ALLE unser Geld wieder bekommen. Das ganze ist traurig aber wohl eine Masche in Sri Lanka. Ein Ehepaar hat über 500 € dort gelassen...möchte nicht wissen,wie viele da hereinfallen ;(
Written 26 January 2020
Hi I think there has been a mistake and I have been severely overcharged for products purchased. Can you please send me your email address so that this "error" can be rectified.
Written 14 February 2018
You can send me a message via TripAdvisor. I only bought one product there, which was expensive.
We had visited another Spice garden near Candy where I’d been given a short massage. I bought spices that were reasonably priced. Only hours later I felt the benefit of the balm.
I regretted not buying the balm & we went to Island Spice garden to buy a similar balm. I was surprised by the price, I must admit. The balm is excellent but definitely expensive.
Written 15 February 2018
I know enough about your business to know it is a 'rip off'. All Trip Advisor comments are TRUE. Very overpriced and only became aware of this today when we received our Credit Card statement.
Written 11 March 2017
I think they should be officially dealt with. I have also posted a review on trip advisor.
Written 13 March 2017
Last month I was visiting your store. I bought red oil and herbal balsam.
Could you please tell me how often I need to use it? In the description I
have only the proportions and that I need to massage wound area for 5
minutes.
Thank you in advance!
Written 15 January 2016
You need to mix s small portion of oil and the balm and after mixing well apply on the area where you have pain and nicely massage with the mix
Written 19 March 2017
Have you tried any of the herbal products that this island 25 offered? I would be willing to pay the price, if I know it works.
Written 31 August 2015
I bought the green oil, red oil, sandalwood oil and another. So far I have opened the green oil and sandalwood. First of all, the Sandalwood container was NOT oil and came out more like a gel, and does not smell like sandalwood. The green oil, did not smell like what I sampled there, and it was more gel than oil. I use pure essential oils in the US, and I am familiar with pure oils. I can tell you this is not it.
Personally, I am extremely disappointed with the amount of money I spent, and getting home from holiday only to find out it was not what I expected.
Written 20 January 2017
Hello, I bought lotion turmeric in your garden last year, but I do not remember what is its use. Can you help me? Thanks
Written 25 January 2015
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