|
|
 |
| |
Villas &
Bungalows - The Beaches on The South Coast |
| |
The Beach House,
Tangalle
The Beach House is an idyllic villa situated in Tangalle on
the southern tip of Sri Lanka, slightly more than five hours
from Colombo. The house has vast private gardens, an infinity
pool and direct access to its own stretch of gleaming white
sand. This is a very beautiful and secluded part of the Sri
Lankan coast with long sandy beaches and studded with coves.
The House is a Dutch colonial building once the home of an American
artist, Douglas Johnson, and was renovated with the help of
the celebrated former Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Dark
colonial furniture is lightened by modern decor, unusual ornaments
and Johnson’s beautiful art. The bedrooms have four-poster
beds with mosquito nets, tiled floors, large windows and modern
en suite bathrooms. The house has four members of full time
staff including a cook who will prepare your choice in meals.
Meals are generally eaten on the dining terrace where you can
here the crash of ocean waves. |
Claughton House,
Dickwella
Located on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, between the southern
fishing town of Matara and Tangalle, approximately five hours
drive from Colombo is Claughton House. Designed by Sri Lanka’s
most famous architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa, this exquisite
private house, set in five acres of landscaped coconut plantation,
occupies a spectacular position overlooking a bay. A small private
property, with three spacious double rooms, is ideal for those
seeking seclusion and relaxation on the unspoilt south coast.
The open plan spilt-level lounge and dining areas are designed
to catch the cool sea breeze and an attractive freshwater swimming
pool is cleverly built into the rocks above the beach. For the
more adventurous holidaymaker, a boat is available for exploring
the bays nearby and for fishing. Scuba diving can also be arranged. |
| |
Taprobane Island,
Weligama
This extraordinary villa occupies a tiny rocky island in Weligama
Bay, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Set in two acres of
spectacular tropical gardens, this light and airy octagonal-shaped
house is a traveller's dream. Its elegant colonial furnishings,
large wrap-around verandas with great views, rock pools, and
stunning swimming pool make you feel as though you're stepping
into a 1930s novel.
With five large double bedrooms this bungalow is ideal for 8
- 10 people and is available for overnight or longer stays.
Perfect for a group of friends, families or honeymooners wanting
to experience island life. |
| |
Apa Villa, Thalpe
This charming Villa's lies in a coconut grove overlooking the
Indian Ocean, only 8 km south of the historic Galle Fort in
the south of Sri Lanka. Experience the relaxing atmosphere as
you lie by the pool, explore the surrounding coconut estate
or wander down the golden beach.
Your comfort is our priority and Apa staff will serve your meals
at any time. You can choose your own menu from fresh seafood
of lobsters, tiger prawns and yellow-fin tuna prepared according
to your preference and Sri Lankan rice and curry. For dessert
sample some of our luscious local fruits like pineapple, mango,
jackfruit, watermelon and passion fruit - simply delicious!
The furnishing is contemporary elegant with stainless steel
and wood. All soft furnishings are local weaves with attractive
collectibles from other Asian countries. Dining may be in the
main dining room, in the shade of the coconut palms, on the
beach deck or the veranda.
Apa Villa is the ideal holiday home for families and children
are welcome, and with sufficient advance notice we can arrange
for a nanny. |
| |
Illuketia
Illuketia is set in a serene natural setting, only 10 minutes
inland from the thriving south-coast town of Galle. Illuketia
was built as a plantation house more than a century ago and
has been meticulously and lovingly restored. It is located on
an impressive estate house set on a hillock in seven acres of
mature garden surrounded by tea and rice fields. Its huge hallway,
with nine heavy carved doors, spacious living areas and lush
tropical gardens provide a sense of space and luxury.
It is comprised of six suites, four in the main house set around
a central courtyard pool and two air-conditioned suites at the
Pond House, a separate unit overlooking the lotus pond. The
estate also boasts a 25 meter pool set among beautiful tropical
tree and flowering plants.
Ideal for nature lovers, the estate is a haven for flora and
fauna. The head gardener (a former wildlife park ranger) has
recorded 176 species of bird, 556 native plants, 20 mammals,
fish and a variety of reptiles. Spotting a rare bird at close
range from a window or catching a timid mongoose sprinting across
the grass, are some of the unexpected delights of living with
nature.
A permanent English-speaking staff serves a delightful mix of
Sri Lankan and Western dishes, with most ingredients - fruits,
vegetables and herbs organically grown in garden. Even the lovely
flower arrangements around the estate are freshly cut from the
estate.
Activities at Illuketia include bird-watching, nature walks
with a visit to a working tea factory, rubber plantation, pepper
gardens, temples and the humble village clusters. Bicycles are
available for guest use. |
| |
Victoria
Victoria is a beautifully kept and fully renovated five bed
room villa, on the beach at Talpe. It is contemporary Sri Lankan
in style and tastefully furnished with Sri Lankan antique furniture.
The central loggia is the perfect place to rest and relax with
a good book, while the beach pavilion offers an alternative
lounging, dining and entertaining space. The swimming pool is
an added delight for holidaymakers who might enjoy a quick dip
or relax by the pool. The villa is fully staffed with cook,
gardener and houseboy. |
| |
The Sunhouse,
Galle
The Sun House is the perfect base from which to explore the
south. Built in the 1860s it has a spectacular view of the Galle
harbour and through extensive renovation been transformed into
an elegant and tranquil retreat, with warm and efficient service.
All rooms are furnished with antique four-poster beds with thick
comfortable cotton spring mattresses, have en-suite bathrooms
with hot and cold water, overhead fans and air-conditioners.
The Cinnamon Suite comprises the whole first floor with private
sitting room cum library. The sitting room overlooks the distant
hills and jungle forest, while the opposite end of the suite
opens onto a private sunset balcony. It is truly a room with
unforgettable views.
Children below 14 years are not accommodated. |
| |
The Dutch House,
Galle
The Dutch House is the sister property of the Sun House in Galle,
the fortified south-coast town that is fast gaining a reputation
as a haven for the discerning traveller. This historic mansion
has been restored into an exquisite property and is an elegant
and tranquil retreat.
It has four spacious suites with antique four-poster beds and
overheard fans, and the attached bathrooms are fitted with traditional
bathtubs.
In the spacious garden there is a swimming pool with a stunning
view. The Dutch House takes pride in its restaurant, with guests
invited to discuss their preferences each day from an imaginative
range of freshly-cooked produce.
Children below 14 years are not accommodated. |
| |
| Galle Fort Hotel,
Galle |
| |
Club Villa,
Bentota
Club Villa, a stylish colonial hotel located off the main road
in the middle of a coconut plantation, is the epitome of boutique
hotels. It is a quiet residence with 15 deluxe rooms ideal for
those who are seeking a restful tranquil setting.
Famous Sri Lankan Architect, Geoffrey Bawa designed this 19th
Century Dutch colonial style beach residence with majestic pillars,
calming fish pools and serene décor that compliments
the white-washed walls and soporific sway of the palm trees
outside. Long, grey stone corridors end with sitting rooms scattered
with marble tables and brightly coloured cotton cushions.
Immaculately manicured gardens run up to the white sandy beach
which leads to the ocean. Soak in the crystal blue pool or take
a nap in the many hammocks strung between the frangipani trees. |
| |
Nisala Arana,
Bentota
Nisala Arana “the abode of peace” is situated on
four and a half acres of landscaped gardens in the village of
Kommala, Bentota. The original house was built approximately
150 years ago in colonial Dutch style by the village ayurvedic
doctor and the extensive gardens were planted with a diverse
collection of trees, bushes and shrubs which he used for his
treatments. The garden is now a lush paradise attracting an
eclectic variety of birds and butterflies.
The Villa comprises of three wings namely “The Doctor’s
Wing”, “The Coconut Wing” and “the Mango
Wing”.
The Doctor’s Wing
is the original house which has been beautifully renovated with
interioir pools and furnished with antiques. It is comprised
of a master bedroom with a loft and second double bedroom, with
a shared bathroom. The living room is comfortably furnished
and has satellite TV, DVD and a hi-fi system.
The Coconut Wing
is a cottage with two large suites and open-air bathrooms. It
is tastefully furnished with antiques and comfortable planters’
chairs on the veranda provide an open invitation to lounge and
contemplate the gardens or read a good book.
The Mango Wing,
bordered by mango trees, is comprised of two large rooms with
twin antique four-poster beds and huge bathrooms overlooking
the jungle beyond. A balcony runs along the front of the two
rooms providing a charming view over the sparkling swimming
pool and Pavilion.
The Pavilion is an open dining area beside the swimming pool
where delicious meals prepared by our experienced chefs are
served accompanied by fine wines. Another interesting feature
is the temple in the gardens, built by the doctor of ayurveda,
which may be used for meditation, contemplation, yoga, or just
a quiet place to conduct your own devotions. |
| |
Hideaway, Gampaha
Poised on the crest of a small hillock in a pineapple
plantation is “Hideaway”, a 1936 Ancestral home
surrounded by acres of organic vegetable, herb gardens and exotic
fruit trees including jack, rambutan and mangosteen.
A charming marriage of the old and the and new, combining classical
colonial architecture - arches, pillars and open verandas with
art deco interiors and cement floors. True to its name, Hideaway
is a serendipitous gem. Luxurious rooms, fine dining and an
international wine list are offered to travelers seeking complete
privacy and relaxation.
Enjoy long walks or jog on neatly laid out paths through the
plantation and for the more adventurous go on excursions to
nearby ancient temples and underground caves. |
| |
Horathapola
Estate, Kandanagedara
Hidden in the vast green coconut belt that stretches from Negombo
to Puttalam and inland up to Kurunegala lies Horathapola Estate.
Its grand planter’s mansion has been recently converted
into an exclusive boutique hotel. Built in the early 1920s by
the then British owner of the property, the two-storey bungalow
has maintained its charm of a bygone era. Surrounded by a large
lawn and tall flowering trees, it is hidden from the still functioning
estate where coconut, rice, pineapple and other fruit trees,
as well as spices and hardwood trees are cultivated on 60 acres
of lush land.
This property comprises of three large suites and one two-bedroom
family suite. All rooms in the main house are furnished with
antique four-poster beds and furniture. The bathrooms are splendidly
redone and very spacious. Each of the rooms has a private veranda
or balcony.
Enjoy long walks under the shady trees of the estate or a plunge
into the cool depth of the 50 foot pool or the comfortable warmth
of the Jacuzzi. With an extensive library and plenty of space
this is live your dream of a true colonial holiday. |
|
| |
|
 |
|
