Overview
Set deep in the hill country of Kotmale, Mas Villa is an elegant boutique villa that rejoices in Sri Lanka’s breathtaking natural beauty. A historic 250 year old manor house, Mas Villa is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges lush with forest and sprawling paddy fields. A river meanders its way along the borders of the villa. Its own 15 acres of beautiful and tastefully landscaped gardens, forested lawns and terraced paddy fields are but a reflection of the beauty, diversity and vibrancy of its natural habitat. Once home to a Sri Lankan politician, recently restored with evident love and care by his family, the villa still retains the essence of a typical Wallauwwa. Antique furniture, priceless paintings, handpicked furnishings and complementary modern creature comforts combine to make Mas Villa an indulgent haven for all your senses, at once comforting and homely yet elegant and luxurious.
The name ”Mas Villa” is taken from the tiny village in Kotmale where it is located. A mere two hour drive from Colombo, 60 minutes away from Nuwara Eliya and less than 75 minutes away from Kandy it is an ideal tourist destination. Its natural beauty is not its only allure. The area is also rich in historical and cultural significance, once refuge to King Dutugemunu and King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe with so much beauty to be explored by the nature enthusiast. Local culture and traditions can be experienced by simply strolling through the surrounding villages and temples. Make sure you ask for the details of the many tour options that MAS Villa can arrange - perhaps watching baby elephants cavorting in the water in Pinnawela, or an adventurous bit of white water rafting through the kithulgala river or fishing in the Kotmale resevoir. From three course picnics, arranging your transport by tuktuks, boat rides to journeys by train, MAS Villa is at your service.
Once settled in Mas Villa you might not want to venture further. Wake up to freshly brewed Ceylon tea and stroll out along the wide corridors into its vast gardens to breathe in the crisp fresh air or maybe followed with a long languid swim in the pool before a few indulgent hours at the “AT SPA”. Take a walk in the vegetable garden to pick the vegetables and herbs you would like for lunch or dinner. An energetic hike or bike ride through the mountain trails will ensure you return looking forward to a glass of wine and a delectable meal in a candle lit dining room open to the beautiful moonlit mountains and rivers.
Rooms
Beautifully adapted to modern requirements with seven exclusive guest rooms the Villa boasts an airy courtyard, spacious living areas and a charming dining verandah that opens out onto the glorious view of the valley and reservoir.
Named after the exotic foliage in the area, the deluxe and superior double rooms are decorated in warm, inviting shades of cream, burgundy and brown. The rich, soft carpeting and beautifully turned out beds, resplendent with comfy duvets and silk quilts that you can snuggle into when it gets chilly, just complete the sense of quiet elegance.
The Cordyline Suite that encompasses the entire first floor has a 20ft high ceiling and polished wooden floorboards that exude a warm glow. A Jacuzzi, separate shower room and French windows opening out to the beautiful vista that surrounds makes it a much sought after honeymoon suite.
The villa has many facilities to enjoy. The extensive gardens, the spring water swimming pool, the gym, board games, cable tv, internet access and a fine library offers you enough choice within the premises to keep you occupied. You might try a game of badminton, pool or croquet.
No visit to MAS Villa will be complete without a visit to its exclusive Spa. Pamper yourself with Signature Spa treatments either in the privacy of your room or in the spa pavilion. You will emerge relaxed and rejuvenated, at one with the beauty that surrounds you.
Dining
The Chefs at MAS Villa are waiting to take you on a gastronomic adventure. They are fully committed to an environmentally friendly sustainable “green” concept of dining. The MAS Villa signature dishes are produced from fresh vegetables and herbs grown in its own organic garden. Don’t miss on the delicately prepared fish, fresh from the nearby streams that are pure and uncontaminated and the exotic desserts are a delightful combination of the fresh fruits culled from the garden.
You can choose where and when you want to dine. Enjoy a lazy breakfast in bed or luncheon on the verandah… or take your pre dinner drink and meal alfresco, enjoying the view. A candlelit dinner in the spacious dining room is also highly recommended.
Break gives you a choice between Sri Lankan and Continental Fare. Lunch is a treat of delicious Sri Lankan and Asian Cuisine. A set fusion dinner menu that is changed daily will have you singing the praises of the MAS Villa chefs. What is most delightful is the flexibility and eagerness to please.
Things to do & local tips
The historic little valley of Kotmale is filled with things to do and see in and around. You can enjoy fun-filled explorations within a radius of three to five kilometers of Mas Villa as well as extensive explorations out of town. Choose from a range of tours that can be arranged for you.
Choose swimming, fishing and boating in the reservoir complete with three course picnics prepared for you by the chef or just strolling through the wooded reservation full of exotic trees . Avail yourself of the free mountain bikes and guided tours, some that take you on ancient granite footpaths and explore the traditional villages as well as tea fields, grand temples and waterfalls in the area.
Some of the highlights recommended are :-
- The waterfalls – Gerandi Ella, Ramboda Ella and others
- The Lambukelle Tea Plantation
- Fishing and swimming in the Kotmale Reservoir
- Visit the temples in the locality Kotmale Maha Seya and the historic Pusulpitiya Temple – learn about the legend of Prince Dutugemunu and the famed Dutugemunu trails.
- Tuk Tuk rides and experienced guides, picnic lunches and all necessary equipment will be arranged by the Villa Staff
If you want to explore beyond the locality this can be arranged. Round trip transport and picnic lunches will be provided for you by the villa. You may request a tailor-made itinerary to suit your interests , eg.
- Explore Nuwera Eliya inclusive of a train ride
- Golfing Excursions to Nuware Eliya or Digana
- Visit Adams Peak the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka
- White water rafting in Kitulgala
- Tour the historic city of Kandy with stops at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the Temple of the tooth.
- Spend the day at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
- The scenic Ella Gap
- Visit Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka’s famed biodiversity hotspot.
- Tour the ancient capital of Dambulla, climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya and see the legendary Sigiriya damsels etched on the rock walls