Overview
Enter another world via the oversized, heavy, teak doors into a spectacular open reception area. Gleaming white pillars reach up to the high ceiling with its intricately carved wooden 'skylight', and the black and white chequered tile floor seems to stretch for miles. Intelligent and stylish use has been made throughout of the original timber screens and carved teak doors.
The sitting and indoor dining rooms are light and airy with white walls and lime washed timber ceilings. Light floors and large, comfortable cream sofas, awash with cushions, are highlighted by dark pieces of furniture and dramatic art work. The very modern table and tableware is stunning.
From here step onto the terrace, shaded and cushioned, and the pagoda, perfect for that evening sundowner. The large pool glistens within the manicured lawns. Cool off in the pool, lounge on a sun bed and just watch the reflections.
There are three double bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms. the villa is always exclusive to one party but the rates have been fairly set to reflect your occupancy.
The house is offered on a self catering basis and there is a modern, well equipped kitchen. There are many restaurants of all flavours and degrees of formality just a stone's throw away from your door, but if you prefer to dine at home, a cook can be arranged with advance notice. The house boy lives in and will help with breakfast and other meals, also shop for you if you wish. The room girl comes in daily to clean and will also do any clothes washing you may need.
Rooms
Three double rooms, two upstairs and one downstairs, all with air conditioning and ceiling fans. Each bedroom has an en suite bathroom and the bathroom to the master bedroom also has a large copper tub.
The stately four poster beds are draped with soft white mosquito nets, a ceiling fan gently wafts the cool air around, and there is an attractive carved lattice panel above the windows. Apart from plenty of storage furniture there are useful tables and chairs.
Dining
The dining room is delightful - very House and Garden -for a formal meal or when it is too hot to eat outside. For informal eating choose the garden or pagoda and enjoy dinner under the gardenstars.
Your personal chef has a superb CV and will offer a variety of Asian fusion and international cuisine and boasts a well stocked wine cellar.
Half Board upgrade from the Room only rate can be taken at just $25 per person per night for Breakfast, and a 3 course Lunch or Dinner.
On the odd night you may prefer to visit the local markets and try out your own cullinary skills. Galle has many restaurants of all styles and you can eat out each night without repeating your venue or menu.
Things to do & local tips
- Walking the Fort - the most enjoyable way to cover all the nooks and crannies- almost too numerous to list : include the old Dutch church, spice warehouses, the lighthouse, the ramparts at sunset. Stroll at dusk and watch the locals fly kites, play cricket and indulge in ice creams.
- Galle Town - sprawling and rather dirty but colourful displays of fruit in the bustling market. Finish off with a relaxing massage in your suite with the in-house masseuse.
- Rhummassala - a magical headland on the southern side of the bay. Research the Ramayana legend and enjoy the many rare and beautiful plants and 60 species of bird.
- Village life - rural Sri lanka is minutes away. Beyond the noisy Galle Road are rice paddies and coconut estates where life seems to stand still, and tempting antique shops and puppet museums which often require the purchase of an extra suitcase or shipment home. Be careful,as tropical wood may not tolerate drier centrally heated houses and develop splits.
- Temples- Buddhism is very visible in the gentle demeanor of the people and the proliferation of temples. Visit where you wish, with respect, and you will generally be made welcome.
- Yatagala- 200 year old rock temple accessed by 200 steps. A spiritual place visited by many pilgrims on Poya days.
- Tea - a 20 min ride from Galle delivers the tea country. Visitors may wander through the plantations and the working factories. Handunugoda estate produces the only uncontaminated white tea in the world. Top production is only 20kilo/month so don't miss buying a sample to take home.
- Rainforest- Hiyare Bio Diversity reserve, a 35 min drive north. Virgin rainforest surrounding a beautiful reservoir. Countless plants and animals including newly discovered species are pointed out by research fellows who will act as guides, but beware of leeches and take thick socks and trousers.