Overview
This beautiful manor house, once grand, later dilapidated, has been lovingly restored to become a luxurious boutique style hotel. Built by a Sinhalese landowner, it has been home to an Admiral and representative of the famous P. and O. line and a High Court Judge.
The style and elegance of the colonial period has been preserved and highlighted within the sympathetic refurbishment and extensions. Long shady verandahs overlook graceful courtyards, one enclosing the large tamarind tree giving its name to the property.
The hotel has contrasted large areas of neutral tones in the lounge, reception area and dining room with vibrant splashes of clear blue upholstery, intricately carved stair rails and colourful flower arrangements.
The largely white walls feature carefully chosen artworks, maps and carvings. Furniture is a visually exciting mix of ultra modern, antique, reproduction and local pieces.
10 luxurious rooms and 2 magnificent suites are beautifully furnished. All modern "˜must haves' are included without intruding into the colonial charm while the en suite bathrooms are the essence of the 2000's.
Situated on a 3 acre hill above the ancient town of Galle the lawns, gardens and lush tropical forest spill down to the river, enclosing an infinity edged swimming pool on the way.
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Rooms
3 types of rooms are offered; Crayford, Captain Suite, Admiral Suite. All are air conditioned, spacious and have modern bathrooms en suite. Generous, exotically fragranced toiletries are provided and, an abundance of fresh white towels. Large, king sized, four poster beds have fresh white linen, overlaid by colourful throws of local fabrics in the spice colours of the island. TVs, DVD players and mini fridges are included.
Crayford Rooms - in some of the rooms, French doors open onto a small terrace with lounging chairs and some open onto a terrace. comfortable seating area and the furniture includes wardrobes and a writing desk.
Suites - Admiral's, Captain's and Tamarind Suite. These have separate bedrooms and sitting rooms, a large shared verandah and smaller private verandahs for intimate dining or lounging. The top floor suites can be interlinked to provide an exceptionally large area. The bath rooms have twin vanities, showers and separate tubs.
Dining
Tamarind's Chef, has brought his cosmopolitan experiences home to Sri Lanka. Having travelled much of Asia, he has stored up culinary delights along the way. The wonderful variety of fresh fish and sea food readily available serves as a base for delicious Sri Lankan, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and Australian dishes. Meat and vegetarian choices also figure on the menu. Desserts are tangy, delicious and homemade.
The dining room is on the ground floor and features a long table for ceremonial occasions. The newly painted "screen' suspended above it was installed at the time of the Judge's residency and was activated by servants pulling on ropes to cool the diners below. Guests may sit at small tables usually.
A cosy bar next door to the dining room serves a wide range of wines and spirits.
Breakfasts are Continental in style with fresh fruits, juices and breads. Light lunches are available. We chose from a menu featuring salads, soups and pasta.
Things to do & local tips
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Close by Koggala Lake will fill an afternoon. Take a rowing boat out to the island temple and visit the bird sanctuary.
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Scuba diving or snorkelling in the reef at Unawatuna (3km)
- Visit historic Galle (8km) and walk around the 17th Century Fort,especially at sunset.
- Visit local rice, tea and rubber plantations
- Visit the small Buddhist temple of Kataluwa set in the jungle near Galle.
- Relax your mind and body with and in-suite massage followed by a herbal flower bath
- Head 1 hr. North for Bentota's River trips and Bevin Bawa's Brief Gardens. Stop at Ambalangoda's antique and craft shops or Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Farm en route.
- Visit the forested nature reserves a couple of hours away, perhaps have an overnight stay.