Overview
The colourful tropical gardens surround elegant colonial bungalows. As you stroll through the lawns you may admire the reflections in the graceful contemplation pool, and be seduced by the tempting infinity swimming pool seemingly stretching out to the surf of the Indian Ocean.
This is a sister hotel to Illuketia, owned by Hans Hoeffer, photographer, designer and founder of Insight Guides and the villas have been sensitively brought back to their beautiful potential, aided by the sure touch of managers Nikki and Bob.
The versatility of the accommodation in the three villas offers a simple villa (sleeping 2-4) for couples or small family to a single booking of all three villas for a house party. The stainless steel and wood furniture is contemporary and elegant and soft furnishings reflect local weaves. The main house has a large central living room filled with books.
It is the small touches like English language newspapers in your room, turn down service and tasteful wedding ceremonies that really give Apa the 'edge'.
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Rooms
There are three adjacent villas forming a typical colonial horseshoe shape. Sturdy wooden doors lead into elegant bedrooms where four poster beds, set on mobile platforms, are crowned with mosquito nets, whilst ceiling fans and sea breezes will ensure a cool sleep. A nightly turn down and insect repellant service ensures a good night's sleep.
Each of the 6 double rooms has an en-suite bathroom, some large and open-air and with opulent sunken baths.
The décor is a comfortable mix of modern and colonial with an emphasis on peace and restfulness. All rooms have wonderful sea views and are supplied with plenty of books and magazines but no TV'S or music.
Cinnamon Villa 3 rooms
Each suite has a double bed, in modern four poster style, and air conditioning. An extra day bed may be added for a child to share with parents. There is a large open-air bathroom with twin basins, shower and bath and one smaller shower room. The generous central living area is bordered by a lovely terrace and furnished with rattan sofas and chairs.
Villa 2 (
Has two large air conditioned suites sharing a large verandah, facing the swimming pool. Each suite has a double bed, bathroom, sitting room and walk-in wardrobe.
Villa 3 (suites 1&2) Saffron Villa
If you're seeking true luxury, these 2 units may be booked together or independently and are separated by a 
lovely lily pond. Each comprises a double bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and terrace. Each sitting room may be supplied with an extra bed for the use of older children at an extra charge.
NB. A lily pond separates the two suites, so care is needed with regards to small children.
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Dining
There is a large dining table capable of seating 12 in Main House for house party groups, but many guests will prefer to eat at the tables on their own verandahs.
The newly built dining pavilion overlooking the Indian Ocean is also a popular choice for romantic evenings.
Eating is always an enjoyable experience at Apa villas where the flavoursome and freshly bought and prepared foods are served to your own taste. The tariff includes dinner-or lunch if you prefer-and breakfast is your opportunity to choose from extensive menus. Complimentary tea and bottled water are available at all times.
Breakfast is a plentiful tropical fruit selection, toast and eggs or indulge yourself in homemade muesli and lemon pancakes. Sri lankan breakfast may be a great experience for the whole group on one morning.
Evening meals are spiced to suit individual tastes-from mild to hot- and use coconut milk, local vegetables, 
freshly caught lobster, crab, squid and prawns or fresh meats from the market, to make an array of unique Sri Lankan dishes. The traditional sago pudding always suprises guest as the sweet jaggery (fudge) and hibiscus flowers are edible and very tasty.
Light lunches are available at a very reasonable $6 per person, for salads, toasted sandwiches and scrumptious sweet treats.
Wines may be brought in, but are not available in house. Chilled beers, freshly made juices and cocktails featuring local spirits can be provided. Other restaurants to visit are in nearby Galle hotels, beach cafes in Unawatuna, or Wijaya restaurant just 1km walk away.
If you head out for the day, the kitchen staff will happily prepare a picnic hamper.
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
- Visit local rice, tea and rubber plantations in the comfort of the villa's chauffeur - driven jeep ($60 per day)
- Visit the small Buddhist
- Relax your mind and body with and in-suite massage (Rs2500) followed by a herbal flower bath (Rs2000).
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.
- For the energetic, cycling, canoeing and trekking.
- Permanent staff of 11, from housekeeper to night watchman, as well as European managers, giving attentive service!
- Availability of air conditioned Range Rover with driver for airport transfer or day trips.
- Apa Villa can arrange a tasteful and understated yet extremely romantic wedding service. Claudia will discuss your ideals (preferably before arrival). Delicate floral displays on the beach front with a registrar to conduct the service. Apa can then arrange for a romantic trip on Koggala lake with a complimentary bottle of champagne. For details of the wedding package see below.
For recommendations on places of interest, shopping, restaurants, activities and local transport on the South Coast, click here.
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BASIC WEDDING PACKAGE 2005 -2006
Apa villa has become known as a perfect venue for small and intimate weddings. Great care is taken to ensure that the client's special day is perfect and free of stress. A day that will be remembered and cherished.
We will only cater for a maximum of 25 - 30 pax but prefer to concentrate on smaller numbers. We tailor each wedding to each client's ideal and therfore we areonly able to give a rough guide to costs involved.
The costs given are for a basic package, but of course this will change depending on the actual requirements of the wedding couple.
Costs are based on the couple requiring a typical Sri Lankan Buddhist Wedding with the blessing of a Buddhist Monk and the legalities being performed by an English Speaking Registrar. If clients prefer to have a Church wedding -Roman Catholic or Protestant this can also be arranged. The wedding couple need to be resident in
The wedding couple will receive from the Registrar an English translation of the Marriage Registration which is a legal and binding document, in both Europe and the
- The organization of all formalities, astrological timings, registrar etc
- Blessing by Buddhist Monk and conducting of the Ceremony by a Sri Lankan Elder
- Wedding décor including Poruwa with tropical Sri Lankan flowers and foliage.
- Single tier decorated Wedding Cake
- 2 Bottles of Complimentary
- Fresh jugs of juice for up to 10 guests
- Wedding night at Apa Villa or the Pond House, Illuketia for Bride & Groom
- Wedding breakfast on the morning before or after the wedding
- A complimentary Massage for both Bride & Groom
EXTRAS: We are able to provide the following extras, prices to be discussed individually according to guest requirements. We offer a full Wedding Planner Service.
Wedding outfits for Bride & Groom
Themed wedding décor, imported flowers
Hair/makeup/ manicure/pedicure/facials
Brides Bouquet, corsages ,gifts for wedding party
Themed wedding reception
Elephant, Fireworks, Musicians Sri Lankan or western, Sri Lankan drummer's discotheque
If the wedding couple wishes to hire the whole of Apa Villa exclusively for just the wedding day with one night's accommodation with breakfast for wedding guests, the tariff will be as follows:
Apa Villa - US$ 1600 ++ (7 suites)
Rates for individual rooms is as per the website Costs & bookings page(relative to season)
WEDDING RECEPTION (++: +10% service charge , +15% Sri lankan VAT)
3 course A la carte lunch US$35 ++per head
4 Course a la carte dinner US$40 ++per head
3 course seafood BBQ US$50 ++per head