Ideal for a group or visitors looking for quiet charm in a village atmosphere
Nisala Arana means 'quiet and peaceful place' which is surely the Doctor's House, originally built 180 years ago and home to the village ayurvedic doctor. A classic Dutch colonial house which sits at the end of a long winding path surrounded by its 4-acre gardens of medicinal and fruit trees. Owners of 3 years, Kevin (born Sri Lankan) is a retired Australian businessman and his wife Jill a charming and artistic Aussie.
The renovation has taken the couple on a tour of Sri Lanka collecting relic temple ceilings as art, Dutch furniture, four-poster antique beds and Jaffna temple balustrades. The thick kabook and mud brick walls, cement floors and high ceilings keep the villa very cool.
The Pereira's spend 75% of the year in this home hosting guests, but occasionally quietly slip away to their Mount Lavinia home, in order that you may enjoy this private villa and tranquil sanctuary alone. The gardens are immaculately maintained and home to an original temple. The turquoise blue pool, pagoda for dining, and badminton courts are dotted around the gardens and the many hammocks are a tempting trap.
Kevin's passion for vintage and classic cars is evident in the grounds and they will gladly take you on a village tour in the Morris Minor cabriolet if you so desire. Beyond the villa's 6 ft perimeter wall is the friendly family village in the heart of Bentota.
Maintaining this tranquil setting is son Ben and his 3 staff. Trained at a well-known boutique hotel, Ben's staff attend to every detail yet allow you to dictate the level of formality. Nisala Arana also has a recently established yoga centre for guests wishing to brush up on techniques or become aquainted with the ancient art. If you simply want to relax at the end of the day you may request an in - suite massage.
Take a 10 min tuk tuk to Bentota town, the beach or one of the many eateries. Tranquillity, charm and history are the essence this villa. Groups or solos will relax.
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Nisala Arana consists of the Doctor's House, the extended Coconut Wing and the newer Mango Suites. The white washed walls compliment the antique brown furniture and magnificent green garden views.
The Doctor's House master suite and its attic,with a king size antique bed, is prepared daily with crisp white cotton sheets and araliya flowers. The second queen size bedroom is ideal for the restless sleeper or children. An extra bed can be supplied. The atrium is suffused with the soft tinkling sounds of the fountain, contemplation pool, and birds of the woodlands. Ceiling fans and natural air conditioning keep the rooms really cool. The terrazzo style floors and floating white mosquito nets add no fuss to this fairy tale setting. There is a large shared bathroom where the open air showers remind you of the nature that awaits outdoors.
The open verandah opens onto the central lounge and is equipped with comfy reclining chairs, TV. stereo and DVD equipment and a host of board games. The dining room sits within the atrium but we preferred to eat al fresco in the gardens and enjoy the stars. The staff are readily obliging, but guests may wander into the kitchen to make a cup of tea as if at home. You will want for little but it is worth taking the bell when you are lazing by the pool to get Siri's attention.
The Coconut Wing, originally a wedding room beside the main house, has two de-luxe and spacious queen-size bedrooms alongside the Doctor's House and is built around the original coconut trees and roots. Siri keeps the trees well cropped of coconuts but if you hear a thud in the night, don't be alarmed. Watch the honey birds feed on the neighbouring trees. Again, the luxurious modern en-suite bathrooms have open-air showers and indoor gardens which surprisingly don't attract the mosquitoes.
The newly built 1st floor Mango suites are adjacent to the main villa and sit above the garage. Very spacious rooms with twin antique four poster beds. The antique almirah wardrobe and writing desk add colonial charm. The pièce de résistance is the Jaffna- inspired verandah, reached via original temple doors, overlooking the gardens and a wonderful space for relaxing in a planter's chair or dining alone.
The Mango Suites lack the colonial character and feel a little colourless but the en-suite bathrooms are luxurious, with views onto the woodlands.
The lounge at the Doctor's House is not for communal use when the Doctor's House is occupied. There are plenty of plug points in all the rooms and hot water is plentiful.
Dining is very relaxed and designed around your needs. You will never tire of your surroundings - the garden pavilion, the verandahs, the garden tables, or the Dining Room in The Doctors House (if available) are just some of the romantic settings for dinner à deux .
The menu is primarily Sri Lankan but guests` tastes will always be accommodated. Meals are planned and ingredients bought daily and Siri will discuss your favourites in the morning. Seafood Harvest (Rs1000), rice and curry (Rs750), or, our favourite, rotti and egg hoppers from the village bakery eaten by candlelight with a bottle of Old Arrack ( Rs500.)
Siri's chef presents wonderful grilled seafood and salad - lobster, crab, jumbo prawns. Dip into some fine chilli & passion fruit or garlic sauces. Again, breakfast and lunch (if desired) can be cooked to your taste. From String hoppers and dhal to Kellogg's cornflakes. Lunch- time bites, sandwiches or salads are offered but we recommend that you try many of the wonderful guesthouses on the river.
Imported wines are plentiful, with a slight New World bias (Jill's home) at about $20 each. The local beer, Arrack and all spirits are available. An ice-cold gin and tonic on your veranda from your duty- free stock is fine but Kevin prefers guests not to bring alcohol to the dining area, except for the finest cognac, and then he will welcome you with open arms and an empty glass!
Nisala Arana is only a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from many excellent local and fusion restaurants if you fancy a change.
In-house
Local
Take a river trip for the day to see wildlife, baby crocodiles, local toddy factory and travel out to Little Adam`s Peak.
Slightly further afield
About 2 hours drive inland to Ratnapura, you can watch the mine workers climb deep into the shafts to source gems such as sapphires, moonstones and topaz. The workshop craftsmanship is second to none.
For details on our recommendations on places of interest, activities, local transport and restaurants in Bentota and around, click here.
Weddings
The gardens are a superb setting for a stylish wedding and the pavillion is very romantic for a ceremony or reception. weddings can be tailor-made but a sample of 2 styles are below. Couple s must visit the Registrar 4 days prior to the wedding day.
Nisala Arana Wedding Package - Please send a request for a cost
Traditional Wedding (Poruwa Siritha)
Includes:
- Includes wedding Representative & Master of Ceremonies
- Wedding Poruwa (Natural Platform & Arch) & Traditional Decorations all made naturally and by hand on the day.
- Includes Authentic Kandian Dancers & Drummers at Ceremony
- Includes Jayamangala Gatha (Four Girls Singing Blessings)
- Registrar to officiate at Ceremony:
She will provide a basic offering of vows in English.
Provides Official Sri Lankan Marriage Certificate.
Handmade Brass Canister as gift for document.
Couple must visit Registrar 4 days prior to Wedding Day
- Includes professionally arranged flower boquet & button hole
- Large Standing Brass Oil Lamp - Lit by couple ending ceremony.
- Includes Bridal Hair Stylist helper
- Open Top Morris Minor with Driver for Sunset Beach Photoa
- Includes complimentary champagne & fresh fruit basket.
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Simple Style Ceremony
Includes :
- Natural Wedding Arch with hanging threads of Frangipani & Jasmine
- Also includes traditional coconut lamp decorations in the gardens
- Registrar to officiate at Ceremony
She will provide a basic offering of vows in English. Provides Official Sri Lankan Marriage
Certificate.
Certified English Translation Available (1-2 Days) US$100
Handmade Brass Canister as gift for document
Couple must visit Registrar 4 days prior to Wedding Day
- Wedding Representative will conduct a short series of blessings.
- Offering of your wedding bands will also be at the Natural Arch.
- Includes locally arranged tropical flower bouquet & Button Hole
- Antique Brass Oil Lamp included - Lit by couple ending ceremony
- Open Top Morris Minor with Driver for Sunset Beach Photos
- Includes Complimentary Champagne & Fresh Fruit Basket
MUSIC
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Traditional Indian Music Group
- Indian Music to be played in the background on the garden hill
Jazz Group (3 Piece including some vocals) from Colombo
Passionate Jazz musicians with a strong repertoire
Other Options include a DJ setup or Sri Lankan Baila & Calypso Bands
Traditional Kandyan Dancers & Drummers Cultural Show
Also Includes Village Devil Dancers & Fire Walking
EXTRAS
Firework display Night show (15mins) "big Show"
Smaller firework display
Ceremonial dressed elephant for the wedding day
Double chocolate cheese cake or traditional wedding cake
Professional bouquet options available
Professional Photographer to cover wedding
Includes 2x film (36) 4x 6 prints with negatives
Extra rolls processed @
Bound wedding album by profeessional photographer
24 selected large photos (8x13")
additional photos (8x13")
extras postcard postcard size (4x 6")
Wedding video VHS (45 mins)
Wedding Video DVD (45mins)
DECORATIONS
- Clay oil lamps for the driveway and pool edge
- Paper Lanterns around the trees of the gardens
- Flowers of white frangipani bordering the swimming pool
- Purple water lilies for registrar and dinner table setting
- Small white petals provided for confetti in handmade leaf pockets
- Extra Standing oil lamps and fisherman lamps with citronella oil
MENU
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Bites Menu
Salmon Fish & Potato Ball Cutlets
Vegetable cutlets
Vegetable Patties with homemade pastry
Sauces include Tomato/Chilli & yoghurt coriander dips.
Suggested Dinner Menu - Seafood Dinner
Soup
Spiced Red lentil soup with parsley cream
Homemade Lime Sorbet
Main
Chilly Tiger Prawns
Grilled Fresh Lobster
Marinated Fish kebabs
Saffron Rice
Fresh Green Salad
Sauces
Garlic Butter
Lemon Butter
Dessert
Rich chocolate decadence cake
Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter
Sri Lankan Menu
- Traditional Coastal Style Sri Lankan Dishes served from authentic clay pot burners.
- Dishes will be labeled with Sinhala/English names and Chilli gauge.
Fresh Tomato & Onion Salad
Chefs' Salad
Steamed White Rice
Yellow Rice with cashews & onion
Red Chicken Curry (Med)
Pork Curry (Hot)
Fish Mullet Curry (Med)
Prawn Curry (Mild)
Creamy Dhal and Spinach Curry (Mild)
Tempered Potato (Hot)
Beans Fried & Cooked (Med)
Brinjal Curry (Med)
Leeks Curry (Med)
Lunu Dehi / Lime Pickle
Sinhala Achcharu
Mango Chutney
Pol Sambol
Hall Messa
Papadam & Fried Chilli
DESSERTS
Fresh Fruit Platters
Curd & Treacle
Jaggery Wattalappan
Tea & Coffee
Required documents for Weddings in Sri Lanka:
Documentation for wedding and marriage ceremony must be sent to the hotel at least 4 weeks prior to the wedding day and includes:
Photocopy of birth certificate - original to be presented prior to the wedding day
Photocopy of valid passport - original to be presented prior to the wedding day
Details of the names, addresses and occupations of the couple to be married
Details of parents' names, occupations and addresses of the wedding couple
An affidavit confirming marital status of bride and groom prior to the wedding. Should be signed by a Solicitor with company stamp.
If either party to the marriage is divorced, a Decree Absolute proving the lawful termination of the previous marriage must be presented prior to the wedding ceremony
If widowed, Death Certificate of former spouse of the previous marriage
If names have been changed prior to the wedding, legal proof of change of name
Marriage certificate in English
The Registrar of Marriages will provide an official marriage certificate in the local Singhalese language. A certified duplicate copy in the English language is available and will cost US$60. The duplicate copy should take between 1 to 2 days to be prepared. Depending on weekends and religious holidays it may take up to a week and will be sent on to your Home Address by the hotel if necessary. Foreign Ministry Certified Translations are also available. This will require the couple to visit the required Ministry in Colombo. You can also get a Certified version in UK from Sri Lankan Embassy in London if you wish to take the Sri Lankan copy and do it yourself. The cost is about £10.
Weddings will not be available on Poya Day and certain other Religious Holidays. Please Contact for details.
All Weddings require 30% Non-Refundable prepayment to secure a booking. Balance must be received 30 Days prior to arrival at "˜Nisala Arana'.