Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Kalukanda House
Kalukanda house is a private, fully staffed villa in Weligama, newly built in 2017 in the colonial style. The owner is a British Sri Lankan interior designer who lived in Sri Lanka with her grandparents when she was small and who fell in love with the island on the last day of her family holiday in 2016. She was moved to buy some land and put down roots. She is a great believer in the human connection and sharing the magic of Sri Lanka with discerning travellers.
The owners organise experiential holidays for their guests, and every care is taken to offer a personal experience from booking the villa and throughout the stay. Creature comforts are delicately balanced with a period style property that allows the nature in the garden to flourish. Gentle and experienced staff look after guests who are encouraged to engage with local Sri Lankans and with everybody they meet.
Surfing is a big past time in Weligama and whale watching and padi diving are available in Mirissa. Cookery classes and a visit to the local White Tea plantation are also popular activities. Guests can enjoy gin and tonics in the cabana while a delicious home cooked meal is cooked to their specification. Yoga retreats and special weeks are organised on request and the aim is to offer guests a tailor made, beautiful Sri Lankan experience whilst staying in the lap of luxury.
E: stay@kalukandahouse.com
Cantaloupe House
This exquisitely restored walauwa in a serene village in Ahangama has a unique combination of traditional
Sri Lankan and colonial style architecture. Known as Cantaloupe House Ahangama, the villa has struck a fine balance of contemporary and traditional furnishings.
There are six rooms in total with three deluxe rooms featuring spacious living areas, outdoor showers, walk-in closets and private outdoor patios. The suite located on the upper floor features a private living room and an outdoor shower. . The gardens are beautifully abundant and surround the property giving a serene tropical retreat environment, which is a welcome contrast to the coastal ambiance of the surrounding beach resorts in Ahagama and Midigama. The villa also has a swimming pool which is perfect for cooling off after a walk around the gardens. The culinary concept of this lovely villa is inspired by homegrown traditional recipes passed down through generations.
W:www.cantaloupehotels.com
E: reservations@cantaloupe.lk
T: +94 (0) 77 339 3399
Firsmead Bungalow
Sitting on the majestic hills of Nuwara Eliya, this property offers guests a sublime setting to relax in luxurious surroundings. This bungalow has six bedrooms which are beautifully furnished. Some of the bedrooms have fireplaces and is reminiscent of a house in the English countryside. The rooms are equipped with modern amenities with comfort being its guiding factor. Their menu offers a mix of western and eastern cuisine with special emphasis placed on fresh vegetables and fruits grown in the region. Firsmead is centrally placed to explore Nuwara Eliya.
W: www.firsmead.com
E: info@firsmead.com
T: +94 (0) 777 172176
Lynford Bungalow
The Lynford Bungalow in Bogawanthalawa is one of the oldest surviving colonial bungalows in Sri Lanka. It traces its roots to the days when Sri Lanka’s hill country was home to coffee plantations, before it became known for its high quality tea. The property has been restored to its former glory, replete with antique furnishings. The bungalow has four spacious bedrooms with en suite facilities. The two common areas called the Morning Room and the Evening Room have magnificent fireplaces with the latter having a vintage record player and is perfect to unwind with an aperitif. There is a central dining room where all meals are served by liveried staff with old school charm. The bungalow also has a billiards room, spa and extensive gardens which provide the perfect environment for bracing walks in the cool mountain climes.
W: www.aakya.com
E: reservations@jcholidays.lk
T: +94 77 667 6679
