Wallawwa

Grade - Boutique First Class

Overview

It’s a shame to recommend the Wallawwa in this way, but just 20 minutes from Colombo airport it’s perfect for a night at the beginning or end of one’s holiday. On arrival you’ll find a beautifully restored 200 year old colonial manor house (part of the RAF’s headquarters during WW2), that’s now a luxury boutique hotel, surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens within a rural idyll. You’ll probably just spend 1 night but wish you’d lingered longer.

Facilities

Facilities include a large swimming pool that sits in a tranquil corner of the tropical gardens, a garden facing restaurant that serves superb Sri Lankan cuisine, the “Z” spa, a library, study and shop. You can also enjoy croquet and badminton on the lawn.

Rooms

As you’d expect, the rooms and interior has been sympathetically restored to their former glory. Each has a four poster King size bed and terrazzo lined bathroom with rain shower. Also air-conditioning, fan, Wifi, TV, safety deposit box, coffee / tea making facilities & hairdryer.

Upgrade to a choice of suites that offer extra space and balcony, garden or terrace with superb views over the lagoon and out to sea.

Horathapola Estate

Grade - Boutique First Class

Overview

Just an hour from Colombo Airport you’ll find the Horathapola Estate, a luxurious boutique hotel set within a 50 acre working coconut plantation in rural Sri Lanka. Surrounding this former planter’s bungalow, verandas lead out to formal lawns dotted with hardwood and native trees that are home to the many birds whose songs fill the air during morning and early evening. Modern luxury complements the stateliness of colonial architecture to somehow create a relaxed home from home and authentic introduction or farewell to Sri Lanka.

Facilities

Relax by the large salt water swimming pool and Jacuzzi or find a secluded section of the garden to catch up on your reading, before enjoying dinner looking out over the garden as you enjoy a selection of Sri Lankan curries prepared with estate-grown produce. Whilst here don’t miss the chance to explore the plantation following the well-marked walking trails, where apart from coconuts, you’ll find tropical fruits, spices and rice grown. You can also take a bullock cart or ride a bike through the plantation and out to the neighbouring village. Don’t wander too far as afternoon tea is a celebrated event at Horathapola!

Rooms

Just five spacious, light and airy bedrooms, each with hand-carved four-poster beds, high ceilings, large en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and beautiful antique furniture, looking out to the garden with private balcony, patio and veranda.