Sri Lanka private villas
Sri Lanka’s sprinkling of exclusive private villas really stands out.
These hidden gems offer ultimate seclusion and respite, with on-site chefs and house management staff to make guests feel completely at ease and looked after. Sleeping between 4 and 12 people in generous living quarters, with communal spaces to relax together and quiet corners where you can find moments of solitude, Sri Lanka’s private villas offer ultimate flexibility and a feeling of homeliness combined with old-school luxury service standards.
Just beyond your front door you’ll find lush gardens leading to placid lakes, wide beaches, and rugged wilderness, which you can access without interruption. After a busy itinerary of sightseeing and cultural connections, a few days away from the flurry at a private villa can be the ideal way to rest and refresh. Sit out in the sun, cool off in private pools or lay back on loungers looking out over private stretches of waterside, and enjoy freshly-cooked meals prepared just as you wish.
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Why we love it
“Subtly luxurious; a convenient but private home-from-home. We were able to completely unwind.”
Apsara Villa, Bentota
On the banks of the river, and just a few minutes from the beach, Apsara Villa is a convenient yet secluded retreat. This bungalow-style property is arranged around a relaxed central courtyard, and the river-facing pool deck is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. The on-site team ensures everything runs smoothly, and the top-quality chef prepares all meals using locally sourced ingredients, which you can enjoy in the dining pavilion, by the pool or wherever you wish. A row of sun loungers invites you to sit by the pool while the children splash in the shallows, or you can follow the lawn down to the river’s edge to watch the sunset together.
Mandalay Lake Villa, Koggala
On the banks of Lake Koggala, the Mandalay Lake Villa epitomises Sri Lankan style. Designed in partnership with Geoffrey Bawa, the island’s definitive architect, the property is the perfect private getaway within easy reach of Galle. Two stylish pavilions are arranged around lush lawns and a 25-metre swimming pool. Sleeping quarters are in one villa, eating and social rooms in the other, allowing a separation of peaceful sleep and daytime relaxation which is great for families. Unwind in a warm bath, looking out through fold-back doors to the garden below, and enjoy romantic lakeside dinners on the private pontoon.
Samudra, Galle
Right by the beach and surrounded by manicured tropical gardens, Samudra gives you an idyllic base for some proper family time, rest and relaxation. Combining flexibility and privacy with a few luxury trimmings, you can really enjoy being ‘off duty’ as you soak up the Sri Lankan sun in seclusion. The onsite team includes a houseman, who coordinates everyone’s daily requirements, and a chef to prepare meals tailored to your preferences. Childminding, yoga and massages are all available upon request. Being just a short distance from Galle Fort, the villa is well placed for visiting many local sights, and you can hire bikes for exploring further afield.
Sisindu C, Koggala
This is a really special villa property, just a short drive from Galle on Sri Lanka’s sandy southern coast. A gorgeous, contemporary villa facing directly onto the beach, Sisindu C balances classic coastal style with a high standard of luxury. The enormous open-plan living area leads onto a stone terrace with a generous swimming pool overlooking the beach. Above, two large double suites lead off from a shady balcony – an alternative vantage point to relax and soak up your fantastic coastal location. A staff of three, including an expert chef, are on hand so you can fully relax and enjoy time away from the daily rush.
South Point Villa, Koggala
A secluded little property in Koggala on Sri Lanka’s southernmost tip, South Point Villa is in a tranquil setting beside a small, uncrowded beach. With only three bedrooms, this villa is perfect for an extended family get-together, with a staff of six, including a chef, to take care of your day-to-day needs. The villa sits in a well-maintained garden, with an infinity swimming pool and spacious deck overlooking the sea where you can enjoy leisurely meals while you watch local fishermen returning with their catch at the end of each day.
Taru Villas, Karumba (Tangalle), River Cottage (Bentota) & Villa 906 (Hikkaduwa)
A distinctive contemporary style runs through Taru’s various private villas. Just feet from a gorgeous stretch of Tangalle beach, Kurumba House is perfect for families looking to spend laid-back time together, with a fully-furnished garden room, hammocks strung between trees and a traditional ambalama gazebo allowing you to hop from one chill-out spot to another. Villa 906 looks out over the lively Galle coast, providing a picture-perfect base for relaxing away from the bustling town, whilst Bentota’s River Cottage has a real sense of home-from-home, with flexibility to have chef-prepared meals or make use of the self-catering facilities to get creative in the kitchen.
The Green House, Kandy
Set within the Victoria Golf & Country Resort, the Green House’s contemporary architecture creates an innovative family retreat that’s spacious enough to sleep 12. An experienced house manager is on hand to prepare meals and make sure your visit runs smoothly, and if you fancy al fresco dining you can have a BBQ on the terrace overlooking the gardens and the reservoir beyond. This villa is obviously ideal for golfers, but there’s plenty to do off the fairways too. Enjoy a game of tennis, take a swim, go horse-riding at the club, take a tranquil wander through the gardens or hire a bike and explore further afield.
The Walatta House, Tangalle
A smart, airy villa built in a subtle tropical style, and nestling unobtrusively against a Tangalle hillside, the Walatta House offers you the freedom of a private family home on Sri Lanka’s vibrant south coast. The living areas are under cover but open air, letting you take full advantage of the tropical habitat while you enjoy down time together, and all the cooking is taken care of by an expert local chef. The gorgeous 20-metre swimming pool is set into the lawn, with a surrounding deck and plenty of soft turf for lounging around on, and the beautiful beach is just a gentle stroll away.
Inspiring experiences and places to stay
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