Escape the summer heat for temperate climate, pristine beaches & wild jungles of the deep south of Sri Lanka. Shower under a Frangipani tree, luxuriate in a cinnamon-walled spa or stroll down the hill to the beach.
Kadju House is serene, relaxed and intimate.
Pavilion
Overlooking a pristine crescent-shaped beach, the house offers four en-suite bedrooms. The house is located in a cashew grove just outside the fishing village of Tangalle and close to nature reserves and temples.
The minimalistic and uncluttered design of the house reflects our philosophy that nature is an essential component of living. The house seamlessly merges with the outdoors by providing a luxurious frame that mirrors the spectacular views. Our high level of personalized service represents discreet barefoot luxury at its very best. No detail is too small yet everything is simple, natural and authentic.
Pool Room
Kadju House provides endless opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. Organic food from the sea and garden; affiliated therapists can provide massages and Ayurvedic treatments in the spa and visiting and local yoga instructors offer private lessons at the house as well as group sessions at a nearby studio.
Sea Room
Their cooks both Sri Lankan and European cuisine. Kadju House is about 190 km from Colombo. During the day, the drive from Colombo takes approximately 5 hours via the southern coastal road. UD$ 120.00 per person for a minimum of 5 nights stay. Villa can accommodate 9 people max in four rooms. The meals are on “account”. The guests pay just for ingredients and the chef cooks it up.
Tintagel – Colombo making its mark internationally
"Tintagel is an extension of me," says Udayshanth Fernando, the designer and creator of Tintagel - a unique private hotel situated in the heart of Colombo. Having opened in 2007, Tintagel - Colombo revolutionised the boutique hotel arena in Sri Lanka. The aim of Udayshanth Fernando of Paradise Road fame was to create an unique, eclectic hotel that would compare with the best boutique hotels internationally.
Having been in the political limelight as the Colombo home of the Bandaranaike family, Tintagel has a distinctive history, aura and character that sets it apart from any other house in Colombo.
Sensitive to the importance of the architecture of the building Fernando refrained from making any major structural changes to the façade. "My main aim was not to change the look or the feel of the house. I complemented the front yard with a fountain flanked by Louvre vases with topiary bushes. I wanted the welcome to be grand and I have achieved this!", says Fernando.
Though the 1920s exterior has been preserved the interior is an interesting mix of ancient and modern, which encompasses objet d'art from all over the world. The attention given to each and every detail is apparent through the hand picked furniture, upholstery, carpets, black lacquer tabletops, lamps, chandeliers and colours used that personify everything that is Udayshanth Fernando - Paradise Road.
On arrival to the premises, guests are greeted by a doorman clad in a Paradise Road, diagonally striped black and white batik sarong and an aroma that is unique to Tintagel - Colombo. The carpets are striking in black and beige stripes designed by Fernando. Tintagel houses a selection from the private collection of Udayshanth Fernando's Art. "The beds are definitely the most comfortable in the country. I imported feather top mattresses and pillows and the comforters and bed linen are 400 count Egyptian cotton. I designed every detail in the bedroom. We have our own signature soaps and amenities in all the bathrooms. By looking into every little detail, Tintagel - Colombo ensures maximum comfort to its guests. This is what a discerning traveller wants and appreciates", explains Fernando.
The kitchen is modern and equipped to cater to requirements of both in-house guests and casual diners. The kitchen has been seasoned over the last 1½ years and can cater for private weddings, engagements and chic formal dinners. Tintagel - Colombo has made it easy for patrons to organise functions, as it takes care of every detail right down to the flowers.
Tintagel - Colombo provides ample choices for entertaining. People can enjoy afternoon tea or High Tea in The Court Yard. Private dinners can be hosted in The Court Yard or The Private Dining Room. "We control the number of reservations we take, as we are sensitive to the privacy of our in house guests. I don't think I will ever let any area in the hotel get over crowded, because then it would destroy the ambience of the space", says Fernando. Today the Restaurant has many walk in diners that enjoy their evenings and usually come back again.
Fernando explains that the best reward for his and his team's hard work is when guests return. The clientele of Tintagel - Colombo includes the Chairman of Hyatt, Worldwide - Tom Pritzker who has made Tintagel his address in Colombo. Royalty from Saudi Arabia, film stars, entrepreneurs and international journalists have stayed at the hotel. The response to Tintagel - Colombo has been reasonable considering the global crisis and the problems in Sri Lanka in the recent past. The hotel is getting known and the restaurants are becoming more and more popular. "Tintagel has become the address to stay in Colombo for the discerning traveller. I take pride in showing the potential of Sri Lanka to travellers from around the world as it is my aim to prove to the world that Sri Lanka also has taste and timeless style", says Fernando convinced in his own words.
Udayshanth Fernando is a self made man who strives for perfection and success, ensuring that what he invests is from whatever he has earned himself. "Debt will affect my creativity. I cut my coat according to my cloth. It took me two years and eight months to create Tintagel - Colombo and my next project Paradise Road, The Villa - Bentota will also take time", says Fernando.
His focus, perseverance and hard work has not gone unnoticed, Tintagel - Colombo was the only hotel from Sri Lanka selected to the Conde Nast Traveller's Hot List for 2009. "The Conde Nast Traveller is the foremost guide for travel and leisure in the world. Tintagel - Colombo was described in its British issue when we first opened, as ‘Colombo has never had it so chic'. Although there were not too many features on Sri Lanka in 2008, it was wonderful when the war was about to finish for the magazine to select my hotel for the Hot List. I consider this a major pat on my back." states Fernando proudly. He further adds that, "this is not only a credit for myself, I feel it is also a credit for my country. Through this Sri Lanka has been identified as a destination for 2009."
Udayshanth is optimistic that discerning travellers will arrive on our shores with the end of the war in our country. Explaining further, "This will happen automatically, we have so much to offer. Sri Lanka is a magnetic, untouched and beautiful country. To have received this accolade I have reaped what I sowed."
Situated in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka 4 kms beyond the Unesco World Heritage site Galle .
For those who, like me, think that a beach is a beach is a beach and that fairly soon sunning le bod beautiful gets incredibly dull then why not consider a house inland. Afterall you are coming to Sri Lanka, so why not see a bit of it. And if, when getting a true feeling of it you are close enough to drop into the ocean when the mood grabs you, why not go for it. This Villa is one of those.
Satori is a Japanese word meaning 'awakening' in Zen Buddhism and a path of enlightenment. The current owner has enthused his positive energies to ensure the house blends with its environment. It pays homage to a way of life. A life where peace, tranquility and to surround oneself with nature's magic to enhance our well being is in abundance. It is a paradise.
The main house has a moat on 3 sides full of fish and frogs. There are 2 dble ensuite bedrooms and an ensuite twin room with an indoor / outdoor bathroom. The twin has a mezanine floor for extra beds if needed.
The gentle breeze that flows off the hill side is kept moving with over head fans. In between the bedrooms is a large sitting room and open plan kitchen.
The master suite is separate and is the kind of room you walk into and never want to leave. But leave you will: to the yoga pavilion; the landscape gardens; the pool; to the palm fringed beaches and to enjoy the exceptional views.
Villa Bentota will be one of hottest west-coast properties in 2010. This chic and stylish beachside boutique villa is set amidst extensive gardens scattered with coconut palms with the Indian Ocean a five-minute stroll away. The journey from Colombo’s international airport will take about three-and-a-quarter hours.
Originally known as the `Mohotti Walauwa’, this wonderful manor house with courtyards and verandas, was originally refurbished in 1970 by Sri Lanka’s iconic architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa. The property is now under the loving management of Shanth Fernando, a Sri Lankan lifestyle designer and entrepreneur whose other commitments include The Gallery Café, one of Colombo’s leading restaurants and Tintagel, an exquisite boutique hotel in Colombo 7. Shanth’s signature design and creativity has transformed Villa Bentota into an exquisite boutique hotel with 15 luxurious rooms and suites. Villa Bentota’s new restaurant – Villa Café -- is a wonderful addition that is open also to non-resident guests and serves sumptuous fusion cuisine. Villa Bentota’s extensive coconut grove estate stretches all the way upto the beach, but is divided into two sections as a railway line runs across the property. The villa itself is situated within walled gardens ensuring plenty of privacy. Villa Bentota is ideal for a romantic wedding or family gathering and can be booked in its entirety.
Accommodation
There are 15 a/c ensuite rooms of which seven are Standard Rooms and eight are Suites. Most rooms and suites have magnificent sea views. The Suites are more spacious and have a day bed that can convert into an additional bed. All suites have a private balcony or terrace with sea views, and some have private plunge pools. The very special `Mohotti Suite’ consists of two double rooms and private living room with surrounding glass windows that allow for beautiful views of the garden and sea beyond. All rooms and suites are stylishly furnished with king-sized beds dressed in fine linen and ensuite bathrooms have h/w rain showers. In-room facilities include LCD TV screens with cable channels, mini-bar, electronic safety locker and tea/coffee making facilities. Extra beds, cots and baby baths are provided upon request on complimentary basis.
Facilities
Villa Bentota has plenty of spaces to relax and unwind including an outdoor pavilion by the pool and an exquisitely designed bar lounge. The Villa café, which has the same stunning feel as the celebrated Gallery Café in Colombo, serves fusion cuisine prepared with fresh meats, seafood and vegetables purchased daily. There are several other dining options including in the privacy of your own suite, in the garden scattered with coconut palms, or by the poolside. The 75-foot swimming pool is a new addition. The original smaller swimming pool designed by Bawa for Mohotti Walawua still remains within one of the lounge areas and can be used as a plunge pool. Other facilities include The Villa Gallery, where contemporary Sri Lankan art can be bought on its meandering corridors, a quality gift shop; an array of books and board games and complimentary wireless internet access. Bentota’s beaches are broad and sandy and arguably the most family-friendly on the island.
Excursions
Numerous watersports are on offer at Bentota lagoon including surfing, snorkelling, and jet skiing. Go out to sea in a catamaran with the fisherman or take a boat ride along the tranquil Madu River past quaint rural villages, en route, visit the local markets, temples & craft and antique shops. Experience Ambalangoda’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Ariyapala Mask Museum where intricate masks used in various southern traditional dance forms are on display. Masked dancing is also performed here regularly. We also recommend a visit to Lunuganga –a garden retreat that was created by Geoffrey Bawa. The Lunuganga gardens were a life long project cherished by Bawa and designed with numerous varieties of foliage, many pavilions, and statues. Visit Galle’s 17C Dutch Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site with a maze of narrow streets lined with Dutch and British period buildings still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, and a growing collection of art galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants.