Tamarind Hill Sri Lanka

Customer Rating
      
Our Customer Rating is an independent average score based on the judgment of Red Dot travellers who have stayed at the property during the last two years.Satisfaction levels can be influenced by expectations, price, weather and other factors.
Media Reviews
"'It probably boasts one of the bet suites on the island – with a character that gloriously reflects its historic maritime location as it is near Galle – but Tamarind Hill is anything but flippant. While its interiors feature authentic period furnishings, luxurious fabrics and antiques, it retains an all important homely feel, further enhanced by the friendliness of its staff who greets you by name. Tamarind Hill is a reflection of Nayantara Fonseka’s renowned talent in fashioning the best of the past in a contemporary way, exactly like her other "
Emma Boyle, Travel Sri Lanka, Vol 5 No 7
January 1900 More »
Tamarind Hill, Galle
Swimming pool   Cable TV   DVD library   Internet   Licensed bar  
Location
A narrow road way just five minutes inland from the main Galle Road, leads you to the gates of Tamarind Hill, a magnificent 200-year-old southern home and now an exquisite boutique hotel. Situated just minutes from the historic city of Galle with the sunkissed beaches of the Indian Ocean at a walking distance, Tamarind Hill is a holiday retreat that blends old world charm with luxurious pampering. Once here, guests may never want to leave. The journey from Colombo's international airport will take up to four hours - or take the Air Taxi and fly to Koggala, which is just 15 minutes away.
Introduction
Situated on a three-acre estate bordering the Ginganga River at the rear of the property, this stately mansion was once the residence of a British Admiral and later occupied by a High Court judge during the Colonial period. Its latest incarnation as the luxurious Tamarind Hill boutique hotel is the creation of Nayantara Fonseka (Anilana), a renowned life style designer and creator of several other dream destinations on the island, including Anilana Taprobana, River House and Park Street Hotel. The original mansion has been retained in its entirety with little structural changes. A new addition at the rear built around a central courtyard blends in seamlessly and leads to a stunning infinity pool set amidst terraced landscaped gardens. Ornate arches, verandahs, courtyards, hardwood floors, and trellised roof awnings are enhanced with elegant interiors furnished with Dutch period antiques, vibrant local art, and luxurious soft furnishings. Tamarind Hill has an ambience of a typical southern `walawua' (ancestral home) - very much of a home away from home.
Photo Gallery
Accommodation
Tamarind Hill has two stately Suites housed in the original mansion and 11 rooms located around the central courtyard. All rooms have a/c and ensuite bathrooms with h/w rain head showers. Rooms are furnished with large antique beds dressed elegantly with fine linen. Other in-room facilities include LCD TV with satellite channels, DVD player (guests can select from an extensive DVD library), wireless internet access, tea / coffee making facility, mini-bar and safety locker.

Suites: The luxurious Admirals Suite is the pride of the property located on the upper floor of the original mansion. This spacious suite has a lounge area, large bedroom with a king-size bed opening out to a long verandah which overlooks the front gardens. The private dining area overlooks the central courtyard. The ensuite bathroom has twin vanities, rain head shower and antique bath tub. The smaller Captain’s Suite is located right next door and has a small lounge area overlooking the central courtyard, and extensive verandah opening out to the front gardens.

Superior Rooms: These rooms are more spacious than the deluxe and standard rooms and have a private courtyard. One room opens out to the back terraced gardens and the swimming pool. The ensuite bathrooms have h/w rain head showers. Deluxe and Standard Rooms: These rooms have similar facilities and are located around the central courtyard. The rooms open out at the back to a small private courtyard. The Deluxe rooms have a dressing area attached to the ensuite bathrooms.
Facilities
Tamarind Hill has the relaxed outdoor ambience of a southern home where guests walk through an extensive front garden straight into the living room. Adjoining is the formal dining area with an 18-seater table. An antique `Avana’ (an original fan that dates back centuries – a long horizontal hanging wooden structure that is manually operated to create a breeze) hangs over the dining table. The Avana at Tamarind Hill now a days also makes a colourful statement with a vibrant mural that has been painted on by a local artist. There is also a dining area located on the verandah of the main house. Meals are served anywhere, according to guests wishes. Traditional Sri Lankan rice and curries and international cuisine is served. There are two bars – one indoors and the other overlooking the swimming pool -- serving refreshing cocktails and a range of wines. The infinity lap pool is set amidst tropical gardens and has a constant depth approaching five foot. An in-room massage service using essential oils is available with prior notice. Library and board games are available. Other facilities include doctor on call, valet service, and complementary shoe-shine service.
Excursions
There are a variety of superb beaches worth visiting in the local area, from the long surfing beaches of Hikkaduwa to the crescent-shaped Unawatuna Bay. Surfing is also ideal in Mirissa where watersports include sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkelling and boating. Visit the Rhumassala Temple with beautiful views stretching out over the Indian Ocean. A walk around the headland near the temple is very special. Famed for the natural medicinal herbs nearby you will walk through hidden villages and verdant jungle valleys eventually finding yourself on "Jungle Beach"- a little-known and secluded beach. The historic town of Galle, with its 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site is just a ten-minute drive. With its well-preserved ramparts overlooking the cricket stadium, lighthouse, narrow streets, interesting restaurants and boutique hotels, Galle Fort deserves hours of exploration.
Important note on prices : Red Dot prices include all government taxes and service charges. Some properties and websites exclude these charges from their direct quotes, which adds 24-26 per cent to your bill, so please check carefully before booking. Red Dot also guarantees to beat any lower published prices from other agents. Some property owners also request that we do not display our prices online. Please ask us for a quote - and tell us if we do not offer the best value.
Quick Finders
Use the quick finders below for complete listings of your choice
Countries
Sri Lanka Hotels
Sri Lanka Villas & Bungalows
Sri Lanka Tours
Location Map
E-Brochure

Download our monthly
e-brochure.

Click here to download
Newsletter

Subscribe now to receive our quarterly e-newsletters and also special offer e-updates. Just enter your email address.
 
Red Dot's Sri Lanka holidays and Sri Lanka tours are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority as long as you buy Sri Lanka flights from us. For full protection on your holiday to Sri Lanka, book your Sri Lanka flights with Red Dot, as well as your Sri Lanka accommodation. Red Dot has the largest selection of Sri Lanka hotels, villas and guest houses at competitive prices and offers independent advice and flexible itineraries. Trust Red Dot for your holiday needs in Sri Lanka, South India and the Maldives. ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay for their Sri Lanka tours or Sri Lanka hotels in the United Kingdom. [ Check our licence ]
© 2009 Red Dot Tours. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions of Use | Disclaimer