Location: Lansiya is situated two miles west of Tangalle,
on a palm-strewn hillside which runs down to the beautiful and
largely deserted beach of Sugar Bay. Tangalle is one of the
most picturesque spots in the deep south, about two hours from
Galle and a further two-and-threequarter hours to Yala. A truly
escapist location. Colombo to Tangalle is 195km and driving
directly from the airport should take approximately five hours.
Description: At a time when Sri Lanka is gaining
considerable kudos for its boutique villas, Lansiya, although
built at the turn of the century, is a throwback. Its styles
and colours not showing the designer influences of Bali or Indonesia,
instead is inspired by the styles and colours of Buddhist temples
and monasteries. The result is a simpler villa that might not
smack of opulence, but which has an immensely leisurely, outdoors
feel for those preferring simpler pleasures. The villa is basically
built in three sections – the simple main house at the
top of the garden, the main villa and a separate dining-cum-lounge
area which lies adjacent to an infinity swimming pool. The long
coastal garden is festooned with trees and shrubs and leads
down to a delightful small beach – Seenimodera. The sea
is calmest in the mornings, at which point Lansiya’s two
boogie boards may come in useful. Clients are strongly advised
to remain in the shallows and in the centre of the bay to avoid
rocky areas (closer to the outer wall of the Beach House, the
only other property nearby). The garden is occasionally visited
by squirrels, peacocks and iguanas and a variety of birds. One
or two tree frogs seem to prefer the villa itself.
Accommodation: The a/c master bedroom acts
as the social centre of Lansiya. It contains a vast double bed,
outdoor shower, fridge, traditional furnishings and shuttered
windows, and an appealing terrace with table and chairs and
sun loungers which you may find hard to leave. Sleep to the
restful sounds of a whirring ceiling fan, waves crashing against
the rocks and a breeze rustling against the shutters. Two additional
twin rooms at the top of the garden are more basic, with ceiling
fans and a shared bathroom and are likely to be used only for
sleeping.
Facilities: The open-plan dining and rest area
is a tranquil spot, possessing a tiled floor, half-a-dozen cane
chairs, sofas, dining table and bar area. It lies alongside
an infinity swimming pool which gazes down upon the bay. Anul,
the in-house chef, who worked for many years in Saudi Arabia,
provide an attentive service at mealtimes, producing a good
selection of Asia-lite dishes which can be discussed in advance.
Anul’s mid-afternoon pineapple cake is another delight.
For the rest of the day, they retreat to let you enjoy the villa
in peace. Priyantha’s coconut massage is also highly praised
in the guestbook. There is a cold-water laundry service. A rudimentary
coastal path encourages walkers, and you can stroll along the
oft-deserted beach, where an occasional stray dog might be your
only companion. Anul, the in-house cook, has two assistants,
including his wife, Lakshmi, who provides a daily maid service,
and two part-time gardeners. The staff does not work on a service-charge
basis so tips are requested.
Excursions: Visit Rakuwa, a small fishing village
near Tangalle where a fascinating Marine Turtle Conservation
project is helping to save this endangered species. Tangalle
and the surrounding areas are renowned for its superb unspoiled
and undeveloped beaches. Other attractions nearby, include Yala
National Park, one of the largest national parks in the island
where elephant and leopard can be seen, a short 90-minute drive
away. Based at Mirissa Harbour, Mirissa Water Sports offers
several activities including whale watching, snorkeling, sailing,
river trips, and sea kayaking. Mirissa Water Sports is a charitable
organization helping to generate employment for the youth from
the tsunami affected coastal areas. We also recommend a visit
to the historic city of Galle and its 17th century Dutch Fort
– a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of the old Fort,
a small walled city with about 300 homes and an old-world feel,
still remain with its well preserved bastions, public buildings,
churches, lighthouse and a maze of narrow streets.
Client feedback:
"Absolutely magical" – Rob and Laura,
Seattle.
"A lovely and gentle interlude"– Gail and
Paul, Worcester.
"The perfect start to our honeymoon – it has surpassed
anything we have known before" – Paul and Charlie,
UK.
Pricing:
Rates for 2008
- 2009 |
| 01 Jun |
to 14 Dec |
:£272 |
per night |
| 15 Dec |
to 15 Jan |
:£301 |
per night |
| 16 Jan |
to 30 Nov |
:£272 |
per night |
|
|
