Location:
Saffrons is a `Tropical Modern’ beach villa
set amidst a palm-fringed beach front in the fishing village
of Habaraduwa, just 15 minutes from the historic city of Galle.
The journey from Colombo’s International Airport will
take approximately four hours - or take the Air Taxi and fly
to Koggala, which is a ten-minute drive.
Description:
Minimalist and luxurious, Saffrons is the creation
of architect Philip Weeraratne, a young Sri Lankan architect
in increasing demand for his innovative and unique designs.
The villa took almost five years to complete as Weerarartne
and Saffron’s Australian owners paid painstaking attention
to detail. The result is an exquisite beach villa that will
appeal most to those that like modern minimalism, clean lines
and refined luxury. From the shadows that reflect on stark
white walls creating `natural art’, to the mesmerizing
50ft Koi carp pond at the edge of the living room, the setting
is magical. There are large open spaces, cooling cement floors
and high roofs. The interiors are fitted with elegant contemporary
furniture and infused with creative mood lighting. White-washed
walls provide the perfect backdrop for the owner’s stunning
black & white photography.
Accommodation:
Saffrons Beach Villa has four suites furnished with double
beds that can accommodate up to eight adults. The ground floor
consists of two suites: one at the front, opening out to a
tranquil walled spa garden and the other opening out to the
palm-fringed lawn and the ocean beyond. The two suites on
the upper floor have panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and
have ensuite bathrooms with bath tub and open air showers
with a roof garden.
Facilities:
On the ground floor, open spaces merge from one to
another creating living, dining, and relaxing areas all opening
out to the extensive garden and the turquoise waters of the
Indian Ocean. The swimming pool, edged with a stone wall encased
with 21 burning oil lamps, creates a magical ambience at night.
Meals are served in the indoor dining area overlooking the
pool, in the garden pavilion by the edge of the sea, or even
on the owner’s private island in Koggala Lake just 10
minutes away. Sri Lankan and Western cuisine uses fresh market
produce and seafood is brought to the doorstep daily by the
village fishermen. Saffrons have a fully-equipped modern kitchen
as well as a curry kitchen where cooking is in traditional
clay pots over a hearth. The in-house chef is always willing
to share his secrets. Saffrons has four live-in staff.
Excursions:
From November to March, the beach in front of the house is
safe for swimming. There is also good snorkelling in coral
pools nearby. Surfing is possible in various bays, especially
the crescent-shaped Mirissa Bay. Mirissa also offers a variety
of watersports: sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips,
sea kayaking and boating. Koggala Lake with its many islands,
inhabited with several species of birds, is nearby. Time can
be spent on Saffrons Villa’s own private island in Koggala
Lake where guests can relax in a rustic setting and take in
the southern rural lifestyle. The historic town of Galle,
with its 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World
Heritage site is just a 15-minute drive. With its well-preserved
ramparts overlooking the cricket stadium, the lighthouse staring
into the Indian Ocean, narrow streets, interesting restaurants
and boutique hotels full of character, Galle Fort deserves
hours of exploration. The Hadunagoda tea factory and the Sinharaja
rainforest are other interesting excursions.
Pricing:
Rates for -2008 |
| 01 Jan |
to 15 jan |
:£981 |
per night |
| 16 Jan |
to 04 Feb |
:£591 |
per night |
| 05 Feb |
to 11 Feb |
:£981 |
per night |
| 12 Feb |
to 16 Mar |
:£591 |
per night |
| 17 Mar |
to 23 Mar |
:£981 |
per night |
| 24 Mar |
to 30 Apr |
:£591 |
per night |
