Location: Named after the
Giant Coconut tree which stands in its garden, Thambili House
is a 300 year old recently restored 3 bed roomed Dutch villa,
situated on a narrow stretch of land that extends from Rampart
Street through to Lighthouse Street in Galle’s 17th
century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Positioned
on the edge of the Galle Fort coastline, Thambili has wonderful
views of the Indian Ocean and overlooks Fort’s Triton
Bastion. It is also conveniently located within a short distance
walk of the historic sites, bars and restaurants. The journey
from Colombo’s International Airport will take approximately
4 hours - or take the Air Taxi and fly to Koggala, which is
a 15 - minute drive to Galle Fort.
Description: Beautifully restored by local
architect Rohan Aluwihara and the Hong Kong based owners,
Thambili has a homely feel. Arches, columns and high timber
ceilings provide a sense of space. The interiors are elegantly
furnished with a blend of antiques and plush sofas and all
modern conveniences that make this an ideal holiday home for
a family or friends travelling together. Thambili House comfortably
sleeps 8 persons. A cot is available and children are welcome.
Rental includes breakfast. An in-house menu is available for
snacks, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: The 3 airconditioned suites
with ensuite bathrooms are stylishly furnished with King Size
canopied four poster beds.
Nutmeg: Located on the first
floor, this master suite has a private balcony facing Rampart
Street with wonderful views of the Indian Ocean. The ensuite
bathroom has a bathtub, sink and w/c. The rooms is furnished
with a king sized bed.
Ginger: A family suite with
a king size bed and 2 single beds, work area and ensuite
bathroom with h/w shower, sink, and w/c. The private balcony
overlooks the swimming pool in the central courtyard.
Cinnamon: This is an upstair
loft room with a window into the first floor TV lounge area.
Bathroom has h/w shower, basin, and w/c. Suite is furnished
with a king size bed and antique almairah.
Facilities: The entrance to the villa takes
you into a spacious and warmly decorated living room including
a billiard table. A corridor leads to a verandah and central
courtyard with a swimming pool. The verandah is used for
dining as well as lounging and has a bar where few bottles
of table wine and some beers will be kept cooling upon guest’s
arrival to be replaced by guests at the end of their stay
if used. The rear potion of the villa houses the kitchen,
office room, and staff quarters with an opening on to Lighthouse
Street. There is a lounge area on the first floor with a
TV, DVD player, and stereo. Wireless internet connection
is available. Thambili is well staffed with Rizan who is
English speaking and handles guest relations, Chef Harsha
who is trained in Sri Lankan and Western cuisine, and Chamila
who is in charge of housekeeping. All linen, cleaning and
laundry is complimentary.
Excursions: Lying within the walls of the
17th century Galle’s Dutch Fort, the Thambili House
is an ideal base from which to explore its heritage and
see life unfold each morning within the Fort. Hours can
be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with
Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the sturdy
ramparts looking out to sea, the growing collection of art
galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. There are
some fine beaches just outside of the Fort including Wijaya,
Unawatuna, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa. The owners of Thambili
House also run a cinnamon and rubber plantation in the hills
behind Galle. The Estate Manager, Mr. Amarasiri will be
happy to take guests on a guided tour.
Pricing:
Rates for 2008
- 2009 |
| 01 Sep |
to 31 Oct |
:£155 |
per night |
| 01 Nov |
to 14 Dec |
:£232 |
per night |
| 15 Dec |
to 15 Jan |
:£258 |
per night |
| 16 Jan |
to 28 Feb |
:£232 |
per night |