Location: Kahanda Kanda is one of Sri
Lanka’s finest villas. It rests about 15 minutes’
drive inland, overlooking Koggala Lake in the distance and
is about 10kms from the historic Galle Fort. Close by lies
Unawatuna Beach, often listed as one of top ten in the world.
If a less well known, but equally beautiful beach is your
preference, we will advise. The drive from Colombo’s
international airport is about four-and-a-half hours.
Description: Beaches will always have their
special appeal, but t is often said that the interior of
a country is where the true spirit lies. Sri Lanka is no
different and Kahanda Kanda (Yellow Moon) provides the perfect
example, set in a 10-acre tea estate perched high above
Koggala Lake. The collaboration of the owner, a leading
English interior designer, and the architect - an Australian
whose credits include several highly acclaimed private houses
-- has produced a villa all but unrivalled in Sri Lanka
in terms of ethnic luxury and style. The backbone of this
spectacular villa is an 80-metre saffron wall that runs
along the length of the property and acts as a divider between
views across Koggala Lake from those across the tea and
jungle. Glassless windows in the wall provide frames for
the jungle beyond and accentuate the creative flare that
has conceived this villa. Accommodation is offered in terraced
stand alone ensuite pavilions whilst the living and dining
areas are also housed in their own pavilions.
Accommodation: The five double bedrooms
are divided into four free-standing pavilions. The master
bedroom has a private garden with views across jungle and
the lake. Two pavilions have private terraces overlooking
the tea estate whilst the other bedrooms enjoy the privacy
of a landscape garden flooded with fragrant flowers and
plants. The master bedroom has two bathrooms, each with
an outdoor shower that gazes up to the sky. Two other bedrooms
have outdoor showers set in a private terraced garden whilst
the other two bedrooms have bathrooms with twin showers.
All bathrooms are ensuite.
Facilities: Perched along the ridge adjacent
to the sitting pavilion sits the open sided dining pavilion.
There are large lily ponds either side of the sitting pavilion
and a floating stepping-stone path provides access to the
dining pavilion. A teak table set for 10 that can be divided
to accommodate smaller parties lies in the centre. A 21x9m
pool with a dark green polished cement finish allows energetic
swimming as well as simply floating around. On one side
is an infinity edge that runs off into views of Koggala
Lake and the jungle. A cascade at the deep end falls from
a carved opening in the end wall. There is a resident chef,
an assistant chef, 2 houseboys and a maid who are there
to look after you. The chef (Nihal) speaks fluent English
and specialises in Western, Thai, and Sri Lankan dishes.
All herbs are grown on the estate but he will require cash
for all other purchases. Keeping an account book he will
present the details to you at a convenient moment during
the day. There are two night watchman to ensure that the
monkeys do not become too inquisitive.
Excursions: The serene Koggala Lake and
the surrounding islands are home to numerous species of
birds and a boat ride early morning or at sunset is a wonderful
experience. Located nearby is 'one of the world's top 10
beaches' at Unawatuna with several beachside bars and restaurants.
The beautiful beaches of Thalpe, Mirissa, Weligama are also
nearby. Visit Galle’s historic 300-year-old Dutch
Fort, a UNESCO protected World Heritage site. Much time
can be spent within the walls of the Galle Fort with narrow
streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings
which are still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea,
the lighthouse, and a growing collection of art galleries,
restaurants, and cafes.
Guest comments:
'Probably the most exclusive house in Asia; wonderful staff
and wonderful food.'
S & N.S, UK
Pricing
Rates for 2008 - 2009
5 rooms for 10 People. Could
negotiate prices for lesser groups
|
| 01 Nov |
to 17 Dec |
:£918 |
per night |
| 18 Dec |
to 06 Jan |
:£1019 |
per night |
| 07 Jan |
to 24 Jan |
:£918 |
per night |
| 25 Jan |
to 08 Feb |
:£1019 |
per night |
| 09 Feb |
to 04 Apr |
:£918 |
per night |
| 05 Apr |
to 14 Apr |
:£1019 |
per night |
| 15 Apr |
to 30 Apr |
:£918 |
per night |
|
