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This eco-hotel overlooking Sri Lanka’s biggest lake, Koggala, about 45 minutes from Galle Fort, is a tranquil haven of privacy and luxury whose centrepiece is a mighty ancient banyan tree. The hotel’s 11 rooms, all but three in private villas and some with their own plunge pools, are modern free-flowing spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer uninterrupted views of water and jungle. Natural materials, including granite showers, stone floors and local wood furniture are all tastefully deployed in minimalist fashion. Wide beds, cinnamon-scented Tri bath products and strong wi-fi up the comfort level, although in-room coffee-makers and TVs are absent. The common area is a sleek, shady terrace boasting a 21-metre infinity pool and lounging options aplenty, and the top of an elliptical water tower – quirkily covered in cinnamon sticks – provides delightful sunrise, full moon rise and sunset views. The inventive menu includes a six-course dinner containing Sri Lankan fusion delicacies like banana blossom curry and white tea panna cotta. On-site yoga classes, a spa, as well as boat and bike excursions are on offer, but this is ultimately a destination for those seeking luxury respite and quiet interrupted only by the sound of exotic bird calls. A haven immersed in nature but with high-end luxury, it’s perfect for a romantic break or digital detox.
Hotel boats for hire
Cycling
Total relaxation
Romantic Break
Surfing
Great walks
Yoga
Restrictions on children
Lakeside
Designer
Rooms with balcony/terrace
Quiet
Organic food
Learning
Trekking
Colonial
Barefoot Luxury
Other Activities
Outstanding location
Sit-out Terrace
Good wine list
Private Pool
Spa
Restaurant
Boutique
Landmark
Chic
5* Luxury
Wellbeing
Wildlife Area
Luxury
Intimate
Romantic
Mountain biking
Views
Cooking classes
Secluded setting
Gourmet
Eco
Rooms
11 rooms in this hotelRestrictions on children
Children over the age of 12 are permittedSwimming Pool
Outdoor poolAirport transfer
SurchargePrivate dining room
No pets
Library
Massage
Sauna/Steam
Outdoor dining
Rooms with balcony/terrace
Bicycles available
Not suitable for disabled guests
Safe
Sit-out Terrace
Good wine list
Laundry
Private Pool
Concierge
Spa
Restaurant
Sitting Room
Room service
Suites
Private villas
Wifi
Views
Air conditioning
Parking
Hotel boats for hire
Cycling
Surfing
Great walks
Yoga
Trekking
Learning
Other Activities
Wildlife Area
Mountain biking
Cooking classes
Why do people love staying in your hotel? The sense of escape, the design and architectural features, our food, tranquillity of the lake, the attentive but unfussy service What is there to do in the area? Historic towns (Galle Fort), temples, beaches, lowland tea estates, whale watching, surfing, diving, golf, wildlife safaris – some of these are seasonal What kind of breakfast do you offer? A mix of western and Sri Lankan, with daily changing options Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We have an all-day dining a la carte menu for lunch. We can make recommendations for eating out but our half board inclusion means that the majority of guests prefer to have their evening meal with us. It is also the most innovative cuisine in the area! Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our Lake Suites have the highest occupancy. The open plan format with soaring ceilings enhance the sense of space. They have outstanding lake views and represent great value for money. Our villas with private pools are also very popular with honeymooners What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We have no specific facilities for children as we are much more of an adult orientated resort. All suites and villas have a day bed that can be made up as a full size single bed for and adult or child over 12yrs. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The ultimate escape, you’ll wish you stayed longer
Overlooking Koggala, Sri Lanka’s largest natural lake, and a 25-minute drive from the sleepy Dutch colonial town of Galle, the just-opened hotel was founded by British photographer Rob Drummond and his yoga-instructor wife Lara Baumann. Their disparate interests fuse here nicely, with tasteful aesthetics and a focus on guests’ wellbeing two core considerations evident throughout the hotel.
Originally published by The Telegraph
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