“Set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens, Lunuganga was once the country retreat of acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Now a small hotel, this boutique property features antique furnishings, an eclectic art collection and beautiful airy spaces. Feast on Sri Lankan cuisine after guided garden tours.”
“Set within 15 acres of landscaped gardens, Lunuganga was once the country retreat of acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa. Now a small hotel, this boutique property features antique furnishings, an eclectic art collection and beautiful airy spaces. Feast on Sri Lankan cuisine after guided garden tours.”
Hotel Review
Once the idyllic southern retreat of famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, Lunuganga is a verdant oasis. Five gorgeous rooms, brimming with Bawa’s charming blend of antique furniture, contemporary pieces and artwork by some of the island’s most well-known creatives, are nestled amidst stunning gardens. Big, beautiful spaces are filled with sunlight, whilst little nooks invite reflective visitors to cradle a cup of tea and a good book. Stroll past cinnamon trees, spot blue-feathered birds and brilliant butterflies, and admire avenues bright with frangipani flowers. Alfresco dining includes lovely local specialties. Bawa delighted in bringing the outside in — art aficionados, nature lovers and travellers in search of tranquility will find themselves soothed and restored by the enchantment of Lunuganga.
Written by Saskia Walker
Recommended For
- Country Escape
- Savour the seclusion of this gorgeous rural retreat, with stunning wild gardens created by Geoffrey Bawa & his team
- Great walks
- Guided tours of the gardens run three times each day, and offer a fascinating insight into Bawa's life and work
- Birdwatching
- The 15 acres of gardens are filled with birds and butterflies, perfect for keen wildlife enthusiasts
- Honeymoons
- An iconic retreat with characterful suites for honeymooners looking to hide away together
- Watersports
- Nearby Bentota Beach is brilliant for jet skiing, boat trips and scenic strolls
- Hotel boats for hire
- Speak to the team about boat trips on the peaceful waters of Dedduwa Lake
- Learning
- Discover the art of traditional mask making in nearby Ambalangoda
- Sailing
- Other Activities
- Riding
- Sights nearby
- Scuba course
- Restaurant
- Savour delicious Sri Lankan curries, Asian fusion cuisine and international favourites at the small restaurant
- Landmark
- One of Sri Lanka's most iconic hotels, also frequently hosting cultural events
- Historic
- Overseen by the Lunuganga Trust, and run by the small Teardrop Hotels group
- Beach nearby
- Bentota beach is only 15 mins' drive away
- Lakeside
- Overlooking Dedduwa Lake
- Restrictions on children
- Over 12s are welcome
- Designer
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Quiet
- Eco
- Romantic
- Country House
- Colonial
- Barefoot Luxury
- Outstanding location
- Sit-out Terrace
- Full of character
- Artworks
- Boutique
- Antiques
- Retro/Vintage
- On an island
- Gourmet
- Traditional
- Charming
- Luxury
- Intimate
- Views
- Secluded setting
Facilities
- Restaurant
- Savour delicious Sri Lankan curries, Asian fusion cuisine and international favourites at the small restaurant
- Library
- There are nooks with books in various suites and studios
- Garden
- Set within 15 acres of lush jungle gardens
- Restrictions on children
- Over 12s are welcome
- Massage
- Airport transfer
- Outdoor dining
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Parking
- Wifi
- No pets
- Private dining room
- Sit-out Terrace
- Laundry
- Suites
- Swimming Pool
- Sitting Room
- Room service
- Safe
- Private villas
- Concierge
- Air conditioning
- Views
Activities
- Great walks
- Guided tours of the gardens run three times each day, and offer a fascinating insight into Bawa's life and work
- Birdwatching
- The 15 acres of gardens are filled with birds and butterflies, perfect for keen wildlife enthusiasts
- Watersports
- Nearby Bentota Beach is brilliant for jet skiing, boat trips and scenic strolls
- Hotel boats for hire
- Speak to the team about boat trips on the peaceful waters of Dedduwa Lake
- Learning
- Discover the art of traditional mask making in nearby Ambalangoda
- Sailing
- Other Activities
- Riding
- Sights nearby
- Scuba course
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
Lunuganga Review
Originally published by Harpers Bazaar (view article)
An ode to Lunuganga
"“The ultimate Aman” was how the hotel impresario Adrian Zecha once described Lunuganga in a private conversation over breakfast with Geoffrey Bawa on the southern terrace of the garden. The reference was to the hotel brand he had created or maybe he was referencing the ultimate peace that the word means in Sanskrit. For it is peace that one gets in the now 75-year-old garden..."
Originally published by Architectural Digest India
Review: Lunuganga
"Set on 12 acres, peeking out from the jungle on the banks of glistening Dedduwa Lake; this white 1930s bungalow is tropical modernism design at its most potent – think clean lines meets colonial, coupled with the late architect’s signature inside-outside spaces. It’s the kind of place which doesn’t feel like a hotel. Furnished to the rafters with Burgher antiques and eclectic objets from Bawa’s travels, it’s cosier, with everything in place exactly as he left it."
Originally published by Condé Nast Traveller
