Kikili Beach, Thalpe’s colourful beach hideout
Oct 2nd
Located on one of Thalpe’s beautiful small bays, Kikili Beach is breath of fresh air in terms of a private beach villa. The creation of Henri Tatham, the long-standing manager of the Sun House and the award-winning Dutch House, it feels the increasing demand for small one or two bedroom villas. Henri’s larger-than-life personality fills the Kikili Beach with character. The villa is cute, fun and colourful. The price is also an absolute bargain. The one downside is the absence of a swimming pool, but there are a variety of swimming beaches in the area and there are also some hotels that will allow you to spend the day beside their pools if you fancy lounging by a pool. The villa also has a lovely garden with comfy seating, including a great Ambalama (pavilion) overlooking the beach. The villa itself includes one en suite bedroom that is airconditioned. There is a small kitchen and breakfast area. The lounge has a comfortable day bed that can be used for a child. The villa is 10 minutes drive from Galle Fort and there is plenty to do in the local area including watersports, whale-watching trips, deep sea fishing and inland bike rides. If, like me, you like birding then Koggala Lake is another wonderful experience. Eagle Island has about 100 nesting Eagles, and there are other small islands with nesting parrots and a variety of bird species.
Saman Villas, Closing in 2010 for refurbishment
Sep 23rd
The end of the north-east conflict is encouraging much-needed investment back into the tourism industry and the owners of Saman Villas are latest to annouce forthcoming refurbishments. A statement released earlier this week said: “With the ending of the three decade civil war, we have decided to revamp our properties to meet the demands of future tourism. We have decided to take advantage of the low occupancies predicted for next year and to utilize this period to refurbish Saman Villas.” The hotel, one of the leading hotels in Bentota, will be closed from 22 April to 22 July 2010. According to the management: “The major modifications will be to the guest rooms and toilets in all suites. All guest rooms will offer improved comfort levels while two suites will be converted to twins.
Serene Pavilions.
Sep 18th
If utter luxury and pampering is what you’re looking for on your next beach holiday, check out Serene Pavilions – an exquisite Balinese style boutique hotel in Wadduwa that I visited last weekend. Only a few more details to put into place and it will be open for guests in October. Accommodation here is fabulous and is in the form of individual pavilions within walled gardens designed to shut out the rest of the world and leave you in peace. Each of the 12 pavilions is the size of a small house with a stylish bedroom (some have two), living and dining areas, bar, pantry and even a private plunge pool. If you don’t feel like getting out of your own little holiday pavilion, then there is even a butler service and a gourmet chef who will cook your meals and serve you in style. The in-house Spa which will be run by Six Senses is due to open soon, and the best part is, even the spa treatments will be brought to your own pavilion! There was more in store for me to discover as I was doing a walkabout. A swimming pool with sunken Jacuzzi beds, gym, and a fine dine dining restaurant by the sea. I was told the Chandeliers for the restaurant were arriving soon. Can’t wait to get back to see Serene Pavilions once all the finishing touches are in place.
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