Charmaine Stephen, Author at Sri Lanka Travel Blog

Posted on 15/03/201918/03/2019 by Charmaine Stephen

Fighting the Galle Fort jams

Why Sri Lanka’s famed Fort needs fewer vehicles

***The archway at one of the entrances to the Galle Fort***
Photo credit: Sean Stephen

The Galle Fort is a treasure trove of history, beautiful cobbled streets and well-restored buildings. And amongst these narrow streets flanked with quaint eateries, gem merchants and local art shops, there are also a lot of vehicles that do the rounds. So, if you are someone who prefers to walk around the Galle Fort to take in the charismatic aura of this 16^th century Dutch stronghold, you’ll soon realize that the number of four-wheelers and three-wheelers is excessive.…

Posted on 03/01/201908/03/2019 by Charmaine Stephen

Rock Villa strikes gold at Tourism Awards Ceremony

Rock Villa by Taru Villas, a 170-year-old Sri Lankan wallawwa set on a two-acre coconut grove bordering the Indian Ocean off Bentota, was recently named the Best Boutique Villa at the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards held in December.

With an offering of 6 rooms varying from Deluxe to Suites, Rock Villa oozes class and timeless character at every turn, creating a haven for guests. Rooms and common areas are decorated with Dutch-period antiques and soothing soft furnishings, blending a calm and inviting aura to the villa. The property also boasts direct beach access over a single track railway line at the end of the garden, so it’s worth keeping an eye if you do travel with kids.…

Posted on 20/12/201806/03/2019 by Charmaine Stephen

Why House clinches award for Asia’s Best Family Hotel

Why House recently grabbed the top spot for Asia’s Best Family Hotel in the Boutique Hotel Awards held in London last month. We can’t really say we’re surprised because Why House has indeed been a firm favourite of families travelling with us. Hidden away from the popular beaches of Thalpe, in a gorgeously landscaped three-acre garden.

Why House is quite simply the epitome of a family-friendly boutique hotel. With an irresistibly inviting swimming pool and delicious food that is enough to keep you coming back for more, Why House is well-deserving of this accolade.

Overseen by the cheerful and ever-obliging Henrietta who welcomes guests, towed by Nigella and Tigga the hotel pets, Why House ensures guests are looked after exceedingly well, be it families, couples or single travellers.…

Posted on 15/11/201815/11/2018 by Charmaine Stephen

Feast your eyes from Sielen Diva

Last week, the Red Dot Team headed towards Galle to have a look at some properties along the coast. We were thrilled with the selection of hotels and villas, but one property struck a chord with almost everyone!

Sielen Diva, named after how our island was referred to by the Greeks, sits on a stretch of beautiful coastline in Unawatuna, just fifteen minutes from the Galle Fort. Although the entrance to…