Kikili Beach, Thalpe’s colourful beach hideout

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.