Elysium Villa

Elysium Villa lies on the beach at Mihiripenna in Talpe, just south of Unawatuna and a short drive from Galle Fort, set within a vast, mature tropical garden of frangipani and palms. Its five bedrooms are spread through the grounds in their own pavilions, linked by lawns and shaded walkways, which gives every couple real privacy. With space for up to ten guests and a team of nine staff, it is a superb choice for multi-generational families and larger groups of friends.

A twenty-metre pool runs through the heart of the garden, lined with loungers and white umbrellas, and an open-sided pavilion beside it holds deep sofas for the hottest hours. Out front, a timber deck sits right above the shore with sweeping views of the waves and rocks, and an outdoor dining terrace looks straight out to sea. There is also a badminton court on the lawn, and Mihiripenna’s sandy coves are an easy walk along the beach.

The main house has soaring timber ceilings, crisp white walls and an eclectic collection of art and antiques, with two living rooms, a billiards table, a round dining table for the whole group and a gym. Four bedrooms have super king beds and the fifth is a family suite with bunk beds that children love, all air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast is included, the staff look after housekeeping, the garden and the pool, and lunch, dinner and massages can be arranged.