Leela Walauwwa Villa

Leela Walauwwa Villa is a lovingly restored colonial-era manor house in the Bentota area of Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, about a kilometre inland from Galle Road, reached by a gated drive through mature trees. A walauwwa is a traditional Sri Lankan manor, and this one keeps its whitewashed walls, terracotta-tiled roofs, timber columns and carved doors, now paired with calm, elegant interiors. With four king bedrooms for up to eight guests, it suits families and groups of friends who want heritage character with the beaches of Bentota a short ride away.

The house wraps around a grassy inner courtyard and opens onto landscaped gardens, where an eighteen-metre pool is lined with semi-shaded sun loungers. Deep in the garden, a tiled-roof wooden gazebo with daybeds is the place for a private massage or an afternoon nap, and a spacious veranda overlooking the pool and lawn is perfect for afternoon tea. The grounds are large and leafy, with colourful planting and plenty of shade from the tropical heat.

Inside, generous open living spaces front the pool and garden, with comfortable sofas, antique timber furniture, chandeliers and polished floors throughout, and a dining table for ten. A resident chef prepares meals from curated menus of Sri Lankan and international dishes, and breakfast is included. The four bedrooms have king-size four-poster beds, air conditioning, fans, large wardrobes, in-room safes and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, while daily housekeeping, a gardener and round-the-clock security take care of the rest.