Tanamera Estate

Tanamera Estate is a colonial-style beachfront home in Talpe, on Sri Lanka’s south coast near Galle Fort, set in around two acres of lawns and coconut palms that run straight down to the Indian Ocean. With just three bedrooms for up to six guests, it is an unusually spacious and private retreat, ideal for couples travelling together, small families and anyone wanting a peaceful stay after touring the hill country or the cultural triangle. High ceilings, arches, white columns and wide verandas give the house a gracious, old-world feel.

Outside, a twelve-metre infinity pool sits on the lawn facing the ocean, lined with sun loungers and green umbrellas. A columned pavilion beside it offers shaded seating and an outdoor dining table, so long lunches can be taken out of the sun with the sea in view. Breakfast is served on the veranda or in the garden, and the palm-studded lawn leads right to the shoreline for evening walks.

Indoors, two living rooms open through floor-to-ceiling wood and glass doors onto the gardens, with deep sofas and lounge beds, and a separate TV and study room offers a quiet retreat. A formal dining room seats eight for evenings indoors. The bedrooms have four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, and the master opens onto its own veranda with ocean views. An in-house team looks after housekeeping and cooking, with breakfast included and other meals from the menu.