The Cavern Villa

The Cavern is one of the most unusual places to stay in Sri Lanka, a three-bedroom villa built into great natural rock formations in the forested hills of Agrapatana, near Hatton in the heart of tea country. Boulders form walls and ceilings, passages wind through the stone, and wide glass windows open the rooms to the forest and misty mountain views. It suits couples travelling together, families and small groups of friends looking for a cool-climate stay that feels truly one of a kind.

Outside, a timber deck hangs over the trees with a naturally heated spa pool, ideal for a warm soak in the fresh hill-country air. There is an outdoor stone dining table, a wood-fired pizza oven and an open fire pit with built-in seating for starlit evenings. The grounds run down to a small lake with a gazebo, and paths lead past a stream, a tree house with an upper deck, and the villa’s own farm, where goats, chickens and a greenhouse supply some of the produce for your table.

Inside, the open living area pairs contemporary furniture with raw rock, with a fireplace in the lounge and a dining room beneath a curving cave ceiling. A sauna and a spa room add to the sense of retreat. The master suite has a glass façade and a private terrace facing the forest, and the bathrooms feature stand-alone bathtubs set against the stone. A private chef prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner, all included, and collection from Hatton can be arranged.