Uda Kanda Villa

Uda Kanda sits on top of a small hill about four kilometres east of Galle, on a secluded three-and-a-half-acre estate that was once a rubber plantation. It feels more like a much-loved family home than a commercial villa, with antique English furniture, vaulted ceilings and wide verandas, and panoramic views that take in jungle canopy, distant mountains to the north and a glimpse of the sea. Three bedrooms make it a lovely, peaceful choice for couples travelling together or a small family.

The heart of the garden is a long infinity pool that seems to spill out over the treetops, with cushioned loungers on the lawn and a shaded poolside pavilion, or ambalama, for lazy afternoons. Lawned gardens hold a spacious outdoor dining area, and the estate is alive with wildlife, from toque macaques and mongooses to palm squirrels, orioles and kingfishers. A gazebo, a yoga space and a spa room add to the sense of retreat.

Indoors, a bright, breezy L-shaped living and dining area opens straight onto the lawn and pool, with comfortable sofas, satellite TV and an eight-seat dining table, alongside a Western-style open kitchen. The master suite opens onto the veranda and pool, while the other two rooms face the front of the house with their own private verandas and little tropical gardens. Full-time staff look after cooking, gardening and laundry, and breakfast is included.