Villa Aqua Dunhinda

Villa Aqua Dunhinda stands on a quiet hilltop in the countryside south-west of Kandy, looking out over the Kothmale forest and down to the Mahaweli River as it tumbles through its rocky gorge. It is a bright, airy home with white walls, tiled roofs and wide glass doors, set in large gardens planted with tea, spices and fruit trees. With three bedrooms for up to six guests and a friendly resident team, it suits families and small groups who want fresh mountain air, birdsong and a genuine taste of rural Sri Lanka.

The pool sits right in front of the house, surrounded by lawn and timber loungers, with a second set of loungers under umbrellas looking over the hills. Covered verandas wrap around the villa with planters’ chairs and dining tables, and a balcony even has a telescope for scanning the valley. A path leads down through the garden towards the river, where rock pools and small cascades make a memorable walk with one of the staff.

Inside, an open living room with sofas and cable TV leads to a dining area with a wooden table for eight, framed by forest views on three sides. There are two king bedrooms and a twin, each with an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony with seating for an evening cup of tea. Breakfast is included, and the cook prepares Sri Lankan dishes for lunch and dinner from a menu, with housekeeping, a gardener and security on hand throughout.