Villa Bari

Villa Bari sits directly on the beach near Weligama on Sri Lanka’s south coast, a contemporary two-storey villa of stone, glass and timber looking straight out over the Indian Ocean. With around 579 square metres of living space, four king suites and an earthy, tactile style, it suits families and groups of friends who want room to spread out, with surfing, paddleboarding and the coast’s beaches, cafés and whale-watching trips close at hand.

Outside, a private pool runs along the front of the house, with reclining chairs and umbrellas on the deck and a shaded outdoor dining table set beside the water. The ocean-view terrace is made for slow breakfasts and sunset drinks, and a beach cabana reserved for Villa Bari’s guests sits on the sand just beyond. From the villa you can walk straight down onto the beach for a swim or a stroll along the shore.

Inside, open-plan living and dining rooms are lined with tall windows framing the sea, and a calm courtyard water garden with lily pads brings light into the heart of the house. There is a dedicated movie room, a sauna and a fully equipped kitchen, and a chef can cook at the villa, with breakfast included daily alongside housekeeping and a personal guest assistant. Three first-floor bedrooms open onto terraces with ocean views, while the ground-floor bedroom looks over the fish pond and garden, and all four have king beds, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.