Villa Godahena

Villa Godahena is a peaceful colonial-style bungalow in the village of Godahena, inland from Ambalangoda, set in a large private garden that looks out over the wide waters of Madampe Lake. Red-tiled roofs, deep verandas and polished timber give it the feel of an old Sri Lankan country house, while the grounds are full of tropical trees, birdlife and the occasional troop of monkeys. With three bedrooms for six guests and the west coast beaches about fifteen minutes away, it suits families and small groups looking for a quiet, nature-filled stay away from the busy coast road.

The twelve-metre pool is the centrepiece of the garden, long enough for proper lengths and fringed by palms and tall trees, with striped loungers set along its stone edge. The wraparound veranda is where much of the day is spent, with planter’s chairs, coffee tables and a semi-outdoor dining table looking across the lawn towards the lake. Breakfast is included, and a complimentary boat trip on the lake is part of the stay.

Inside, the living room and bedrooms are furnished with carved wooden pieces, antique cabinets and white walls that open to the garden through tall timber doors. The bedrooms have a queen bed, a double bed and two singles respectively, each with air conditioning, mosquito nets, generous wardrobe space and an en-suite bathroom with an open-air shower. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, though the chef is happy to cook lunch and dinner from the villa menu, and a friendly manager and his team look after daily housekeeping and laundry.