Yahva Villa

Yahva Villa sits on the shore of Dedduwa Lake, a short drive inland from Bentota’s beaches, surrounded by tropical trees and birdlife. A contemporary home of exposed brick, carved timber screens and patterned tiles, it offers four spacious bedrooms for up to ten guests and suits families and friends who prefer peaceful lake views and sunsets over a busy beachfront.

The private pool runs along the front of the house, with sun loungers looking out across the garden to the water, and several outdoor dining spots let you take meals in the open air. Down at the water’s edge, shaded timber decks and pavilions sit right on the lake, and kayaks are available for paddling out across the calm water. The setting is especially lovely at dusk, when the lake turns pink and gold.

Inside, a sculptural brick staircase rises through the double-height living and dining area, which opens wide onto the pool. All four bedrooms have king beds, air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and private terraces with lake views, and each is styled differently, from the Contemporary Room to the Rustic, Renaissance and Serendib rooms, the last with an extra single bed. Daily housekeeping, a gardener and round-the-clock security are included, and the chef cooks fresh Sri Lankan dishes on request.