shouldn’t move a chair out of place in case we spoilt the symmetry) and its interior decor – artwork especially - quirky, educated and informed. The property is very spacious; there are plenty of areas where we could relax and unwind, either inside on the cushioned sofas or outside on the sloping sundrenched lawn. There are lots of scenic places to practise yoga too. Three of the bedrooms have their own private balcony or terraces which give couples within groups the opportunity for time on their own. Three extra mattresses are available which gives good options to one, or more than one, family travelling together whilst two of the double bedrooms can also be set up as twins. Children will enjoy the run of the lawns and whilst supervision is necessary, the garden is set out in a way that it’s easy to keep an eye on them. The swimming pool is at the heart of the courtyard garden, located discreetly within the ‘arms’ of the property, and it enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Picture windows allow you to see straight through the lounge to the grassy lawn and pavilion beyond - the best place to watch the changing colours at sunset that spread across the sky. This lawn area is also very spacious and offers a wonderfully picturesque location for weddings and other intimate celebrations, which the staff are well versed in arranging. Its private and peaceful setting also makes it a good executive escape. Having their own quarters and kitchen, the staff at Mount Cinnamon are always in attendance but are discreet and let guests enjoy the property to themselves. They offer tea and drinks throughout the day and discuss preferences for meals in advance; a menu is available (lunch and dinner have set prices per person according to meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes) and the chef will happily guide you as to his best creations. His rice and curry, a renowned lunchtime staple at Mount Cinnamon, should certainly not be missed. Guests can also use the second kitchen to make their own meals if they wish or prepare food for babies and young children. Tables can be set up anywhere and we recommend you dine at least once on the front verandah or beside the pavilion under the light of a million stars!

appreciate the beautiful views. Sited on a small rise above the village and paddy fields, the bungalow has a grassy garden that is ringed by high trees that we felt made it feel especially private and enclosed. Children will enjoy the freedom to run around and explore, although supervision is necessary. With three rooms, two of which are twin, we felt this house would be especially good for families however, since there are no TVs, board games or books at the bungalow, parents might like to bring along their own entertainment. With the beach and all its activities being only a ten minute drive away the region offers lots to keep all ages amused, whilst the bungalow remains a tranquil base to come back to at the end of long fun-filled days. We felt its seclusion and comfortable simplicity would also make it a good choice for those looking for a longer stay; perhaps writers and artists. The houseboy at the bungalow takes care of everyday chores from making the beds to securing the house at night. We found him to be helpful and friendly, and although he stays in the house (in a room at the back) he keeps a discreet distance. He is joined by an experienced chef who prepares excellent Sri Lankan and Continental cuisine at each of the Mirissa Hills properties; a rice and curry demonstration by him in the Cinnamon Museum’s authentic Sri Lankan open kitchen is definitely recommended. Most meals at the bungalow are prepared by the chef, and the rates are inclusive of breakfast (there are set prices for lunch and dinner), however the kitchen is also available for guests’ use if they would like to do some cooking for themselves. You can discuss your preferences with the houseboy or chef daily or request to see a menu; or visit the restaurant at the Cinnamon Museum for a change of scene.

Pointe Sud is wholly romantic. If I was lucky enough to have my husband ask me to choose anywhere in the world to build my dream home, I would also choose this fabulous spot! Superlative views and heart-warming history aside, the swimming pool here is definitely my favourite in Sri

Lanka. It's one that you feel an urge to swim (proper lengths) or wallow in day and night and has a lovely curved edge that you can comfortably lean on and look out to sea. Its to-the-side situation also gives a degree of privacy without separation from the rest of the house.

The property is secure and the level of privacy here is unlike anywhere else around, and you get all of this without losing the amazing sea views or accessibility to the beach. A flight of 70 or so steps down from the pool terrace (this is not the best house for the less mobile) takes you to a lawn beside the beach that offers an attractive daytime alternative to the upper levels of the house; you can't really swim in the sea here but there are a couple of paddling spots where you can have a soak. I loved that the house had numerous nooks for quiet time and loads of spots for dining (making it great for extended groups) with the option of daytime BBQs beside the beach.

The bathrooms are modern though small, and the cosy colonial-style bedrooms purely for sleeping; admiring the views and lounging are best done from the front veranda. The staff of six were gentle, welcoming and really very discreet. Nothing was too much trouble and the lovely cook (who's also an experienced nanny) will shop and prepare meals for you, presenting you with bills (for both food and drink) daily. At the moment it's seafood and Sri Lankan cuisine only, so if you like curries this is a great place to enjoy them. We can't fault the maintenance of the house, the presentation of the food and the staff's responsiveness to our requests; they were excellent. However service is leisurely and suitably reflective of a practised home rather than the mechanical efficiency of a hotel.

the chirruping of squirrels, but little else. Situated away from the road (yet only 1.5km from the pretty bay of Mirissa) in a residential area, Villa Sulanga really is a true escape, and with a good cook on the staff team who prepared wonderful curries for us and a delicious evening barbecue, we felt little need to head out. Kids will love the huge swimming pool and flat grassy lawn, with its gateway leading to the beach. A pétanque court and croquet set offer further outdoor diversions.

Having bedrooms all of equal size, presentation and décor means there’s no reason to squabble over a master suite, and each has a trundle bed for sleeping extra kids. Bathrooms are partly open to the bedrooms and the built-in tubs have super sea views. The only TV and DVD player is located in the ground floor bedroom (could be moved if needed), and wildlife handbooks and binoculars are provided in the living room for nature lovers. 

An advantage of booking the two Talaramba Reef villas together is that they make an excellent event venue (although, for large numbers, a professional organiser would be required).

With breakfast and afternoon tea (from a local tea plantation which welcomes visitors) and cake included in the rate, we felt that Villa Sulanga offered excellent value for money.

staff team who prepared wonderful curries and a delicious evening barbecue, we felt little reason to go anywhere else. The villa itself is spacious, elegantly furnished and illustrated with lots of great artwork. It has a huge swimming pool (with shallow kid-friendly section) and flat grassy lawn, which the youngsters will love. A pétanque court and croquet set offer further outdoor diversions.

Having bedrooms all of equal size, presentation and décor means there’s no reason to squabble over a master suite, and each has a trundle bed for sleeping extra kids. Bathrooms are partly open to the bedrooms and the built-in tubs have super sea views. Wildlife handbooks and binoculars are provided in each bedroom and the TV Room is a fab addition for hiding away with a movie or even snuggling up quietly with a book on a rainy day. Complementing the kitchen is a pantry, designed purely for making drinks and storing food and milk for babies and children.

An advantage of booking the two Talaramba Reef villas together is that they make an excellent event venue, but do note that for large numbers a professional organiser would be required. With breakfast and afternoon tea (produced at a local tea plantation which welcomes visitors) and cake included in the rate, we felt that Villa Vatura offered excellent value for money.