4 bedroom villa located in Koggala, South Coast. Ideal for Beachfront, Body and soul, Bring the relatives, Kid friendly, Romantic retreats, Room with a view, Sensible for seniors.
Set beside an extensive sandy beach and close to a popular surfing break, Poya Villa lies just west of Ahangama on Sri Lanka’s sandy southern shoreline. With four bedrooms including a children’s bunk room, the house is enveloped by a tropical garden and comes with a staff of three.
“The wide sweep of beach below the villa is gorgeous.”
One of our favourite features at Poya Villa was the lush garden that trained the eye towards the swathe of sand and out to sea. The beach below the villa is gorgeous, stretching to a headland at the far end. By day, we watched ships passing by on the horizon, and even at night their passage could be followed by the orange glow of their lights. Surfers – many of them – were clustered beyond the western headland, which proves that the villa is an ideal base for surfers, body boarders and ocean-lovers – especially since the sea is your only swimming pool.
With a double bunk room that kids will love, Poya Villa is a good choice for families; and the set up works well for two families travelling together too. The garden is enclosed and the sand beyond offers tons of potential for sandcastle building and hermit crab chasing. Because the three double bedrooms are almost equal in size, this villa is also good for couples travelling together.
The villa cook served up some great Sri Lankan curries during our stay, and with the barbecue pit in the garden, grilled seafood, fish and chicken feature heavily on the menu too. He uses a separate staff kitchen to the back of the house leaving the main one free for guest use. The houseboy is very attentive – sometimes overly so – and keen to please; his English is excellent so he can help with any request you have. He can shop for you if you need, and all food cooked at the villa (except breakfast, which is included in the rate) is charged at cost price plus a little extra for transport.
The villa rates did initially seem high as there’s no pool. However, if one couple wishes to rent a room outside of the peak season (January and February), they can do so for a very good price, and enjoy the whole villa to themselves, which represents great value.
Individual Scores:
Character/Charm:
8
Location:
9
Oustide Area:
7
Living Area:
7
Bedrooms:
7
Bathrooms:
7
Kitchen:
7
Facilities:
7
Staff:
8
Value:
7
Highlights
This villa’s wide, curved boundary with the beach affords wonderful panoramas of the sea. The best place to soak up the scenery is from the little ambalama to the side of the garden. If you love surfing then you’ll love that you can just pad 100m down the beach to the popular surfing break of Kabbalana Point at the far end of the bay. There are many other great breaks to test surfers of all abilities in the surrounding area.
Surprises
As the sea is too rough for swimming during off-season (May to October), it’s a slight disadvantage that there isn’t a pool but you can always cool down in the lovely garden jacuzzi. The villa is located between the busy Matara Road and the beach so you can often hear the passing traffic. However, the sea does a pretty good job in drowning most of the road noise out. The hot water is incredibly hot – which is a plus – but be careful not to burn yourself when turning on the taps.
Note: Poya's owner has confirmed that since our original review the hot water problem has been rectified.
sally pretorius, United Arab Emirates checked out on 29-Oct-2012
Overall Rating:
9.0
Reviewed:
07-Nov-2012
We saw many villa's through your website and others, and because we were booking late, not many were available! Luckily you had Poya Villa for us, and we were unsure how good it would be because it was one of the few that were still available for the area we were looking for. We were very happy with Poya Villa! It is a lovely proportioned house; the layout is very usable and friendly; the living room is open plan with the kitchen which works out very well, the outside dining area is just perfect, and the gardens and jacuzzi were perfect also. The children loved sitting in the jacuzzi while the eldest child enjoyed playing in the sea with the adults. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the beach, in the sea.. and in the lovely garden, having bbq's and eating al fresco! The bedrooms were perfect, clean and pretty.. the bathrooms also were perfectly clean and stylish. The staff; Mudhita, Pushpak, Sidat (security and fisherman!) and the Gardener, were all excellent. Anything we asked for, they made sure they provided and excursion requests were always organised for us without any bother. We loved Poya Villa.. it felt like home on the sea! Thanks. Sally
Individual Scores:
Character/Charm:
9
Location:
9
Oustide Area:
9
Living Area:
8
Bedrooms:
9
Bathrooms:
9
Kitchen:
8
Facilities:
9
Staff:
10
Value:
10
The Experience
Poya is a Buddhist holiday that falls on the day of the full moon. The moon’s luminosity and fullness is seen as being auspicious to Buddhists who head to the temple, dressed in white, to pray. Poya Villa’s naming after such an auspicious event is a signifier of its tranquillity, and this four-bedroom haven is certainly blessed with a private position, hidden away from the busy main road, within a tropical garden and behind tall timber gates. The prevailing colour scheme inside the villa is white, as if to match the pureness of poya, and this minimalism immediately puts you at ease. Striking carved doors that would once have held pride of place within a Buddhist temple safeguard the main entrance to the house.
Poya Villa is characterised by its long, delicately curved beachfront and views of the ocean that unfold from nearly every room, accompanied by the omnipresent sound of the rolling waves. The beaches in this area are popular with surfers and many have outlets offering surfing tuition and board rental. At the end of the villa’s palm-peppered lawn is an elevated timber ambalama (resting pavilion) from where you can gaze at the sea, the golden sand below, and the surfers in the distance. A lovely open air jacuzzi, loungers scattered atop the grass, and a brick-built barbecue, provide further means to make the best use of the outside areas and soak in the most striking views of the sea.
Inside the villa are four bedrooms, three doubles and one twin bunk room that can sleep up to four kids (or adults at a squeeze). The house is well set up for youngsters and makes a great family seaside retreat. The bunk room opens onto both the dining terrace and the open-plan living room and kitchen, which means keeping an eye on the little ones is easy. The villa is equipped with satellite TV and a DVD player plus a good WiFi connection and a selection of books and board games. There are three members of staff – including a cook and a very helpful houseboy – and they keep the house in order. Breakfast is included in the rate, and all other meals are charged at cost.
Poya Villa is located a couple of kilometres west of the fishing town of Ahangama between the Matara Road and the beach. Enhanced by a delicious swathe of sandy coastline to the front, the sea at the far end of this little bay marked by a palm-topped headland is a popular surfing spot, with nearby beaches at Midigama similarly renowned for their waves. Ahangama has a few grocery shops and a couple of banks with ATMs, but Habaraduwa (7km) and Galle (16km) are much better facilitated.
About Koggala With its long stretch of golden beach, meandering lagoon inland, fascinating folk museum and famous airfield, Koggala is a great little destination southeast of Galle. The golden sands of the three kilometre beach stretch from Habaraduwa – famed for its turtle-hatchery - to Kathaluwa and sees big hotels standing shoulder to shoulder along the sand. Waves roll onto the beach and rock pools outside of the Fortress Hotel offer not only calm bathing spots but also opportunities to see stilt fishermen hard at work. Just inland from Koggala is an expansive lake where the Sri Lankan Air Taxi lands. Emerging from beneath encroaching jungle that spills onto the meandering expanse of still water, the Koggala Lake is a haven for wildlife lovers as its many islands are populated by a wide variety of exotic birds. Fishermen traverse the still water of the lagoon leaving ripples in their wake as they hunt for fish, crabs and prawns that are famously served up in restaurants all along the south coast. Spice islands and mystical temples also scatter the lake and an early morning or evening punt atop the river in a traditional fishing catamaran is the best way to appreciate this quietly spoken scene. Madul Doova, one of the islands in the lake, was the subject of a book written by the late Martin Wickramasinghe, a lauded local author. His home in Koggala is now a folk museum that charts the fascinating story of his life and times. Koggala's restaurants tend to centre on the beach hotels, and there are a number of ATMs scattered around town.
About South Coast Stretching between Galle and Hambantota, the south coast is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka. Characterised by historically significant fortified towns, numerous picture-perfect palm-fringed beaches, a sultry turquoise sea, swathes of iridescent green paddy fields fringed by lush green jungle, ancient Buddhist temples, expansive waterways, nature-filled rainforests and tea-carpeted hills it offers enough variety to be a destination in itself; fabulous for families, groups and couples alike. Galle is one of the region's most significant attractions for its sixteenth century Dutch fort filled with an evocatively rich collection of buildings, boutiques, museums and luxury digs that hug a peninsular to the south of town. Galle's popular beaches are better-facilitated, more developed and safer for swimming than those in and around Tangalle, but the further you travel east the more expansive, deserted and nature-filled they become. Surfing, snorkelling, diving, whale watching, sailing, fishing and kayaking can all be done along this magnificent stretch of coastline as well as cycling, walking and trying your hand at Sri Lankan cookery. Inland, the scene varies as the westerly wet zone's lush jungle interior gives way to the arid dry zone plains a little beyond Tangalle. Taking off by bicycle is often the best way to explore the hills, plains, sanctuaries and jungle whilst a boat is a must to navigate the scenic lakes and rivers that wind in between. Some of Sri Lanka's most popular national parks – Uda Walawe for elephants and Yala for leopards and bears – as well as a trio of its most accessible rainforests – Sinharaja, Kottawa and Kanneliya - are easily visited on a day or overnight trip from anywhere along the south coast.
Poya Villa’s rooms are spread between two floors. The main entrance to the villa is through striking antique carved doors, originally designed for a temple. This takes you straight into an air-conditioned, open-plan lounge and kitchen. On the left, the sitting area is furnished with cushioned daybed and rattan planters chairs set before a wall-mounted flat-screen TV with satellite connection, CD/DVD player (with iPod USB attachment) and speakers. On the right is a kitchen with an island bar, white cupboards, fridge/freezer and gas hob. Antique ceiling fans whirr overhead.
French windows open widely from the lounge onto a timber dining terrace with views over the garden and towards the sea. Cooled by a ceiling fan, diners sit at a circular table for six. Leading off from here, and also accessible from the kitchen, is a children’s bedroom that comes with a pair of white bunk beds shrouded in mosquito netting. A small built-in desk and a white wardrobe complete the furnishings, and the ensuite bathroom is fitted with a shower. All bedrooms have ceiling fans and air conditioning.
Also opening from the kitchen is the first of two virtually identical master suites; the second being situated right above it and accessed by a staircase to the back of the house. Both rooms feature a white four-poster king-sized bed with thick mattress, a table and two chairs, a writing desk and wardrobe, and an ensuite bathroom with shower. They open onto either a balcony or veranda, both with views of the sea.
The fourth bedroom is located to the front of the villa, beyond the dining terrace and closest to the sea. Opening directly onto the garden this bright room has a second set of doors to a shaded veranda where sunbeds are laid out to maximise views of the ocean. The room is furnished with a king-size bed upon a moulded concrete platform base and side tables topped with lamps, and provides storage space plus an ensuite bathroom with shower.
Bedroom 1King5.6m x 4.2m Bedroom 2King5.6m x 4.2m Bedroom 3Bunks4.2m x 4m Bedroom 4King4.1m x 4m
“The wide sweep of beach below the villa is gorgeous.”
One of our favourite features at Poya Villa was the lush garden that trained the eye towards the swathe of sand and out to sea. The beach below the villa is gorgeous, stretching to a headland at the far end. By day, we watched ships passing by on the horizon, and even at night their passage could be followed by the orange glow of their lights. Surfers – many of them – were clustered beyond the western headland, which proves that the villa is an ideal base for surfers, body boarders and ocean-lovers – especially since the sea is your only swimming pool.
With a double bunk room that kids will love, Poya Villa is a good choice for families; and the set up works well for two families travelling together too. The garden is enclosed and the sand beyond offers tons of potential for sandcastle building and hermit crab chasing. Because the three double bedrooms are almost equal in size, this villa is also good for couples travelling together.
The villa cook served up some great Sri Lankan curries during our stay, and with the barbecue pit in the garden, grilled seafood, fish and chicken feature heavily on the menu too. He uses a separate staff kitchen to the back of the house leaving the main one free for guest use. The houseboy is very attentive – sometimes overly so – and keen to please; his English is excellent so he can help with any request you have. He can shop for you if you need, and all food cooked at the villa (except breakfast, which is included in the rate) is charged at cost price plus a little extra for transport.
The villa rates did initially seem high as there’s no pool. However, if one couple wishes to rent a room outside of the peak season (January and February), they can do so for a very good price, and enjoy the whole villa to themselves, which represents great value.
Individual Scores:
Character/Charm:
8
Location:
9
Outside Area:
7
Living Area:
7
Bedrooms:
7
Bathrooms:
7
Kitchen:
7
Facilities:
7
Staff:
8
Value:
7
Highlights
This villa’s wide, curved boundary with the beach affords wonderful panoramas of the sea. The best place to soak up the scenery is from the little ambalama to the side of the garden. If you love surfing then you’ll love that you can just pad 100m down the beach to the popular surfing break of Kabbalana Point at the far end of the bay. There are many other great breaks to test surfers of all abilities in the surrounding area.
Surprises
As the sea is too rough for swimming during off-season (May to October), it’s a slight disadvantage that there isn’t a pool but you can always cool down in the lovely garden jacuzzi. The villa is located between the busy Matara Road and the beach so you can often hear the passing traffic. However, the sea does a pretty good job in drowning most of the road noise out. The hot water is incredibly hot – which is a plus – but be careful not to burn yourself when turning on the taps.
Note: Poya's owner has confirmed that since our original review the hot water problem has been rectified.
sally pretorius, United Arab Emirates checked out on 29-Oct-2012
Overall Rating:
9.0
Reviewed:
07-Nov-2012
We saw many villa's through your website and others, and because we were booking late, not many were available! Luckily you had Poya Villa for us, and we were unsure how good it would be because it was one of the few that were still available for the area we were looking for. We were very happy with Poya Villa! It is a lovely proportioned house; the layout is very usable and friendly; the living room is open plan with the kitchen which works out very well, the outside dining area is just perfect, and the gardens and jacuzzi were perfect also. The children loved sitting in the jacuzzi while the eldest child enjoyed playing in the sea with the adults. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the beach, in the sea.. and in the lovely garden, having bbq's and eating al fresco! The bedrooms were perfect, clean and pretty.. the bathrooms also were perfectly clean and stylish. The staff; Mudhita, Pushpak, Sidat (security and fisherman!) and the Gardener, were all excellent. Anything we asked for, they made sure they provided and excursion requests were always organised for us without any bother. We loved Poya Villa.. it felt like home on the sea! Thanks. Sally
Individual Scores:
Character/Charm:
9
Location:
9
Outside Area:
9
Living Area:
8
Bedrooms:
9
Bathrooms:
9
Kitchen:
8
Facilities:
9
Staff:
10
Value:
10
Key Amenities
Air-con
Internet (WiFi)
TV (Satellite/Cable)
Other Amenities
Baby Cot
BBQ
Bed Linen
Board Games/Toys
Book Selection
Car Parking
CD Player/Stereo System
Ceiling Fans
DVD Player
Equipped Kitchen
Generator
Hairdryers
High Chairs (On Request)
Hotplates
Jacuzzi
Laundry Service (Extra)
Main Dining (6 persons)
Safe
Towels
Villa Staff
Babysitter (Extra)
Chef/Cook (All meals)
Garden/Pool Staff
Housekeeping (Full time)
Masseuse/Spa Therapist (Extra)
Shopper
Villa Rates
From
To
Daily Rate
Tax/ Service Charge
Min. Stay
Inclusions
Regular Rate
Bedrooms
4
Adults
6
Kids
4
from
$ 500
2013
01-May-2013
31-Jul-2013
$ 500.00 ++
12.00%
2
01-Aug-2013
31-Aug-2013
$ 600.00 ++
12.00%
2
01-Sep-2013
30-Nov-2013
$ 500.00 ++
12.00%
2
01-Dec-2013
31-Dec-2013
$ 800.00 ++
12.00%
2
++ - Rates will be subject to tax and service charge as listed
In order to have a booking confirmed you must make deposit payment as outlined in The Villa Guide Booking Terms and Conditions unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking. The standard deposits are:
-For rentals beginning more than 60 days after the date of your booking request - a deposit of 50% of the total rental amount is payable.
-For rentals beginning 60 days or less after the date of your booking request - the total rental amount is payable as a deposit.
Standard cancellation policy
In the event of cancellation, penalties as outlined in The Villa Guide Booking Terms and Conditions apply unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking.
It is strongly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation travel insurance.
Rates
Above prices may change based on the time of your booking, arrival date and length of stay. For approximate rates, please click on the Check Availability button and enter your dates.
Whilst every effort is made to keep rates current, they are subject to change from time to time. If there is a rate change you will be informed before a booking is confirmed.
Confirmed booking rates will not change.
Security deposit
Upon arrival at the villa you may be required to pay a security deposit. Any applicable deposit will be returned to you prior to departure less any extra charges or costs for accidental damage to the property.
Check in/out
Check in – 3.00pm, Check out - 10.00am
Late check outs up to 6.00pm may incur a half day charge, after 6.00pm a full day may be charged.
Every effort will be made to accommodate other check in/out times but will depend on availability.
The Villa Guide full Booking Terms and Conditions are available here.
Air-con
Internet (WiFi)
TV (Satellite/Cable) 
Baby Cot
BBQ
Bed Linen
Board Games/Toys
Book Selection
Car Parking
CD Player/Stereo System
Ceiling Fans
DVD Player
Equipped Kitchen
Generator
Hairdryers
Jacuzzi
Laundry Service (Extra)
Safe
Towels
2013
