Mandalay is a rare slice of heaven. Its tranquil setting instantly relaxes the mind and makes work feel like a distant memory. Despite its out-of-the-way location (it takes 25 minutes to drive to Galle), it doesn’t feel completely cut off from the outside world as you can always enjoy the endless theatre atop the lake and watch the enthusiastic play of wildlife in the garden.

Although the villa makes a lovely retreat for a group of friends (it’s a great place for entertaining) there could well be some room-envy as the master bedroom is far bigger and more decadent than the other two (although the soft furnishings in each of these downstairs bedrooms were upgraded in 2013). For families or a decadent couple, Mandalay is an excellent choice. There are beaches within easy reach and plenty to explore in the locality.

The villa has a very generous swimming pool and a flat open garden that makes keeping an eye on the kids a breeze. The lounge in the main house, with TV and DVD player, is great for keeping the kids entertained at night and can also be used to sleep two more guests since the built-in sofas are the size of a single bed whilst the room itself is air conditioned.

The friendly cook (who’s also the villa manager) prepares some great meals; his rice and curry comes highly recommended, and he can prepare western dishes too. The staff leave you to your own devices which heightens the villa’s sense of privacy and seclusion.

We loved everything about this fabulous house, perched on Habaraduwa’s beautiful beach.  The two upstairs suites are very grand and open directly onto a balcony that wraps around the top floor of the house and reveals incredible coastal views (you can’t really see the sea from the ground floor due to a screen of beach foliage, planted for privacy).  The house is definitely designed for families, and the ground floor twin bedroom works well for independent teens or perhaps elderly relatives keen to avoid the stairs.

The staff team are efficient and we had all of our meals cooked for us.  Most memorable was our fabulous lunch of grilled tiger prawns followed by a delicious tropical fruit pavlova.  Although there is no outdoor dining area as such, the staff can move the dining table onto the veranda or even set up lunch or dinner for you on the beach (highly recommended).  We really liked the L-shaped swimming pool and its visibility/proximity from the dining area and living pavilion, as it made it easy to keep an eye on kids.

Whilst the sea here can be rough at times (and there are no lifeguards), bathing is best during the high season (December to April), and for strong swimmers the rest of the year.  If you do plan to take a dip in the sea, let the staff know and they can advise you on the best places for a bathe.