What You Get
Internet (WiFi)
Swimming Pool (Private)
TV (Satellite/Cable)
The Experience
For a holiday villa, not just in Sri Lanka but anywhere in the world, Pointe Sud is exceptional; views to die for, gorgeous gardens, complete privacy, an abundance of space, a full staff team and a tropical beach. The villa itself is an architectural folly; although essentially a Palladian design and approximately 30 years old, it was built around the 100-year old teak floorboards, the antique window frames, aged painted temple doors, beautiful carved doorways and terracotta tiles that the original French owner found and incorporated into the design, and these unique features make it feel much older than it actually is. The result is a majestic and memorable villa that’s not Dutch, not British, not French and definitely not a traditional Sri Lankan walauwa (manor house) either, but looks and feels like a graceful amalgamation of everything in one. The villa’s colonial features, homely interiors and exquisite antiques exude character and its captivating charm is enhanced by a heart-warming love story as it was built by a devoted husband for his wife. On asking her to pick anywhere in the world to live, she chose this amazing clifftop spot near Mirissa for its exceptional Indian Ocean views and access onto a deserted beach where they used to spend much of their time. The house, now with a fabulous infinity cantilevered lap pool, five bedrooms, modern bathrooms, manicured terraced lawns, elegantly furnished living and dining spots and an extensive library, gazes uninterrupted towards Antarctica from its location on Sri Lanka’s southernmost tip or pointe sud. Huge ships drift mistily along the horizon and the stars at night are so unaffected that they shine as fiercely as new. This is a house for artists, for writers and for dreamers as the garden hides strategically placed lookouts, and sunset-view pavilions where the unique vistas framed by the comb-like leaves of the palms are beautiful, inspiring and exceptionally serene; all you hear in this five-acre garden that’s part jungle, part tame, are the crashing of the waves and the gentle swish of leaves, punctuated now and then by melodious birdcall. Scenic dining locations are aplenty and as satisfying as the delicious Sri Lankan curries and seafood dishes freshly prepared by the cook (provisions on guest account). A house for families, for friends and for lovers, Pointe Sud is a timeless escape where rest and relaxation are guaranteed.
Our review
- Overall Rating:
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8.2
- Reviewed:
- 22-Jun-2010
Pointe Sud is quite possibly one of Asia’s most exceptional escapes.
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 10 | Location: | 9 | Outside Area: | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 8 | Bedrooms: | 7 | Bathrooms: | 7 |
| Kitchen: | 8 | Facilities: | 8 | Staff: | 8 |
| Value: | 7 |
Highlights
Views, exclusivity, privacy, serenity; each of these are major highlights. The villa’s clifftop position with elongated terraces (beautifully laid to lawn) boasting unbelievable 180 degree panoramic vistas with steps down the hillside to a deserted beach is the ultimate in luxury and is all yours to enjoy completely to yourself. Pointe Sud is quite possibly one of Asia’s most exceptional escapes.
Surprises
The price is worth mentioning; Pointe Sud’s higher rental rate might belie the fact that it isn’t a property of cutting-edge technology, or of international cuisine. It’s first and foremost a family home that’s as well-appointed as other tastefully renovated Sri Lankan colonial villas, but with more character, presence and exclusivity. Taking these factors into consideration, as well as the villa’s privileged location and abundance of outside space, the rates seem justified.
PROs
- Privacy and exclusivity like no other
- Sensational 180 degree sea views
- Extensive tropical gardens with private beach
- Stunning infinity cantilevered swimming pool
- Amazing library of books and movies
CONs
- Fairly small bedrooms and bathrooms
- Steep steps down to the beach
- Sea swimming is not recommended
Gallery
Location
Pointe Sud is perched dramatically on a clifftop with a spectacular 180 degree view of the Indian Ocean whose horizon is frequently dotted with passing ships that sail slowly by. Although this villa feels like an isolated hideaway – a private island even - it is located in the tiny village of Madiha West just six kilometres from Mirissa and sited next door to a 260-year-old Buddhist temple whose bright white dagoba can be sighted over the wall.
Places of Interest(KMs) |
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| Mirissa Beach | 5.0 |
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| Matara | 7.0 |
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| Polhena Beach | 8.0 |
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| Weligama | 11.0 |
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| Dondra Lighthouse | 12.0 |
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| Ahangama | 20.0 |
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| Koggala | 25.0 |
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| Galle | 39.0 |
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| Tangalle | 45.0 |
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| Colombo | 155.0 |
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| International airport | 185.0 |
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About Mirissa
The picture-postcard beach of Mirissa is framed by overhanging palms that scatter their fringed shadows on the soft ocean-washed sand. This is a haven for sun seekers looking for a beautiful tropical beach with an easygoing ambiance. To the west of the bay is a rocky headland that separates the beach from the harbour whilst to the east is an rocky islet around which you can snorkel and swim. Mirissa’s waves are popular with experienced surfers and body boarders, and the bay is dotted with an increasing number of restaurants and bars. From Mirissa Harbour boats head out on whale and dolphin watching voyages (November to April), deep sea fishing and sailing whilst inland is a picturesque scene of paddy fields, coconut palms, pretty villages and cinnamon plantations. Just five kilometres west of Mirissa is the wide bay of Weligama – a popular beginners surfing beach, with plenty of tuition and board hire available – and the southern metropolis of Matara with its two Dutch-era forts. Both Weligama and Matara are equipped with banks, ATMs, pharmacies and supermarkets.
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.
Rooms
A flower-flanked brick walkway leads to the entrance of the house that opens into a magnificent fan-cooled drawing room with striking cathedral ceiling topped by a tiered pagoda-style roof. The crimson blush of the walls and brilliant white of the timber arches perfectly offset the 100-year old teak floorboards set beneath ivory cushioned sofas, floor lamps, antique bookcases and a formal dining table for ten. Above the entrance, and reached via a hidden staircase, a polished timber mezzanine – filled with boxes of toys and shelves of board games – overlooks the drawing room. There’s also a sofa up here, plus a satellite TV with DVD player. To the front of the drawing room through twin arched doors is a large veranda with white steps leading theatrically down into the garden. Relaxing chairs and a dining table for ten overlook the spectacular 180-degree sea, pool and garden views. Opening onto the drawing room are four comfortable bedrooms, each of which is air conditioned, fitted with four-poster beds and has a modern ensuite bathroom with shower. To the front of the villa are two double bedrooms, both of which have sea views through kithul-wood barred windows; the eastern bedroom is the larger of the two and features a private garden with dreamy bathtub pavilion. To the rear of the house is a twin bedroom, ideally furnished for the kids, and another small double room whose bathroom additionally has a tub. Below the house is an elongated fifth bedroom with two doorways at either end that lead directly onto the garden on either side of the majestic white front staircase. To one end of this tunnel-like room is a double bed whilst at the other is a relaxed seating area. In between is a fabulous galleried library with numerous books and DVDs. At the rear of the villa is a fully-equipped kitchen. With polished granite worktops and twin centre islands, it features all the essentials for cooking including a handy wine cooler plus lots of storage space. In the garden are two pavilions; one faces west on the top terrace (ideal for yoga, massages and sunset cocktails) whilst the other is reached via 70 steps down on the lower lawn right beside the beach. This lower pavilion is ideal for escaping the sun and enjoying daytime BBQs.
Key Amenities
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Internet (WiFi)
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Swimming Pool (Private)
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TV (Satellite/Cable)
Other Amenities
- Air-con (Bedrooms)
- Baby Cot
- BBQ
- Bed Linen
- Bicycles (On Request)
- Board Games/Toys
- Book Selection
- Car Parking
- Ceiling Fans
- DVD Library
- DVD Player
- Equipped Kitchen
- Extra Bed (Roll away/mattress)
- Generator
- Hairdryers
- High Chairs (On Request)
- Home Theatre System
- Main Dining (10 persons)
- Main Dining (12 persons)
- Massage Beds
- Microwave
- Oven/Hotplates
- Refrigerator
- Safe
- Table Tennis
- Towels
Villa Staff
- Chef/Cook (All meals)
- Housekeeping (Full time)
- Manager
- Masseuse/Spa Therapist (Extra)
- Service Staff
This exclusive, elegant and exceptionally located cliff-top villa boasts the most panoramic ocean vistas of any in Sri Lanka. Fully-staffed, 5-bedroomed Pointe Sud bursts with character whilst the tropical 5-acre garden, set above a deserted stretch of beach, features a stunning infinity pool, sunset-view pavilions, lookouts and manicured lawns.
http://www.thevillaguide.com/villa/pointe-sud.aspx
