This idyllic little retreat is set in the peaceful environs of Metaramba village, surrounded by paddy fields and overhanging spidery-topped coconut palms. Boasting a large tropical garden filled with aromatic frangipani trees, feathery stands of bamboo and exotic blooms that flourish in shades of crimson, peach and rose, this two bedroom house – elevated at one end of the garden – looks down upon a springy green lawn that stretches leisurely towards the paddy fields beyond. Life at The Petals plays out at a dreamily slow pace.

Relaxing living spaces abound; hammocks stretch between elongated palm trees whilst day beds on the living terrace are liberally scattered with oversized cushions blatantly inviting you to curl up with a book or to socialise amongst friends.  Both of The Petals' bedrooms come with their own bathrooms and dressing rooms and open widely onto the terrace to share in the tropical ambiance and verdant views.  In this rural area the only sounds to be heard are those of the birds by day, the distant chanting from the temple at sunset, and the chirruping crickets by nightfall, which harmoniously envelop you in a mellow embrace of calm.

The Petals has a particularly convenient situation, just five minutes’ drive inland from Unawatuna and Dalawella beaches, making the house a great base for couples or a small family to explore the many varied attractions of the area around Galle.  The villa is staffed by a team of two; one of whom is a trained chef which adds a lot to the experience of staying here. A mouth-watering menu of Moroccan and River Cafe-inspired dishes (groceries on guest account), plus lots of vegetarian choices, leave you with little reason to go eat elsewhere – although there are a number of good restaurants just five to ten minutes from your doorstep.

Guest reviews (3)

The Petals is located in the tiny village of Metaramba, just a few kilometres inland from Unawatuna and the south coast beaches.  Enveloped by paddy fields fringed by towering coconut palms, The Petals' environs are very peaceful with birdcall the only noise to be heard.  A generous selection of restaurants can be found a short distance away at Unawatuna, Dalawella and Talpe alongside a few basic provisions shops including a store selling wine, beer and spirits; and a communications shop with fax and telephone.  Supermarkets, money changing facilities, post offices and banks are located eight kilometres away in Galle, easily accessible by three-wheeler or car.

Map (see Google Map)

 

Places of Interest(KMs)
Unawatuna	2.0
Dalawella	3.0
Talpe	3.0
Galle	8.0
Koggala	8.0
Hikkaduwa	24.0
Mirissa	29.0
Matara	38.0
Tangalle	77.0
Colombo	124.0
International airport	154.0
Yala	170.0

 

About Unawatuna
Once voted by the Discovery Channel as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Unawatuna has a charm that’s mesmerizing. The soft white sand of this intimate bay is washed by a gentle azure ocean that’s safe for swimming all year round. Characterised by a white dagoba-topped headland, palms lean sharply over the sand and provide sun seekers with shade for when the heat of the day gets a little too much. Rustic beach restaurants line the swathe of sand that ebbs and flows depending upon the time of year, whilst a multitude of souvenir shops fringe the sleepy lane into the village. Sun loungers are scattered on the beach and there’s always somewhere to get a refreshing drink, a tasty snack or a full-on seafood meal, all at reasonable prices. At weekends there’s usually a beach party and most of the restaurants close only when the last customer leaves. In the bay you can snorkel over the reef, learn to surf, go out fishing or even submerge yourself completely on a diving adventure. In the village itself you can try your hand at Sri Lankan cooking, have a restorative massage or indulge in a yoga class or two. Families, groups and couples will all enjoy themselves here. You’ll find supermarkets, money changing facilities, post offices and banks in historic Galle, which is less than seven kilometres away.

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.

Stepping stones lead up from the lush garden to the house’s split-level terrace which is dotted with oversized flower-filled pots and overlooks the paddy fields beyond.  Furnished with cushioned daybeds and a dining table for four, this breezy and spacious terrace, which functions well as The Petals’ living and dining space, is partially shaded, open sided and fan cooled. The two bedrooms and the kitchen lead off from here.

First is the kitchen.  Finished in smooth cement, it’s equipped with all the necessary cooking equipment, crockery and storage space for self-caters, should you not wish to take advantage of Saman’s culinary skills.  A picture window at the front shares the views and connects it to the living terrace.

Next are the two bedrooms.  Although one is larger and has a little more storage space than the other, both bedrooms are similarly furnished and come with queen-sized beds, walk-in dressing areas, writing desks and ensuite bathrooms with hot water showers.  Both bedrooms are fan-cooled and feature French windows that open widely onto the terrace to allow you to make the most of the garden and paddy field views, even when still in bed.

 

Bedroom 1 King 4.5m x 3.8m Bedroom 2 King 3.8m x 3.6m

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Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bed - Bedroom 2

Key Amenities

• Internet (WiFi)
• Swimming Pool (Private)
• TV (Satellite/Cable)
• Washing Machine

Other Amenities

• Air-con (Bedrooms)
• BBQ
• Bed Linen
• Bicycles
• Board Games/Toys
• Book Selection
• Car Parking
• CD Player/Stereo System
• Ceiling Fans
• Coffee Machine
• DVD Player
• Equipped Kitchen
• Food Menu
• Hairdryers
• iPod Dock/Speakers
• Iron/Board
• Laundry Service (Extra)
• Main Dining (4 persons)
• Oven/Hotplates
• Towels

Villa Staff

• Chef/Cook (All meals)
• Housekeeping (Full time)
• Masseuse/Spa Therapist (Extra)
• Shopper