Sri Lanka Villas For Rent | Private Luxury Sri Lankan Rental Villas – list view - Kurulla Villa, Kurumba House, Lassana Kanda, The Lavender House, Malgedara, Mandalay Lake Villa, Max Wadiya, Maya, Mihiri Beach House

Kurulla Villa

We found Kurulla Villa to be a very tranquil and convenient base to explore the surrounding beaches and fort of Galle, since its excellent out-of-the-way location is still so close to both. It is a great property for families, offering uncluttered spaces and plenty of privacy. The house is surrounded by a large garden which is mainly flat and laid to lawn, making it ideal for children of all ages to tear about in. The garden is enhanced by a wonderful 22m pool (great for exercising) with a wide, sociable, semi-circular, shelved entrance ideal for lounging or sitting half in or half out of the water. This section of the pool is also quite shallow, making it even more suitable for children.

The house boasts a scattering of antique furniture from both Sri Lanka and abroad, however, since there are only a few paintings and pictures on the walls, the overall effect is quite minimal, a feeling highlighted even more as a result of the ceilings being so high. Whilst there is a small selection of CDs and pool toys, there are no DVDs or board games and only a few books, so you might want to bring some of these with you.

The staff of three keeps the house in order and housekeeper Chandana stays in the staff quarters at night. The cook prepares meals from a basic priced menu, although you can also discuss other simple options with him, which Chandana will then price up for you. Guests also have the option of self-catering or, since there are so many good restaurants within such a short distance, eating out in either Unawatuna or Galle.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 7-8*

Our
Rating 7.0

Kurumba House

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Tangalle

What a great beachside bolthole; simple, unfussy and most importantly, very relaxed. Minimal clothing, stacks of books and an iPod are all you’re ever going to need to bring with you on a visit to Kurumba House, if that. Its idyllic seaside situation was quiet and peaceful. The good-natured staff team immediately enveloped us on arrival meaning that for most of our stay our feet were nowhere near the ground, though this was due in large part to the surplus of comfy seating and the fact that we could gaze out at the ocean even whilst lying in bed. Tekla cooked enthusiastically (provisions are on guest account) though if you fancy cooking for yourself then the staff will happily go out shopping on your behalf if you furnish them with a list. Tangalle is a very laid back beach resort with few places to go out and eat – there’s only one restaurant along Mawella Beach – but this matches the property’s nature perfectly. Kurumba has very few facilities (no swimming pool, TVs or music systems) however with a beach to explore, a sea to enjoy and a beautiful climate to soak up this is the type of place you visit to escape the distractions of everyday life.

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TBA

Bedrooms 1

Sleeps 2

Our
Rating 7.0 Guest Rating 7.8

Kurumba House

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Tangalle

What a great beachside bolthole; simple, unfussy and most importantly, very relaxed. Minimal clothing, stacks of books and an iPod are all you’re ever going to need to bring with you on a visit to Kurumba House, if that. Its idyllic seaside situation was quiet and peaceful. The good-natured staff team immediately enveloped us on arrival meaning that for most of our stay our feet were nowhere near the ground, though this was due in large part to the surplus of comfy seating and the fact that we could gaze out at the ocean even whilst lying in bed. Tekla cooked enthusiastically (provisions are on guest account) though if you fancy cooking for yourself then the staff will happily go out shopping on your behalf if you furnish them with a list. Tangalle is a very laid back beach resort with few places to go out and eat – there’s only one restaurant along Mawella Beach – but this matches the property’s nature perfectly. Kurumba has very few facilities (no swimming pool, TVs or music systems) however with a beach to explore, a sea to enjoy and a beautiful climate to soak up this is the type of place you visit to escape the distractions of everyday life.

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TBA

Bedrooms 2

Sleeps 4

Our
Rating 7.0 Guest Rating 7.8

Lassana Kanda

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

Lassana Kanda is a destination in itself – one of Sri Lanka’s grandest private villas (on a par with those in Bali and Thailand) and offers such an abundance of space and facilities that it encourages you to stay put. The interiors were furnished elegantly and felt distinctly uncluttered.

The pool is stunning and plenty large enough to swim decent lengths while others relax in the shallows and admire the gorgeous palm-fringed valley views. The meticulously designed tropical gardens complemented the verdant hillside setting perfectly. We loved the pool pavilion for dining and the sun deck for relaxing on the plentiful loungers.

The guesthouse has a little kitchenette and works well for independent teens as well as elderly relatives or less mobile family members who prefer ground level bedrooms. There are plenty of kids’ toys and facilities at the villa and this, together with such an abundance of space for letting off steam or finding your own quiet corner, make Lassana Kanda a dream destination for families.

The villa has a dedicated staff team. The manager is also an experienced chef (he’s worked in Australia and the UK) and served us seared tuna with a mango salsa for lunch and a Thai selection from one of his evening set menus; both meals were excellent. Staff do not live in, but there is 24-hour security and the manager is on call.

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TBA

Bedrooms 7

Sleeps 14

Our
Rating 8.3 Guest Rating 8.4

The Lavender House

Sri Lanka » Hill Country » Pussellawa

We liked that The Lavender House blends authentic colonial hospitality with contemporary living as this resulted in just the right balance of comfort and personality. The location too, though isolated, complements the experience as views are of endless tea fields and mountains. As a couple, its privacy and seclusion felt romantic; however I imagine that the bungalow would be great, if not better for bigger groups. Families will appreciate the bungalow’s spaciousness; large lawn, big pool and generous grounds hosting a jogging track and clay tennis court provide plenty to entertain different members of the family; there are also many places both inside and out where pockets of privacy can be found – each suite’s own private garden is a delight. Aside from walking the tea trails and visiting a factory, there was little else to do in the immediate local area, making it was a good place to concentrate on thoroughly relaxing rather than feeling the pressure to explore – take some good books. Rooms are generously sized and although the master bedroom is a little larger than the others each room is tastefully decorated; we particularly loved the dreamy cushioned window seat in the twin room. The bathrooms were a real delight and we loved the generous selection of toiletries. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the cellar’s selection of wine (including bubbly) and full bar; there’s more quantity and range than we have found elsewhere in the region. The staff were always professional and the chef’s cooking was excellent; we liked the fact that we could go into the kitchen and watch him prepare our meal or have an impromptu curry demonstration. Guests can use the kitchen too if they wish although given the quality of the food we feel this is unlikely. It was great being able to plug our iPod into the Bose sound system and listen to our own music even when down by the pool.

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.3

Malgedara

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Habaraduwa-Koggala

We adored the tranquillity of this villa and its wonderfully rural village location. It is a little isolated, but this might be just what many people are after. We feel that nature lovers will especially like this villa since the garden is brimming with wildlife and Koggala Lake is just a short walk away; bird sightings are best in the early morning and before dusk – just don’t forget to bring your binoculars with you!

Families, too, will find this to be a great property, as the children will love the large garden, the pool with its generous shallow end and the attractions of the lake. Discounts are available for bookings exceeding a month and this might be attractive to long-stayers.

We thought that the bedrooms in the main house were comfortable though quite narrow; their numerous shuttered windows and doors onto the veranda and garden are very characteristic of the villa’s colonial heritage. Bathrooms offer a hint of modernity in a house where the old and the new have been merged, more successfully in some places than others; while the large 15-foot veranda is practical and more than compensates for the limited living space inside the house, we felt that it does flaw the property’s facade a little.

Although their English is limited, the staff looked after us well during our stay, and meals were agreed with the cook according to a menu priced at cost: expect home cooking rather than flamboyant cuisine. While the villa does have a mini stereo and a satellite TV with DVD player, the selection of DVDs and CDs is very limited so we’d recommend you bring your own with you, along with books and games for the kids.

The villa is now being looked after by an efficient management company who are on call should there be anything that the villa staff are unable to help you with.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 9

Our
Rating 7.0

Mandalay Lake Villa

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Habaraduwa-Koggala

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.

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TBA

Bedrooms 3

Sleeps 6

Our
Rating 7.6 Guest Rating 8.7

Max Wadiya

Sri Lanka » West Coast » Ambalangoda

Max Wadiya offers an ideal retreat for beach lovers and those who prefer being away from the crowds, even though the many attractions of the region are still within an easy drive. Children will love the large garden and swimming pool, and easy access to the quiet beach and there are plenty of games and sports equipment to keep them amused here.

The bedrooms are a little unequal in that the two suites are more luxurious than the rooms in the original building, but we thought this layout might suit a couple of families well (putting the children in the main house and giving parents some peace and privacy in the new building). Max Wadiya would also be a great place for the extended family as the ground floor bedroom in the main house is ideal for less mobile relatives plus there are lots of opportunities – indoors and out – to find your own private space.

The staff are friendly and helpful, and looked after us with a lot of warmth. The villa is offered on a full-board basis, which makes it good value for money. There is an emphasis on fresh, home-style food. A western menu is typically offered for lunch, with Sri Lankan cuisine for dinner. Breakfast is a mix, whilst cake is always offered with afternoon tea. Max Wadiya is great place to savour authentic local dishes – you can even have a cookery lesson and take home recipes for everything you cook, plus a bag of spices to get you started!

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10-12*

Our
Rating 7.8

Maya

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Tangalle

Maya is so refreshing; it’s easy to wax lyrical about how great this property is. What we really loved though was its uniqueness; it’s a labour of love that’s been designed with so much thought it’s like no-where else in Sri Lanka. The quality of the craftsmanship really complements the owner’s striking designs, and great care taken over even the smallest of details. The result is a property that’s sophisticated, unpretentious and completely in its own world.

We thought Maya’s staff were excellent too. Most have quite a few years experience within the boutique hotel industry in Sri Lanka and it shows as they worked efficiently as a team, and anticipated our needs. The chef was one of the best we've encountered of any villa in Sri Lanka. His dishes – full of flavour and artfully presented – really added to our stay. Since ingredients can sometimes be tricky to find in Tangalle, he creates a daily menu based on what’s available, although you’re welcome to make suggestions.

People come to Maya not only because of the above, but also for true peace and quiet, which you really find here. Many rare birds have been spotted in the garden, and national parks such as Yala and Uda Walawe can be visited easily on day trips from here. There are very few restaurants less than 15 minutes’ drive away, and no decent shops or nightlife, so it really is a place to relax and unwind. It would be superb as a yoga retreat (yoga and tai chi instructors can come to the villa to carry out three classes a day for a minimum of five days, for a fee, and during the months of May, June, October and November special yoga packages offering daily classes, special meals, massages and daily excursions may be booked) and would also suit two families holidaying together as the two parts of the property each have their own living and dining areas. There's a cable TV and a DVD player, two CD players and iPod docks, WiFi throughout, and lots of pool toys plus cricket bats, croquet, badminton racquets and body boards to keep all ages amused.

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TBA

Bedrooms 5

Sleeps 10

Our
Rating 8.0

Mihiri Beach House

Sri Lanka » South Coast » Galle

We loved being at Mihiri House as a couple, but we’ve visited on other occasions as part of a bigger group and have seen how it really comes into its own then. Its set up is very sociable – the ground floor living/dining room is huge and there are lots of places for everyone to find their own spot without resorting to different rooms.

Because the bedrooms are almost equally sized, it’s a great house for groups as well as families. The bedroom layout would suit two families travelling together as well, and the rooms on the ground floor would be ideal for any less mobile travelling companions. We liked the upstairs bedrooms because you could throw open the windows at night and let in the breeze – great if you fancy a change from the air conditioning.

The villa has only recently (March 2012) opened to guests and the staff team are still a little shy, but they were always smiling and responsive to our requests and left us to it most of the time, which we liked. You’re welcome to use the excellent kitchen yourself, though with the chef’s cooking on offer (we loved the curries) and the temptation of a great local restaurant within walking distance (Wijaya), it’s unlikely it’ll cross your mind.

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TBA

Bedrooms 4

Sleeps 8

Our
Rating 7.7 Guest Rating 9.3