The coast of southern Sri Lanka is dotted with ancient planters’ bungalows, modern villas and intimate hideaways set in sprawling gardens overlooking the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Luxury villa rental firm Eden Villas has added a trio of dreamy beach escapes to its collection, offering spacious stays along the coast between Galle and Dikwella.
Families with an eye for detail will love Braganza House in Thalpe, a beautiful home set in almost two acres of walled gardens 20 minutes from Galle Fort. British owner and interior designer Chlöe Elkerton has woven Mediterranean and Moroccan influences into the interiors, with artworks and details that reflect the Sri Lankan surroundings. Outside, birds and monkeys flit between the branches high above the tropical gardens, and a terrazzo pool has its own sandy beach deck and an open-air dining area where meals are set to the backdrop of spectacular countryside views. (From US $701 per night.)
Further down the coast in Dikwella, Claughton House is a 1980s Geoffrey Bawa-designed villa perched 25 metres above the beach in a seven-acre walled estate dotted with palm trees. The colonial style beach house has a spectacular swimming pool and poolside dining pavilion perched high above the beach, as well as five bedrooms, a yoga shala, spa treatment room and a TV and games room. Recently updated with an interior refresh and new-look landscaping, Claughton House has a full team of staff including chef and sous chef, poolside butler, mixologist and steward. (From $1,120 per night.)
The final property, Skye House, emerges from a two-year renovation that included an interior upgrade by designer Jo Eden, wife of Eden Villas founder Jack Eden. Four master suites provide space for up to eight adults, and there’s a six-bunk kids room, plus two extra beds for junior jetsetters, making this an ideal option for large families or large groups travelling together. Adults can enjoy an in-villa spa treatment in the new massage deck, overlooking an inner courtyard and carp-filled pond, and the whole family can enjoy the table football and pool table in the new games room. The villa presides over one of southern Sri Lanka’s best beaches: look out for hatching turtles on moonlit nights. (From $844 per night.)