Reef Villa and Spa

Sri Lanka’s tropical southwest, 40 minutes from the capital Colombo.

The seven suites at Reef Villa are teeming with authentic Sri Lankan wall hangings and original South Indian furniture, including 150 year old four poster beds crafted for the British Raj. High vaulted ceilings add to the grandeur, while some suites have private gardens with stepping stones over the lily pond that will lead you through the tropical gardens and pool.

The cuisine at Reef Villa is a blend of Mediterranean, authentic Sri Lankan and South Indian fare, all prepared in a traditional tandoori oven or on the barbecue. Dine poolside under the romantic timber thatched roof, or alfresco under the night sky. Meanwhile, unwind at the ‘Reefresh’ spa with a body balancing Ayurveda treatment, offered in the tranquil gardens of Reef Villa.

With turtles, exotic butterflies and kingfishers to admire in the garden, you may opt for an early session on the jogging track. Couple that with some snorkelling to discover the wealth of marine life, or a tuk-tuk ride to the 300-year-old Maha Vihara Buddhist temple. Alternatively, the white sands ache to be lazed on in the shadows of the swaying palms.