Why House

Why House is nestled in serene, tranquil gardens, inland from the beach on Sri Lanka’s south coast, near the historic city of Galle.

The eight guestrooms at Why House are sprinkled between two buildings and a pair of cottagey cabanas, and offer views of the pool, the paddy fields and hibiscus fringed lawns. Contemporary in style, the rooms are well-appointed, cosy and tranquil. The Main House suites have four-poster beds and anterooms that make them feel especially decadent, whilst the Garden House’s two-bedroom mezzanine suite is ideal for families.

The hotel’s charming proprietress is a trained Cordon Bleu chef, and her chefs expertly prepare a diverse and bespoke menu of seafood grills, pan roasted fish, nutritious salads, traditional rice and curry, Japanese bento boxes and superbly indulgent desserts. Dine in the open-sided pavilion beneath whirring ceiling fans or enjoy a candlelit dinner on your own private veranda.

Foodies can enjoy a cooking demo and see how Sri Lanka's traditional curries and hoppers are made.

Unwind in the large and pretty garden, which has an inviting pool to cool off in, as well as a massage pavilion and a yoga shala, where you can indulge in some pampering with an Ayurvedic massage or a morning yoga session, accompanied by the sounds of local wildlife.

Play cricket in the garden, while for some beach relaxation, a short walk or tuk-tuk ride will take you to the beautiful Dalawella Beach, a reef-protected lagoon that is safe for swimming. It takes just five minutes to reach Wijaya Beach, where the sea is lagoon-calm and there’s a convivial restaurant for informal dining.

Further afield, visit Buddhist temples, explore the neighbourhood on a guided bicycle ride, visit a lowland white tea plantation or a cinnamon plantation, and take an afternoon out to discover the historic UNESCO-listed Galle Fort (which is just 15 minutes away), soaking in the nostalgia of the centuries-old buildings and mighty ramparts.

In the evening, enjoy a spectacular traditional Sri Lankan cultural show, complete with dancing, music, fire breathers and acrobats!