Mandalay, Koggala lake

Enter Mandalay from the quiet village of Kathaluwa and its ancient Temple and a sense of tranquility unfolds as you are blissfully exposed to the calm waters of Koggala Lake.  A pontoon adorned with cushions, tall Balinese flags in bright orange and the enticing pool all demand your attention. The open-faced pavilion, set at a right angle to the main house, overlooking the pool is designed for dining and admiring the phenomenal panorama. The cooling stone floor, whirring overhead fans, and refreshing breeze from Koggala Lake make a perfect retreat from the afternoon sun. Furnished with a large sofa, antique dining table and enough chairs for a good dinner party this is the ideal space to relax and unwind. From the sofa, or the wonderful pool itself, you can have a good look up at the main house. Double story pillars run the length of the villa creating a cool high-ceilinged terrace (homage to Geoffrey Bawa), keeping the sun at bay and allowing the cool lake breeze to work its magic. Sculpted into the building is a day bed, wonderful for whiling away a wistful afternoon. Next door to this comfortable alcove is the first bedroom. Grand double doors open out onto the garden, allowing you to enjoy the view of the lake from the antique four poster bed. The room is dressed with fine Sri Lankan antiques and fabrics. Behind another rather impressive door is the outdoor bathroom and shower allowing you to be al fresco and at one with nature. At the other side of the house is the second en-suite bedroom, furnished with two four poster single beds and decorated with intricate wall hangings. Its neighbour is the super cosy snug room with a fantastic L-shaped sofa best suited to kicking back and watching the television or reading a good book. From the snug, stairs lead up to the master suite. Encompassing the entire first floor is the master suite. Light and cool lake breezes flood the space from floor to ceiling shutters running the length of the room - allowing you to adjust the light and breeze accordingly. The other bedrooms enjoy four poster beds but this, being the master, boasts a grand four pillared bed! Adding to the opulence is a Victorian slipper bath tub, large desk, walk in wardrobe and chic washroom. If all this wasn’t enough, there’s a small balcony festooned with Tibetan prayer flags and a life size statue overlooking the garden. The Garden offers plenty of lounging opportunities, with sun loungers by the pool, a comfy resting spot on the lake shores and a teak pontoon in the water - it can be decked with all sorts of cushions for some lakeside loafing - you’re spoiled for choice. Mandalay’s setting is stunning, and the villa is set up to fully ensconce in its wonder. Mandalay is particularly special and has a spectacular atmosphere.

24 hour security / night watcher

12km from Galle 3km from beach + surf