Immersed in five acres of luxurious tropical gardens, this charming, family-friendly colonial house is a short stroll from Mirissa’s sultry southern sands. With four en-suite rooms, a breezy living room with a delightful dining area plus a fully equipped kitchen, this recently renovated colonial villa has a contemporary design that blends beautifully with some very elegant period features. Vivid modern artworks adorn the walls, and soft beanbags languish on the cool cement floors. Carefully selected antiques and artefacts gracefully furnish the villa’s refreshingly minimal interiors. Modern distractions are absent here, as the emphasis is on relaxation and enjoying the most gorgeous of tropical beaches and participating in the beach activities available in the vicinity.

The house is surrounded by wide expanses of lawned gardens with a gently meandering pond. From the peak of a steep slope stunning panoramic views can be seen over Mirissa’s colourful harbour and across the coast to Weligama’s wide, sweeping palm-fringed bay. Once the home of an ayurvedic doctor, Siri Wedamadura is serviced by a discreet team of staff who undertake the housekeeping and security, and prepare meals for guests on request. Provisions for food and drink are charged at cost price plus 20%

Siri Wedamadura’s four, recently renovated bedrooms are spread across two floors. All rooms have ceiling fans and views of the garden. Each room has a wardrobe and features either a double bed or two single, four-poster beds, draped in soft mosquito netting, and a modern en-suite bathroom with a rain-shower.

Two bedrooms–one a double and the other a twin–are accessed from the ground floor living room, whilst the other two twin rooms are accessed from the landing on the first floor. A rear staircase leads to the upper floor from the veranda. The living and dining areas are situated on the ground floor. At the front of the house there is a wide veranda overlooking the garden-view veranda, scattered with rattan chairs. The verandah leads to a beanbag-furnished living room, illuminated by natural skylight. Beyond the living room there is a spacious, open-sided dining veranda, elegantly furnished with a 10-seat dining table that overlooks the exotically verdant foliage of the leafy rear garden. The villa also has a fully equipped kitchen, finished in smooth grey cement.

Siri Wedamadura stands in a lush private garden, and is situated in the village of Mirissa, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Coastal cruises and whale watching trips depart from Mirissa harbour. The famous, palm-fringed beach is a short stroll from the villa. Weligama’s beautifully curved coastline, popular with surfers, is ten minutes away by car.

Things to do

• • • Hit the beach! Mirissa and Weligama are great for swimming and surfing.
    • Set sail! Activities include deep-sea fishing and coastal cruising.
    • Take a river safari and seek out birds, wildlife and scenery.
    • Tour a lowland tea estate and see how tea is produced in their factory.
    • Seek out whales and dolphins in the deep sea (Nov-April only).
    • Learn to dive, go snorkelling or surf at one of many renowned points.
    • Visit historic Galle Fort: enjoy the sights, boutiques and many cafes.
    • Journey inland and discover Galle’s magical rainforests and reserves.
    • Bliss out in a local spa, or have the therapists come to you!
  • Take advantage of the villa’s serenity and practice yoga or meditation.
  • Explore Matara’s two charming Dutch forts and Buddhist island temple.
  • Ascend Dondra’s lighthouse, situated on the island’s southernmost tip.