Fort Printers is an unassumingly stylish hotel. Unpretentious and quietly chic, it is for people wanting to feel like they are staying at a town villa and yet still be spoiled with a hotel’s services. If you stroll down Galle Fort’s popular Pedlar street (great shopping), you’ll find the Fort Printers at the corner of Church street- you would immediately think the elegantly restored building was the home of some lucky expatriate and not a small luxury hotel!

There is a definite air of nostalgia here, with the black vintage car parked out front (seemingly indefinitely) and the magnificently authentic printing machine in the entrance hall, seen from the street- to name a few. Although I used the word “luxury” in the previous paragraph, I wouldn’t necessarily say the Fort Printers‘ five suites was that- if you think of that word in terms if mod cons, designer toiletries or fancy mattresses seen in most top hotels in Asia these days. It is still very comfortable in an uncluttered boutique sense and smartly furnished with select antiques and interesting handmade crafts. The cozy library and intimate lap pool area are also great additions for tour-weary guests.

As a base for getting to know Galle Fort and it’s environs, Fort Printers would be an excellent choice because of it’s ideal location close to the shops, restaurants and picturesque ramparts. The food is also known to be excellent (try the delicious Mezze menu) and considering what you get for the reasonable rate of around $120 a night (low season), including tax, you could be tempted to stay longer than planned. Or better yet, invite some friends and rent out the entire hotel for a mere $600. Another good option would be to book the “Beach-Fort” promotion, which combines a stay at it’s sister hotel, the lovely Frangipani Tree for a very affordable price, including breakfast and transfers.

This fabulous beachside property 7km from Galle certainly lives up to its name. Ambalama means ‘resting place’ in Sinhalese and it is an ideal villa in which to live out dreams of a relaxing tropical holiday. The construction of the villa celebrates its exotic location, seamlessly merging the indoors with the out. Highlighted by many fascinating antique pillars and doorways this villa may takes its inspiration from Bali, but its warm hospitality and glorious setting confirms its authenticity as Sri Lankan.

Ambalama offers plenty of luxe for the traveller. Its four equitable bedrooms are highlighted by comfortable four-poster beds adorned with the highest thread count linen to be found in Sri Lanka. With multiple sets of doors opening onto the front sea view verandah, louvers provide the rooms with enough of a breeze for you to hardly ever need to use the air conditioning or fan, although both are available. With two of the modern bathrooms featuring an enclosed open air shower surrounded by a soothing tropical garden, this is barefoot luxury at its best.

The main living area of Ambalama is an airy space with cool floors, high roof and a scattering of antique furniture and local art. To one end is a cosy lounge area whilst at the other is a circular dining table for eight, overlooking the pool, garden and sea. The villa is perfectly convivial and suits many group arrangements; it can easily be transformed from relaxed and intimate into something more formal depending upon the occasion. The villa has a full complement of staff, so all you have to do is ask.

The Balinese tiled swimming pool is one of the villa’s best assets. Located just footsteps from the bedrooms and living areas, the pool has an especially inviting ledge to one side from where you can sit in the sunshine and admire the view. Surrounded by a wide sun drenched terrace dotted with loungers, it is ideal for alfresco wining and dining at any time of the day. Ambalama is totally private and to the front is a large grassy lawn with access to the pristine stretch of beach just below.

One particular highlight of Ambalama is its cuisine. A lot of effort has gone into finding a great chef to create cuisine worth staying in for. Indeed, the new chef at Ambalama has worked in two of the island’s five star hotels and designed a menu that amply reflects this. From succulent seafood to sensational salads and wicked desserts, there is plenty to satisfy even the most demanding guest. And, whilst you might be enjoying five star cuisine, remember you’re not paying for it; guests only pay for the cost of the ingredients. Perfect! Three courses it is then.

The quoted rates for Ambalama Villa range from $600 per night in the value season to $900 per night in the peak season. We suggest that you contact the very efficient and friendly Tai via the website contact form.

What a name- the Last House?! This enchanting villa is so named (only in Ceylon!) as it is the famous Geoffrey Bawa’s last architectural masterpiece, if not his grandest. The Last House is located on the south coastline near Tangalle, a long six hour drive from Colombo- so we do recommend you break up the journey on your way. The villa is positioned on an idyllic strip of land with a lagoon on one side and long white sand beach on the other.

Geoffrey Bawa perhaps needs no introduction to those are familiar with Sri Lankan cultural history, renowned for his mix of eclectic and modern architectural styles. The layout of this, his last project, is shaped like a horse-shoe, with kitchen, living rooms and courtyard bedrooms surrounding the idyllic swimming pool on three sides.

The advantage of this design is that while the various verandas, dining and sitting rooms are well-suited to social occasions, the property also offers privacy to friends or generations of a family. At the back of the main building there is a lovingly-tended garden with an expansive stretch of lawn leading down to the beach.

There are four double bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, as well as a twin and a single that share a bathroom. Bedrooms are beautifully furnished, airy and light. The rooms can comfortably accommodate up to 11 guests.

Master Bedroom: situated on the upper floor with a balcony overlooking the pool and the sea beyond, this is an exquisite suite furnished with a king size bed. The ensuite bathroom has a Victorian bathtub and shower.

Family Room: Located upstairs and has twin beds with an attached second room with both sharing one bathroom.

Turquoise Room: Located on the ground floor opening out to the gardens and the sea beyond, this is a spacious room with a private garden and ensuite bathroom. The room is furnished with a king size bed.

White Room: Situated on the ground floor next to the Turquoise room, this also has sea views and a private garden.

The living and dining areas overlook the 10-meter swimming pool. The interiors are tastefully designed with a mix of antiques and contemporary furniture, local art and artifacts. The many courtyards, verandas and balconies offer much privacy and many secluded spaces for guests to relax in. Local rice and curries and western dishes are served according to guest’s wishes in the gardens, the main dining room or in your own private courtyard or balcony.

As Flee Winter says quite rightly:

“Some may feel a little isolated this far round the coast, so it is important to bring company and entertainment with you. The Last House is absolutely perfect for family gathering and friendly reunions. No local restaurants or gift shops to pop out to.“

There is a full complement of staff, including an excellent chef. Unlike most villas, the Last House is sold on an “all-inclusive” basis with a per person fee charged each day for three meals and all your beverages, including house wine Prices come in at around $1,000 per night for the whole villa and in this case we recommend booking directly with the villa.

For families looking for an unforgettable beach or lakeside holiday, the South Point Villas come highly recommended for their superb service, food, location and comfort.

Luxurious yet simple, South Point Villas are comprised of three properties, all with it’s own swimming pool, each with its own special charm. The South Point Villa on the beach is the largest, has three bedrooms and is the most elegant, adorned with period furniture and all the mod cons, including wireless internet. If rustic charm is more your style, try the South Point Abbey, an old Dutch house restored lovingly with two bedrooms, a study, and an infinity pool with jacuzzi. And lastly, those seeking complete privacy, the South Point Cottage on the banks of Koggala Lake has been called the perfect place for writers to be inspired! With expansive views of hills and the tranquil lake, this cozy retreat is in close proximity to a the charming local village and Buddhist temple.

Whatever villa you choose, the staff at South Point Villas are known for their flawless service. Families have raved on how their children were spoiled rotten by the chef, who would prepare all sorts of freshly baked treats to keep grumbling to a minimum!

But that’s not all, perhaps the most outstanding thing about South Point Villas is the fact that the owner gives the profits back to the community by educating the poor villagers – and in fact has built a school and creche for them. If you book directly through the owner, Sonali, you can ensure that your holiday’s payment does some good – something we wish all hotels did!