Sri Lanka Sri Lanka | Page 87

Stylish villa on tropical south coast
APA VILLAS Thalpe , near Galle
FACING THE INDIAN OCEAN , Apa Villas epitomises tropical , laid-back beach living . A short distance east of Galle , three distinct villas are set in landscaped gardens , affording unrestricted views and access to the beach . A beautiful , 25 metre pool appears to stretch from the villas straight into the sea . There are seven stylish bedroom suites ( booked individually ), a library and common lounge . Each bedroom is light and airy , with a living area and sea-facing terrace . Dine under the coconut palms or gather on the beach deck , indulging in the fresh catch of the day and Sri Lankan favourites . The beach deck is an ideal spot for watching the fascinating fishermen perched on stilts ; you may even catch a glimpse of the occasional sea turtle emerging from the sand . Apa Villas is an excellent base for visiting the historic Galle Fort , inland nature reserves and beaches along the south coast .
Elegant and intimate beach suites
THE FRANGIPANI TREE
Thalpe , near Galle
ON A SECLUDED stretch of sandy beach at Thalpe , just minutes from historic Galle , lies the Frangipani Tree , a collection of exquisitely furnished suite-villas . Set in a palm-fringed garden with 35 metre lap pool , tennis court , and beach spa , and offering a gourmet kitchen service and an attentive team of staff , the Frangipani Tree is really more of a small boutique hotel than villa accommodation . Nine bedroom suites are housed in three elegant villas , offered as individual one-bedroom suites , although it is possible to book a whole villa . Each suite is elegantly furnished with stunning ocean views . Open-air bathrooms in many of the suites and shady verandas give the accommodation an airy and elegant feel . The chefs can prepare fresh daily menus according to your tastes and what is available . The Frangipani Tree is a wonderful place for relaxing and wandering along the beach , looking for turtles and fishermen on stilts .
A small boutique hotel on the Indian Ocean
ERA BEACH Thalpe , near Galle
A SMALL BOUTIQUE hotel , Era Beach is located on a golden sandy beach in Thalpe , a few miles to the east of historic Galle . Transformed by its owners with respect for Sri Lanka ’ s heritage , Era Beach offers pure relaxation and comfort with its eight luxurious bedrooms , pool , and tranquil garden facing the sea . The hotel has two garden Pavilions , one providing a dining room with both covered and outdoor terrace , whilst the other has a relaxing bar / lounge ideal for predinner aperitifs and tapas . A quirky blend of European and Asian cuisine is prepared by internationally trained chefs . The eight bedrooms have been tastefully designed with unique touches . They are all en-suite with stunning bathrooms . Four bedrooms are located on the first floor with a veranda and lovely views over the garden to the Indian Ocean , whilst the other four bedrooms are at ground level .
Apa Villas amongst the garden The Frangipani Tree overlooking the pool Era Beach at night
Hotel facts
Location 8km east of Galle , about 20 minutes drive away . Distance from airport About 3 hours drive away . Local interest Galle Fort , Galle town for shops , markets , fishing harbour , Inland villages , Kottawe and Hiyare Nature Reserves , Koggala Lake , Samakanda organic farm ( walks and rice and curry ), Unuwatuna beach . Activities nearby Some water sports at Unuwatuna . Whale watching trips from Mirissa . Surfing in Midigama . Category Comfortable .
Facilities at the hotel
Food and beverage service , Common lounge and library , Swimming pool , Free WiFi access .
Accommodation
Number of rooms 7 ( across 3 villas ). All with en-suite shower room , air-conditioning , Lounge area , Outdoor terrace facing the garden and the sea . Cinnamon Villa Suite 2 . King and queen bed , private garden and lounge area . Can interconnect with Suite 1 . Cinnamon Villa Suite 1 . King and queen bed , lounge area , terrace . Can interconnect with Cinnamon Suite 2 . Cinnamon Villa Suite 3 . Stand-alone large suite , king and queen bed , terrace and lounge area . Cardamom Villa Suites 4 and 5 . Double bedroom , walk-in dressing area , lounge and veranda . The two suites share a long veranda overlooking the pool and ocean beyond . Saffron Villa Suites 6 ( largest ) and 7 . Each with separate spacious living room and private veranda . The Suites are separated by a lily pond .
Hotel facts
Location 8km east of Galle Fort , about 15 minutes drive from Galle . Distance from airport About 3 hours drive away . Local interest Galle Fort , Galle town for shops , markets , fishing harbour , Inland villages , Kottawe and Hiyare Nature Reserves , Koggala Lake , Samakanda organic farm ( walks and rice and curry ), Unuwatuna beach . Activities nearby Some water sports at Unuwatuna . Whale watching trips from Mirissa . Surfing in Midigama . Child policy Children are welcomed . Extra mattresses and cots can be arranged . Babysitting is available on request . Category Luxury-first class .
Facilities at the hotel
Gourmet kitchen serving meals , Swimming pool , Tennis court , Private yoga sessions and in-house massage available , Lounge with flat screen satellite TV , DVD player and a DVD and book collection .
Accommodation
Number of rooms 9 bedrooms ( in 3 villas ). All with air-conditioning and ceiling fan , Ocean view , Sofa bed and armchair , Private dining table , Bathroom with bath tub and shower and private garden , Hairdryer , iPod docking station , Access to high-speed WiFi . Hawksbill 1 or 2 . On ground level with ocean views , veranda and outdoor bathroom . Leatherback 1 or 2 . On ground level with ocean views , veranda and outdoor bathroom . Olive Ridley 1,2,3,4 or 5 . Located in a two-storey villa by the beach . Olive RIdley rooms 1 and 2 have outdoor bathrooms .
Hotel facts
Location 8km east of Galle Fort , about 15 minutes drive from Galle . Distance from airport About 3 hours drive away . Local interest Galle Fort , Galle town for shops , markets , fishing harbour , Inland villages , Kottawe and Hiyare Nature Reserves , Koggala Lake , Samakanda organic farm ( walks and rice and curry ), Unuwatuna beach . Activities nearby Some water sports at Unuwatuna . Whale watching trips from Mirissa . Surfing in Midigama . Category Luxury-first class .
Facilities at the hotel
Restaurant Pavilion , Bar / lounge Pavilion , Swimming pool , Library , Computer with WiFi access , Room Service .
Accommodation
Number of rooms 8 . All with en-suite shower room , Four poster bed , air-conditioning , Telephone , Satellite TV on request , Tea / coffee making facilities . Lobby Twin . On ground floor leading to courtyard . Lobby Suite . On ground floor leading to courtyard . Garden View Suite . On ground floor with outdoor courtyard and stunning water feature . Sea View Suite . On first floor with a veranda with views over the garden to the Indian Ocean .
APA VILLAS EXH984
Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with Sri Lankan London to Colombo return in economy , private car transfers , bed and breakfast based on two people sharing a double or twin room .
This hotel is usually included as part of a touring holiday . Prices are available on request .
THE FRANGIPANI TREE EXH736
Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with Sri Lankan London to Colombo return in economy , private car transfers , bed and breakfast based on two people sharing a double or twin room .
Price guide per person based on sharing a Hawksbill room . 7 nights from about £ 2,160
These prices are a guide only and do not take into account any special offers or peak season supplements . The best possible price will be put together for you at the time of enquiry .
ERA BEACH EXH757
Expressions Holidays includes scheduled flights with Sri Lankan London to Colombo return in economy , private car transfers , bed and breakfast based on two people sharing a double or twin room .
Price guide per person based on sharing a Lobby Twin room . 7 nights from about £ 1,470 low season , £ 1,780 high season
These prices are a guide only and do not take into account any special offers or peak season supplements . The best possible price will be put together for you at the time of enquiry .
FOR EXPERT ADVICE AND TO MAKE A RESERVATION CALL OUR TRAVEL CONSULTANTS ON 01392 441224 87