Villa Kumara

The ornately furnished Villa Kumara is a capacious dreamland set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s sub-tropical jungle, yet still on the cusp of the golden shoreline. Vaulted wooden roofs atop separately-arranged pavilions where floor-to-ceiling glass facades create idyllic splendour. Guests are wowed from the moment they set foot in the magnificent grounds of a property replete with rustic charm and refined elegance.

Beneath the softly swaying palms, three bedrooms are dotted throughout several separate lodgings, each nestled amongst the thickets of this densely-planted landscape. Open-plan living and thoughtfully laid out dwellings create the ideal environment for parents travelling with younger children, while the infinity pool is an oasis of calm in which to cool off during the halcyon island days. Never has tropical living been so accessible within the warm caress of sublime surrounds.

The southern tip of Sri Lanka is the hottest destination among trendsetters, this resplendent island oasis offering a bounty of activities for groups of all ages. The golden sands of Weligama boast some of the best surfing on the island, the expansive crescent beach and bath-temperature Indian Ocean an undeniably tempting arena for riding waves or frolicking in the swell. Mirissa beach – just a few minutes down the road – is a more serene scene. Slightly less trodden yet no less magnificent, the local port is also the spot for heading out to the high seas on a blue whale watching mission.

40-minutes to the west is Fort Galle. The height of Sri Lankan heritage and a prime destination for those wishing to experience the age-old colonial architecture of a bygone era. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is a soothing charm about the quiet streets of this peaceful town.

All this and only two-and-a-half hours from the airport thanks to the super-highway. There are few better options for the ultimate familial retreat.

Kumara Villa is an open-plan haven that fits seamlessly within its deep-green environment. Vaulted ceilings and earthy finishes mirror the richly diverse jungle landscape, glass walls eliciting a connected feeling to the outdoors. The main living area sits beneath a towering roof and has ample seating and reclining space - ideal for social gatherings after days of gallivanting. In this pavilion lies a generous dining table of beautiful indigenous wood, stretching down the room to provide an intimate spot for evening conversation.

The rooms harbour their own exclusivity – king-sized beds with the option of additional child sleeping arrangements – the effervescent décor pleasing young and old guests alike. Connecting ensuites complete the picture with freestanding baths and enchanting outdoor showers to create a real sense of Robinson Crusoe, were he afforded such luxury. 

Outside, the aquamarine pool resides next to lavish gazebos; the ultimate arena to replenish post a few lackadaisical lengths, imbibing the flora and fauna from a delightfully calm setting.

Few properties are so deeply embedded within the jungle, while still harbouring the sense of grandeur and divine tranquillity that Villa Kumara achieves. Such is the design that you feel blessed in your own section of heaven, wherever you find yourself in the genteel surrounds. Made evermore agreeable by the delightful staff, expect expert hospitality shared with a warmth that only sunny Sri Lankans know how to deliver. 

A villa manager will ensure no stone is left unturned in his quest for perfection from your stay, whilst housekeeping will maintain the property at its picturesque best. A chef is on-hand to guarantee that the whole group dines like royalty; whether you seek the freshest grilled seafood, some spicy sambal or delights hailing from closer to home, his repertoire knows no bounds. Post dinner, feel free to recline with satellite TV, use the villa’s free WiFi or repose outdoors and absorb the soporific sounds of jungle life.