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Erected in 1712
for a Dutch East India Company official, Dutch House has been
converted into a luxury hotel with just four suites by Channa
Daswatte, heir apparent to legendary local Geoffrey Bawa, whose
architecture inspired Amanresorts' design. At this
cinnamon-colored colonial residence on Sri Lanka's south coast, a
vast lawn furnished with cane chaises overlooks the Indian Ocean,
and an infinity pool is set amid palm fronds. Sinhalese beauties
travel cool stone floors attending to guests who have exhausted
the need to explore the seminal cultural sites up north (there,
check into the Kandalama Hotel, Bawa's luxury interpretation of a
cave dwelling). Rooms have colonial antiques; wonderfully soft
beds enveloped in mosquito netting dominate each suite; and
bathrooms are generously outfitted with oversized claw-foot tubs.
The food on site is only serviceable (with the exception of the
best chocolate cake east of Suez), but fret not: Sri Lankan food
is among the tastiest (and spiciest) in the region (doubles,
$255).
We have acquired
a sister property in Galle walking distance from The Sun House. It
is a historic property "Doornberg" fully restored as three
spacious suites with a swimming pool and vast garden. There are
superb views facing south overlooking the old Galle Fort and
fishing harbour and out to the Indian Ocean.
It is the ultimate indulgence in
space and privacy in one of Ceylon's most well preserved mansions
of that period
The Dutch house a sister property
of, and across the road from, the Sun house this historic house
has been beautifully restored to present 3 suites in an ambiance
of style and luxury that is unmatched anywhere else on this
magical island. Without a doubt the creators have taken a leaf out
of the luxury hotels of Asia and have adapted it to suit an 18th
century building. With only three suites you are ensured a degree
of privacy similar to having your own house.
Each bedroom is fully air
conditioned with 4 poster beds and fitted mosquito nets. The
bedrooms lead into the private sitting room contain comfortable
sofas and writing desks with views over the magnificent Galle
Fort, the croquet lawn or a private garden.
FACILITIES: While breakfast and afternoon tea
are included in the price lunch is additional and can be taken in
your suite, the garden, or by the fabulous pool. Dinner is called
in the Sun house. We have said before that The Sun house
undoubtedly heads the 'boutique' scene in Sri Lanka. Now, with the
addition of these three suites in the Dutch house not only is this
still very much the case but the gap between the rest is widening.
Room View
 
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