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 Victoria Villa
is ever popular with Red Dot travellers. It is set in a
coconut grove on a beautiful stretch of beach with landscaped
gardens leading to the Indian Ocean. Designed by the owner, a
leading Australian architect, Victoria is a contemporary
interpretation of a traditional Sri Lankan house and furnished
with exquisite Dutch period antiques. Timber columns,
verandahs, clay tiled roof and cooling floors ensures this
villa fits subtly into the southern landscape.
Location
There are few
beach villas that allow you to unwind quite so easily and
completely as Victoria. It has a privileged position in the
small coastal settlement of Thalpe, a blissfully quiet spot
even though the historic town of Galle is only five miles
away. The journey from Colombo’s International Airport will
take approximately four-and-a-half hours - or take the Air
Taxi and fly to Koggala, which is a 15-minute drive away from
the villa. The historic town of Galle is only 5km away.
Facilities
The sitting area
is built around a wide and comfortable banquette and has views
over the garden and out to sea. A pavilion, ideal for morning
tea or an afternoon nap, is perched above the beach with
uninterrupted views south across the Indian Ocean. The dining
room is enclosed and has a table set for 10. There is a
12-by-5m salt water pool centrally located to the front of the
villa. Victoria has a staff of three including a houseboy,
cook and nightwatchman. Traditional Sri Lankan rice and
curries and western cuisine is served. Discuss your
preferences with the cook, and he will ensure that meals are
prepared using fresh seafood and vegetables. He will also shop
for you if you wish.
Excurison
Safe swimming is
possible in Unawatuna’s beautiful beaches just nearby. Several
water sports are on offer including deep sea fishing,
catamaran and boat rides, surfing, and snorkeling. Take a look
at Rhumassala Temple which has beautiful views of the headland
of Unawatuna Bay. Stroll through hidden villages and verdant
wooded valleys eventually finding yourself on `Jungle Beach’ -
a little known and secluded beach. Galle’s historic 17th
century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is just 15
minutes away. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow
streets lined with Dutch and British period buildings still in
use, the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the growing
collection of art galleries, antique shops, cafes and
restaurants.
Accommodation
Victoria has
five bedrooms – four doubles and two twin rooms in all. Three
of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms with h/w showers. The
master bedroom has an attached dressing area, bathroom with
bath tub, h/w shower, and private outdoor garden shower. All
rooms are furnished with canopied antique four-poster beds
fitted with mosquito netting. Rooms are cooled by the sea
breeze and overhead fans. Each bedroom has a garden courtyard
or access to the main landscaped gardens.
...Room View...
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