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The Wallawwa
PRICE: Punchy but doesn’t blow the budget
The Wallawwa hotel is an oasis of calm just 20 minutes from the airport near Colombo. It is the place to recuperate after a long flight before heading off on a tour of Sri Lanka. Or if you prefer your preparations before flying home to be leisurely, it’s ideal.
Wallawwa means Manor House in Sinhalese. And the Wallawwa hotel Sri Lanka is exactly that: a stunningly restored old manor with an idyllic rural setting, making it a true Colombo luxury hotel. And so much more than just an airport stopover. Over 200 years of love and attention has meant that The Wallawwa has one of the finest private gardens in Sri Lanka, the pool area is nestled away, making it the perfect place for an afternoon snooze, and the Z Spa is amongst the best on the island (believe us, this is the voice of experience!).
All of the interior spaces have been designed with careful attention to detail. From colonial style cane chaises to modern thin-framed teak sofas and from Heath Robinson old typewriters (how did we ever use those those things?) to state-of-the-art occasional lighting it is a triumph of creativity.
All of the Wallawwa hotel’s 17 rooms are large but come in a variety of categories. What you’ll always get is oversized bathrooms with terrazzo floors, bamboo ladders which make the perfect towel rails and a bedroom with a four-poster. And the trademark retro red push-button telephone.
The food, both Western and Sri Lankan, is excellent. Sitting in the restaurant in the mornings, under the exposed white washed roof rafters with the terracotta clay tiles showing through, with cappuccino in hand is one of those thought provoking moments when you’ll realise how good life actually is.
The Wallawwa: The Gallery
Yonder Insight
The spa is run by Maggie Roman who knows a thing or two about relaxation. Our favourite? The Sri Lankan head, back and shoulder massage, producing a trance-like state of mind and body.
On your doorstep
The Wallawwa is distinctly rural and there is little reason to leave the hotel although there are some lovely walks which can be guided by request.
