Fleewinter

This stunning villa atop a kanda (hill) is surrounded by bird-filled tropical gardens and is one of the most relaxing villas in the South of Sri Lanka. A private house for much of the year, it has the warmth and cosiness of a family home. Set in a private 3.5 acre estate just outside Galle, comprising a small rubber plantation, the spacious villa and infinity pool offer panoramic views to the Indian Ocean in the South, and the lush emerald-green hills in the North.

The villa has an inviting fifty-foot swimming pool and the gardens have plenty of sunny spots for sunbathing as well as a shady ambalama (pavilion) and provide ample wildlife spotting opportunities, such as long-tailed macaque monkeys swinging mischievously in the trees nearby. The atmosphere is uber-relaxed and will appeal to families and groups of any age craving tranquility and seclusion.

Uda Kanda has 3 large double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.The rooms are big and airy with high-ceilings and king size beds (or large twins), soft cotton sheets and fluffy pillows. One bedroom can be laid out with a king size bed, 2 large twin beds, 2 x 2 bunk beds for four children or for one adult and 2 children (bunk bed) There is also an additional child’s bed, and a couple of cot
Beautiful antique furnishings adorn the rooms as do thumbed novels, family photos and artefacts from London, India and Morocco, which serve as reminders that this is a much-cherished family home, when it's not being let out to guests.

The master bedroom has an adjoining study and there are two large double (or twin) bedrooms, all of which have en-suite bathrooms, and an outdoor terrace area. Meanwhile the living and dining space is large and open plan, there is a cosy television room and an open-plan western kitchen.

Although you can self-cater, the villa's English-speaking cook, is on-hand to make breakfast, lunch and dinner. All groceries are priced at cost and meals are served family-style, with everyone sharing dishes. The chef buys fresh stocks at Galle's markets daily after taking your orders for lunch and dinner. Breakfast can be Western or Sri Lankan and lunches and dinners can be as light or as indulgent as you'd like; Podi's menu lists plenty of fish and seafood, plus veggie options. Within a 10-15 minute tuk-tuk drive are also many excellent restaurants.

Uda Kanda is 4km east of Galle, just inland from Sri Lanka's stunning South Western Coast, close to Kaduruduwa Temple, and just 150km from the airport. It is less than 10 minutes from both 16th century Galle Fort, and palm-fringed beaches.