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The best family-friendly villas in Sri Lanka

By Carly Watling on 28th January, 2020

Our pick of the best family-friendly villas in Sri Lanka – ideal for an Easter holidays getaway!

I’ve always thought that villa holidays sound just perfect when travelling with children or the extended family. A literal ‘home away from home’, offering privacy, flexibility, home comforts, and often a private pool. It all sounds great.

But since becoming a mum myself, I really REALLY get it. Being in a villa means you aren’t bothering other guests if you have to get up early and someone (naming no names) starts singing ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ at full volume. No one minds if your baby throws food on the floor during dinner time – as no one outside your group can see you. And crucially, the game changer – villas offer the chance to go to bed at different times. My mind is blown. No sitting quietly, in the dark, in a hotel room watching Netflix with headphones as you are 3 feet away from your slumbering toddler! (Yes, to any non-parents who happen to have stumbled across this blog, this is a real thing that happens. Ask any mum you know.)

Villas get even better in Sri Lanka, as their version of ‘self catered’ is to have a chef who shops for you, cooks for you and (drumroll please) – cleans up after! Now that sounds like an actual holiday, doesn’t it?

So before you pack the baby monitor, water wings and a stash of sunscreen, take a look over my favourite family-friendly villas in Sri Lanka…

Sleeps 4

Sisindu C, Thalpe South Coast. Beachfront. 2 bedrooms.

Located right on the beach, this 2 bedroom villa really brings the outdoors in and is fully open at the back with views out to sea and a large pool you step into right from the living room. Perfectly located for those who like to go out in the evening, this villa is a short walk from plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels plus an easy car trip to UNESCO Heritage town of Galle, which I just love for a walk around and a relaxed meal. Although there is no need to leave this well appointed villa if you don’t want to, the lovely staff will look after you. Best suited to families with older children as the 2 rooms aren’t connected.

Sri Villas, Induruwa West Coast. Beach access. 2 – 4 bedrooms

Sri Villas is actually three villas clustered together around a huge shared pool. We love it because the villas are beautiful and the location is ideal, being close enough to Bentota to enjoy the watersports but far enough to ensure a quiet stay. Nisala is the smallest, and perfect if you are a family of 4 or 5. We’re able to offer 20% discount for stays in May and June 2020 if you fancy a week away over May half term!

Sleeps 6

Kumara, near Weligama South Coast. Less than 10 minutes from the beach. 3 bedrooms.

A funky villa tucked in the jungle on a lush cinnamon estate, this is a serene retreat – and its less than 10 minutes to busy Weligama beach when you want to be surrounded by more activity. An ideal location to visit the surf breaks by day but ensure peace at night.

Apsara Villa, Aluthgama, near Bentota West Coast. Waterfront. 3 bedrooms

Overlooking the stunning Bentota lagoon, Apsara is a stylish and calming haven. Hop on a boat from the private jetty and you’ll be at the beach in a few minutes. You can even hire kayaks to keep for your stay if you like. Airport to villa is less than 2 hours so it’s ideal for younger families, and it makes the perfect base to explore the beautiful south-west corner of Sri Lanka. The UNESCO Heritage town of Galle is close by (riding the coastal railway is the most fun way to get there) and there’s a well-stocked DVD library plus thoughtful family touches such as highchairs (not a guarantee in all Sri Lankan villas).

Sleeps 8 +

Ambalama, near Galle  South Coast. Beachfront. 4 bedrooms.

A dreamy location right on the beach and close to historic Galle, with infinity pool, expansive dining space, often frequented by visiting turtles – and even on-call massage therapists available.

Cove houses, near Tangalle South Coast. Sea views. 5 bedrooms

Perched above the sea, booking Cove House and Little Cove together gives your group an expansive private garden set just off the beach in the Dikwella area. There’s something for everyone, with board games, the pool, and easy access to the local towns. It’s one of my favourites if you are keen to go on safari, as being further east along the coast the daytrips to the national parks are shorter.

Auraliya, near Galle South Coast. Beachfront. 6 bedrooms.

Pleasingly symmetrical and spacious, this beachfront villa accommodates up to 12 adults and opens up on a little beach cove you will most likely have all to yourself. There is the option of connecting rooms, via the bathrooms, so ideal for families it feels like this villa was actually designed with parents in mind. An idyllic sunset facing spot, you’ll never want to leave.

Didn’t see your perfect villa?

Try browsing the Sri Lanka villas at Fleewinter.com or call 0207 112 0019 to pick our brains about all things Sri Lanka – including multi-stop tours.


Written by Carly Watling

Top Travel Tip

“Either country is amazing – but Sri Lanka and the Maldives are such an addictive pairing. 10 days exploring the highlights of Sri Lanka hits culture, wildlife, breathtaking scenery and incredible food at a good pace, and then you can wind down with a few nights of luxury on the most perfect beaches in the world” – Carly, Sri Lanka & Maldives Specialist

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