Fleewinter

Maya offers a refreshing retreat and sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Set in a serene estate with a 20 metre midnight blue pool overlooking the paddy fields, it is the perfect choice for those looking to get away from it all.

The villa has five spacious air conditioned suites with high ceilings and large bathrooms, each room named after the trees in the garden. There are two suites in the Old House and three suites in the New Wing with their own private courtyards, and all en suites have rain showers and are stocked with a range of bathroom products using organically grown herbs and spices.

Guests will find a charming verandah and dining area in the Old House, which retains all the original features of the 19th century home, while there is an open air garden pavilion is in the New Wing.

The house has a team of 14 staff on hand, including chefs who will make sure you eat very well during your stay! International, Asian and Sri Lankan cuisine is all on the menu while Asian fusion inspired cooking is their speciality.

With ample opportunities to relax, the villa has a large L-shaped pool and hammocks in the garden where you can watch the tropical bird life. It also has volleyball, petanque, cricket, croquet and badminton facilities if you are craving something more active. Maya also has an extensive collection of board games, books, and a CD and DVD library to choose from, and the beach is only 15 minutes from Maya by tuktuk.

It is a popular choice for families as there is two acres of garden to explore and guests have the use of a travel cot, a highchair and babysitting facilities if required. Extra single beds can be provided free for children up to the age of 12, a small charge is levied for children above 12 and adults.

Laundry will be cleaned and returned within 24 hours and the property also has free wi-fi throughout, cable TV, and stereos with Ipod docking stations. Guests can choose to rent rooms, or rent the whole property. The prices stated above are on a room by room basis.

Maya is a great base from which to explore Sri Lanka's natural beauty and wildlife. UdaWalawe wild elephant park is easily accessible, and Kalametiya bird sanctuary for birdwatching. This southern coastal part of Sri Lanka beyond Dondra is considered one of the best locations in the world for spotting Blue Whales, Sperm Whales and Spinner Dolphins. During the season from December to April, whale and dolphin watching excursions are possible from Mirissa. Guests can also venture out to the village of Aranwella by bike with its paddyfields and the larger town of Beliatta. You can also visit the ancient Mulkirigala Temple which is perched on an enormous boulder more than 200m high and the famous Wewurukannara Temple as well as the sacred pilgrimage destination of Katharagam. The new cricket ground at Hambantota just an hour from Maya hosts international matches and Galle with its UNESCO World Heritage Fort and the Galle Literary Festival every January is an easy day out.