Fleewinter

Mount Cinnamon is one of three properties set in a unique private plantation, close to the sea. Offering a peaceful and memorable setting, the luxury villa is surrounded by cinnamon trees, sitting at the summit of the plantation. It boasts 360 degree views over Weligama Bay and also in-land to the Denipitiya Hills.

The house sleeps eight people, with three double rooms and a single room. However, the single room can sleep two people. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and have fans. Making the most of the villa's location, the beds are dressed with specially-woven "cinnamon" fabric. Each has en suite showers and toilets.

There are three sitting areasl; guests can lounge on the long sea-facing terrace, rest in the informal area inside, ideal for pre-dinner drinks, as well as a comfy drawing room. A sculpted screen divides the drawing room from the dining room, which at night is always candle-lit. Outside, there is a breakfast terrace which can, of course, be used at any time of the day. The house also has an extra kitchen, which can be used by guests as they please. Within the courtyard there is a good-sized swimming pool, providing a refreshing way to begin or end the day.

The in-house chefs offer excellent food. A Sri Lankan or Western breakfast is available - anything from eggs and bacon to a prawn curry, while lunch tends to be trasditional Sri lankan curry and rice, and dinner can be Western, Srti Lankan, or a mixture and is usually served in the dining room. Afternoon tea can also be served, upon request. South African wines drink well in the Sri Lankan climate, and the house red (Cabernet Sauvignon) and white (Chardonnay) are both bottled by KWV. Fine wines are also available.

The house has been designed by C. Anjalendran, one of Sri Lanka's foremost living architects. It is designed for the tropical climate: to be very comfortable, but without ostentation or alien touches. Its owners describe it as floating like a "fortress in the sky" - it commands the site but is also very respectful of its surroundings.

The property is a working cinnamon estate and has been restored in recent years by its current owner to produce cinnamon of the highest grade. The two other properties on the estate include The Bungalow, which is at the base of the hill and the Cinnammon Museum which is half-way up the hill. Each property is let separately, or, for large groups, can be rented together or in combination.

Mirissa Hills is located a few minutes from Weligama Bay on the south coast, which is just 30 minutes from the historic Duth fort town of Galle and about a three to four hour drive from Colombo. There are plenty of things to do in the area - guests can try sports fishing on a 54 feet converted fishing trawler, go sailing, diving or snorkelling as well as sea kayaking. The in-land backwaters along the Polwatte Ganga can also be explored by boat-ideal for bird watchers or sightseers alike and bicycles are available for exploration of the countryside. The nearby sea turtle hatcheries are also well worth a visit and expeditions to Sinharaja Rainforest can be arranged. Both Yala and Udawalawe national wildlife parks are also within striking distance.