Fleewinter
6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12
Secluded Location
Swimming Pool
Air-Condtioning
"I can endorse many of the other recent reviews. Lovely building, comfortable rooms and stunning gardens with a lovely swimming pool at the far end. Food is excellent with nearly all produce grown on site. I particularly enjoyed relaxing and watching the troop of purple-faced leaf monkeys and bird life feeding in the trees. The place is surrounded by local residents and feels perfectly secure but the owner has recently installed lighting throughout the gardens which made me wonder if there is some concern on that front. Galle is only 10 mins away and the sister beach property Apa Villa only 15 mins where you can go and enjoy beach time there. We stayed a couple of nights in March and the only downside was the relative heat and humidity of this inland secluded location which also means the pool area in the gardens can have a lot of biting insects. No problem though in a/c and bed-netted rooms. I'd recommend combining a stay here with Apa Villa in Thalpe to get best of both hotels." EG 2013
Set amid palm trees, fragrant frangipanis and lush bamboo groves, it remains beloved and has enjoyed several lifetimes already; from its graceful first heyday more than 100 years ago, it's been loved, lost and loved again, most recently restored by publisher and photographer Hans Hoefer in 1992.
Illuketia has four large double bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms. These can be rented individually or a group can take the whole villa. The main bedroom, the Hibiscus Suite is popular among honeymooners and has a large private balcony overlooking paddy fields. Waking up here is surely one of the most alluring reasons to visit Sri Lanka. Your privacy is complete.
Illuketia also has a second bungalow - the Pond House - set away from the main building, overlooking a large, spring fed pool. This boasts two emaculate, air-conditioned suites, both with open air, tete-a-tete bath tubs. The Ginger Suite has an enormous double bed, and the Jasmine Suite has two double antique four-poster beds. The open central area can be used as a living and dining area during their stay.
Illuketia has a permanent, English-speaking staff who pride themselves on the gourmet delights emanating from their kitchens - outside guests do come in for dinner to sample the cuisine. Shopping expeditions for drinks and food are taken care of by the housekeeper, though guests are welcome to phone in daily orders or special requests, or even to go along to the market with the Villa's staff.
This is a wonderful villa, which benefits from its location. With Galle Fort and the beach only 10 mins away, you can take time to truly enjoy the grounds, pool and facilities at Illuketia without feeling miles away from a more lively night out or the sound of the sea.