Overview
Max Wadiya sits on a virtually private, broad, sandy beach in the popular south western corner of the island. Though the busy tourist villages of Bentota and Ambalangoda are not far away, the villa is well tucked away from the usual tourist route and the suggested regime of the house - 'no watch, no shoes' - gives you an idea of the relaxing ambiance of the villa. Wadiya means rest home in Sinhalese. The friendly and helpful staff are managed by Ranjan who has a fair command of English and a willingness to understand. He lives on the premises and is therefore always available should there be a problem.
Max Wadiya is owned by well travelled ex-patriates who love the island and the community and their wish is to ensure all guests enjoy the spirit of the culture and village and that their stay is stress-free - all the payments are all-inclusive and all the little extras are accommodated.
The coastal railway can be heard, but only just, over the swell of the ocean and the chattering of the parrots who roost nightly in the coconut grove. The area is known locally as Parrot Junction.
The large gardens remain natural at present, shaded by the coconut palms and are dotted with loungers. There is a hammock near the beach for the agile and a peaceful courtyard with a fountain for a more sedate snooze under the ancient jacaranda tree. This part of the bay is ideal for swimming and other beaches nearby may even offer some good surf.
The villa has been extended from a 3 bedroomed house to include 2 self-contained suites, each room now having glorious views over the ocean. The original bedrooms are of modest size but are well furnished and have en suite shower rooms; the suites are more spacious, are air conditioned and have sitting rooms and private verandahs. The villa shows off its colonial history in its high ceilings and interesting collection of antique furniture from Dutch, Portuguese and Brittish colonial days. The ambiance is comfortable, elegant and welcoming. The various objets d'art decorating the rooms are an indication of the owners' love of Asia, and Sri Lanka in particular.
Dining is very much in your control. Meals will be discussed with you and your 'spice tolerance' assessed! An important ingredient of your dinner will be the incredible tropical sunset shared with you every evening.
Travellers will be pleased to have the availability of washing machines and/or a laundry service.
Enjoy the beautiful saltwater infinity pool with attached toddler pool, or take lounge chair onto the broad sandy beach. The Indian Ocean water is warm and usually gentle for swimming. Tourists are few on this off-the-route beach, still used by fishermen launching traditional catamarans at dusk. A sunset deck at the edge of the sand is ideal for a contemplative pre-dinner drink.
Conservation and a sustainable lifestyle are hallmarks. Max Wadiya has been involved for years in rescuing and hatching eggs of highly endangered sea turtles. Harvested rainwater is used for irrigation, and water is heated by solar panels
Rooms
Max Wadiya has a double-storey villa of threedouble en-suite bedroomsand two self-contained suites. All rooms open onto verandahs overlooking the sea.
The child-friendly 3-room villa is rented as a single unit to a family or group, with extra beds and cots available. Antique colonial furniture and carefully selected local art lend a comfortable elegance and warmth. There is a TV/DVD corner as well as a bookcase and a selection of DVDs.
Each luxury suite occupies a complete floor with all-glass fronts facing the sea and opening onto a veranda. A mini pantry is equipped with a fridge, coffee machine and electric kettle. Each has aTV/DVD and music system.
Max Wadiya is well-stocked with linens and towels; a washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities. Phone, fax, printer and wireless Internet connections are available.
Dining
There are several dining areas at Max Wadiya, depending on your mood and the time of day. There is no set menu but Ranjan, the manager, will discussthe meal with you and tailored it your tastes, including your spice tolerance. A wide choice of Western food is available for lunch or dinner, and the kitchen can prepare Indian or Chinese cuisine with equal ease. Produce is mostly locally grown and organic, bought fresh daily. Fish comes from the sprawling market at the nearby fisheries harbor, caught on the boats you see heading back to port at dawn after a night at sea.
Breakfast may consist of cereals, eggs and Sri Lankan hoppers, toast, jams and tea/coffee/juice. Lunch is 'light and easy' in the midday sun. Dinner is regarded as the main meal. This may be served in the main dining area, under the jacaranda tree in the courtyard or barbequed in the pavillion by the sea. In between these we urge you to find room to taste delicious home made cakes.
Wines are not stocked at the villa but you are welcome to purchase bottles in the local town and bring them in. We would reccommend a stop at Colombo's supermarkets, enroute from airport, for a wider selcection of world wines.
The staff are trained in a very strict hygiene routine in the kitchen. Drinking water is filtered and boiled before being refrigerated and all fresh produce is washed and sterilised.
Things to do & local tips
- For those with a competitive streak Max Wadiya offers a collection of sports and games equipment(football, baminton, cricket, volleyball) and 2 family-sized wading pools to cool off after all that activity.
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Ayurveda Pavilion: Hour-long massages with aromatic herbal oils in a dedicated pavilion by the pool can be arranged on request. Yoga and meditation sessions are available for any level, for individuals or groups.
- The immediate neighbourhood of Ambalangoda has a tradition of mask making and 'devil dancing'. Visit mask making factories and the museum. Children from the local dance school will come to the property for a personal performance (small fee).
- Perahera - festival - in September for colourful processions with dancers, musicians and elephants entreating good luck with the fishing season.
- Lively fish market at the harbour. Watch the local chefs vying for the best catch - but get up early.
- Antique stores along Galle Road ( but remember tropical wood does not like dry centrally heated houses)
- River boat rides on Madu Ganga -20 mins.
- Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens and scuba, snorkelling and glass bottomed boat - 30 mins.
- Unawatuna for diving and snorkelling - 1 hr.
- Rent a catamaran or motorboat and guide and explore the lagoon or venture out to sea.
- Visit the turtle hatcheries at nearby Kosgoda and Bentota.
- Indulge yourself with an Ayurvedic massage in-house.
- Those needing to keep in contact with the 'outside world' will be pleased to know that Max Wadiya has wirelss internet connection.