Beach House

Rooms

The front verandah faces out to sea and the sitting room opens out to garden sofas and the manicured lawn. The sitting room is quite formal but filled with fascinating antiques.

The main house comprises:

Master room: A large room with an antique, king size 4 poster bed and complementary wardrobes and writing desk. The shuttered windows opposite the bed give panoramic views out to sea.  Pastel linens dress the bed and there are piles of fluffy white towels.  The bathroom has an indoor vanity unit and stone floors and opens further to the outdoor toilet (a little strange if you're half-asleep); an outdoor shower and a superb hot water ceramic bath under the  swaying palms and the star filled sky complete the facillities.

Twin Room: A slightly smaller corner room that has no garden views but remains cool with shutters filtering the sunlight.  Twin four poster beds ideal for children. The bathroom is open plan with a dividing stone-faced wall.  Mosquitoes can pester if they get in. The bath/shower room and vanity unit sit behind with modern cement finish and sunken basins.

Mr Peter's Room:  A large bedroom to the rear of the house, similar to the Master Room.  A little dark, but large wooden temple doors open onto a granite courtyard with a massage/ treatment table. The indoor, en-suite bathroom has a luxurious feel with a choice of  bath and shower.

All the rooms have unusual, interesting paintings, quaint bedside tables and ample antique furniture for storage. The many light sources can be a little irritating. Mosquito nets are provided but are rather holey and in need of repair.  For the adventurous or extra guests there are two picturesque chalets in the garden.

Pool Room: A pretty ochre-washed chalet beside the pool pavilion. The temple doors open onto the romantic antique bed. Temple wall hangings, small writing desk and wardrobe are all that furnish the room. The central archways lead you to the vanity area and white tiled hot water shower room with piles of fluffy white towels.

Garden Room: Hidden under bamboo fronds and behind a pretty verandah is a distressed blue summer- house, equipped with a double bed, basic furniture and an en-suite shower room. The Garden Room is very tired looking and not immaculately clean as the sea air has tarnished the mirrors and insects wander in. Best reserved in an emergency or for adventurous children.

Dining

The evening air is filled with sounds of the sea, whistling grasshoppers and the occasional mating call from the abundant bird life.  Damika, the manager will wait on you at evening, lunch and breakfast, and tempt you with afternoon tea delicacies in the garden.  Master chef at sister villas Sun/Dutch House creates the menu.  His protégé 'Sathi 'at Beach House delights guests with a daily set menu but personal favourites and dietary needs are always considered in the planning.

We enjoyed a dinner of:

                  Clam spaghetti in a white wine and garlic sauce

Toffee cardamom oranges with ginger snaps and vanilla cream

Breakfast was an indulgence of French toast, kithul treacle and spicy fried eggs.

Traditional curries and fish steaks in mango salsa, or simple salads could be selected from the many alternatives.

Wine must be ordered in advance through the Sun House management when making final payment.  Spirits and soft drinks are always in stock and fresh fruit juices from local trees are sweet and refreshing.  The soft candle lights and furniture can be located wherever you desire to dine - the house terrace, pool pavilion or the beach (careful- the sand flies are fierce).

There is an excellent Italian restaurant, "Il Cameno" close by if the family fancy a change.

Things to do & local tips

• An experienced Ayurvedic therapist is available to offer massage treatments within the private house courtyard.
   
• Beach House is best enjoyed as a relaxing retreat - boogie boarding, sandcastle building, writing or reading.  Boogie boards and pool lilos are complimentary.
   
• Beach House has a small chest of board games to entertain the troops.
   
• Yala Safari and Bundala Bird Sanctuary are a great day's excursion.  Henri can arrange a driver for $60 per day.
   
• Turtle Conservation Farms and the fishing harbours are nearby excursions.  Damika can arrange a taxi.
   
• Diving is available in Tangalle Dec-March but you would have to travel 1-3 hours to Dikwella or Arugam Bay for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
   
• Katuragama, a 1 hour journey away, is a religious town attracting pilgrims of Buddhism, Hindu and Muslim faiths.  In July, the streets are filled with colourful dancing and elephant parades - a local 'Perehera.'

For our recommendations on places of interest, restaurants and local transport in Tangalle and the South Coast, click here.