The Last House

Introduction

The Last House is an exquisite boutique hotel situated in the deep south near Tangalle, an area which offers some of the best cove-like beaches in Sri Lanka. The Last House, so-called because it was Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural swansong, is positioned on an idyllic strip of land with a lagoon on one side and the turquoise seas on the other. The beach is fabulously long and offers safe swimming for much of the year. As one would expect from Sri Lanka’s most respected architect, a man that mixed Sri Lanka’s rich cultural past with a clean modernity, the villa is very special. It is shaped like a horse-shoe, with kitchen, living rooms and courtyard bedrooms surrounding an idyllic swimming pool on three sides. The advantage of this design is that the various verandas, dining and sitting rooms are simultaneously well-suited to social occasions and can also offer much privacy. At the back of the main building there is a lovingly-tended garden with an expansive stretch of lawn leading down to the beach. The Last House can be booked per room or in its entirety and can accommodate up to 14 guests.

Accommodation

There are six bedrooms that can be booked individually or in combination as suites. The rooms are named after Geoffrey Bawa’s favourite trees and are comfortably furnished with king-sized or twin beds.

Cinnamon Hill Suite: This suite combines three bedrooms - one large double bedroom with a spacious ensuite bathroom, a twin bedroom and an adjoining smaller single room – these two bedrooms share a bathroom. It is situated on the upper floor and has a balcony overlooking the pool and the sea beyond.

Moonamal: This suite opens out to the gardens and the sea beyond. Consists of a spacious bedroom with ensuite bathroom, outdoor shower area and private garden.

Atteriya and Na: These two bedrooms also have sea views and a private garden.

Facilities

The living and dining areas overlook the ten-metre swimming pool and are tastefully decorated with a mix of antiques and contemporary furniture, local art and artefacts. The many courtyards, verandas and balconies offer much privacy and secluded spaces for guests to relax in. Local rice and curry and western dishes are served according to guest’s wishes – in the gardens, the main dining room or in your own private courtyard/balcony. There is a full complement of staff, including an excellent chef. Rooms at the Last House can be booked on a FB or HB basis. For those booking the entire villa, meals are provided at cost price with an additional service charge. Guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.

Why we like it

Lots of eye-catching nooks and crannies as you would expect from Geoffrey Bawa's revered beach creation

Location

The journey to the Last House from Colombo’s international airport will take about 4 hrs via the southern highway. Alternatively, avoid road travel and hop on board a sea plane from Colombo to Dickwella which is just a 30 minute drive from the property.