Frangipani Tree

Introduction

Frangipani Tree is a stylish, nine-bedroom boutique hotel by a secluded beach in Thalpe on Sri Lanka's South Coast. Designed by Channa Daswatte, a protégé of Geoffrey Bawa, it is a tranquil and luxurious setting. Windows and verandahs that open onto the Indian Ocean, high-clay tiled roofs, cooling cement floors, courtyards with frangipani trees, white washed walls and interiors with contemporary timber and steel furniture make this a luxurious getaway. Sister property of Fort Printers in Galle's 17C Dutch Fort.

Accommodation

Nine elegant and utterly private suites are named after the marine turtles of Sri Lanka. These suites are housed in three separate villas. Each can be rented individually. The suites have queen-size four-poster bed, sofa bed, arm chair and writing desk, a/c, fans, wifi and safe.

Hawksbill Villa: This separate villa, set in the garden amidst swaying palms, has two suites furnished with queen-size four-poster bed, sofa bed, arm chair and writing desk. The ensuite bathrooms with twin vanities, bathtub and h/w shower are set amidst private gardens. The spacious suites open on to private terraces with sea views. Hours can be spent on the verandah furnished with built-in sofa beds, dining table and chairs, and sun lounges.

Leatherback Villa: Located closer to the swimming pool, the Leatherback villa has two suites, each with ocean views and the same facilities as the Hawksbill. The bathrooms, again both with private garden space, are smaller in size in comparison to the Hawksbill.

Olive Ridley Villa:  This is a spacious two-storey villa which is separated from the other villas by the swimming pool and houses five suites. Three suites are located on the ground floor and two are located on the first floor. Three of the suites have direct ocean view while the other two suites open out to a central courtyard lined with flowering Frangipani Trees and the swimming pool. Ensuite bathrooms have a bath tub and h/w shower.

Facilities

The main entrance opens onto a spectacular view of the 35 metre lap pool and the ocean beyond. There is a lounge area equipped with TV, DVD player, iPod dock, a collection of DVDs and books. Meals are served in the main restaurant by the poolside or in the privacy of your own verandah. Fresh seafood, Sri Lankan and Mediterranean dishes are on offer prepared with locally purchased fresh vegetables and seafood brought right to the doorstep. Once a week, homemade pizzas are served cooked in the in-house wood-fired oven. Other hotel facilities include in-room massages and private Yoga sessions on request; tennis courts and equipment; baby cot, high chair and baby sitter on request; room service and laundry service.

Why We Like It

A greater sense of space than many Thalpe alternatives gives Frangipani Tree a confident feel.

Sustainability

Being a beach property, The Frangipani Tree pays special attention to beach conservation and ensures that guests are provided information on being responsible travellers. Promoting energy and water saving, The Frangipani Tree also segregates all waste for possible recycling.

Location

Frangipani Tree has a prime position in the upmarket beach settlement of Thalpe, 15 minutes from Galle. The journey from Colombo's International Airport will take about 2.5 hours via the Southern highway. Avoid road travel and take the air taxi to nearby Koggala. If you are then heading from the coast into the hills, we offer competitive rates on a daily sea plane between Koggala and Hatton.