Mandalay

Introduction

Mandalay is a three-bedroom holiday villa on the Galle Coast of Sri lanka, immersed in lush tropical gardens and edged by Koggala Lake. Scattered with 16 small islands, Koggala Lake is a peaceful setting where rural life unfolds and nature reigns supreme. Fish eagles to monitor lizards share this habitat along with generations of villagers with a rich southern heritage. Koggala was the home of Sri Lanka’s famous author – Martin Wickramasinghe whose books about life in Koggala are still lovingly studied by school children island wide.

The design of Mandalay is influenced by Sri Lanka’s iconic architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa and incorporates verandhas, courtyards and pavilions that are well suited for indoor and outdoor living. Mandalay follows an open plan concept with large living spaces, high roofs, white cement floors and consists of two separate pavilions - a sleeping pavilion and a living/dining pavilion. Interiors are tastefully furnished with antiques and colourful soft furnishings. Mandalay can accommodate up to eight guests. Families with children are welcome.

Accommodation

There are three spacious bedrooms of which the exquisite master bedroom suite occupies the entire upper floor of the sleeping pavilion. This suite opens on to a private balcony overlooking the Koggala Lake. The other two bedrooms are located on the ground floor and opens out to the gardens. One of these bedrooms is furnished with a king-size four-poster bed while the other has twin beds. All bedrooms are beautifully laid out with antiques including canopied beds, couches and planter’s chairs and are equipped with a/c and overhead ceiling fans. Ensuite bathrooms with h/w showers. One of the enclosed living areas within the second pavilion can also be transformed into a fourth bedroom with two additional beds if required.

Facilities

A 25 metre swimming pool sits on the front lawn that slopes down to the lake. Meals are served where ever you wish – at the dining table by the side of the swimming pool, on the pontoon overlooking the lake or in the privacy of your own balcony. Sri Lankan rice and curries and western dishes are prepared by the in-house cook with fresh vegetables purchased at the village market. Fresh seafood is brought directly to the doorstep by the local fisherman. For those wishing to eat out, Mandalay is just 10 minutes away from Unawatuna’s beach side restaurants and Galle Fort’s exquisite fine-dining restaurants. Other villa facilities include satellite TV, DVD player and DVD library, iPod dock, complimentary Wi-Fi, Yoga and relaxing massages with prior notice, bicycles for exploring the surrounding village; a meditation pagoda which is a timber platform overlooking the lake; and a lake side pontoon for relaxation. Guests can also go on a boat ride or fishing on Koggala Lake. Mandalay has a team of helpful staff including a cook, housemaid, and gardener.

Why We Like It

The great outlook on the southern edge of Koggala Lake was once relished by a much-loved Sri Lankan author.

Location

Mandalay enjoys a tranquil lakeside setting in Koggala just 10 minutes away from Galle’s sunkissed beaches. Galle Fort is only 20 minutes away. The journey from Colombo’s international airport will take about 2.5 hours via the southern highway or take an air taxi to Koggala lake. If you are then heading into the hills, we offer competitive rates on a sea plane service between Koggala and Hatton.