Villa Atulya

Introduction

Just to the south of Mirissa Bay, on Sri Lanka's south coast, the rocky coves are quieter and some special properties await discovery. Villa Atulya is actually two adjacent and identical beach villas – Atulya and Kanchana – both built in a traditional architectural style, with broad balconies and shuttered doors and windows, which transports you back to a tranquil world of whirring ceiling fans and gentle breezes, a perfect place to relax on a broad balcony, drink in the great ocean setting and finally complete that book you had promised yourself. Atulya is the older of these two spacious villas: Kanchana is essentially a replica, and the similarities mean that Red Dot regards them as interchangeable – although you can express a preference. Both these simple and inviting villas are sold by the room but there are ample places for privacy: in the communal seating areas, on your own balcony, in the gardens or alongside the cooling swimming pool. There is also a beautiful internal courtyard at Villa Kanchana. Both villas are decorated in uplifting shades of blue, turquoise and saffron and vibrant modern art and antique furniture contributes to the refined and intelligent feel. A great place to kick back and rediscover the basics of life.

Accommodation

There are five rooms in each villa with capacity for extra beds in some rooms. All rooms have access to the garden and a private balcony or patio area where you can relax on an antique lounge chair with colourful cushions made of handwoven cotton fabrics made in Sri Lanka. Upstairs rooms have better ocean views. All rooms have king-sized beds with mosquito netting, bathrooms with bath or shower, toiletries and hairdryer, balcony or patio, sea view, a/c and ceiling fans.

Facilities

There are rock pools by the villa full of colourful fish, wading birds and, in the season, deep sea turtles seeking sand to bury their eggs. Lobster fishermen may be out and about and sandy stretches of quiet beach are ideal for a stroll. The nearest swimming beach is a short trishaw drive to Mirissa. The Mirissa area is known for surfing, snorkelling, whale and dolphin watching and other watersports. Both villas exude tranquillity and spa sessions, yoga and ayurvedic sessions can be arranged on request. Food is served where you please and is a mixture of Sri Lankan and western at prices comparable to Mirissa's best beach restaurants. BYO alcohol. Laundry service, ironing facilities, a TV in the living area and BYO alcohol.

Location

Villa Atulya is in Thalaramba, just to the south of Mirissa Bay, divorced from the hustle of this popular coastal village yet within easy access of its bars and restaurants.