Villa Hundira

Introduction

Villa Hundira is a 12-bedroom boutique villa overlooking the picturesque Negombo Lagoon on the north-west coast. It is a modern yet characterful villa nestled amidst two acres of lush tropical gardens and edged by the tranquil Negombo Lagoon. Interiors are a stylish blend of contemporary architecture and furniture, art, and sculptures from Sri Lanka and the orient. High roofs, large glass doors and windows allow for spectacular views of the lagoon where local fisherman go about their day’s work. A small tributary of the lagoon even runs through the gardens making it possible for guests to hop on a boat and go fishing right from the living room terrace. Villa Hundira is owned and designed by a Swedish architect and his Sri Lankan wife who is an artist. They live in a separate villa on the same premises and are always at hand to ensure guests are well taken care of. Villa Hundira offers well-appointed bedrooms, rejuvenating spa treatments, Sri Lankan and western cuisine, and a relaxing holiday setting that feels more like home.

The owners do much to benefit the surrounding village community and operate an interesting craft project that provides employment to over 300 village women. This Thimble International arts and crafts workshop is adjoining Villa Hundira and welcomes guests including children to try their hand at painting on fabric and creating colourful cushion covers, wall hangings, and soft toys.

Note: Due to the waterways and ponds within the premises, the villa is not suited for families with very young children.

Accommodation

Villa Hundira consists of 12 bedrooms categorised into 9 bedrooms and three suites. Room interiors are individually designed and furnished with king-sized beds and wardrobe. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fans, satellite TV, tea/coffee facility and ensuite bathrooms with h/w showers. The rooms come in three categories: Standard, Deluxe and Super Deluxe.

Rooms: The nine bedrooms are furnished with king-sized beds and complimenting furniture. The rooms open on to the garden, swimming pool or overlook the lagoon.

Suites: Named Pool View Suite, Lagoon View Suite and Water View Suite, these suites are large and come with extra beds and living areas. The Water View Suite consists of two bedrooms, a double and a twin and is ideal for a family. All suites also have a sitting area and offer views of the swimming pool, lagoon or the garden area.

Facilities

There are plenty of private spaces at the main villa and owner’s villa to dine or laze about and take in the lake views. Meals are served on the veranda overlooking the gardens or on a private terrace. Traditional Sri Lankan and western cuisine is on offer. Meals are prepared with fresh seafood and village vegetables. Guests are welcome to join her in the kitchen and learn how to prepare a Sri Lankan meal. Other villa facilities include Wi-Fi in the lounge area; an in-house spa offering Ayurvedic massages and treatments; swimming pool and gift shop where guests can purchase hand crafted gift items. Proceeds go towards the Thimble project.

Villa Hundira also offers catamaran bird watching and kayaking on the Negombo lagoon and the Muthurajawela marshes; visit to the nearby fish market; and Sri Lankan cookery demonstrations.

Why we like it

A characterful and well thought-out little property by a creek from Negombo Lagoon which works as an excellent airport option.
 

Location

Situated in the village of Thalahena just 20 minutes away from Colombo’s international airport, Villa Hundira is a good spot to recuperate after a long flight. The coastal resort of Negombo lies 10 minutes north whilst Colombo is about 30 minutes south via the highway.