| Five air conditioned suites with breathtaking panoramic views of palm fringed jungle and the Indian Ocean promise stylish, spacious interiors, ideal in which to unwind the perfect example of getaway boutique hotels.
Built in 2000 as a private villa, Kahanda Kanda is now one of the chic brigade of boutique hotels, perched on top of a ridge and surrounded by a 12-acre tea estate. It is 15km from Galle, and is in the depths of the countryside, for that genuine Sri Lankan feeling. Here a member of staff, with a refreshing fruit drink and chilled hand towel, greets you, and the KK experience truly begins.
Walking along beside the saffron wall, you will see that the main area of the villa consists of three detached rooms running adjacent to the wall - first is The Peacock Suite and then the Living Pavilion. On each side of the huge airy Living Pavilion are Lily Ponds, over which you step to reach the Dining Pavilion.
Beyond the Dining Pavilion is the infinity edged pool, 20 meters in length and looking cool and inviting, with its dark green polished cement sides. Beside the pool is a recessed area, shaded by white bougainvillea, where breakfast or lunch may be taken.
Glimpsed beyond the Saffron Wall are Tamarind Suite and Mango Suite, whilst Tea and Garden Suites lay beyond the pool, surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
Peacock Suite
Sensational views of the verdant jungle where monkey sightings are almost assured (don't worry, they won't come any closer), crisp imported bed linens on the ebony four poster bed and plenty of fluffy towels in not one but two bathrooms, plus plenty of closet space and cushioned window seats for daydreams a deux.
When wide sweeping views over the Lake and the tea estate are not enough, take refuge in the private courtyard garden filled with aromatic gardenia bushes and frangipani trees. Both bathrooms boast sexy outdoor showers so the day's decision may simply be which one in which to disrobe.
Galle and the rest of world seem a million miles away, in this most special boutique hotel!
Tamarind Suite
Antique blue and white Chinese ceramics placed alongside a modern wrought iron four poster bed make for this airy suite a comfortable, uncluttered place to unwind. Crisp imported linens add European elegance to these tropical accommodations.
Relax on the private verandah, taking in nature's symphony as birds call from the overhanging trees.
Double basins as well as double showers in the en suite bathroom could mean double trouble. That's up to you.
Mango Suite
The carved wooden four-poster bed, draped with a mosquito net, grants you an unsurpassed view over the tea each and every morning.
This cosy room mixes contemporary Sri Lankan furniture with some of my favourite antique Oriental pieces, including the finest rice paper paintings.
The Bathroom has double hand basins, as well as double showers but if two feels like too many for one happy couple, feel free to share.
Overlooking the tea is this suite's extra wide verandah with deep antique Balinese bench, a sweet spot for listening to the jungle music that will soon surround you.
Garden Suite
Inside the estate's original building, with its lofty ceilings to keep rooms cool even when outside temperatures skyrocket, this expansive suite offers a stunning hand painted four poster double bed, antique furniture, as well as a plethora of sofas and chairs inside as well as on the shaded verandah.
The spacious bathroom has two hand basins, and my favourite outdoor shower, landscaped with ginger lilies and palms. Imagine yourself rinsing off in the Garden of Eden.
Tea Suite
This sweet suite shares the original building so these rooms are always cool.
For kids of any age, two antique single four-poster beds feel very grown up, as does the seemingly endless bathroom with powerful shower. However these two beds can be put together for a couple wanting double the fun! Surrounding all that is yet another wide verandah, for play or pause.
Hellaconia
Hellaconia is a gorgeous double bedroom suite, in a peaceful garden setting with two outdoor showers. Filled with a mix of Sri Lankan and European antiques, this stylish suite provides guests with privacy and space - a premium in today's world!
Dubu
Dubu is an old Joglo house, imported from Java, with timbered walls, and an ornately carved ceiling. It is extremely spacious, and has two bathrooms, both with showers/bath tubs, as well as its own private swimming pool. There is a comfortable seating area, dining area and above all, total seclusion.
Auraylia
Auraylia, which will open in December, is set in amongst the tea estate, with a wide verandah from where guests can watch the vast array of birdlife that we see regularly here at KK. The suite has a double four-poster bed, a spacious en-suite bathroom and wonderful views over the tea and surrounding jungle.
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