Exhibiting a sense of modernity that’s at odds with many of its more colonially styled neighbours, Footprints stands tall above a sea-sloshed stretch of sandy beach, and is just a 100m stroll from a stunning ocean lagoon. The villa’s bedrooms, living and dining areas present an eclectic, highly personal interior design style; surfaces are painted white, turquoise, purple or green, oversized paintings look down from the walls and Moroccan lanterns embossed with glass mosaic tiles cascade from ceilings. Carvings, statues and quirky artefacts from Sri Lanka, Bali and Morocco are prominent, and together give the villa an Asian-Moorish theme.

The villa feels very spacious. The ground floor is entirely open plan and designed exclusively for lounging and dining, whilst the four bedrooms (three doubles and one twin) are all tucked away on the first floor off another very spacious living room. All these areas are air-conditioned. Ceiling fans are also installed throughout the villa so you can choose between fresh air – the ground floor has tall windows and doors that can be flung open directly onto the pool terrace – or an icebox of air-conditioned cool to escape the hottest and most humid of days. There are two dining areas, one of which is in a corner veranda beside the pool.

Footprints’ location is excellent as it’s just a one-minute stroll from Dalawella’s famed swimming beach. The ocean views from the villa are striking, and you can soak up the sunshine whilst gazing at the turquoise sea from the sunbeds scattering the front lawn or, even better, from the villa’s sun-baked roof terrace! Given this location, it’s no surprise that fish and seafood both feature heavily on the menu. The cook is one of two full-time staff, and a pair of managers who live nearby will drop by on occasion to check that all is well. They are a mine of information on the local area, and can assist in making bookings for transfers and transport, local activities and restaurants.