Despite being so close to lively Unawatuna Beach and only slightly further from bustling Galle, Kurulla Villa is situated in the wonderfully tranquil surroundings of Aththaragoda village, neighboured by other private villas and homes, making it an ideal private holiday retreat. Tucked into the verdant countryside the house sits in the middle of a large 1.5 acre lawned garden filled with swaying palms, fruit trees and colourful tropical plants. Kurulla is named after the Sinhalese word for ‘bird’, and you can admire many of these tropical creatures swooping in, out and over the garden, especially in the early mornings and evenings.

A high wall surrounds much of the spacious garden although to the rear is a fence hugged by leafy vegetation and crimson heliconia. The villa’s 22m swimming pool is accompanied by a scattering of sunbeds, and is the perfect spot for relaxing, socialising or cooling off in the heat of the day.

The house itself is a combination of a new and an old (renovated) building, designed in the colonial style. The huge sitting room features a grand 40ft teak ceiling, and similarly high ceilings in the four bedrooms allow the air to circulate and cool. Pillared verandas combined with antique door, window frames and shutters complement the colonial style, whilst moulded cement bathrooms with imported fittings, a TV, DVD/CD player and a modern kitchen provide the essential luxuries.

Guests are looked after by a small staff team and whilst the equipped kitchen is available to guests, the villa’s cook can prepare meals should you wish to have a night off. Meals can be chosen from a menu, or you are welcome to suggest alternatives, which will then be priced up by the housekeeper. Since the villa is located so close to both Unawatuna Beach and Galle, there are plenty of good restaurants in the area for you to make the most of during your stay. The staff will organise inexpensive tuk-tuks to take you to any local destination.