Apa Villa Thalpe

Apa Villa has seven suites housed in three separate villas built in typical southern Sri Lankan style, with columns, verandas, courtyards and open spaces to enjoy the delectable ocean breeze. Minimalist interiors styled with timber, steel, and glass blended furniture, cement based beds and recliners, and cooling cement floors ooze class. Charming touches such as daily fresh flowers, and the warmth of the staff, create an environment that is wonderful for both couples and families.

Endless hours can be spent in the veranda that skirts around each villa, which opens out to a garden strewn with swaying coconut trees. An infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the Indian Ocean is located here, and an adjacent wooden deck provides astonishing views of the setting sun. At dusk, the terrace transforms into a cocktail bar for guests to enjoy an exotic beverage.

The hotel is renowned for its superb cuisine. Breakfast is served on your own private veranda, while local cuisine is served for dinner and includes specialties such as curries, fresh lobster and prawns, with fruit and vegetables harvested from their estate at Illuketia, where a sister villa is located. Other facilities include Wi-Fi internet, satellite TV, a baby sitter and an on-call masseur that can be arranged with prior notice. The hotel staff are attentive and friendly, and nothing is too much trouble to make sure guests have a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Although swimming is not recommended on the beachfront due to undercurrents, safe swimming is possible just a five minute walk away. For keen surfers and watersports lovers, the nearby beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa are ideal. In addition, sailing, fishing, boat trips, sea kayaking, snorkelling, and whale and dolphin spotting excursions are all available in season, while the urban delights of Galle and rural charms of Koggala Lake are a short tuk-tuk ride away.

When to go

Sri Lanka is considered a sunny year round destination; there is always somewhere experiencing good weather on the island. However, there are huge regional differences. The Southwest ‘Yala’ Monsoons brings rain to the west and southwest coast, as well as the hill country, from April/May to September. During this time the north and east coasts are good. The northeast ‘Mahe’ monsoon is less extreme and brings rain to the east and north during October and November. This monsoon can bring a bit of rain to the south as well. Put simply; head to the south, central, hill country and western areas between December and March and ideally head to the north and eastern areas between April and September. We can never guarantee good weather but believe this is a good guide to follow.