Malabar Hill

Weligama, Sri Lanka

Etched into a swathe of jungle near Weligama, the chirrup of barbets and bulbuls and the rustle of swaying palms provide the soundtrack to an evocative stay at Malabar Hill. A unique abode with a bohemian-chic spirit, it’s a dreamy marriage of modern hospitality and heritage touchpoints some ten years in the making. The 12 design-savvy villas cling to the verdant hillside, overlooking a tapestry of buffalo-flecked rice paddies or the Indian Ocean, with floor-to-ceiling windows drawing the scene within. Nothing is over-egged here and the owners’ (designer Lawson Johnston and Dominic Scriven) attention to local craftsmanship draws a discerning crowd of modern travellers. Artistic interiors speak the contemporary vernacular of pared-back luxury – all soft hues, quietly ornate Rajasthani furnishings and organic materials. Shrouded by greenery, each villa features a neat saltwater pool and outdoor lounge area to while away sun-soaked hours. Elsewhere, open-plan communal spaces are framed by Moorish-meets-Lankan architectural tropes, with an infinity pool edged by wooden day beds and an open-air restaurant and bar majoring in fresh local fare. Tuk-tuks are provided for the quick hop down to Mirissa Beach, and the in-house team can organise trips to the national parks and tea plantations beyond.

Key Information

• Rooms: 12
• Starting Rate: $446
• Dining: Hill House Restaurant
• At the Hotel: Kitchen garden, cooking classes, birdwatching, bike rental, yoga, nature trails, spa, gardens, library, pool
• 94769345747
• Visit Malabar Hill's Website

Location

Jabarugoda Kolenda Rd, Weligama, Matara District, Southern Province, 81700