Celadon House

Celadon House has a charmed location on the outskirts of Weligama, on a small coastal hill offering mesmerising Indian Ocean views. The villa takes inspiration from a villa in Lamu, Kenya, and its whitewashed roof terraces, turreted walls, graceful pillars, gentle arches and intricate timberwork call to mind Africa, Morocco and Sri Lanka. This beach villa in Weligama is laid out across five floors and at the very top the views become ever more impressive, revealing not just the blue horizon but panoramas that extend far inland, over velveteen villages, paddy fields and coconut-studded jungle.

As you enter the villa and wander along the cool corridor, the first destination you reach is the near-three-metre-deep swimming pool, framed on two sides by symmetrical pillars. Stairs lead down to an air-conditioned yoga/pilates space and alfresco covered dining veranda with garden views, and upwards to a large living room with enviable ocean panoramas. Two double ensuite bedrooms with large private terraces lead off from here while a further three are located on the next floor up – a master bedroom, a double and a twin. Right at the top of the villa is a partly covered terrace with some of the very best views on the southern coast. This is the ideal venue for sharing stories, sipping sundowners and for sunkissed downtime.

The villa comes with a staff team including a private chef and a very efficient management team on call. Within easy reach are Weligama’s variety of restaurants and cafés, as well as its wide array of surf schools. Guests staying at Celadon House have the benefit of a quiet beach in front of the villa (across a lane) where surfing is possible in season, or the choice of others nearby including Mirissa and Kabalana. Some of the activities in the area include whale watching, guided bicycle rides, visits to lowland tea and cinnamon estates and day trips to World Heritage Site, Galle Fort.