Ahh, Sri Lanka. The Resplendent Land has its fair share of exquisite accommodations, but not far from Galle lies a boutique hideaway that’s giving even the Amangalla a run for its money – the Niyagama House.
Built on an active tea plantation, this charming, 7-room B&B was dreamed up by German architect (and yogi) Elke de Silva and her Sri Lankan hubby Chaminda, and from its lush, tropical verandah to its glorious (and blessedly chlorine-free) pool to its 360-degree panoramic roof terrace, Niya sure has got the goods…
Each of the seven suites is inspired by a colourful gemstone (some with private balconies), and all feature granite floors, king canopy beds, traditional wooden furniture, rain showers and complimentary WiFi. Sri Lankan breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on the shady verandah, by the pool or on the roof, and there’s an Ayurveda kitchen (think raw food and PH diets) too. Get zen at the Niya Spa with treatments like the Sandalwood & Turmeric Honey Wrap and traditional Ayurvedic oil massages; alternatively you can meditate in twice-daily yoga classes from hatha to vinyasa, or sweat it out in the country’s first heated studio – namaste.
As for getting out there to explore, Niyagama will arrange guided half and full day tours around the area – from whale watching in Mirissa to trekking the UNESCO-listed Sinharaja Rainforest, and from the famed Galle Fort to the atmospheric, 1,200 year old Yatagalla Temple, there’s plenty of stunning Sri Lanka to see. Ready, jet set…
Niyagama House, Akmeemana, Galle, Sri Lanka. +94 774 618 69, niyagamahouse.com
