Apa Villas - Galle, Sri Lanka
About this Chic Retreat
Owned by Hans Hoefer, photographer, publisher and founder of The Apa/Insight Travel Guides Apa Villas Thalpe is one of the first boutique hotels in Sri Lanka with an irresistible location on a beautiful stretch of palm-fringed beach. This small luxury hotel is 5 miles away from the historic town of Galle and a 3 hour drive south of Colombo
Once you arrive at the red gate of Apa Villas you enter a retreat of bungalows all individually designed to lend themselves to the relaxed, tropical way of life synonymous to old Ceylon.
Accommodation
The 7 suites are set in a coconut grove with an infinity pool deftly shaded by the palm trees and always in view of the rolling ocean waves. The deck above the beach is the perfect perch for dinner or sunset drinks.
The architecture at Apa Villas is traditional Sri Lankan with coconut pillars lining the verandah. Polished cement floors and contemporary wrought-iron and wood furniture made in Sri Lanka add to the surroundings. Large four-poster beds swathed in white mosquito nets allow the cooling sea breezes to filter through. Each suite has its own private seating area and dining verandah and bathroom.
Activities
On a bicycle, guests can get far into the old Buddhist temples and small tracks cut among the rice fields. Apa Villa's in-house tuk-tuk (three-wheeler) driver can take two to three guests for a ride on the bumpy lanes. A hired vehicle with driver can be arranged for guests to make day trips to several bird sanctuaries, game parks and the famous Sinharajah Rain Forest all under 7 hours drive. Other activities within reach of Apa Villas are diving, fishing, wreck diving and snorkelling. On moonlit nights during the season turtles come up onto the beach to lay their eggs in the sand.
The trained English-speaking staff can arrange transport, Ayurvedic massage service, babysitting and give friendly tips on local sightseeing. The library has a stunning collection of reference books, children's books and travel guides for guests to enjoy.
Dining
Dining at Apa Villas is casual and always a satisfying experience. Sri Lankan specialities are the favourites. Fish and other seafood are caught locally and freshly prepared. Innovative Asian and fusion dishes are continually being introduced and many of the vegetables, herbs and fruits are from Apa Villa's six-acre organic gardens at the Illuketia Estate.
Rates
Rates at Apa Villas are per room per night and include local taxes, service and breakfast. A villa at Apa has to be booked for a minimum of 3 nights. A suite will sleep 2 pax. Christmas and New Year Rates are Dec Rates are at additional rates applicable from 15th December - 10th January Children under 12 yrs of age sharing a room are free of charge. All prices quoted are in USD per night, inclusive breakfast, tax and service. Transfers from the airport can be arrange by air-conditioned van.
* Rates in USD
Cancellation policy
50% advance payment of the total room charges as a confirmation of the booking with the balance payable seven days before guest arrival. Guests are required to settle all additional charges for food, beverage and other services directly to us before departure.
No refunds will be given for unused rooms or cancellations less than six weeks before arrival. For postponed reservations or cancellations earlier than six weeks, there will be an administration fee of USD 90 per booking.
Additional information
- Neareast Airport: Colombo International.
- Distance from Airport: 4 hours.
- Credit Cards: No credit cards accepted.
Budget Chic Retreats
Good for:
watching the turtles arrive on the palm-fringed shoresFacilites:
babysitting, private beach, restaurant, swimming pool, spa treatment room, child friendlyRates starting from
per room per night
Members also receive
5% reduction on room rates if booked 3 month in advance of arrival & a room upgrade (subject to availability)
Other hotels in Sri Lanka
- Buckingham Place, Southern Sri Lanka
- The Dutch House - Bandarawela, Southern Sri Lanka
- Serene Pavilions, Southern Sri Lanka
- Clingendael, Southern Sri Lanka
- Casa Colombo, Southern Sri Lanka
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