Halala Kanda Villa

over 8 reviews from 1 source(s)

6 5 12

from

USD 0

per night

Latest reviews

Average rating of

over 8 reviews from 1 source(s)

Reviewed: 15th Jul 18

Bloctober

Stayed: July 2018

Absolute Perfection

I stayed at Halala Kanda for 5 blissful nights in July 2018. This is the second time I’ve visited Halala Kanda. Halala Kanda is a beautifully restored tea plantation and is absolute perfection - luxury, service, history, well located, a sanctuary. Halala Kanda sleeps 12 in palatial luxury - huge bedrooms and bathrooms, beautifully appointed. It is an ideal base for touring the south of Sri Lanka. Lasitha and the team looked after us beautifully - cooking amazing food and ensuring that our stay at Halala Kanda and our touring around Welligama and Galle was seamless. I will be back... I can’t recommend Halala Kanda more highly.

Stayed: July 2018

Reviewed: 15th Jul 18

annam1949

Stayed: July 2018

Absolutely fabulous!

An extended family of 8, we stayed at Halala Kanda for 5 nights and what a fun and relaxing experience it was. The villa is a stylishly restored plantation house beautifully and luxuriously furnished; it has a large pool and various private sitting spaces ideal for quiet times. The property produces tea, cashews, coconuts and other produce, some of which were used by our chef, Lasitha, who was a gem and served us with top food from his kitchen; he was also ably supported by the property's staff. Seamless transport was arranged for us - tuk tuks to nearby Welligama, vans to Galle and to Colombo airport. Highly recommended for friends or for family groups who love luxury in serene surroundings. We hope to return.

Stayed: July 2018

Reviewed: 2nd May 18

Hannah S

Stayed: April 2018

Highly recommend!

My husband and I had the pleasure of staying for a long weekend. Halala Kanda is stunning and beautifully renovated. Great size for a family or a groups of friends - there were seven of us and it still felt spacious. Despite the temptation to travel the short distance into Weligama to explore, I was quite content to spend my days by the pool! And our meals were delicious so there was no need to venture out. Staff were attentive and friendly. And the beds... Well, it was like sleeping on a cloud! Most definitely worthy of 5 stars!

Stayed: April 2018

Reviewed: 24th Apr 18

JSL_12

Stayed: April 2018

A beautiful renovation of a wonderful old house

Halala Kanda is a truly lovely place to stay We had delicious food and lots of fun and enjoyed every minute A stunning pool and willing, cheerful staff all contributed to a great stay. The chef created an Indian dinner with authentic flavours and his Rice and Curry was outstanding He also made an old fashioned rice pudding to soothe the soul. Halala Kanda is a great party house with marvellous sitting and dining spaces and the bedrooms are super stylish with greta bathrooms Highly recommended and very convenient for Weligama ,Galle and Colombo

Stayed: April 2018

Reviewed: 22nd Apr 18

Newingtongreenguy

Stayed: April 2018

Picture perfect villa

We loved our stay at Halala Kanda. From the luxurious interiors to welcoming staff, we had a fabulous stay with friends. We had plans to visit nearby Weligama beach for surf lessons but the pool was too gorgeous to leave. We liked the menu options too with the chef sitting down to talk through what we fancied each morning. The Rice and curry lunch was by far the best we had on the entire trip! Highly recommended for family or friends - we’ll be back!

Stayed: April 2018

Reviewed: 2nd Apr 18

MissLJGordon

Stayed: April 2018

Bliss, bliss, bliss

A unique private home set back in the hillls of Weligama. A superb retreat, spent with a great group of friends. A large colonial estate, magnificent rooms, pool and dining area.. in addition to small private decadent spaces to hide and unwind. The food was exceptional, a blend of local fare and fine dining - catered for veges, gf and even the most unusual appetites. A private driver can get you to excellent surfing beaches, or Galle, in and around 20mins. I can not recommend this place highly enough. Bring your nearest and dearests to create excellent holiday vibes

Stayed: April 2018

Reviewed: 26th Oct 16

NPGL

Stayed: May 2016, traveled with family

Absolutely worderful - relaxing luxury

Our visit to Halala Kanda started at Colombo airport where we were met by, a very friendly driver all organised by the property. The house is a two-hour drive from Colombo airport an easy drive on the new expressway and the journey was painless. Halalala Kanda is a magnificent colonial mansion set on a couple of acres of beautiful gardens. The property is absolutely spectacular and exceeded all our expectations. It has been lovingly and creatively renovated to bring it bang up to date, while sensitively considering its past splendour. This property is large; it could easily accommodate two or three families without people tripping over each other. There are many spaces to sit and relax in the house, many more outside and with such a large swimming pool The grounds really are stunning and with so many spaces, everyone can relax and enjoy taking in the ambience. The house comes complete with a full staff, and to ensure you are very well taken care of. Living areas are plentiful and extremely comfortable. Bedrooms spacious with some of the most comfortable beds in the business, you will sleep well here. The Swimming pool is beautiful and offers a wonderful view over the lush valley, plentiful loungers and a Kabana, so everyone has somewhere to hang out. The house has a full kitchen, a great chef and everyone’s dietary requirements can be accommodated (we travelled with our vegetarian daughter and her friend) and the quality and variety of food is outstanding. The property is within easy reach of the peaceful southern beaches and a short drive to Galle. The surrounding countryside is really beautiful, paddy fields at the bottom of the drive and some lovely scenic walks, just down the road. The villas facilities are first rate and the dining and living areas all extremely comfortable and can accommodate quite large parties. The villa would lend itself well for a wedding, company retreat or large family gathering. At night the stars are spectacular, and if you walk further into the garden, the fireflies are quite enchanting. The almost magical atmosphere will particularly charm children and adults alike. The villa has such a relaxing feel for such a grand property. We were all extremely sad to leave (but will be back). Halala Kanda really is heaven and the owners have created something very special indeed– highly recommended.

Stayed: May 2016, traveled with family

Reviewed: 5th Oct 16

DBDanza

Fantastic Villa & Staff in good location

Stayed with a group of friends whilst watching cricket in Galle. Very classy villa set in a beautiful location. Tastefully finished with fantastically attentive staff offering a wide variety of culinary options. Beach and nightlife of Mirissa only 10minutes away a significant plus.

Facilities

Available for longterm
Available for weddings
Suitable for children
Suitable for elderly
Suitable for wheelchairs
Smoking allowed
Pets allowed
Security
Maid
Chef
Swimming pool
Internet/Wifi

Bedroom facilities

Air conditioning
King Size bed
Bed Linen
Sofa bed
Dressing areas

Bathroom facilities

En-suite bathroom

Dining facilities

Gas stove
Dish washer
Freezer (standalone)
Fridge (standalone)
Microwave
Oven
Coffee machine
Pots and Pans
Kettle

Living facilities

Lounge seating
Air conditioning
TV
Washer

Outdoor facilities

Garden
Terrace
Sun beds / chairs
BBQ / Bar area
Pizza oven

Location

The Halala Kanda residence is located high on a plantation hillside near the Southern-most tip of Sri Lanka, in a village area known as Welipitya, Weligama.

Bounded by lush jungle and velvet green rice paddies, the nearest town is Weligama, which is a gentle 15 minutes away by tuk-tuk. Weligama is recognised as Sri Lanka’s gemstone capital and is also a busy fishing town, with a wide horseshoe bay and bustling fish and general produce markets.

From Colombo, the trip south to the residence is a relaxed 2 hour drive down the quiet inland Southern Expressway.

Alternatively, for a more enthralling experience, Sri Lankan Railways Coastal Line, carries travellers on an invigorating 4 hour trip sight-seeing through beachside towns and villages to nearby Weligama station.

Our trusted and experienced driver, Charith, can meet you in Colombo or Weligama and ensure a relaxed journey to our home.

Rates

Include all taxes - No booking fees

Rates Include

- Wifi
- Staff service
- Daily breakfast

Rates Exclude

- Events
- The minimum stay at Halala Kanda is for 2 nights, except for Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter when the minimum is for 5 nights

Cancellation Policy

The following cancellation charges will be applicable depending on when the notification of the cancellation is received in writing:

30 days or more before arrival date:
* Deposit forfeited - but credited for 9 months from the date of the cancellation confirmation by the management company. The credit can be used by the client or anyone on their behalf for a reservation for the same villa and during any period.

Within 30 days of arrival date:
* All rental payments are forfeited.
* The above cancellation charges also apply if the management company cancels the booking due to non-payment of the balance. If the dates of the booking require to be changed or amended, this may be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and cancellation charges may apply.
* Any change to the original reservation is subject to the approval of the management company.
* Early departure penalty will be subject to negotiation with the management company.

Shall the party wish to change villa on arrival, a minimum 3 days notice is required or will be charged as a cancellation fee. Any differences in published rates between the villas are also applicable and will be charged to the Guests. Shall the alternative villa be cheaper, no refund will be made.

Payment Terms

Deposit Payment
* To guarantee this booking in the first instance, you will be required to pay a deposit equivalent to 30% of the total rental due or 50% for Christmas and New Year period.

Balance payment
* Full balance is due at least 30 days prior to arrival

Last minute reservation
* In case of reservation within 30 days of arrival, full payment may be requested at once before the arrival date

Kindly inform upon confirmation of your reservation, which form of payment would be preferred.
* Payments may be made by Telegraphic Transfer to our company bank account or through an online payment gateway with your credit card (visa or master card).
* If payment by credit card is preferred this will incur a 3.9% admin fee.

Description

A place to escape and recharge

Halala Kanda, or Firefly Hill, was built in 1912 by Simonmeru Gunathilaka, the romantic son of a wealthy plantation estates owner from the north of Sri Lanka, to win the heart of his young local bride.
After many decades empty, the estate was re-discovered in 2010, overrun with jungle and near ruin. A labour of love, the new South Pacific owners, chose to work with local craftsmen, to restore the house back to its former opulent splendour, whilst adding their own eclectic design aesthetic.
Set in the lush plantation hills of Weligama, Halala Kanda once more offers a serene oasis to relax and recharge, yet is within easy reach of the pristine southern beaches and the historic charm of Galle.

On first entering the house through its wide covered verandah, you walk into the palatial hallway lounge, with its towering 20m high barrel vault ceilings and a superb collection on Sri Lankan antique and contemporary collectables.
Off the hallway lounge, is the enchanting Room of Curiosities, which is an eclectic place to curl up with a favourite book or partake in drinks and a hand of cards.
And whether it’s the sumptuous conversation pit poolside at The Folly, or the antique chaises dotted around the internal courtyard verandah, quiet escapes are many and varied.

Halala Kanda nestles within two idyllic acres of gardens. When machetes were laid to the jungle, which had enveloped the property, they revealed carefully planted lines of coconut palms, and orchards of cashew nut, ebony wood, mangosteen and mango.These original discoveries have been brought back to life and supplemented with generous plantings of tea and coffee rows, pineapple groves, pepper and cinnamon vines, citrus trees and even a spice and vegetable garden. Just steps from the main house, is Halala Kanda’s pristine salt-water pool, at 23 meters long, it is the perfect spot to work off the calories and let the stresses of the day melt away. And with its view stretching off across the jungle and paddy fields to the coast, it’s also a relaxing spot to dabble at the pool edge and watch life go by. Book-ending the pool, is a remarkable space known as ‘The Folly’. Designed in an art-deco style, it is a luxuriously appointed conversation pit, ideal for early evening drinks while watching the sun slide slowly over the horizon.