Less of a resort and more a tiny village of elegant villas, Tabula Rasa is a designer haven of tranquillity. The brainchild of Dutch couple, Arnoud Oostenbroek and Anouk Brouwer, every detail has been painstakingly rendered, even down to the palm trees incorporated into the buildings.
All here is sustainable, built with 100% local materials, using solar energy for hot water, and with a rainwater reservoir to irrigate the landscape. This is a boutique hotel like no other, where the only sounds come from the jungle monkeys, swishing palm trees and the distant ocean.
Who for
Honeymooners, couples who want peace and quiet, well behaved families. In fact anyone who wants five-star service in complete privacy.
Accommodation
12 rooms, 11 villas and one apartment in a variety of designs, some with private plunge pools. We stayed in a villa with terrace overlooking the jungle and the ocean.
All rooms have a king size four poster bed with mosquito net, sofa, lounge nook with day bed, desk, terrace bench and table with sun loungers, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities including Nespresso machine.
Food & Drink
The restaurant overlooking the infinity pool is surrounded by palm trees and serves locally sourced fresh cuisine, including a catch of the day. The outdoor Sky Bar offers views of the clear night sky and there’s also an indoor lounge with bar facilities.
Facilities
Tabula Rasa’s spa is one of the most impressive unique spas in Sri Lanka. It’s built into the side of the hilltop with magnificent views of the jungle, beaches and ocean.
There’s also an outdoor intimate herbal bath on the terrace. Yoga classes take place here in the early morning or evening.
The 10 x 20m infinity pool integrates coconut palms, a waterfall and a bridge with built-in sun loungers.
How much
Rooms start from £160 per person per night, including breakfast.
What’s nearby?
A variety of activities are offered: Habaraduwa is the nearest beach, a 10 minute drive away. Boat trips on Koggala Lake offer wildlife viewing and cinnamon peeling. The UNESCO world heritage site of Galle Fort is around 20 minutes away. Stay relaxed and enjoy a bicycle tour through paddy fields, passing local villages, visiting temples and chat with the monks.
VERDICT:
An oasis of tranquillity in a luxury hilltop environment. It feels remote but it’s still close to beaches and Galle Town. Go here to relax, be pampered and get away from it all.
