Location: Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka it is the jewel of the Indian ocean, a teardrop-shaped island about the size of Ireland off of southern India with a history of over 2,500 years. Sinhalese ancestors came from northern India about fifth century BC and the Tamils from southern India around 300 BC. Muslims, Christians and Malays also form a part of this varied culture. Taprobane Island is just 180 meters off the southern coast, about 40 minutes drive from the historic Dutch town of Galle. Galle is the quiet port town capital of the southern province, and possibly the only place in Sri Lanka to retain authentic historic colonial atmosphere intact in its old Fort. Galle Fort was begun by the Portuguese in the early 1500's, then finished by the Dutch in 1640 and occupied by the British from 1796 to Independence in 1948.
Surrounding:
This extraordinary villa occupies a tiny rocky island in Weligama Bay. Built in the 1920s by the eccentric Count de Mauny, it has subsequently been home to various luminaries, including novelist Paul Bowles, who wrote The Spider's House here. Totally private and set in two acres of spectacular tropical gardens, this light and airy octagonal-shaped house is an imaginative traveller's dream. Its elegant colonial furnishings, large wrap-around verandahs with 360-degree views, rock pool, and stunning swimming pool make you feel as though you're stepping into a 1930s novel. Perfect for a group of friends, families or decadent honeymooners wanting to experience island life. Swim, read, paint, write or just fantasize! The ocean views stretch for hundreds of miles – nothing lies between the house and the South Pole!
Accommodation:
There are 4 double ensuite bedrooms - three in the main house, off the central hallway, and a separate suite. Predominantly white with tiled floors and high, wooden ceilings, they are airy, cool and light. Splashes of colour reflect the sea and sky outside. The colonial furniture (a mix of wood and cane) is as comfortable as the finest English home. Each bedroom has a wooden four-poster bed draped with mosquito netting and views out to sea. The villa has a terrace wrapped around most of its octagonal structure so each bedroom leads out on to somewhere interesting – a rock, a patio or a balcony. You will sleep soundly here, lulled by the gentle sounds of the sea. Staff includes housekeeper, chef, gardener, 3 houseboys and a security guard who patrols the island to maintain your privacy.
Dining:
The heart of the villa is the dining room which looks out across the Indian Ocean. The food served here or outside on the terrace is whatever you want. There are 6 resident staff to cater for your needs - in the morning simply discuss your culinary requirements with the cook. The food is delicious: spicy Sri Lankan curries, salads, fusion and Western foods are all available. Extremely fresh seafood is a specialty of the area – and no wonder, as the island is set off the fishing village of Weligama. Each day guests order and pay for meals from the staff who buy the ingredients and cook. You pay for the provisions but the services of the chef and other staff are included in the rental price. If you fancy a night out, a good excursion is to go and watch the sunset from the ramparts of Galle Fort and then book for dinner at The Sun House, followed possibly by a nightcap or more at one of the seaside bars at Unawatuna.
Activities & daytrips:
Ideas for relaxing: Read, write, or paint. Sunbathe on the terrace. Take a dip off the end of the walkway or float in the beautiful infinity swimming pool that literally juts out into the sea; wade or swim to shore to buy fresh fish yourself; spend the day on one of the many nearby beaches - Mirissa (4 km away) is considered one of Sri Lanka's most attractive, with a lovely curve of sand and clear waters, good for swimming and body surfing. 20 km further on, you'll find Unawatuna, a popular backpacker hangout, with safe swimming and snorkelling. If you are looking for more adventure diving can be arranged at Unawatuna, Weligama and Dickwella. (For those who want to learn to dive P.A.D.I. courses can be arranged.) White water rafting, trekking, mountain biking can be arranged through a local company. Ask the staff to organise a visit to the Bundala Bird Sanctuary. Overnight trips can be arranged to the National Parks of Yala and Uda Walawe, the tropical rainforest of Sinharajah, or the overnight climb to the dawn from the top of Adams Peak. Explore the cultural highlights: Take a trip to the nearby historic towns of Galle (40 minutes drive) and Matara (15 minutes) both with fine old Dutch forts and lively markets; visit the nearby Kataluwa Temple with its old murals or the giant 165ft Buddha at the Wewurukannala Temple, near Dikwella; depending on the tides, watch the famous stilt fisherman just a few miles west along the coastline; take a trip to the nearby lowland tea country and visit Koggala Lake and the Martin Wickramasinghe Museum of Folk Art & Culture, one of Sri Lanka's best museums; Local devil dances are still occasionally performed in the villages inland from Taprobane, ask the staff if any are scheduled during your stay.
How to get there:
Airport transfer can be arranged directly with the manager of Taprobane. It takes about 3 hours from the airport. Alternatively, the scenic but slow coastal Colombo-Matara train, which stops at Weligama, takes about 3-3.5 hours. If coming from Galle, Weligama is about 1 hour by bus or train or 40 minutes by car. Getting to the island - best to make the crossing at low tide. The staff will carry your luggage across. Some have crossed by elephant!
Special Features:
The only privately owned island in Sri Lanka, Taprobane was built in the 1920's by the eccentric English Count de Mauny as his dream home. It was subsequently owned and visited by various artists and celebrities including Robin Maugham, Paul Bowles, Arthur C. Clarke, Peggy Guggenheim. An amazing array of vegetation, wildlife, culture, architecture and religion has been a long kept secret to travellers looking for a holiday combining ancient culture and island relaxation.
$ - Entire Villa and Island from GBP 385 - GBP 595/Day.
