The Why House, South Coast

rooms

Eight intimate and individual rooms are spread throughout the gardens. Three are found in the elegant Main House, three in the Garden House and two romantic, octagonal Cabanas are just steps away from the swimming pool. Each section can be booked individually or as a whole for exclusive use. The hotels location and unique setting comprising a fully equipped kitchen, spread of rooms, large pool and gardens make it an ideal choice for a large gatherings of family and friends.

The Italian inspired main house, with its imposing columns and large veranda with stunning garden views, houses three sumptuous bedrooms with four poster beds, separate anterooms and french doors that lead out to the garden and private dining table. All rooms in the house open into a large central living room complete with sink-into sofas, a great place to entertain and catch up at the end of the day.

The Garden House offers three huge bedrooms, complete with soaring ceilings, en suite bathrooms and lovely private garden verandas.

The intimate Cabanas are perfect for a couple and are found in a secluded nook in the gardens complete with luxurious four poster beds, writing desks and gorgeous views of the gardens.

facilities & activities

Wander through the lush gardens down to the extraordinary swimming pool. Huge and jewel-green in colour it has gorgeous views out and across the gardens to the rice fields beyond. Bubble away in the jacuzzi, play a game of water polo or just sink into the cushioned pavilion and watch the clouds chase across the balmy sky. The beaches are just a short walk away, enjoy a sploosh in the welcoming bath-warm sea. Have a spa massage in your room, watch an authentic Sri -Lankan cooking demonstration, play a game of badminton or take a guided bike tour around the beautiful local area, with its emerald green fields and white washed Buddhist Temples. There's plenty to while away an afternoon here, you can even meet the in-house snake charmer and get to know his friendly monkey.

Colonial Galle is well worth a visit with its cosmopolitan and chic shops, centuries old buildings, rich museums and cafes. Visit the fragrant tea and spice plantations, marvel at the famous Sri Lankan elephants at Udawalawe National Park or hit the waters for whale and dolphin watching, boat rides, diving, surfing and snorkeling.

dining

A small kitchen with a big heart, the dedicated head chef can seemingly wiz up all kinds of delights at every hour of the day. All ingredients are locally sourced, seasonal and fresh and are a fusion of Sri Lankan, Western or Asian fare. The in-house gourmet restaurant boasts 360 degree views of the gardens, beautiful at any time of day. Start the morning with pancakes drizzled with syrup, omlettes, a full English, fresh local fruit or go local and have a traditional breakfast of curry, string hoppers and sambals (order the night before).

Lunch can be a fresh salad, sandwich, pasta or pizza or try the in-house specialties of hainanese chicken rice and nasi goreng. Leave room for the afternoon tea, where the tables groan with chocolate brownies, scones and cream, carrot cakes and juicy flapjacks washed down with a home brewed Ceylon tea.

After the delicious rum cocktail sundowner, or the in-house Gin and Tonic (if you dare), international cuisine is served up for dinner, with an emphasis on the fresh local fish caught daily. Chose fragrant Sri Lankan curries, Lebanese flat breads with chicken or lamb, or the famous in-house Bajan style fish and fries. Finish off with coconut pie or mango with passion fruit cream. All menus are easily adaptable and the staff are happy to accommodate any personal favourites. Dinner for two can be served on your private veranda in the gardens if you prefer.

family

This boutique hotel is very family orientated and little ones are given a warm welcome here. They'll love exploring the gardens, playing in the enormous swimming pool and going to the beach – just a 10 minute walk away. The main house offers spacious suite accommodation with an ante room big enough for two single beds - perfect for sleeping little ones. The Garden House has three large rooms, all of which are spacious enough to house any number of family configurations and cots are provided free of charge. There is no set children's menu, but all options can be tailored to suit smaller appetites and there is plenty of choice.

location

Just minutes from the boho-chic Galle in south-west Sri Lanka, with its 18th Century Dutch walled town (a UNESCO world heritage site), sandy coastline, lush plantations, ancient temples and lakes, Why House is tranquil, secluded and the local velvet-soft beaches are just a short meander away. The international airport of Colombo is a two hour drive (transfers can be organised with the hotel) or a one hour hop on a domestic flight.