Travelling to Wadduwa is always a treat. Sunny beaches and sun rays seem an interesting plan, and, is in fact, the order of the day. At The Villas Wadduwa, you are guaranteed to experience traditional Lankan aesthetics paired with high-end luxury at this property lying cosseted at one of the finest locations in Sri Lanka.
I am going to bill this property as the ‘ultimate experience in style and privacy in Wadduwa’, this abode of sorts delivers both in spades. The rooms are white-washed and minimal, but given a splash of opulence in the form of plush velvet-esque materials, spacious king size beds and stylish, well-placed bric-a-brac.
Day beds decked out in on-trend minimalist white next to a magnanimous pool, which is overlooked only by the property’s many coconut trees, while a vintage bullock cart is parked permanently parked at the entrance. The same aesthetic runs through the entire property, which has a quiet, paired-back luxury thanks to its use of floor-to ceiling whites and minimalistic fixtures.
The swimming pool tends to be the focal points of the property with the cerulean pool appearing to bleed into the ocean so seamlessly that you might feel you’re out at sea.
But if you’re looking for outdoor activities, to get a culture fix or just to indulge in pure relaxation, there are endless ways to spend your days and nights at Wadduwa. But this is an experience that is reserved for the traveller who craves outdoor activity; I didn’t. I desired rest and relaxation and just some serenity and stillness, and I received this in abundance.
On a side note almost, The Villas Wadduwa belongs to the ONYX Hospitality Group, which also has Amari Galle and the OZO chain of city hotels under its burgeoning umbrella. With a conscious focus on excellence being delivered, I must make a voluntary admission that I am a huge fan of all their properties, and The Villas Wadduwa is fast becoming a firm favorite. With a nod towards Amari Galle, which I had the privilege of covering in the last issue, I’ll say that The Villas Wadduwa does it for me simply because it truly is an oasis for those who consider themselves meditative types who have a penchant for the written word.
There’s a very important aspect that needs to be mentioned and that is the delectable array of food that is offered. Buffets are great, but I must say that what will always be more discerning is an a lá carte menu that has been curated by a chef who knows his food. Sri Lankan food needs a conscious input when it comes to condiments and all other types of goodness — the chef here lacks neither the expertise or the passion when it comes to the art of churning out delicacies and that all-challenging aspect of pleasing his guests.
What better way to rest and unwind than to indulge in the local cuisine while feasting your eyes on the heady lingo courtesy of Oscar Wilde? This is exactly what I did being the epicurean I am. The rice and curry options are truly tantalizing with special attention being given to taste than presentation.
Sri Lanka has always cherished its multicultural heritage, and this is happily seen in the cuisine served at The Villas Wadduwa — the spate of cocktails on offer are exotic and yet quite local with fusion tastes being the main focus where an initial sip segues properly into a dinner that promises to elevate your taste buds into something akin to divinity.
Let’s talk breakfast, which is a must while enjoying the surrealist sunrise that slowly spins upwards, as you rise up from a bed that is indubitably one of the best places to rest and dream in Wadduwa. Breakfast consists of a choice — Kiribath is what I ordered: that milky and serendipitous dish that is resplendent of all things Lankan. The lunu miris was on point with spice and sourness beckoning a spurt of saliva while that chicken curry is truly something a gourmand would adore.
Mandatory — this is one word I would generously use to encourage you to visit this fine and architecturally-pleasing property. Rest and relaxation is a running theme here and the aspect of hospitality is something that is used to great effect by its staff. Sri Lanka is all about warmth and generosity, and this is something that The Villas Wadduwa offers you in abundance.
Written by Rohitha Perera
Photography by Sampath Munaweera