FLAVOURS OF CEYLON

This morning you will travel down to the south coast village of Tangalle. Secluded and less- developed than the other coastal areas, the south coast is famous for its cove-like beaches, turquoise seas, rural fishing villages, untouched wilderness and a deep rooted cultural heritage dating back to the ancient Ruhuna Kingdom. Spend three relaxing nights by the waters of the Indian Ocean at The Last House, designed by Sri Lanka’s iconic architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa. Here fresh sea food including prawns, crab and lobster is brought to the doorstep by fisherman. The seafood will be prepared into delicious dishes by the in-house chef. Visit the Tangalle harbour early in the morning to catch the buzz of the fish auction as the fishing boats come in with their catch. Stop by a wayside stall to taste a famous southern treat, buffalo curd & treacle. Visit Rekuwa, a small fishing village near Tangalle where a fascinating Marine Turtle Conservation project is helping to save this endangered species.

Travel along the picturesque southern coast to the historic city of Galle where you will stay for two nights at 41 Lighthouse Street, a restored villa situated within the walls of the 17th century Dutch Fort. Savour delicious fusion dinners with American chef Alex Stanich. Have lunch at Kahanda Kanda, a boutique villa set in a 10-acre tea estate perched high above Koggala Lake. En route visit a cinnamon estate and learn of the processing of another one of Sri Lanka’s valuable crops. Lying within the walls of the Dutch Fort, the 41 Lighthouse Street is an ideal base from which to explore its heritage and see life unfold each morning within the Fort. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the growing collection of art galleries, antique shops, cafes and restaurants. An adventurous hot air balloon ride is also on offer where you glide over paddy fields and rural villages.

Today you head to the capital city Colombo for your last two nights where you will be staying at Tintagel, a newly opened luxurious boutique hotel housed in one of Sri Lanka’s most famous ancestral residences belonging to the family of Sri Lanka’s former President. Tintagel Colombo was created by Shanth Fernando, Sri Lanka’s leading restauranteur and lifestyle designer. Shanth is also the owner of The Gallery Café, the most popular restaurant in Colombo during the past decade, famous for its unique ambience and atmosphere. If you would like a cooking demonstration then we will organise one with Chef Pubilis from Mt Lavinia Hotel, the island’s widely-acclaimed master chef. Aside from Colombo’s restaurants, the capital offers plenty of shopping: from the vibrantly-coloured hand-spun fabrics from Barefoot, to the unique homewear of Paradise Road and designer clothes at Odels. A morning at the Pettah Market, the trading epicenter of Colombo, is fascinating and exhilarating.