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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Villa | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| Suitable for Children |
| Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 40 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Villa |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
| Living space | 2500 square feet |
| Bedrooms |
3 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Bathrooms |
3 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 6 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedAsk Suitable for childrenYes Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleAsk |
| Theme | Luxury, Romantic, Beach, Tropical, Village |
Description from the owner
This luxurious, comfortable, spacious modern villa, designed by a student of the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa is set in a secluded lush tropical garden with a private swimming pool in a quiet residential area in the village of Unawatuna. The villa has been designed with "keeping cool" in mind in this hot climate. The high ceilings and many french doors from all rooms ensure a constant cooling air flow throughout the villa.
The villa is tastefully decorated with a mix of Sri Lankan antiques and modern furniture. All bedrooms are en-suite with hot water showers, have comfortable beds with mosquito nets and good quality bed linen. Th...Read more
Amenities
Location
Shalini Villa
Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Location Type Beach, Tropical, Village
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $200 - $400 | $200 - $400 | $0 | $0 | 3 nights |
| Apr. 21 2013 - Jun. 30 2013 | $200 | $200 | - | - | 3 nights |
| Jul. 1 2013 - Aug. 31 2013 | $225 | $225 | - | - | 3 nights |
| Sep. 1 2013 - Nov. 30 2013 | $200 | $200 | - | - | 3 nights |
| Dec. 1 2013 - Dec. 20 2013 | $300 | $300 | - | - | 3 nights |
| Dec. 21 2013 - Jan. 2 2014 Peak |
$400 | $400 | - | - | 10 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
| Jan. 3 2014 - May. 4 2014 | $260 | $260 | - | - | 3 nights |
| All Other Dates | $250 | $250 | - | - | 3 nights |
| View all 7 Rate Periods | |||||
Additional notes from owner
$50USD for an extra room per night
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 23, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
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Sonali
BangaloreThe perfect holiday!
Left on 05/03/2013 for a stay in April 2013
What a fabulous time we had at Shalini Villa! My family and I spent 5 days at the villa last month and our only regret was that we could not stay longer. We were a largish group with small children - the space was absolutely ideal for us. The house and garden are just so beautiful and are impeccably maintained. Every small detail has been thought about to make guests comfortable. We felt thoroughly spoiled - everything from the beautiful bed linen to the delicious meals we were served was just perfect. Kamindika and Tharanga were warm and helpful... Tharanga is a wonderfully inventive and talented cook who delighted us every day with his creations.
Thank you, Alison and Geeth. We can't wait to visit again!
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Nicola
LondonThe most beautiful and well run villa
Left on 04/25/2013 for a stay in April 2013
This place is just heaven on earth. The villa is gorgeous, spotless, just beautiful. The staff are friendly, helpful and talented. I stayed for 3 nights with my boyfriend and another couple along with our driver who was also made to feel at home. We only wish we could have stayed longer. The location is great - not too far from the beach but far enough to not be noisy. Lots of wildlife in the garden as you swim in the lovely pool. They can organise scooters etc if you so wish - they did for us and the scooter was delivered to the villa and picked up again. You really do feel spoilt rotten! The chef is just brilliant - i wish we could take him home with us! We had traditional rice and curry one night and pasta a beef fillet the next and both were so tasty. The breakfast fruit is fresh and lovely. There's always so much food to eat you just feel a little bad to leave anything! And it only costs a few pounds each for all that food along with mojito cocktails - all ingredients are bought fresh each morning. So brilliant! I would absolutely go back and stay for a couple of weeks and really hope to do so at some point in the future!
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kkc
Los Angeles, CaliforniaJust Fantastic!
Left on 04/23/2013 for a stay in September 2012
We stayed at this fabulous house in September with our 4 year old son and it was a perfect family vacation. We loved the location just blocks from the beach yet quiet and private. The house is a mini estate with all thee luxuries you need to make your vacation relaxing. The master bedroom has a king bed and a twin, perfect for a couple and a young child if you want them to sleep in the same room, and the other bedrooms were great for naps! Bathrooms were big and modern - we never felt crowded in the house.
We enjoyed trying the delicious food the cook made for us - Sri Lankan breakfasts of potato curries and fish dishes, along with European dishes as well. Even our son liked the potato curry.
The house is beautifully designed and a great vacation house - a great room with tv lounge area in a corner, an open kitchen, and 3 bedrooms surrounded by a wrap around outdoor covered terrace and beautiful lush garden and clean pool. Everything from the mattresses to the linens, towels, and dishes were well chosen, fresh, clean and contemporary. The neutral tones used throughout were relaxing and comfortable. And the furniture, although not over furnished, are antique pieces from the area, very lovely that add a warmth and style to the home.
One thing to note - the bedrooms have a/c and free of mosquitos, while the rest is cooled with open lattice vents above the closed doors and fans which lets in some bugs, so bring bug spray.
We also loved the location only a few blocks from Unawatuna beach.
The house comes with a cook and house manager who did everything to make our stay easy. The house was always clean, they called us taxis, did shopping, and prepared meals. We were fully taken care of, yet they were sensitive to our privacy as well.
We fell in love with Sri Lanka...a lot had to do with us choosing to stay at this house. It's a place we dream of and will return to whenever we get a chance.
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Robbboys
KuwaitI would recommend Shalini Villa to my best friends!
Left on 04/16/2013 for a stay in April 2013
We just returned from an amazing week at Shalini Villa and everything about it was wonderful. From our first enquiries, Alison helped to facilitate our stay arranging everything including being picked up and returned to the airport at odd hours.
The villa was gorgeous; clean, upscale, nicely furnished, and well maintained with a lovely garden, a fabulous pool, cool ceiling fans and much cooler air conditioning. The villa was exactly as depicted in the pictures - only better!
To top off our stay we were taken care of by the most wonderful team of Kamindika and Tharanga. Together, they took care of the villa and fed us delicious meals morning and evening. We (Mom, Dad and three boys 11, 14 and 16) read books and watched videos from their "library"; played cards and dominoes on the porch; admired the lush green garden and were delighted by the monkeys in the trees; and, of course, we swam and lounged in the pool. We spent a lot of time resting and relaxing at the house and when we ventured out Kamindika arranged tuk-tuks from the villa to wherever we wanted to go; snorkelling, a turtle sanctuary, a wood carving factory, nearby Galle town and fort, secluded Jungle Beach and surfing in Weligama.
The beach is only a few minutes walk away which suited us just fine. This holiday was all about having fun doing nothing and Unawatuna is a wonderful place to do just that. If we return to this are I would definitely go back to Shalini Villa; if only my travel bucket list was not so long. Do not hesitate to book. Just do it! -
Yasmin Moinirad
weymouthAmazing Shalini
Left on 03/19/2013 for a stay in March 2013
We stayed in Shalini Villa for 2 weeks in February with our 1 year old daughter we had a fantastic time,everything we needed for her was there. I highly recommend Shalini villa it's a beautiful villa in a great location. The staff are lovely and helpful and the chef is amazing, the food was the best I've ever had.We will be coming again. Thank you!
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DorsetJake
Portland, United KingdomSensational Shalini !!!
Left on 03/10/2013 for a stay in February 2013
We travelled to Sri Lanka with our 1 year old daughter with mild concerns about how hard it was going to be with a little one. How wrong we were! From the minute we arrived after a long journey, we were made to feel welcome by the endearing Kamindika. He was excellent with our little girl throughout the entire stay and by the time we left, she refused to be separated from him! It certainly allowed us to relax knowing that she was in safe hands. The same can be said for Thuranga the chef, he was also warm and welcoming, and cooked us some incredible rice and curries virtually every night. He made sure our daughter was also accommodated for. After a great cookery lesson from him, I now have a range of super tasty Sri Lankan curries to try at home. The villa itself it astounding. Beautifully kept and maintained (again, by the tireless staff), it is perfectly situated just a 5 min trip to the main village centre and beach. Facilities include a private kitchen, comfortable seating areas inside and out, a gorgeous pool and gardens, three very comfortable and large double beds, all with mosquito nets, in large rooms with en suite bathrooms and air con. The whole villa is superbly designed with high ceilings and fans to give good air flow in this hot climate. We spent a great deal of time in the gardens next to the the pool, enjoying the company of the monkeys who regularly frequent the trees and bushes surrounding the house! On the whole, a five star experience, and something we will definitely be repeating in the not too distant future.
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Declan Buckley
Londonreturn visit
Left on 02/28/2013 for a stay in December 2012
I was blown away by my first stay at Shalini Villa and thought it could not get any better
we returned this year and guess what...it has got even better... now with wonderful swimming pool and a more mature landscape of flowers and trees, still the same wonderful staff and food
now I cant imagine how it could possibly get any better
thanks you Geeth and everybody at Shalini Villa for what must be one of our best vacation stays ever -
Mary Thirlwall
SydneyBeautiful villa
Left on 02/20/2013 for a stay in February 2013
We were recommended to stay @ Shalini by friends who had stayed. The villa is amazing - a beautifully designed house with pool, spotlessly clean & the housekeeper & cook were of a high standard. The food was excellent. The villa is located a short walk to the beach.
Thankyou alison also for all your assistance.
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rqf55
SydneyPretty much perfect
Left on 02/17/2013 for a stay in February 2013
We stayed for 7 nights. It is a lovely, well designed villa, surrounded by well kept beautiful gardens. The rooms are spacious and charming. The beds are very comfortable. The staff were great - helpful but not too intrusive. Tharanga, the chef, produced wonderful meals for us virtually every night - he was a delight. The pool was lovely, and we spent a lot of time in it. The feel of the villa is one of understated comfort, style and peacefulness. It is located on a quiet side lane, and is a 5 minute walk to the closest part of the beach (a 10 minute walk to the middle of the beach or a 100 rupee tuk tuk ride). Because of this distance, we ate in on all nights except one. Extremely highly recommended.
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RaymondEskilstuna
eskilstunaDelightful experience
Left on 02/10/2013 for a stay in January 2013
One of the best holiday lodgings we have ever experienced. Beautiful villa in a tropical garden setting with pool. Attentive and thoughtful staff (Kamindika and Tharanga) with good breakfasts and superb evening meals prepared to our wishes. Distance to beaches etc. just about right, not too far but far enough to be peaceful.
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Fussy Britbird
LondonParadise, comfort, welcoming and a slice of heaven!
Left on 01/29/2013 for a stay in January 2013
All the reviews are true enough - The villa is everything and more.I will reiterate, the photos really do not do the place justice.The gardens are tropical with the an array of flowers, trees and plants that are beautiful.The outside space is well thought out; sofas, recliners and fans (all covered when it rains).Easy to find a quiet spot to watch the day and wildlife go by. Amazing also that the staff always seem to find you when bringing out a pot of coffee, to tell you breakfast is ready or to let you know your tuk tuk (which they organised) has arrived. Back to the Villa - although that seems too drab or simple a word to really describe it - my room was large, had table, chair, wardrobe and drawer space - my own bathroom (as all the others did) great shower with endless hot water. Spotlessly clean each day. The bed was perfect as were the sheets and pillows, air con & fan, beautiful nets surround the bed. I was slightly concerned at the thought of mosquitos before I went but quite honestly although I know they were about I really wasn't bothered by them. Around dusk the staff light the anti mozzie things which are highly effective. There is a kitchen which I could have used (the chef did the main cooking in the back kitchen which you don't even know is there) but I only used it for the well-stocked ice compartment to compliment my G&Ts.; The food is to die for. Amazing breakfasts,devilled fish, curries, just fantastic(losing weight was not on the agenda). Before I go on and on about the chef and his food I must mention the utterly lovely Karmindiga (house keeper).What a genuinely lovely chap. He helps you make the most of your holiday. I need to mention the Spa on the beach (Karmindiga has the numbers for booking) it's a must. If I've not convinced you this is the place to feel welcome, safe, relaxed, away from the beach noise(5 min walk away) and truly spoilt I've failed. This place is heaven. The Pool is fantastic and I am definitely booking again!
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Lionstm
Adelaide, AustraliaShalini Villa is a fantastic house with a beautiful garden in a
Left on 09/15/2012 for a stay in May 2012
With our family we enjoyed an extended stay at Shalini Villa. The photos do not do it justice. It is set in a beautifully maintained garden and the house is designed to take advantage of any breeze making it cool and comfortable. Each window and door provides a postcard worthy view of the garden.
The three bedrooms are spacious with comfortable queen sized beds, airconditioning and overhead fans and lovely ensuit bathrooms. The well appointed kitchen allowed us to self cater though we also made use of the excellent chef for breakfasts and occassional dinners. Highlights were the Sri Lankan breakfast and a fantastic Rice and Curry on our last evening. We also loved that the chef sang while he cooked.
The Villa is an easy 5 minute walk to Unawatuna Beach where we swam and visited the many restaurants. It is only a 15 minute Tuk ride to Galle where we enjoyed the shopping and more eating out!
A special mention needs to be made of Kamindika who attended to our every need throughout our stay. He lovingly cares for the garden and the Villa and ensured our stay was trouble free. -
Sarah Handley
Chiang Mai, ThailandGreat holiday
Left on 07/28/2012 for a stay in July 2012
Fantastic house & staff, location is easy for the beach & nearby restaurants.
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AussieJourneyman
Melbourne, VictoriaSensational Shalini
Left on 07/21/2012 for a stay in July 2012
I travelled to this property with my girlfriend, mother and sister. From the moment Kamindika (the property manager) opened the gates to the villa, we were all captivated by the property.
We were warmly greeted my Kamindika and Tharanga (the chef). Both were extremely accommodating to all of our needs. Tharanga impressed us immensely with his cooking skills and repertoire. The dishes he created were awesome and he easily made food that suited our palate. The night watchman "Uncle" , also made us feel extremely safe during the evenings and night.
The villa is very modern with large rooms and bathrooms. This property is easily 5 star and definitely beats staying at any 5 star hotel. Unfortunately we could only stay 2 nights due to our itinerary. We will definitely come back and stay at least 5 days there in the near future.
I highly recommend this property to any one who is planning a trip to Galle or the surrounding towns. This was a 10 out of 10 experience for us. -
ItchyFootedOne
Sri Lanka/AustraliaA gorgeous home in perfect location
Left on 06/22/2012 for a stay in May 2012
We cannot rave enough about our stay at Shalini Villa in Unawatuna. This place is a hidden gem!! The villa is immaculately kept with a huge central living area. It has 3 pristine large bedrooms with really comfy mattresses (hard to find in Sri Lanka!), ample storage space and spacious bathrooms. The kitchen is open plan to the main living space and comes fully equipped which resulted in a lot of fun evenings with the family cooking up a storm together. We were really impressed with how fantastic the 2 staff members were; Kamindika was there for us every day to help in any way possible. He worked tirelessly to ensure our rooms were always clean and the gorgeous garden was well maintained. He was always willing to go the extra mile and was fantastic with our young son. Tharanga the chef prepared breakfast for us every morning as well as yummy authentic rice and curry meals, Sri Lankan breakfasts and tasty pastas. The location of the villa is minutes from Unawatuna beach but not in the middle of the noisy and touristy strip. We would walk down to the beach for early morning swims and from the villa also had some great walks inland checking out local village life. We were so comfortable at Shalini Villa that we had to remind ourselves to actually leave the place and explore the local area (loads to check out!). You can easily spend the entire day just enjoying the local birdlife in the garden which is full of tropical flowers. It was so hard to leave the Villa and we highly recommend it; especially to families or groups of friends who want ample space to holiday together.
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Katrina Hardy
SydneyAn amazing Place to Stay
Left on 05/24/2012 for a stay in February 2012
Shalini Villa is absolutely beautiful and the photos on the internet do not do it justice, it's spacious and open, but private especially having en-suites in every bedroom, and is kept in immaculate condition. The garden is absolutely stunning and the staff are wonderful. Very attentive to my 78 year old mum, making fans etc of her sheets and putting flowers on her bedside table, and I got on great with the Kamandika, he has a great sense of humour and that funny giggle he has just cracked me up which was very infectious, and he kept us very entertained with his amusing stories. Being a local, he also has a wealth of knowledge of the area so gave us lots of advice on where to go and what to see, and seems to know everyone. Taranga the chef was lovely too, so polite and sweet, a fantastic cook who made us breakfast every morning, and I'd definitely recommend trying his traditional Sri Lankan breakfast (egg hoppers). He was also available to cook lunch or dinner for us whenever we wished, I highly recommend you get him to cook you the traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry and all the dishes that accompany it, which was the best one I've ever had. I cannot recommend the villa highly enough, I have travelled heaps and it's probably one of the best places I've ever stayed at and great value for money. Especially suitable for a couple of families with children as there's plenty of garden for them to play in which is very safe and Kamindika will entertain them no end, and also very suitable for a group of friends.
I cannot recommend Villa Shalini highly enough, once you've experienced it you'll definitely want to go back, there wasn't a thing I could fault about the whole experience, it was wonderful, just wish I could have stayed there longer!!
Would I recommend this holiday rental to my best friend? Absolutely!
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Steven Knapp
Glastonbury, Somerset, UKIdyllic, a little piece of paradise all to yourself.
Left on 05/22/2012 for a stay in March 2012
Four large en-suite rooms, a very large indoor communal/dining/kitchen area, patio/outdoor seating around half the building. The property sits inside a secure walled garden that is like your own wildlife sanctuary. You have your own wonderful staff 24/7 including a chef and all possible amenities. It is just far enough away from Unawatuna beach to give you some peace and quiet and a sense of being in Sri Lanka proper whilst retaining easy access to the best restaurants/beaches. I really can't recommend this place enough.
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Rob W
186402An ideal holiday villa with everything you could possibly want !
Left on 04/18/2012 for a stay in March 2012
the villa was at all times, cool , well kept and very comfortable despite the heat. The rooms were air conditioned and very clean and well kept. Inside the villa it was beautiful and outside beautifully kept and scenic.
no stone was left unturned where our comfort was concerned and the staff very friendly and helpful. The chef produced just amazing food which left us all speechless at times...
all in all it doesn't get much better from a holiday villa. -
Craigogg
190786Absolute paradise and staff couldn't be more helpful
Left on 04/12/2012 for a stay in March 2012
6 of us travelled to Sri Lanka for the England Cricket Team tour and stayed in Shalini Villa whilst we were at the first test in Galle.
Needless to say with circa 8000 England fans in and around Galle, accommodation wasn't easy to find, but I must say I was incredibly lucky to find Shalini Villa.
From the moment of booking it, Alison couldn't have been more helpful providing all the info we needed and arranging for our transport from the airport in Columbo.
We arrived around daybreak and were met by Kamandika who from that moment on couldn't have done more for us whilst we were there. He booked Tuk-Tuks for us, told us how much to pay and recommended places for us to go.
Chef was fantastic and even though we were all getting up at different times most days due to various 'Barmy army' exploits, he always had a fresh juice waiting for us and then cooked breakfast to order (we opted for English one day and then Sri Lanka the next alternating throughout the stay ad it was always great).
We got him to cook us a proper meal on our penultimate night and what a treat that was. Giving him literally a few pounds each to go off to the market, he came back with some of the best fish and prawns I've ever seen and produced a quite magnificent spread, which we got nowhere near finishing even though there were a few 'larger than average' appetites amongst us!
The night security guy also endured having to let us in at all hours with good grace and all three of them always had a ready smile on their faces.
The villa itself is absolutely fantastic with great bedrooms all with full aC, Mosquito nets and great big en-suite bathrooms and Kamandika kept these spotless throughout.
The gardens are fantastic and only a 3 minute walk to the beach.
Overall I couldn't have been more impressed with the place and would honestly say that I could not imagine anyone no matter what their background ever giving Shalini less than 5 stars.
By way of contrast, when we headed onto Columbo, we stayed in the 5* Taj Corumandel with both the England and Sri Lankan teams and as nice as it was, it wasn't a patch on Shalini!
A huge thankyou to all for making this such a memorable stay (despite the result in the 1st test!). -
Neil_Sheard
528752It is a home from home in paradise
Left on 04/11/2012 for a stay in April 2012
What an excellent place to set up base in this region. The villa is way bigger than it seems in the pictures. An excellent standard of accomodation and only a short walk from the beach.
I would not hesitate to come back here. We were looked after like royalty by Karmindika and his team. They could not have been more accomodating. -
Katrina
Sydney, AustraliaOne of the best places I've ever stayed at - highly recommend to
Left on 03/19/2012 for a stay in February 2012
Shalini Villa is absolutely beautiful and the photos on the internet do not do it justice, it's spacious and open, but private especially having en-suites in every bedroom, and is kept in immaculate condition. The garden is absolutely stunning and the staff are wonderful. Very attentive to my 78 year old mum, making fans etc of her sheets and putting flowers on her bedside table, and I got on great with the Kamandika, he has a great sense of humour and that funny giggle he has just cracked me up which was very infectious, and he kept us very entertained with his amusing stories. Being a local, he also has a wealth of knowledge of the area so gave us lots of advice on where to go and what to see, and seems to know everyone. Taranga the chef was lovely too, so polite and sweet, a fantastic cook who made us breakfast every morning, and I'd definitely recommend trying his traditional Sri Lankan breakfast (egg hoppers). He was also available to cook lunch or dinner for us whenever we wished, I highly recommend you get him to cook you the traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry and all the dishes that accompany it, which was the best one I've ever had. I cannot recommend the villa highly enough, I have travelled heaps and it's probably one of the best places I've ever stayed at and great value for money. Especially suitable for a couple of families with children as there's plenty of garden for them to play in which is very safe and Kamindika will entertain them no end, and also very suitable for a group of friends.
I cannot recommend Villa Shalini highly enough, once you've experienced it you'll definitely want to go back, there wasn't a thing I could fault about the whole experience, it was wonderful, just wish I could have stayed there longer!!
Katrina, Feb 2010, Sydney australia
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Jan B
MelbourneWe had a glorious 4 days enjoying the luxury and ambience of thi
Left on 02/21/2012 for a stay in February 2012
My family (5 adults)stayed for 4 nights. The spacious house is superbly designed and furnished. It contains everything that a relaxing holiday needs - books, games, dvds, as well as a magnificent garden with amazing wildlife. The staff of housekeeper, cook and security guard are delightful and extremely helpful. The quiet location is a few minutes walk to the west end of Unawatuna beach and there is an enormous array of restaurants and shops a little further along the beach. The beach at Unawatuna is very built up so we soon found the best beach option was to tuktuk to Dalawella beach a few minutes east of Unawatuna. Galle is approx 10 minutes tuktuk ride to the west. This house is a peaceful haven in a busy beachside location, and we thoroughly enjoyed relaxing inbetween adventures at our doorstep.
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Dominic_LK
London, England, United KingdomIdyllic Sri Lankan Heaven
Left on 02/13/2012 for a stay in January 2012
This is an absolute gem of a find - a Villa that is like your own boutique hotel, 5 mins walk from Unawatuna Beach. The house is beautifully designed with a huge living area and stunning garden, charming house-keeper (and general Mr. Fixit). Delicious breakfasts are included and there is the option to have evening meals cooked - the authentic curries and fish were excellent - we never wanted to leave. The house is perfectly situated to visit the charming old fort town of Galle if you get bored of the gorgeous beaches and it is well equipped with everything you need for a great holiday. Can't wait to go back!
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Doug
LondonSuperb end of holiday stay
Left on 02/05/2012 for a stay in January 2012
We booked here as a party of 4 adults. We'd spent the previous 2 weeks touring Sri Lanka and this accomodation was exactly what we wanted to relax and chill out. The villa is superb and we were really well looked after by the resident staff - the cook was particularly good and he provided some of the best food we ate during our trip. Highly recommended.
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pam
chao longParadise
Left on 01/31/2012 for a stay in January 2012
This is a gorgeous villa with great living areas inside and outside. Lovely bedrooms with private bathrooms and a gorgeous garden. Kamindika and the chef (sorry forgot his name) at the villa went way beyond the call of duty organising tut tuts whenever we needed to go out and were friendly and unintrusive. The chef cooked absolutely fabulous Sri Lankan food for us for dinner and breakfast. The beach is only a couple of minutes walk and the villa is in a quiet and peaceful area. The photos do not do it justice.
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Declan
LondonA perfect place to relax and unwind
Left on 01/27/2012 for a stay in December 2011
A perfect place to relax and unwind with light spacious rooms and fantasticly looked after by the houseboy, great breakfasts of string hoppers and curry made by the cook
Some days it was difficult to leave the villa as it was so wonderful just sitting in the veranda reading or watching the specular variety of birds that visited the garden. The sun loungers in the garden were more tempting than the beach one day!
I could not recommend it more highly. You will not be disappointed if you choose to visit. -
Andrew Tangye
Singaporeour stay at Shalini Villa, Unawatuna
Left on 01/13/2012 for a stay in January 2012
Dear Geeth & Alison,
We had a very relaxing time at your villa. It exceeded our expectations enormously. The villa is very comfortable and well proportioned set in a beautifully manicured garden with a plethora of plants, birds, etc. The location was perfect, quiet and still within stumbling distance to the beach.
Kamindika and Palita (the chef - not sure if I spelt his name correctly!) were extremely good hosts and were very helpful organizing tuk-tuks and sourcing fresh produce to cook for us every day. Palita's food (local or Western) was great and was enjoyed by all of us - you are very lucky to have him as a chef!
Thank you and your team we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and there is a strong chance we will be back sometime in the future!
all the best
andrew Tangye
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Madan/Anna
Bangalore/BerkeleyWow - Wonderful home and fantastic hosts.
Left on 12/06/2011 for a stay in November 2011
We had a fabulous time! Kamindika -- with his ready smile, charm and attention to the kids, readiness to help and wonderful spirit. Palichod -- with his divine cooking, desire to ensure we ate well and ate what we wanted, and readiness to fix a meal at short notice. Sugatei -- with his spectacular sarongs, wonderful smile, and ever smiling presence. Chamaran/Madhu ready with a tuk-tuk, ready with advice on what to do and where to go, surfing lessons, and pointers to dances/music. Your home --- was gorgeous and we enjoyed every aspect off it. We certainly didn't want to leave and will definitely be back.
The storm was quite something. No one saw it coming, no one had seen winds like that before and, despite some anxiety, we all felt very safe and taken care of in Shalini Villa. Some of us headed to the beach that morning and every single person we met kept an eye on us. Offering us shelter and ensuring we were not out on the streets. Despite my pleas to Kamindika and Palichod to head home to their families one or both stayed put all day to make sure we were OK. Unfortunately, quite a few fisherman died, including someone that Kamindika knew.
Shalini Villa exceeded our expectations. It wasn't just the home, which was lovely in itself, it was also the warmth and care of Kamindika and his team that took such wonderful care of us. The little and large things they did, for example Kamandika making one of his spectacular handicraft creations for the birthday, his stories to the kids, the crafts he made for the kids, or Palichod fixing a last minute meal for us the day of the storm, etc. made it all so special.
Thanks you so much for sharing Shalini Villa with our family, -
Mark Ellam
Doha, QatarPerfect start to our holiday
Left on 11/15/2011 for a stay in November 2011
My wife, young daughter and I spent the first three nights of a week long stay in Sri Lanka at the Shalini Villa after reading the glowing reports on Flipkey. As a result we arrived with high expectations: we were not disappointed. The house is beautiful - simple, uncluttered and comfortable. The high, wooden ceilings, open plan kitchen, living and dining area and some lovely furniture give the whole place a very pleasant feel. The garden and verandah wrap around three sides of the house and with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the garden, we spent many hours outside. The house is about 15 minutes walk to the nearest beach and within easy reach of Galle. Kaminda looked after us very well, serving up some lovely breakfasts of eggs,fresh fruit and toast and offering advice and help when needed. We wished we'd had longer at Shalini and can't recommend it highly enough.
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lindalazer
londonStylish colonial villa - quiet haven
Left on 08/25/2011 for a stay in July 2011
I stayed at Shalini Villa only for three nights, however I am sure to return with some friends. It's comfortable, stylish and the perfect place for entertaining. The central open space is the "heart" of the villa with sofas, dining area and a bar style kitchen at one end. All around the house you have a surrounding terrace with various sitting areas. The garden is very lush and I picked my own fresh avocado from the tree in the morning (and put 3 unripe ones in my suitcase). Very exotic!! I would highly recommend this place for a family or group of friends.
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Mihangel Pontydd
BangorPerfect place for relaxation and for touring
Left on 05/17/2011 for a stay in February 2008
The villa was designed by a pupil of the famous Sri Lankan architect G.Bowra,and is tastefully and comfortably furnished with both antique and modern Sri Lankan products.It is very spacious and comfortable and is situated in a quiet road on rising ground about 5 minutes walk from the beach.It is very secure with a secluded garden,and helpful staff
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JV4
San Fancisco, CA - USAWonderful Experiance
Left on 05/14/2011 for a stay in April 2011
My Husband and I were so impressed with the house. Being in architecture and Construction, we both agreed this is an awesome vacation house. Very well laid out, very clean and the house helper was so nice and very helpful. The owner was very helpful with giving places to go, and things to do. If we go back, I would love to stay here again. Advice - bring lots of mosquito repelant.
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Val Spilsbury
Chelmsford, EssexA Holiday to Paradise
Left on 05/12/2011 for a stay in February 2008
The villa is the most beautiful place I have ever stayed, it is situated a few minutes stride down to the beautiful shores of Unawatuna. The villa is large and airy and without doubt beautiful 5 star accommodation, all the rooms are large and and have fabulous en-suite facilities. The kitchen is modern and open plan with all mod cons. The furnishings are gorgeous and tasteful. The gardens are colourful and well maintained, the natural wildlife and beautiful birds are amazing! I am well travelled, but this has to be the most magical, beautiful place I have ever stayed. I would return in a heart beat. The villa is ideally placed to enjoy the fabulous restaurants and beach bars whilst still having the benefit of being situated on a quiet road around lovely Sri-lankan families. This 5 star villa is exquisite set in beautiful surroundings. This bit of paradise is in one of the rare untouched parts of the world set simply natural in beauty.
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Claire and Daughters
WorcesterStunning house in a beautiful country
Left on 04/29/2011 for a stay in December 2009
The house was stunning, modern, bright and airy. Rather a colonial look to it with the wooden shutters, furniture and veranda all around the house. Quaint garden in which we saw some superb wildlife and one of my very favourite memories was waking to the sound of monkies in the trees nearby...absolutely amazing.
The location was perfect. Away from the main road but near enough to walk to the beach and local village. Local tuk tuks can be picked up easily or buses run along the main road, although I did not use the buses. Plenty of restaurants to choose from in the local village and lots of little shops to pick up all your souveniers as well as chat to the very friendly local people.
I loved it all and would highly recommend Shalini Villa. -
AndyB
LondonGreat Location, Spacious and Private
Left on 04/10/2011 for a stay in December 2006
A perfect location a few minutes walk to the wonderful beach and in a street frequented by local people rather than tourists. Accomodation is light and spacious and set in a secluded, well kept, walled garden. I'd recommend this beautiful villa to groups of people or families and am sure that they woiuldn't be disappointed.
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Debbie
CambridgeA fantastic holiday
Left on 04/07/2011 for a stay in December 2007
The house is fantastic, all facilities, cool and spacious with a wonderful garden and an easy walk to the beach and its restaurants. There is tons to see within an easy drive and the locals and weather were absolutely fantastic.
Would highly recommend. -
Steph.
Anglesey, North Wales.Unforgettable!
Left on 03/31/2011 for a stay in February 2009
I found this villa to be in a lovely location just five mins from the beach of Unawatuna. The villa was lovely and spacious and each room had en suite. The living space is open plan with plenty of room for everyone. It is surrounded by the garden and we were visited by monkeys every morning!
I would recommend this villa and sorrounding area as there was so much to see and do, and I can't wait to go back. -
Paula Vinton
Hong KongGreat family holiday home and location
Left on 03/22/2011 for a stay in February 2010
We stayed at the Villa for 2 weeks with our 2 boys aged 6 and 4. It was very child friendly they loved seeing the monkeys in the morning and the short tuk tuk ride to the beach. The villa was very spacious and clean the garden was totally enclosed and safe for the kids. We hope to be be going back soon with friends!
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DW (UK)
BangkokHad a fantastic time - beautiful house, very tasteful and lovely
Left on 03/21/2011 for a stay in February 2011
We had a great time here, The house is very large and beautifully designed, it was perfect for our needs. The housekeeper was sooo friendly and helped us with cooking and shopping and all our needs - we had delicious rice and curry!. Unawatuna is a lovely place for a holiday and the house is in a nice peaceful area away from the crowds, great value especially for a group.
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Tracy Knapp
WorcesterWow an amazing place
Left on 03/19/2011 for a stay in February 2011
If anyone is looking for a 5 star villa which is only 10 minutes from Galle and right by the beautiful beach in Unawatuna Sri Lanka then this villa is for you. It has four double bedrooms all en-suite, beautifully decorated and a secluded garden if you have children. I have already re-booked for next year. Truly the most gorgeous villa and the people are so friendly and very helpful with any information you may need regarding local tourist attractions, transport etc. You must try this little gem for yourself you will not be disappointed.
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