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Glenross Living, Neboda, Kalutara, Sri Lanka. Photo by Glenross Living© |
Now I must say that I hope it was actually the rainforest, yoga and more that appealed and not the 'chocolate box on arrival' mentioned, although that triggered the following memory:
We had travelled to Switzerland and were most generously hosted. One particular day involved a wonderful fondue lunch in Gruyere (with potatoes to dip in the cheese), hot on the heels of which was a visit to a chocolate factory, then a multi-course gourmet dinner by a leading chef on the banks Lake Geneva at Montreux! The chocolate factory of course meant multiple samples and purchases of sweet treats as gifts for those at home.
On the return journey to Australia we stopped off to experience a luxurious wellness/spa retreat to photograph it and gather information for luxury travel/wellness stories. The diet rules were very strict and the Swiss chocolate gifts in our bags became very tempting and, yes, we succumbed and polished off the lot in one sitting.
SO, the prospect of a chocolate box on arrival at Glenross Living in Neboda, Kalutara, Sri Lanka perhaps cancels the tiny guilt-trip I guess I must have been on for some years. Chocolate and wellness, yay!
Sri Lanka is an emerging wellness destination and Glenross Living is just 43 kilometres from Colombo, surrounded by green and misty valleys on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sinharaja Rainforest.
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Photo by Glenross Living.© |
Information/Bookings www.glenrossliving.com
Teardrop Hotels Unveils Kalkudah Beach House, Sri Lanka
A secluded retreat on Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast and a scenic 6-hour drive from Colombo, 35 kilometres north of Batticaloa and an hour’s drive from Polonnaruwa, Kalkudah Beach House is nestled within a 25-acre coconut estate, with direct access to Kalkudah Bay, a seemingly endless stretch of soft, golden sand and calm waters.
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Kalkudah Beach House, Sri Lanka. Photo by Teardrop Hotels© |
The Main House was originally acquired as a family holiday home in the 1970s and known as Eastern Breeze Estate. During Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war, the estate was abandoned and intermittently occupied by both the Sri Lankan military and Tamil Tigers.
The current owners purchased the property in 2004, shortly after the devastating tsunami swept through the region. Remarkably, the house’s Dutch-inspired arched windows and doors of the Main House withstood the disaster, though the building had fallen into disrepair and required extensive refurbishment.
Over the past 20 years, a slow and deliberate evolution has shaped Kalkudah Beach House into what it is today. Additions include a 2-bedroom Palm Villa, 22-metre swimming pool and water purification system that integrates the gardens and estate and fills the pool.
The Main House blends timeless charm with modern comfort featuring three beautifully designed rooms. Guests can book rooms individually, reserve an exclusive 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom villa, or opt for a full buyout of all five rooms for the ultimate private experience.
Ocean-to-table dining takes centre stage, with much of the seafood coming directly from the fishermen who bring in their daily catch right in front of the hotel. Succulent sea crab and grilled reef fish are prepared with locally sourced ingredients and perfectly paired with fresh salads and aromatic Sri Lankan curries.
Kalkudah Beach House is the perfect base for discovering the highlights of Sri Lanka’s east coast and cultural triangle. From vibrant coral reefs to ancient cities and historic landmarks, there is plenty to discover in the surrounding area. There are waves to be caught surfing at Arugam Bay, snorkelling adventures in nearby bays and coral-rich coves teeming with marine life, diving and deep sea fishing trips in Pasikuda, whale and dolphin watching tours in Trincomalee, and relaxing sunset cruises over Kalkudah Bay.
Explore the historic Dutch Fort in Batticaloa, climb magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress and discover UNESCO’s Polonnaruwa ancient city, as well as vibrant town markets and local life in Valaichchenai. Spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears and other endemic wildlife at Minneriya or Kumana National Parks.
The best time to visit Kalkudah is normally between April and October, when clear skies, low humidity, and calm, turquoise waters create perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling and other water activities. This period sees minimal rainfall, mirror-still seas, and plenty of sunshine. The rainy season, which traditionally begins in early November and lasts until February, brings periodic rains and changing sea conditions, making swimming best approached with caution.
Information/Bookings/Early Bird Offers
https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/kalkudah-beach-house/