Havelock Place

An intimate and artistic oasis of green and calm in a mad, bustling city…

Many visitors to Colombo head straight to its large, five-star hotels, where they knew they will be catered to by expert staff who understood their modern needs. However, for those looking for a more intimate 'boutique' alternative, Havelock Place – with only six rooms and discreet, attentive service – has become the place to check into when you're in town. The Havelock Place bungalows started life as a 1940s colonial homestead before opening up as an art gallery. Now, rooms are also let out to overnight guests and provide a peaceful retreat from the noise of the city.

The house is very much a home, and guests frequently congregate in the palatial-sized living rooms or dine together in the gardens. While Colombo itself offers little of interest for tourists, you will most likely need to spend your first or last night here due to flight times. With a small pool, Jacuzzi and massages (by arrangement) on offer, Havelock Place is perfect for unwinding after a long journey and is ideally placed for some last minute holiday shopping.

Highs

• The delicious food features Sri Lankan ingredients adapted to produce 'fusion' Italian and Asian cuisine – the restaurant is one of the best in Sri Lanka
• The leafy, peaceful gardens belie the fact that, outside the gate, Colombo rages
• The welcoming, homely atmosphere is the perfect antidote to long journeys

Lows

• The restaurant is open to outside dinner guests, so you may have to share your sanctuary with outsiders
• Be warned, the beds are very hard!
• The rooms have a strong smell of cinnamon, which can become a little overwhelming
• Recent feedback suggests the rooms have become slightly shabby
• The pool is small, but provides a welcome respite from the Sri Lankan heat