Mount Lodge
Mt Lavinia, Colombo
A quiet and friendly retreat close to the beach at Mount Lavinia, 45 mins from Colombo city centre
Mount Lodge is a neat little hideaway in the quiet, leafy area of
Mount Lavinia. It’s very laid-back, peaceful and spacious,
with just 3 rooms and plenty of communal areas. It's not luxurious
but pleasingly stylish, having been designed by award-winning Sri
Lankan architect Chelvadurai Anjalendran and built around an
existing mango tree, with an interesting use of light and foliage.
Small indoor courtyards create mini-rainforests within the building
and a central stairwell allows the breeze to flow through, along
with the delicious aromas of home cooking.
An open-plan feel runs throughout the house. Downstairs,
there’s a relaxed communal dining area decorated with white
walls and contemporary Sri Lankan art, flanked on one side by an
indoor garden. Here, a light shaft rises up through the house to
the sky (you can look up to the stars at night). Wander around
inside and you’ll find Buddhist icons, flourishing ferns, the
odd stone wall and antique wood furniture. Alternatively, follow
your nose outside and stroll down to the beach along Mount
Lavinia’s pretty, residential streets.
Reviewed by Emma Taylor
Last updated 08 March 2012
Highs
- This is a spacious, architect-designed house
- The quiet location is away from the hustle and bustle of central Colombo
- A great place to unwind before or after a long flight
- The food is wonderful; the Chilli Crab Curry is a speciality
Lows
- Since our last visit the hotel has changed hands so we cannot vouch for it personally; however feedback is good
- There’s no pool on the premises, though the beach is nearby and guests can use the pool at a local hotel for a small charge
- It can take an hour to get into the centre of the city at busy times
