OVERVIEW
This newly-opened retreat sits in glorious lush grounds just beside the secluded crescent of Talalla Beach. Here calm turquoise seas meet golden sands on a beautiful stretch of coast; compelling sunsets and sunrises come as standard. This is the perfect place to get away from it all - without breaking the bank.
 The Australian owners have worked hard to create an informal hotel of elegant simplicity. The eight villas, which house four rooms each, are set in four acres of landscaped garden with a large sparkling pool. The emphasis is on stilling your mind, soothing your soul and invigorating your body; yoga, tai chi classes and guided meditations are some of the major draws. There are also 7- to 20-day courses, including 'yogalates' and shadow yoga, as well as 5- to 12-day surfing adventures, and a spa which will keep non-participating partners more than happy. Outside the retreat are some of Sri Lanka's best beaches, jungles and wildlife parks; also within striking distance are dozens of temples and the historic town of Galle.
HIGHS- Prime seaside location on one of Sri Lanka’s most undiscovered and sheltered beaches
- Beautiful, tranquil grounds (no traffic noise) and airy rooms
- Extensive programmes of yoga, tai chi and meditation in the spacious yoga centre, plus drop-in classes and private tuition
- 20-metre swimming pool for the (rare) occasions when the beach is too rough
- Good quality restaurant serving fresh, unfussy fare
- Friendly staff who can advise on the best diving, beaches, sights
- Delightful climate all year; driest between November-April
LOWS- Limited mod cons: no in-room entertainment, telephone or air-con, but there are ceiling fans and internet/phone connection at reception
- Remote location - 4 hours by road or rail from Colombo, and no shopping or restaurants in walking distance
ROOMS
 Set among 4 acres of palms and lawns are 8 square, two-storey villas, built of concrete (to withstand the salt winds) and finished with local wood to create a more organic look. Each villa has 4 spacious and airy bedrooms, with one wall open to the lush gardens, allowing cool breezes to flow through. So there's no need for air-con - though there are ceiling fans to help out in hot weather, and full-height blinds if you want to shut out the view.
Inside you'll find beamed ceilings, pure white walls and white-netted double or twin beds, with a lone splash of colour from the azure bedspread. It's all rather ethereal and very calming; don't expect any TVs, phones or other in-room entertainment. Ensuite marble bathrooms are large and open to the skies, with good towels and toiletries. Rooms are serviced every day; laundry and ironing are also available.
EATING
The restaurant is in the gardens overlooking the pool towards the sea, and its menu changes regularly. Meals are fresh, simple and delicious: the fish is caught daily by local fishermen and the organic vegetables are often grown on the retreat. Laurie Rose has owned and run high quality restaurants in Australia for over 25 years, so in addition to delicious local food he has trained his chefs to create international dishes. Expect to pay about US$10 for dinner or US$5 for lunch.
ACTIVITIES
   
- There are irregular yoga, tai chi and other wellbeing classes, including martial arts, detox and dance. If you fancy a more serious retreat, ask about the 5- to 20-day courses run periodically by world renowned teachers, including Yogalates with Louise Solomon, Shadow Yoga with Shandor Remete and Yoga Arts with Louisa Sear. The Yoga Pavilion has been custom-built for workshops hosting up to 50 participants. Guests are encouraged to practice in the Pavilion whenever they like and to join in the informal sessions, and either the in-house teacher or Laurie is available for private instruction.
- The large (20-metre) swimming pool is perfect for lengths or lounging, and there's a spa with two full time practitioners offering massages, manicures, pedicures and other treatments.
- There are many untouched beaches with dazzling surf breaks nearby; from November through February Talalla hosts 5- and 12-day Surf Camps where you can improve your board skills.
- Easily accessible, world-class snorkelling and diving abounds in these unpolluted turquoise waters and coral reefs; local dive schools can hire equipment.
- An hour's drive will take you to Galle, whose historic Fort is a World Heritage site brimming with interesting architecture - and great shopping.
- Within an hour's drive of Talalla there are a dozen temples of staggering and complex beauty.
- Within a couple of hours' drive east / north are the National Parks of Yala and Uda Walawe, both hosting an extraordinary abundance of flora and fauna, including leopards and elephants.
- Talalla village, just along the beach, is now (once again, thanks to post-tsunami relief efforts) a prosperous traditional fishing settlement, with a close bond to the retreat.
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FEATURES
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Internet in Room |
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Fan |
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Safe Box |
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Cots Available |
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Extra Beds Available |
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Restaurant |
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Room Service |
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Special Diets Catered |
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Vegetarian Options |
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Bar |
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Outdoor Pool |
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Garden |
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Spa/Beauty Treatments |
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Ayurvedic Treatments |
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Massage Available |
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Fax Available |
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Laundry Service |
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Meeting Rooms |
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Wedding License |
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No Smoking Room |
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Airport Transfer |
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ACTIVITIES
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Cultural Insight |
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Historical Sites |
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Shopping/Markets |
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Birdwatching |
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Coral Reefs |
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Plantlife / Flora |
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Wildlife |
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Peaceful Hideaway |
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Snorkeling |
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Sun and Sea |
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Surfing |
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Swimming |
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Yoga |
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Getting there
