The Beach Hut

A stylish beachside retreat for 2-4 near Galle, with secluded pool and gardens - perfect for honeymooners

This is an idyllic beachside retreat for a honeymooning couple or family of 3-4, only 10 mins from Galle, near Unawatuna Bay. It's a modern house on 2 floors, with the master bedroom (ensuite) and the small children's bedroom (no ensuite) upstairs, and an open-plan living-dining area downstairs along with kitchen and second bathroom. Outside are lush gardens of swaying palms and sandy grass, with a trickling fountain bridged by railway sleepers at the roadward end, and at the other a romantic gate which opens onto a strip of sandy beach. All of this is yours and yours alone - if you discount the helpful and very discreet steward-cum-cook who lives alongside, as well as the housekeeper who comes in every morning and the night watchman who fends off the over-friendly monkeys.

But seclusion is not the only trump card: you also get bags of style. The inside-outside living space has polished stone floors, arty bits of driftwood, vivid Sri Lankan artwork and handmade sofas; upstairs in master bedroom is a romantically netted four-poster bed and comfy sofas for relaxing in front of the TV/DVD. The spacious veranda sports bright-red-cushioned wicker easy chairs, while at the bottom of the garden is a funky L-shaped stone bench for a change of reading scene. With restaurants and bars lying just a short walk along the beach and the Unesco-recognised delights of Galle Fort ony a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away, this really does have all you need for a blissful week's break in Sri Lanka.

Highs

• It's rare to find such a gorgeous villa designed with just 2 people in mind
• It's also great for families with 1-2 young kids
• There's plenty of space, both inside and out, for everyone to read or play in peace
• The steward can cook simple meals at cost, or you can book a professional chef for a big splurge
• This is a real alternative to staying in Galle: close to the town, yet you're blissfully secluded

Lows

• There's a minimum stay of 3-7 nights, depending on the season
• The second bedroom has diminutive twin beds and isn't really suitable for adults
• The sea just outside the house has dangerous currents, but a short walk brings you to Wijaya beach, with reef-protected swimming and a snack bar
• The electricity is unreliable, but candlelight is very atmospheric!
• There can be mosquitoes at sunset