The Wallawwa
Near Colombo, Sri Lanka
An elegant and tranquil retreat nestled in exotic tropical gardens, close to Colombo's airport
Whether you are disembarking from a long flight or preparing to
embark on one, an icy cold drink, a friendly face, good food and a
restful room seem heaven-sent. The W, as it's known, was once a
country estate belonging to the head chieftain of Galle, and it's
ideally situated for a stopover on your way in or out of Colombo
airport. But with its small spa, excellent chef, gorgeous pool and
exotic gardens, it's the kind of place you might want to linger.
Use it as a base for exploring the city's shops, museums and nearby
golf courses, or a couple of days' gentle acclimatisation.
The 14 rooms are spacious and comfy. Dark woods are
offset by bright striped and floral fabrics, and fresh flowers waft
their scent throughout. History buffs will love the background of
the hotel; tired bodies will luxuriate in the comfy beds.
It's beautifully quiet - you would never know you're only 20 mins
from the international airport, and 45-60 from the hustle and
bustle of Sri Lanka's capital. And best of all, the staff are
stand-out; as you get to know them by name, it feels like being
with family. The Wallawwa is a great hotel by any standards - not
just a great stopover near the airport.
Reviewed by Kate Parsons
Last updated 24 April 2012
Highs
- Spacious rooms just 20 minutes from the airport - ideal for pre- or post flight stopovers
- Onsite spa with an excellent masseuse
- Truly excellent service; staff have been trained in some of the best hotels in Sri Lanka and it shows
- A refreshingly varied menu combining Sri Lankan curries plus adventurous western styles
Lows
- When we visited, hot water was erratic due to the solar panels (but we are assured that this has been fixed by the installation of thermostats)
- Watch out for the extra charge for WiFi
- You're a fair way out of Colombo and need to take a taxi to other restaurants and shops
