Tisara Villas

Private villas for 2-6 with a shared pool, lovely gardens and great food, just 700m from the coast

This slice of Sri Lankan heaven comes highly recommended to us for its exquisite roomy villas and the unusual location. We'd normally be the first to say that when you're staying in southern Sri Lanka, a beachfront villa is a must, but this resort has changed our minds. We haven't visited yet, but can't wait to do so.

Located inland next to Koggala Lake, a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from gorgeous Galle and 10 minutes from sandy Koggala beach, Tisara has 7 villas arranged around a large pool, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. From your private terrace you'll see monitor lizards, birds and tropical plants, all attracted by the careful planting. Popular with couples, friends and families alike, Tisara offers the right amount of privacy balanced with superb service, plus fantastic food and a truly tranquil setting. It's an ideal place for relaxation, and there are regular yoga breaks as well as an Ayurvedic massage centre. There's a daily shuttle to the beach, and adventurous travellers can sail on the lake, visit spice plantations and make friends with palm-sized turtles at the local hatchery.

Highs

• Excellent food (specialities are Sri Lankan curries and seafood), served via room service to your villa or in the dining area by the pool. You also get a kitchen in case you'd prefer to self-cater
• Each spacious villa has 2 double bedrooms (plus rollaway beds for kids), a large lounge/diner, and a private garden
• Lovely indoor/outdoor bathrooms with rain showers and a freestanding bath in the fresh air
• The fantastic pool, great for lap swimming
• Personal, friendly service

Lows

• Not directly on the beach but there's one a short walk away, and sandy Koggala is just 10 minutes by tuk-tuk
• Mosquitoes can be a problem, as with many places in Sri Lanka, but Tisara will give you citronella mosquito repellent bracelets
• No restaurant as such; meals are taken in your villa, so you don't get a change of scene unless you go out
• It's a quiet area with little nightlife, and facilities are limited in comparison to other, larger hotels in Galle