Latest news with #GeoffreyBawa
Sydney Morning Herald
10-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Can a second trip somewhere outdo the first? Follow these tips for recapturing the magic
This story is part of the May 11 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories. The most content I've ever felt in life was when I lived by a beach for six months in Sri Lanka. After working for seven years in the Middle East, my wife and I decided to take some time off and learn to be parents to our infant son before we submitted to the grind of daily life back home in Melbourne. Mirissa, the coastal town we settled in, is close to the island's most southerly point. Ordinarily, it would be busy with backpackers who'd stay in cheap lodgings and spend their days lazing about on its coconut palm-shaded beach. But a sharp dip in tourism, caused by a brutal civil war that raged across Sri Lanka's northern and eastern regions until 2009, meant that we were often the only foreigners in town. We rented an upstairs apartment with five bedrooms, cold showers and a rudimentary kitchen, and shopped at the local markets. Several times a week, we'd stroll down to the beach to order fresh seafood in ridiculously affordable restaurants while gazing out to sea and feeling the sand between our toes. When friends and family came to visit, we'd traipse off to different parts of the island with them, stopping to hike through tea plantations, amble through ancient ruins or spot leopards and elephants on safari. On one occasion, a friend splashed out on a night at a hotel called Kandalama. Clinging to a hillside among house-sized boulders, it was deliberately shrouded in vegetation to the point where it looked like the jungle was slowly devouring it. I'd never seen a hotel like it. I learnt that the architect who designed the hotel was Geoffrey Bawa and that he'd designed numerous others around the country, as well as prominent public edifices like the parliament and the residential home of the president, both in Colombo. I also discovered that guests could stay in Bawa's retirement home on a former cinnamon and rubber plantation in Bentota, midway between Colombo and Mirissa. Loading Years later, during my most recent Sri Lankan visit, I included a two-night stay at Lunuganga – a Sinhalese word meaning 'salt river'. Bawa purchased the property as a weekender in 1948, then spent 40 years transforming it into a tranquil haven where he would live out his final years (Bawa died in 2003, aged 83). Ten rooms accommodating 20 guests are spread across a 15-acre (six-hectare) estate wrapped inside the embracing arms of Dedduwa Lake. I'm escorted to a spacious room that once served as a gate house. It contains timber ceiling beams and columns, teak furnishings, a king-sized bed, courtyard plunge pool and concrete floors that are cool underfoot. Other options include Bawa's personal suite, a glasshouse and a gallery that previously housed the architect's art collection. While my room includes Wi-Fi connectivity, there's no TV. Lunuganga is unapologetically designed as a distraction-free getaway for canoodling couples, so on that point I feel isolated. However, there's no shortage of melodious songbirds to keep me company.
The Age
10-05-2025
- The Age
Can a second trip somewhere outdo the first? Follow these tips for recapturing the magic
This story is part of the May 11 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories. The most content I've ever felt in life was when I lived by a beach for six months in Sri Lanka. After working for seven years in the Middle East, my wife and I decided to take some time off and learn to be parents to our infant son before we submitted to the grind of daily life back home in Melbourne. Mirissa, the coastal town we settled in, is close to the island's most southerly point. Ordinarily, it would be busy with backpackers who'd stay in cheap lodgings and spend their days lazing about on its coconut palm-shaded beach. But a sharp dip in tourism, caused by a brutal civil war that raged across Sri Lanka's northern and eastern regions until 2009, meant that we were often the only foreigners in town. We rented an upstairs apartment with five bedrooms, cold showers and a rudimentary kitchen, and shopped at the local markets. Several times a week, we'd stroll down to the beach to order fresh seafood in ridiculously affordable restaurants while gazing out to sea and feeling the sand between our toes. When friends and family came to visit, we'd traipse off to different parts of the island with them, stopping to hike through tea plantations, amble through ancient ruins or spot leopards and elephants on safari. On one occasion, a friend splashed out on a night at a hotel called Kandalama. Clinging to a hillside among house-sized boulders, it was deliberately shrouded in vegetation to the point where it looked like the jungle was slowly devouring it. I'd never seen a hotel like it. I learnt that the architect who designed the hotel was Geoffrey Bawa and that he'd designed numerous others around the country, as well as prominent public edifices like the parliament and the residential home of the president, both in Colombo. I also discovered that guests could stay in Bawa's retirement home on a former cinnamon and rubber plantation in Bentota, midway between Colombo and Mirissa. Loading Years later, during my most recent Sri Lankan visit, I included a two-night stay at Lunuganga – a Sinhalese word meaning 'salt river'. Bawa purchased the property as a weekender in 1948, then spent 40 years transforming it into a tranquil haven where he would live out his final years (Bawa died in 2003, aged 83). Ten rooms accommodating 20 guests are spread across a 15-acre (six-hectare) estate wrapped inside the embracing arms of Dedduwa Lake. I'm escorted to a spacious room that once served as a gate house. It contains timber ceiling beams and columns, teak furnishings, a king-sized bed, courtyard plunge pool and concrete floors that are cool underfoot. Other options include Bawa's personal suite, a glasshouse and a gallery that previously housed the architect's art collection. While my room includes Wi-Fi connectivity, there's no TV. Lunuganga is unapologetically designed as a distraction-free getaway for canoodling couples, so on that point I feel isolated. However, there's no shortage of melodious songbirds to keep me company.
NDTV
09-05-2025
- NDTV
10 Most Searched Luxury Resorts In Sri Lanka Right Now
Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. For travellers seeking opulence and comfort, the country offers an array of luxury hotels and resorts that blend world-class amenities with authentic Sri Lankan charm. We have listed ten of the most popular luxury accommodations in Sri Lanka that promise an unforgettable stay. Here Are 10 Luxury Hotels And Resorts In Sri Lanka 1. Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams - Colombo Situated in the heart of Colombo, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka is a landmark of urban luxury. As part of South Asia's largest entertainment hub, this iconic resort features 687 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. Guests can indulge in 12 distinctive restaurants and bars, including a refined French bistro, an American steakhouse, and Colombo's only two-tiered Champagne and cocktail bar. For relaxation, the Kurundu spa offers transformative treatments, mineral-infused pools, and wellness rituals inspired by ancient healing traditions. 2. Cape Weligama - Weligama Perched atop a dramatic cliff on the southern coast, Cape Weligama offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. This Relais & Chateaux resort features 39 private villas and suites, each with its own infinity pool. Guests can savour gourmet dining experiences, partake in whale watching excursions, or relax at the resort's spa, making it a perfect blend of luxury and adventure. 3. Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Yala National Park Adjacent to Yala National Park, Wild Coast Tented Lodge offers a unique blend of safari adventure and luxury. The resort's cocoon-shaped tents come with private plunge pools and are designed to harmonise with the surrounding wilderness. Guests can embark on guided safaris to spot leopards and elephants, dine under the stars, and enjoy the lodge's commitment to sustainability. 4. Ceylon Tea Trails - Hatton Set amidst the verdant tea plantations of the Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails comprises five restored colonial-era bungalows. Each bungalow offers personalised butler service, gourmet meals, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Guests can partake in tea plantation tours, nature walks, and enjoy the tranquillity of the highlands. 5. Cinnamon Bentota Beach - Bentota Nestled between the golden shores of Sri Lanka's southern coastline and the Benthara River, Cinnamon Bentota Beach is a masterpiece of architectural excellence and artistic heritage. Designed by the renowned Geoffrey Bawa, the resort showcases works by notable Sri Lankan artists, creating an atmosphere where culture and luxury coexist. Guests can enjoy customised experiences like private cooking demonstrations and guided cultural walks. The resort also serves as a hub for water enthusiasts, offering activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing, banana boat rides, river safaris, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkelling. 6. Amangalla - Galle Fort Located within the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amangalla exudes old-world charm. The resort occupies a 17th-century colonial building, offering rooms adorned with antique furnishings and views of the fort's ramparts. Guests can explore the cobblestone streets of Galle, relax at the spa, or enjoy high tea on the veranda. 7. Amanwella - Tangalle Set on a secluded beach in Tangalle, Amanwella is a contemporary resort that offers 30 suites, each with a private plunge pool and terrace. The minimalist design, inspired by mid-century modernism, complements the natural surroundings. Guests can indulge in beachside dining, spa treatments, and explore nearby fishing villages. 8. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort - Tangalle Situated on a former coconut plantation, Anantara Peace Haven offers a serene escape with its beachfront villas and suites. The resort features multiple dining options, including Italian and Sri Lankan cuisines, a holistic spa, and activities like surfing, yoga, and cooking classes, ensuring a rejuvenating stay. 9. Jetwing Vil Uyana - Sigiriya Jetwing Vil Uyana introduces a unique concept of eco-luxury, with dwellings set amidst paddy fields, marshes, and forests. Located near the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the resort offers a harmonious blend of nature and comfort. Guests can enjoy bird watching, spa treatments, and explore ancient ruins nearby. 10. Uga Chena Huts - Yala Bordering Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean, Uga Chena Huts offers luxurious cabins, each with a private plunge pool. The resort provides an intimate safari experience, with guided game drives, gourmet dining, and opportunities to witness Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Sri Lanka's luxury hotels and resorts offer more than just opulent accommodations; they provide immersive experiences that celebrate the island's rich culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality.
Listly
26-03-2025
- Listly
5 Enriching Experiences in Beruwala: Redefining Coastal Escapes in Sri Lanka
One of the most scenic locations to visit in Beruwala is the Brief Garden, designed by Bevis Bawa, the brother of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The garden was a rubber plantation estate before it was converted into a lush tropical garden that combines Sri Lankan tradition with distinctly English and Italian landscapes. You can enjoy a walking tour through the garden and revel in its natural beauty and intriguing architectural designs. After that, head to the main house and explore a fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures and photographs that detail the life and experiences of Bawa.
