Fleewinter – Sri Lanka Newsletter

Having just got back from my latest trip to Sri Lanka, I wanted to tell all you lovely people what’s new on the Sri Lanka website for 2008/2009!! I’m please to say that contemporary style has hit Sri Lanka’s shores in a big way, with the addition of two stunning minimalist villas to the South Coast along with the eagerly awaited Fortress Hotel and Spa.

Sri Lankan Design Moves on

Until recently most of the best villas and boutique hotels in Sri Lanka had been designed along more traditional lines influenced by the islands colonial past and the style concepts of Geoffrey Bawa (Sri Lanka’s most famous architect). Now however, this outstanding destination can also cater for those hankering after something a little more avant-garde. Both villas have been designed by young Sri Lankan Architects (Philip Weeraratne & Pradeep Kodikara) and rely on their sexy simplicity to blend with the natural environment, rather than a traditional appearance.

Saffron Beach Villa is now one of my favourite rental properties on the island. It has a full glass frontage facing the ocean, brazen open plan living on two levels including exposed bedrooms and bathrooms and the removal of the property’s rear walls upstairs to open the bedrooms to the elements on two sides. Not recommended for anyone with prudish sensibilities, but I can’t wait for my invitation to stay!!

The second example of initiative, almost ad hoc design that I have found is Kadju House in Tangalle. Again this villa is totally unlike anything else on the island and designed to make the most of its stunning views and surrounding. Tangalle is the most unspoilt stretch of Sri Lanka’s coast and worth the slightly longer drive to get there…although you may doubt it on route from the airport following a 10 hour flight!! This is easily remedied with a brief stopover in Colombo or the majestic Galle Fort however, so if it is escapism you seek Kadju House is for you.

Finally, The Fortress Hotel & Spa in Koggala brings the first glimpse of retro chic to Sri Lanka, along with space aged bathrooms and a swimming pool brought alive in the evenings by hundreds of LCD lights. I love this hotel!! It isn’t cheap, but clever design has managed to blend ultra modern interiors seamlessly with a traditional exterior, offering something for everyone. It’s a mid size hotel but still manages to feel extremely intimate and personal. Had an amazing lunch here..yum!!

We are offering introductory discount rates for both of the villas mentioned until March 2009.

• Saffron Villa is available until March 2009 (excluding 15th Dec 08 – 15th Jan 09) for £700 per person per week based on 2-6 people sharing.

• Kadju House is available until March 2009 (excluding 18th Dec 08 – 6th Jan 09) for £2200 per week. The normal weekly rate is £2950.

For slightly less lavish budgets we are also pleased to offer a discount rate on a true customer favourite.

The Beach Hut is a character full 1 bedroom property that has been first choice for Fleewinter and many of our customers since we started. The large open plan villa is ideal for romancing couples and great for small families.

• Based on 4 people sharing the rate is just £47 per person per night, bed and breakfast with every 4th night free – 4 nights for the price of 3.

For more information please give Fleewinter’s youngest, brightest and certainly most modest consultant (me) a call on 0207 112 0019 or email