Reef

Reef is an impressive new hotel on the beachfront 29 kms from Colombo. The seven bedroom property is set in 3 acres of land, with extensive tropical gardens, lily ponds, a tennis court and swimming pool.

WHAT ITS GOT

Owned by a welcoming architect and lighting design couple from the UK, Reef has clearly been a labour of love and echoes the thought and time that has been devoted to it. Brendan's lighting skills are evident throughout the hotel, but no more so that in the entrance way and intimate walled garden which greets you on arrival. Lovely by day this area is simply stunning come the evening. Covered by lily ponds, this garden is home to the first of seven bedrooms The Lily Pond Room - Olu. Despite being the smallest room it is one of our personal favourites because of its positioning within this charming floating garden.

As you continue through the garden you eventually come to the main house. Inside is a vast vaulted living and dining area, with double doors and glass panels on three sides leading through to a wide veranda. A huge spiral staircase leads up from the communal living space to the two Main House Rooms - Manel and Nelum. Both of these rooms have spacious private balconies, uninterrupted sea views and outdoor showers.

In the garden there are a further four suites referred to collectively as the Ocean Suites - Namal, Sepalika, Kekatiya & Sapumal. Each suite has timber shuttered doors that lead onto individual shaded verandas with antique Indian swings.

All the bedrooms feature highly decorated antique Jacobean Calcutta four poster beds which were used during the British Raj and imported from India. Working antique electric fans hang from the ceilings as well as fixed punkah fans. Contemporary Bharat hand crafted coloured floor tiles replicate Encaustic tiles, invented by 12th Century monks. They are beautiful and cool under foot.

As well as the traditional decor the rooms feature all the mod cons and finishing touches - satellite TV, DVD Player/CD and radio, broadband and internet access, International Direct Dialling facilities, mini-bar, electronic safe, and tea / coffee making facilities, hairdryers, complimentary toiletries, dressing gowns and slippers.

The bathrooms are all enormous and extremely luxurious. Rain showers, Venetian style mirrors, twin basins and free-standing polished granite bathtubs definitely give these en-suites the wow factor.

Other facilities at the hotel include an infinity-edge swimming pool with spa and two children’s pools. A beach bar, table tennis/yoga pavilion, tennis court, jogging track and gift boutique. The Reef Spa situated in a separate pavilion amidst tropical gardens has just opened and offers a range of relaxing massages, facials and body treatments.

FOOD & DRINK

The formal dining room is situated in the Main House, however most guests choose to dine at the thatched-roofed restaurant besides the pool. Guests can also opt to dine in the gardens, on the veranda or in the privacy of your own rooms. Reef Villa has two fully-equipped commercial kitchens serving a wide array of Sri Lankan, Indian, and western dishes. Guests have the choice of an a la carte menu, catch of the day, BBQ or sumptuous breads straight from the Tandoori oven.

FUN & GAMES

Day trips to Colombo, the Galle Fort and Lunuganga can be arranged. Water sports and deep sea fishing are available locally. You can also visit local turtle hatcheries, take some bicycles inland to explore rural villages or enjoy a river trip with a champagne picnic.

ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

Reef Villa operates a non-smoking policy within the bedrooms, verandas and buildings.

Reef Villa does not allow children under the age of 12.

WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT

'We loved every moment and left knowing we shall go back. The Neelum Room was fabulous. My daughter described it as 6 star! Brendan and the staff were wonderful, without them it would not have been the same. - Eliza & Nick Cook (Feb 2010)'

Click for more information on: Sri Lanka Holidays, Sri Lanka Villas, Sri Lanka Hotels, Sri Lanka Tours. Better still give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email srilanka@fleewinter.com for free independent advice on the best places to stay.

Notes
1. Price guide at high/peak times for indicative purposes only – please contact us for a specific quote.
2. Prices quoted “per night” are usually for one room based on 2 people sharing and breakfast is also often included
3. Prices “per week” are for entire property on a self-catering basis.  Extra days are charged at 1/7 th of the weekly rate.
4. All properties are fully equipped, including bath towels and bed linen.
5. Whilst every effort is made to keep details up to date individual owners may make alterations and improvements as they see fit. Clients are advised to seek confirmation for specific aspects that are particularly important to them.
6. All bookings made with Fleewinter are fully bonded under a UK Government approved scheme managed by the Association of British Travel Organisers Trust.  Our ABTOT membership is 5133 and more info can be found at www.abtot.com or by calling (UK) 0845 4504 618.