Click to view the river in the early morning

Click to view the river at sunset

WHAT ITS GOT

Apsara has 3 double bedrooms set around a central courtyard each with four poster beds, en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and fitted wardrobes. There is a safe in the master bedroom. Towels, hairdryers and umbrellas are provided.

The living space is comprised of a fully-equipped kitchen and open plan lounge, with double doors leading out on to the courtyard, pool deck and to the outside dining area. The lounge is fitted with surround sound speakers (around the pool area as well), a flat screen HD TV, Blu Ray DVD player and WIFI. There is also a selection of board games for guests to enjoy.

The house has a laundry room with washing machine, tumble dryer, clothes horse, ironing board and iron for guests to use as and when they wish. Alternatively laundry can be sent out but we advise against sending delicates, the villa unfortunately can take no responsibility for loss or damage.

FOOD & DRINK

To the rear of the property are the staff quarters and outside kitchen. Most meals will be prepared here, however the in house cook Chandana may occasionally need to use the main house kitchen for baking or preparing complicated dishes.

Chandana is available free of charge for all bookings. Chandana will prepare breakfast and other meals as requested. Food is charged at cost price plus the daily cost of transport to the market (approx 250 rupees). Chandana is also happy to offer cookery demonstrations in the main kitchen and you are always welcome on his daily trips to the fish or vegetable market.

We especially recommend an early morning trip to Beruwela Fish Harbour and market day in the village on a Monday. The villa can also arrange beach BBQs for you at the local turtle hatchery or sunset drinks and canapés at the nearby lighthouse.

Apsara does not have a liquor license but wines, beer, spirits and champagne can all be purchased locally or on your behalf.

LOCATION

Apsara is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka in a small riverside village called Seeni Watta. It is 2.5-3hours from Colombo airport, 1.5 hours from Galle and five minutes inland from Aluthgama/Bentota town. The village setting has many benefits such as being able to watch the parade of local school children each morning, visit the local vegetable market and roti shops, as well as buying sweet buns and savour bites from the daily bread van.

To the right of the villa lives a local catamaran fisherman, from whom you can buy small fish and crabs to BBQ and to the left there is another villa with manicured gardens. Conveniently this second villa is home to Apsara's manager (Priyantha) should you have any questions or problems. 30 metres from the rear of the property runs the village road and on one side of the driveway, is a small business selling/making bricks. These can't be seen from the villa, but occasionally some noise can be heard.

There is also some great wildlife at the villa. You will reguarly see monitor lizards, bats, eagles, frogs, geckos, kingfishers and if you are lucky:

Chameleons

Monkeys

Tree Frogs

FUN & GAMES

There is plenty to do while at Apsara both from the villa's own jetty and in the local area.

Boat Trips, Deep Sea & Lagoon Fishing, Water Skiing, Wake Boarding, Jet Skis, Kayaking, Surfing Lessons, Coastal Cruises, Snorkelling Trips and Scuba Diving can all originate from the villa itself.

Other activities include cycle tours of the local area to Lunuganga House and Garden, the low lying tea estates, paddy fields and temples. Breakfast or Sunset at Beruwela Lighthouse is also very popular as well as day trips to Galle on the coastal railway, whale watching from the south coast and spa treatments at a nearby boutique hotel.

Key Features:

Air-conditioned Bedrooms
Ensuite Bathrooms
Private Pool
In House Cook
Private Jetty
Free Wifi
iPOD Dock and DVD library

'All of the accommodation was excellent with the exception of Villa Apsara which was exceptional in all aspects. For real relaxation you can do no better than our stay at Villa Apsara.' PS - Sept 10

'Apsara and its staff were perfect. Trips were organised for us by Priantha and Chatu, who made everything easy and looked after us wonderfully. Their trips are very good value and they were generous with their time and information. We saw elephants from the road in their natural habitat and many other animals. On our boat trip up the Bentota river we saw crocodiles, monitor lizards, exotic birds, coconut farmers, monks etc.. Fabulous! And New Years Eve on the beach with the Sri Lankan Aprsara 'family' was a real treat. Chandara's cooking was an absolute joy and the staff at Apsara were so kind and caring that we didn't want to leave.' CR – December 2010

'As expected, Tea Trails were a great experience but without a doubt the highlight for us was Apsara. Such a beautiful place and all the people we met there were so friendly and helpful. We had an amazing time there and were completely spoilt, we will now have to try to remember how to look after ourselves and also to try and cook some meals that stand up to Chandana’s! I don’t think I’ll manage that though. So thank you for organizing a really memorable holiday – we’ll be in touch again as soon as we can organize some more time off!' CC - March 2011.

'I have been meaning to email you since the second we arrived. This is the most blissful place on earth. It runs like clockwork under the careful, caring, efficient eye of Priyantha. Today, my 60th birthday, I mono skied down the river. Did a deep water start (at third attempt) and was knackered and elated after 3 minutes. I haven't skiied for 25 years so I was immensely proud of myself! We absolutely love everything about it and well done you for finding this magical place.' AT - March 2011.

'A scenic tranquil journey along the coast was a very comfortable distance to travel with an infant who complains about having to sit still for too long! Turning into Apsara Villa the gates opened to us with warm smiles from all sides. The railway sleeper/pebble strewn driveway gave us a hint that this place is indeed a place with a difference. Chandana and Sarath wasted no time in escorting us indoors and offering a most thirst quenching welcome drink; and while we were taking in the surroundings they settled us in our room and set it up. And taking in the surroundings – wow! What an amazing place it is. After a gorgeous lunch and on Priyantha’s recommendation we raided the collection of movies and put our feet up to enjoy one while the weather was working against us on that monsoon afternoon. And in the evening, we listened to the wonderful compilation on the ipods’ ‘Apsara Night’ playlist over a chilled bottle of wine. A lovely overnight break from the city.' MF - May 2011

'Just a quick note to say thanks for organising our villa in Sri Lanka. Apsara is just beautiful and has exceeded our expectations. We are having a fabulous holiday and please let the owners know that the villa is stunning and the staff are just amazing and have made sure we are constantly happy. Better go as we are off to have windsurfing lessons!' - GW, July 2011

'I just wanted to drop you a quick e-mail to say thank you very much again for organising such a lovely holiday for us in Sri Lanka. Apsara was even better the second time and we were spoilt again by Chandara’s cooking we looked after like royalty. I am definitely missing the sun and Sri lankan life already!' - JS, October 2011