Wallawwa - Hotel Review

This charming boutique hotel is actually a 200-year-old estate that was once the country getaway of the head chieftain of Galle – and it’s easy to understand why he fell in love with it. While the frenzy of downtown Colombo is just 30 minutes away – the airport is even closer, making this an ideal stopover – Wallawwa (which means manor house) revels in its serenity, mostly thanks to the almost three hectares of lush gardens that surround the property. Take a dip in the pool, indulge in some “yogic sleep” or whip up a fiery Sri Lankan curry during an alfresco cooking class. Here’s what you need to know.

Where is Wallawwa?

In the rural village of Kotugoda, which is just over half an hour north of Colombo and, conveniently, 15 minutes from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The hotel can offer a private transfer to make your arrival a breeze.

What’s near Wallawwa?

The beach town of Negombo is a 30-minute drive from Wallawwa. Sleepier than Colombo, it has a laidback, coastal feel due to its canals and picturesque lagoon, as well as the sprawling Negombo Beach. Tour the fish market – the second largest in Sri Lanka – and visit the old fort, which the Portuguese built in the 16th century before it was captured by the Dutch. Alternatively, head south to the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo and binge on its glorious energy.

Room types

There are just 18 rooms, with many of them wrapping around Wallawwa’s tranquil courtyard. Every garden suite features a private terrace and the two-bedroom Mountbatten Suite (named for Lord Mountbatten, who occupied the property during World War II) is a whopping 162-square metres and features a lovely plunge pool. All room types include four-poster beds, breakfast and afternoon tea and a daily guided meditation session to really get you into the spirit of the place.

Restaurants and bars

Enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink from 5pm to 6pm on the verandah before moving into the property’s open-sided restaurant overlooking the garden. As you’d expect from a five-star retreat, the food is very, very good. It’s not all curries (there’s everything from an Asian salad niçoise to wok-fried beef on the menu) but you’d be remiss to pass on the Negombo crab curry or the fisherman-style lagoon prawn curry. There’s an extensive fruit and vegetable garden on the property, which guests are invited to walk through, and much of the produce lands on the plate.

Sustainability 

The estate prioritises a “zero-plastic approach” and supports its local community. As one of Teardrop Hotels’ eight properties, Wallawwa subscribes to the Teardrop Care Foundation and has hosted an environmental workshop for 650 local students, raised funds to buy shoes for primary school children and offered hospitality programs to provide career pathways.

Accessibility 

The hotel’s interior is suitable for wheelchairs.

Travel for work

If you must, you’ll have access to complimentary wifi and there are writing desks in each room. There’s also a traditional library that could spark inspiration.

Pool and spa

The delightful pool is tucked away under a cluster of greenery, while the onsite Z Spa offers sumptuous massages, facials and scrubs. But it’s the yoga and meditation menu that promises true restoration, with Yoga Nidra (“yogic sleep”),  sound healing, reiki and four different types of Vikasa yoga all available.

What you need to know

The hotel offers a range of bespoke experiences to help you get under the skin of Sri Lanka. Pair a cooking class with a trip to the famous Negombo Fish Market, take a canal and lagoon boat ride through the wetlands (and spot the local macaques) or join a guided walk at Pilikuththuwa Rajamaha Viharaya, an ancient cave complex that has 99 caverns and was built more than 2000 years ago.

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