Wallawwa 

A reimagined 18th-century manor house

Surrounded by gardens, Wallawwa is a little pocket of tranquillity, under an hour’s drive from Colombo

The peace you’ll find at Wallawwa makes it feel that it’s further than 20 minutes from the airport. There are just 18 rooms here, and its boutique proportions mean there’s a calmness about it. Savvy travellers will plan ahead and book themselves in for a restorative treatment at Z Spa. To round off your zen, you might fancy joining the daily guided meditation session, too.

Why we love Wallawwa

  • It’s the perfect place to reinvigorate after a long-haul flight, spending a night or two at a leisurely pace, whether by the pool or taking a gentle boat ride on the Negombo Lagoon

  • The semi-al fresco restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery and champions local ingredients in Sri Lankan and international dishes

  • The simple yet spacious Wallawwa Bedrooms all have four-poster beds and access to a garden terrace. Other room types are larger, and some have private terraces

  • Lord Mountbatten and the Royal Air Force occupied the property during WWII. Today, there’s a suite named after him, complete with a private garden and plunge pool

5 stars
Dec - Mar
Colombo
Colombo 10½ hours
Inland between Colombo and Negombo
Approx. 20 minutes’ transfer from Colombo airport
Boutique, Suitable for children

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Families

A single restaurant serves an all-day menu, with the fragrant curries a particular hit with guests. Room service is available (handy to know if you’re arriving late) although the open-sided restaurant is a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing meal.

Whats Included

Breakfast at the restaurant

Upgrade Options

Half Board • Breakfast and dinner at the restaurant
Full Board • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurant

Try a restorative massage at Z Spa, although facials, scrubs, and wraps are also available. A special treatment is designed for children aged between four and 12.

Two rooms can be combined to make an interconnecting suite for families. There’s plenty to keep children busy during downtime, such as bat and ball games, board games, and a beautiful swimming pool. There’s also a lovely Vesak workshop, where children can learn about the tradition of Sri Lankan lantern-making as they make and decorate their own version.