Kandy and the Southern Coast

Taylors Hill
This handsome colonial-era British planter’s home occupies a privileged position in the high hills overlooking Kandy. Dating back to the mid-19th century, Taylors Hill is a quintessential English country home, transplanted to the cool, breezy climes of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.

Taylors Hill offers just five rooms, all located within the original property. Each room is individually-styled and features a unique blend of colonial-era and contemporary furnishings.

The property sits on several acres of land, shared with a working tea factory. The immediate grounds have been converted into neatly-cropped lawns and English-style gardens, surrounded by verdant forest.

There is a small pool in the gardens and plenty of spots to sit, relax and enjoy the cooler climate.

The last royal capital of the Sinhalese kings, succeeding both Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, Kandy is among Sri Lanka’s best-preserved “sacred cities”. It is also, unlike those earlier capitals, a vibrant, living city, with a thriving economy and lively market centre.

Allow a full-day to explore the city and visit its most famous colonial-era and royal monuments, including Sri Dalada Maligawa (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic). We recommend visiting the Temple of the Tooth during the 10AM or 6PM daily Puja ceremony, which sees the tooth relic removed from the sacred inner chamber.

There are plenty of good spots to dine out in Kandy. Consider stopping for tea at the iconic Queen's Hotel or at Empire Café. For dinner, you might like to sample hoppers, a traditional Sri Lankan savoury pancake, at a local restaurant, followed by drinks at the kitsch Helga's Folly, Kandy’s most eccentric bar and hotel which has played host to everyone from Laurence Olivier to Gandhi!

The Last House
This delightful beach house is situated just outside the seaside town of Tangalle, overlooking the pristine bay of Mahawella.

Developed by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, the Last House stands out not just for its location but for its gorgeous design. The property displays Bawa’s trademark style in miniature, with airy, light-filled interiors that open seamlessly onto generous alfresco spaces. There are just six rooms, all of which lead directly onto the central courtyard – which houses a small pool fringed by fragrant frangipani trees – on one side, and a wide verandah overlooking the sea or lagoon on the other.

Situated 7 kilometres from the nearest town, Tangalle, the Last House is one of only a few hotels within this coastal region. The pristine beach at Mahawella is frequently deserted, offering the utmost in tranquillity and a true escape from the crowds.

Within easy reach of the property is the Mulkirigala cave and temple complex, housing a fabulous monastery carved out of a 200m high natural rock, in a style similar to that of the more famous Sigiriya rock, while further afield is the port city of Galle, notable for its ancient mosques, stunning mansions, and its colonial-era Portuguese fort.

Those looking to explore the region’s wildlife as well as its culture can enjoy a day of whale-watching along the coast (Nov to Apr), or a leopard-tracking safari in Yala National Park.

Activities can be arranged in advance through us or directly with the property if you prefer to keep your schedule flexible.