Villa Mawella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Where is Villa Mawella Located?

Taru Villas Mawella is located near Tangalle, on a beautiful and expansive stretch of curved sandy beach in the middle of Mawella Bay. It is 1.5 hours’ drive away from the historic UNESCO-listed fort town of Galle and about two hours from the famous national parks of Yala and Udawalawe. Colombo’s international airport, Sri Lanka’s primary gateway for international travellers, is 3.5 hours away by road.

The South Coast is also well connected with the famous Tea Country and Cultural Triangle regions by air. The closest regional airports to Taru Villas Mawella are between 1 and 1.5 hours’ drive away. Daily scheduled flights are operated by Cinnamon Air and private charter service can also be arranged for those wanting more exclusivity and flexibility. One of the most exciting journeys between the coast and the Tea Country is by an amphibious aircraft. Taking off or landing on a massive reservoir surrounded by lush hills is a thrilling and memorable experience.

What sort of accommodation is available at Villa Mawella?

The villa offers a chic and contemporary take on traditional Sri Lankan charm with dark wood offset by bright and breezy natural wall colours, soft furnishings and contemporary artwork. Entering the villa, one is instantly overcome by a sense of serenity and calm evoked by lush gardens, openness and space, and the meditative sounds of the ocean. It’s a sort of a sanctuary where one would instantly feel at home and can relax and unwind leaving the everyday worldliness behind.

The main villa comprises of six rooms that can comfortably accommodate up to twelve people. Four are located in the main villa and two smaller rooms are in a separate pool house at the back of the garden. For a larger group or family, there is a two-bedroom villa next door called Kurumba House that can also be booked. All the rooms are lovely with high ceilings, polished cement floors, shuttered windows and lavish four poster beds.

The main house with four bedrooms is our favourite, as the rooms are brighter and the two rooms in the front offer beach and sea views. The master bedroom is fabulous and comes with its own plunge pool! All the rooms come equipped with en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold rain shower, in-room safes, air-conditioning and overhead fans. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the villa and there is a decent collection of films and books available for the guests to enjoy during the stay.

The villa has an open plan living and dining layout giving it a very inclusive and convivial vibe with a large dining table in the lounge overlooking the swimming pool and garden. Food is one of the highlights of Sri Lanka and this is adequately reflected at Taru Villas Mawella. From traditional Sri Lankan to modern international dishes, your chef will masterfully curate the menu every single day to suit all your tastes and requirements.

Meals can be taken in the main house, garden or even on the beach – villa’s friendly local staff will spoil you to no end. If you fancy joining the local hustle and bustle, there is a fantastic and really chilled out beach bar and grill next door called The Tangalle Social, which is also owned by Taru Villas.   

What activities are available?

Sri Lanka’s South Coast offers an incredible array of places and experiences making it one of the must-visit regions. For those who wish to discover the natural and cultural treasures, there’s plenty to do including:

• Old Dutch Fort at Galle: One of the country’s finest cultural and historical highlights, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of the largest colonial fortresses in Asia. Filled with old mansions, chic boutiques and art galleries, and amazing restaurants and cafes, it makes a wonderful day excursion from Mawella. Watching the sunset from the ramparts and taking a leisurely stroll leading up to the old lighthouse are just magical.
• Whale and dolphin watching: Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia for whale watching. From Orcas to mammoth Blue Whales, these majestic creatures can be seen along the South Coast between December and March. One could take faster and shorter speedboat excursions or go on a much slower and longer sailing trips by a private yacht. The longer trips can also take in remote parts along the coast that offer opportunities for stand-up paddle boarding and sea swimming.
• Surfing: Sri Lanka attracts surfers from all over the globe. There are incredible spots all along the coastline that offer amazing waves and breaks for surfers of all levels and skills. There are various surfing centres between 1 and 1.5 hours’ drive away from Mawella where one could indulge in independent or guided surfing.
• Hummanaya Blowhole: This unique rock formation features fountains of up to 30 metres and breath-taking views of the ocean and rocky cliffs.
• Mulkirigala Rock Temple: Located on top of a 200-metre rock with Buddha statues, natural pools of water and rock caves, this is an ideal excursion for active travellers.
• Cycling: The pristine countryside around Galle lends itself beautifully to leisurely cycling trips passing laidback villages, lush paddy fields and orchards. From easy hour long to more challenging 2.5 to 3-hour long routes are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and are a perfect way to mingle with the locals and discover the traditional way of life.

Does Villa Mawella cater for families with young children?

Children of all ages are welcome at Taru Villas Mawella and in fact Sri Lanka is one of the most popular family holiday destinations in Asia. Baby cots, highchairs and babysitting and monitoring services can be arranged with prior notice.

When is the best time to visit Villa Mawella?

For a relatively small island the weather in Sri Lanka can vary quite a bit throughout the year. The best time to visit the South Coast is typically between late November and April, when the weather is dry and pleasant, making it an ideal destination for holidays over Christmas and New Year.