Robin Hill Suites, Weligama, Sri Lanka

Nestled in the coastal village of Weligama, approximately 146 km (91 miles) south of Colombo, Robin Hill Suites occupies a splendid Dutch-style colonial house — known in Sri Lanka as a walauwa — built more than a century ago. The property has been beautifully restored with modern additions that blend effortlessly with the old, retaining all its original character while offering genuine comfort to its guests.

The house makes for a compelling base from which to explore Sri Lanka's southern coastline and its many attractions. Its appeal lies as much in the unhurried rhythm of village life surrounding it as in the building itself — here, the old era and the new meet in an easy, natural way.

The House and Its Spaces

The entrance hall, dining room, and principal bedrooms — each with an en-suite bathroom — are arranged around an attractive enclosed courtyard that gives the property a quiet, sheltered heart. An imaginative two-storey annex combines the features of a studio flat, music room, library, and lounge, all furnished in traditional style. The result is a residence that feels lived-in and genuine rather than merely decorative.

Food and Dining

Meals at Robin Hill are prepared by family members who have mastered the art of traditional Sri Lankan cooking. They are adept at adjusting the level of spices to suit individual tastes, and can equally offer a wide range of western dishes for those who prefer something more familiar.

The kitchen draws primarily on organic produce from the property's own farmlands or from neighbouring organic farms. Fresh seafood arrives directly from the local fishermen's catch, and all food is cooked over a cinnamon wood fire in the traditional manner.

Breakfast ranges from traditional Sri Lankan string hoppers with curry to fresh fruit salad with toast and jam to bacon and eggs — guests simply ask for what they want. Lunch and dinner centre on the celebrated Sri Lankan rice and curry: far from the plain dish the name might suggest, a typical spread includes rice and pappadums alongside at least three vegetable dishes and a selection of meat and fish curries. Packed lunches of sandwiches, fruit, and a refreshing drink are also available for days spent out exploring.

There are no meal-time restrictions of any kind. Guests eat what they want, when they want, and where they want — whether in the dining room, the courtyard, or their own room. At Robin Hill, the choices rest entirely with the visitor.