Villa Karadiya, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka

Villa Karadiya sits in Ambalangoda, a town celebrated for its skilled craftsmanship, the production of traditional masks, and its distinction as the only place in the world where Moonstone pits are found. From here, the popular seaside resort of Hikkaduwa is barely 15 minutes away, while Colombo lies an hour and a half up the southern highway — a drive flanked on one side by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

The villa is well appointed and tastefully furnished, offering a comfortable base from which to explore one of Sri Lanka's most characterful stretches of coastline. Hikkaduwa, just 10 minutes away, is known for excellent surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving, and the broader local area offers turtle sanctuaries, temples, elephant riding, horse-riding, fishing expeditions and boat rides.

Accommodation

The villa has four double bedrooms, each named by colour: Blue, Grey, Green and Crimson. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with ensuite facilities, giving guests a private and comfortable retreat after a day on the southern coast.

Facilities

Inside, a spacious bar and lounge area, a pool table and a swimming pool together create a relaxed atmosphere, with the gentle sound of ocean waves adding to the ambience. A wide-screen TV and DVD player, an iPad dock, and a dining area with a view of the sea round out the in-house amenities, ensuring that evenings at Villa Karadiya are as enjoyable as the days spent exploring beyond its doors.