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Overview

Sleep in the most unique accommodation in Bentota, in Geoffrey Bawa’s (a well-known Sri Lankan architect) incomparable former home. The nine individually furnished rooms and suites set within independent, uniquely styled buildings dotted throughout the Lunuganga garden Bawa added to the property serendipitously over four decades, carving out inspirational residences for visiting artists and his students of architecture, and blissful boltholes for close friends.

By staying at Bawa’s house in Bentota you’ll occupy a secluded niche of the estate. Rooms purposefully frame views of the garden, the lake, the treetops, or the distant Buddhist stupas, and some of the suites also have private sit-outs serenaded by the songs of exotic birds. All nine bedrooms are furnished and preserved in the same way that Bawa envisaged.

Honeymooners may be drawn to the expansive Gallery Studio, nature lovers to the treetop Glass House, while the Main House Studio sits closest to Bawa’s room. Families could take all three rooms of No. 5 at Lunuganga, the 55-year-old former residence of renowned batik artist, Ena de Silva, and dear friend of Bawa, which was painstakingly transplanted from Colombo and reconstructed brick by brick in a far-flung corner of Lunuganga.

Lunuganga country estate blends into Bentota’s coastal belt – a vision of paddy fields, cinnamon estates, and coconut plantations fringing Dedduwa Lake. Once inside Lunuganga’s garden, its profound tranquility and the unspoiled natural setting feels far removed from the world outside, yet Bentota’s sandy beaches, restaurants, and water sports are just 10 minutes away.

Lunuganga is about 2 hours’ drive down south from the international airport.

Activities & Experiences

• There is more architectural and horticultural artistry to admire at brief, the smaller country estate of Bawa’s brother, Bevis, a renowned landscape designer. The low-slung house, just a short drive from Lunuganga, is simple yet beautifully accessorised with vast murals, leering sculptures, classic antiques, and personal photographs of some of Bevis’ distinguished guests.
• Sri Lanka’s western coastline is a haven of beaches, and one of its southernmost shorelines is Balapitiya, a bouldery beach with an untouched, hidden away feel.
• Stroll around Madu Ganga River Estuary and the prime turtle-nesting territory.
• Embark on a boat trip on Madu Ganga through the wildlife-filled wetlands, edged by mangrove forests, a serene island temple, and cinnamon estates.
• Nearby Ambalangoda is a centre for southern arts and folk culture is 15 minutes drive down south.
• Bentota for its wide range of water sports a 30-minute drive and Hikkaduwa lying a little further south for its well-established surf culture.
• 17th-century Dutch fort in Galle is just a 50-minutes drive south.
• Other regional highlights include Ambalangoda, a centre for southern arts and folk culture; Hikkaduwa, for its well-established surf scene; and Galle’s historic 17th-century Dutch fort.