Description
It is set on a two-acre estate with mesmerizing views of the Indian Ocean in the fishing village of Thalpe, just 15 minutes from the historic city of Galle. The journey from Colombo’s international airport will take about four-and-a-quarter hours.
23 Palms is designed along the lines of a Dutch period bungalow with high roofs, arched doorways, columns and verandahs. The cooling ocean breeze and the tropical sun seeps through the slatted timber doorways that surrounds the villa making it light and airy within. The interiors are a tasteful blend of American, European and Asian art and furniture. Spacious and tranquil bedrooms, stylish living spaces, sun-filled verandahs, and sumptuous fusion cuisine, make this an inviting new beach villa on the Galle coast. The American owners of 23 Palms have much experience in the hospitality industry with several beautiful villas located worldwide. The entire villa or per suite can be rented on a BB basis.
The two air conditioned suites are spacious and tranquil with flowing water within and open out to the front verandah with sea views at one end and the back garden with a large pond at the other. The rooms are decorated with an impressive Asian and European art collection and furnished with king size four poster beds dressed in fine white linen. The ensuite bathrooms have twin vanities and showers with hot water. A small private study with an ensuite shower connects to the aster suite which can also be used as a single room for a child. This study room has a TV/DVD, some movies and WiFi internet facility.
The living room with a cascading chandelier, Indian statuettes and art opens out to a spacious terrace overlooking the gardens. The swimming pool is located at one end of the garden next to a dining pavilion which is also ideal for sunset cocktails. 23 Palms has a breakfast, lunch and snack menu with Sri Lankan, western and fusion cuisine. Guests are welcome to do their own cooking for dinner assisted by the staff, in the air conditioned kitchen. There are several good beach restaurants nearby including Why Beach, Wijeya Beach, and The Fortress in Koggala. Fine-dining restaurants within the Galle Fort include Amangalla, Galle Fort Hotel, and Fort Printers.
During the season from October to April, swimming and surfing is possible just few minutes stroll down the beach. For those interested in watersports, the beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa are ideal. Activities on offer include sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkelling and boating. Boating in nearby Koggala Lake, with its many tiny islands inhabited with several species of birds, is another wonderful experience. We recommend a visit to the historic 17th century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings which are still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the lighthouse, and a growing collection of art galleries and several boutique hotels.
Accommodation
The rooms are decorated with an impressive Asian and European art collection and furnished with king size four-poster beds dressed in fine white linen. The ensuite bathrooms have twin vanities and showers with hot water. A small private study with an ensuite shower connects to the aster suite which can also be used as a single room for a child.
Childcare
Children are welcome at 23 Palms but there are no specific facilities.
Activities
The beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa are ideal for watersports, swimming and surfing. Other activities on offer include sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkelling and boating. Boating in nearby Koggala Lake, with its many tiny islands inhabited with several species of birds, is another wonderful experience. We recommend a visit to the historic 17th century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings which are still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the lighthouse, and a growing collection of art galleries and several boutique hotels.
When to travel
From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half. The southwest has the highest rainfall – up to 4000mm a year. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C. The sea stays at around 27°C all year. Climatically speaking, the driest (and best) seasons in Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west and south coasts.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Coast, Sri Lanka
It is set on a two-acre of prime Galle beachfront with mesmerizing views of the Indian Ocean, in the fishing village of Thalpe, just 15 minutes from the historic city of Galle.
How to get there
10-hour 45-minute direct flight to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. It takes 4-hours 15-minutes to drive from the airport to 23 Palms.
