Description
Ambalama is located 7km south of historic Galle on Dahawela beach, one of the many beautiful small bays that stretch from Galle down to Sri Lanka’s southern tip. The journey from Colombo takes a shade over three hours. Allow 4 ½ hours from the airport or consider taking the SriLankan Air Taxi, which from Dec 2010 will offer daily scheduled flights from Katunayake International Airport. Visit Galle Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site.
Enter the house across stepping-stones over a water pool and into an open plan sitting dining area. White terrazzo floors and high ceiling encourage cool airflow. Large teak double doors lead directly to the pool with uninterrupted views of the beach and Indian Ocean.
Ambalama has three double rooms and one twin room all with en suite bathrooms and all with direct sea views. Two rooms have air conditioning and all have ceiling fans. Four poster beds are comfortable and have fitted mosquito nets. The ensuite bathrooms have showers, twin washbasins and WC. Two bedrooms have outdoor showers.
The sitting area has two large sofas, and additional seating and sun-beds on the pool terrace. Outdoor dining and BBQ is organized according to guest’s wishes. For formal dining a circular table is laid in the sitting area and additional tables can be laid by the infinity swimming pool. There is a fully equipped kitchen where the in-house cook prepares Sri Lankan rice and curries as well as western dishes, using fresh local produce. There are several beach bars and small restaurants nearby. The staff at Ambalama consists of an English-speaking resident manager – Amal -- who is extremely helpful, a cook, two housekeeping staff, a gardener and nightwatchmen.
A 20-minute drive will take you to the historic city of Galle where the 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located. Explore the well preserved buildings from the Dutch period, the maze of narrow roads lined with quaint houses, a growing collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. There are several fine beaches in the area, including Unawatuna and Mirissa, which also offer a variety of water sports. Day trips are also possible to the Sinharajah Rainforest and Yala National Park.
Accommodation
Ambalama has three double rooms and one twin room all with en suite bathrooms and all with direct sea views. Two rooms have air conditioning and all have ceiling fans. Four poster beds are comfortable and have fitted mosquito nets. The ensuite bathrooms have showers, twin washbasins and WC. Two bedrooms have outdoor showers. Rooms are also fitted with iPod docking stations with Bose speakers.
Childcare
Children are welcome at Ambalamba but there are no specific facilities. Kids will love exploring the Dutch fort in Galle and local beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa offer some great watersports and whale watching trips just off the coast. They will particularly enjoy to the Sinharajah Rainforest and the Yala National Park where you'll get a chance to spot leopard, spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose, pangolins, crocodiles and elephants.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include the sitting area, and additional seating and sun-beds on the pool terrace. Outdoor dining and BBQ is organized according to guest’s wishes. For formal dining, a circular table is laid in the sitting area and additional tables can be laid by the infinity swimming pool. There is a fully equipped kitchen where the in-house cook prepares Sri Lankan rice and curries as well as western dishes, using fresh local produce. In-room massages are also available.
Activities
The historic city of Galle is only a 20 minute drive away where you can explore the 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the well preserved buildings from the Dutch period, a great collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. There are several fine beaches in the area, including Unawatuna and Mirissa, which also offer a variety of water sports. Day trips are also possible to the Sinharajah Rainforest and the Yala National Park.
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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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Coast, Sri Lanka
Ambalama is located 7 km south west of historic Galle on the ocean road to Matara on the pristine Dahawella beach, home to the distinctive Sri Lankan phenomenon of stilt fishermen.
How to get there
10-hour 45-minute direct flight to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. It takes 3-hours 30-minutes to drive from the airport to Ambalamba.
