Balapitiya · Southwest Coast
Sleep beside the ocean
Villa Thuya is taken as a whole house or room by room — every bedroom faces the Indian Ocean across Balapitiya's golden stretch, with the rock pool below the garden wall.
Keep scrollingSwipe sideways — the suites pass by
The villa's full-width upper room — doors folding back onto a balcony over the beach, the sound of the break carrying all night.
King bed · full sea frontageFolding balcony doorsOutdoor shower
Off the courtyard garden with its own veranda — coolest room in the house, steps from the pool deck and the beach gate.
Queen bed · garden verandaSteps to the beach gateCourtyard aspect
A connecting pair behind the pool deck, made for families — children fall asleep to the same break as everyone else.
Connecting pair · sleeps 4Pool-deck accessFamily-friendly build
The villa's natural signature — a sea-fed rock pool at the garden's foot, calm when the break beyond it isn't.
Best view of the house! Relax into beanbags among the boulders.
Relax into a family movie night.
Pre-book a massage or treatment and relax.
A gate in the garden wall and then sand — Balapitiya's stretch runs empty in both directions.
The villa and its water
River one way, reef the other
Balapitiya sits where the Madu River meets the sea — mangrove safaris from the next jetty, turtle beaches up the coast, the fort city down it.
A boat safari along the Madhu river and its beautiful wetland ecosystem intertwines itself amongst cinnamon estates, mangroves and marshlands which is also a preserved wild life sanctuary. The wetland is spread over 900 hectares of area with a total of 64 islands. Boat rides can be arranged with prior notice.
Explore the rich tradition of mask making in Ambalangoda, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship. Meet skilled artisans and witness the intricate process of mask carving, alongside captivating wood carving demonstrations. It showcasing a vibrant array of masks steeped in local culture and history. Enjoy mask shows featuring traditional dances, drama, and puppet performances.
Embark on a journey to the oldest Conservation and Research project in Sri Lanka, established in 1978. Located 10-minute drive from the villa, this offers a captivating experience where visitors can observe various species of turtles at different stages of life. Ideal for kids, the highlight of the visit is the opportunity to release baby turtles into the ocean.
Discover the enchanting Lunuganga Estate, a masterpiece of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa hidden away in Bentota. Open from 9 am to 5 pm, visitors can explore this tranquil haven highlighting Bawa's architectural Brilliance. Inspired by Sri Lanka's rich history and global garden designs, including Italian Renaissance and Japanese artistry. This is a haven for local and international Visitors alike.
Discover the enchanting world of Brief Garden, a captivating 5-acre masterpiece in Beruwala. Formerly the residence of esteemed landscape architect Bevis Bawa, this sanctuary is a testament to his enduring passion and creativity. Adorned with a diverse array of flora, including tropical decorative plants cultivated through meticulous gardening, the garden offers a serene escape into nature's embrace.
Scuba Diving and snorkeling to explore the wrecks and reefs filled with aquatic life can be done in both Bentota, Beruwela, Hikkadauwa and beyond. Hotspots include Canoe Rock and Hundirangala. There are many dive centers that offer their services close to Bentota, a short 20 minute drive away.
Within the interiors of Balapitiya guests can visit cinnamon estates and experience the processing of top grade Cinnamon from peeling, drying and stacking.
Explore the colourful and bustling southern coastline, a haven for surfers, fishing villages, and vibrant seaside towns. Dive into crystal-clear waters, spot whales, and unwind at beachfront cafes. Experience the nightlife in charming towns like historic Galle Fort, Hikkaduwa, Talpe, and Mirissa. Don't miss the tranquil beauty of surfer haven Hiriketiya and the allure of Dondra Head, the southernmost point of Sri Lanka.
The sea table
The villa's chef shops the Balapitiya fish landing at dawn and builds the day's table from it — long lunches on the deck, barbecues on the sand.
Villa Thuya is surrounded by views to take in with your meal, you will be spoilt for choice! Indulge in breakfast in the dining room with a view of the tropical garden, lunch by the poolside and dinner on the upper deck with an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean
Sri Lankan food is trending at the moment, for all the right reasons. Our chef will curate a flavourful and colourful Sri Lankan breakfast, lunch or dinner for the whole family. The crab curry is not to be missed!
Southern sunsets can’t be beat! Treat yourself to an afternoon tea or a sundowners on the boulders of your private beach. Sprawl out on a beanbag and sip the finest ceylon tea or an arrack sour while listening to the crashing waves right in front of you.
BBQ night under the stars is always fun for the whole family. Trip to the local fish market and select your seafood from lagoon crab to mega prawns to toss on the grill . Chef’s secret BBQ sauce recipe will never be shared, so come and taste it for yourself!
The table turns — keep scrolling
Balapitiya · Southwest Coast
The villa stands on Balapitiya's golden stretch with the Indian Ocean at its feet — the Madu River's mangrove islands minutes one way, Galle Fort an easy run the other.
The Southern Expressway exit at Welipenna puts Colombo and the airport within easy reach — we arrange transfers both ways.
The rock pool in front of the villa is swimmable most of the year; the house keeps a surf report for the beach break.
December to March is the dry glassy season; the southwest monsoon brings dramatic skies from May.
The coast, recorded
The rock pool, the break and the golden stretch the villa opens onto.
Reach the coast
Reservations, exclusive-use enquiries and coast transfers — the villa desk answers for Villa Thuya, 32 Middle Street and Lily Pod.
Reservations officeSerendipity Retreats, No. 12D, Haig Road, Colombo 04
