Why House

Retreat from the hubbub at this well-run spot in rural Galle with plenty of southern charm

Sri Lanka's south coast is a treat for the soul with its golden beaches and laid-back, holiday-ready atmosphere. Set in a pretty, tropical garden filled with neon bougainvillea and fruit trees, Why House provides a calming retreat that fits right...

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Why House

Sri Lanka's south coast is a treat for the soul with its golden beaches and laid-back, holiday-ready atmosphere. Set in a pretty, tropical garden filled with neon bougainvillea and fruit trees, Why House provides a calming retreat that fits right in. There are plenty of places to rest (poolside with a new read from their extensive collection, or at the massage pavilion to name a couple) and when you're ready for some activity, wander off to find a sunny spot on the beach of your choosing. This is the kind of hotel where you'll have barely departed before you're planning a speedy return.

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From $170 person/night

Lodge

10 Rooms

Galle, The South Coast, Sri Lanka

What you'll love

The resident dogs, Nigella and Tigga, are a huge hit (especially with the kids) and a toy version of them has pride of place on every bed.

Insiders tip

If you're a big travelling party or fancy added privacy, the Main House and Garden Villa can be booked exclusively.

Something to think about

Why House isn't right beside the sea but a fabulous swimming beach is only a 15-minute walk away.

The property

With deep, shaded verandas and airy lounges where guests gather to chat with host Henrietta, the Why House quickly feels like home. The decor is authentic enough to belong in Sri Lanka while being eclectic enough to strike a unique note. Breakfasts are a buffet of homemade granola, buffalo curd and pancakes while family-style dinners are suitably Sri Lankan with a bevy of curries, hoppers and seafood barbecues. A tranquil yoga sala sits beside a T-shaped aquamarine pool - the perfect spot on a hot day.

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The rooms

Spread across the main house and a variety of garden villas, there are 10 rooms in total. Decorated with antique wooden furnishings and quaint, framed sketches, all are simply lovely. At the centre is a netted canopy bed, and French doors open onto a private terrace. In the main house, the bathrooms are especially large and have walk-in rain showers and dual sinks. Some rooms enjoy a private garden, while the largest room in the Garden Villa can accommodate four guests.

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Activities

Make the most of a sunny day with a trip to one of the numerous stunning beaches. Protected by a coral reef, Dalawella is particularly fantastic for swimming all year round, not to mention a scuba diving! Travel to the UNESCO-recognised Galle Fort, where you'll wander amongst the crumbling ramparts and hear its history. Join Henrietta and her chefs for a master class in Sri Lankan curry making and, before tucking into dinner, be amazed by a show of local dance and music.

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About Galle

Galle

The South Coast

A cosmopolitan colonial town on the sultry south-west coast stuffed with hipper-than-hip eateries, hotels and cafes.

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