Sandals Balapitiya, part of the prestigious Edwards Collection portfolio, is a small, intimate villa offering a serene escape with stunning ocean views and direct beach access. Located on a hillock overlooking a picturesque stretch of Balapitiya beach on the West Coast, this five-bedroom villa combines a light and airy Mediterranean ambience with the charm of turquoise seas.

Designed with whitewashed walls and large glass windows, the villa ensures uninterrupted sea views, while plush white sofas and contemporary local art enhance its stylish interiors. The villa accommodates up to 10 guests and can be booked in its entirety or room by room. Guests will enjoy the virtually private, 1 km long beach. The attentive staff ensures a comfortable and memorable stay, complemented by a resident chef who specializes in fantastic seafood cuisine. The villa has five wellfurnished bedrooms, with two on the ground floor and three on the upper floor.

Each bedroom features a king-sized four-poster bed (one room has two twin beds),  air-conditioning, sea views, and  an ensuite bathroom with hot water showers. Designed by renowned architect Murad Ismail, a student of Geoffrey Bawa, the villa features magnificent spaces and views. The ground floor’s living and dining rooms open onto a large  terrace, perfect for enjoying spectacular sunsets. Upper-floor rooms have a long sea-view balcony. Private gardens, scattered with coconut palms, lead down to the sea.

Rocky outcrops create little coves that are safe for swimming most of the year. Additional villa amenities include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a DVD library, iPod music, books, and board games. The villa’s cook prepares delicious Sri Lankan and western dishes, offering excellent al fresco dining opportunities, including seafood barbecues with freshly caught seafood. Highly recommended is their sea food platter which was absolutely fabulous. The lobster was flavourful and the king size prawns were succulent and perfectly cooked while the fish and calamari  were delightful. Perfect for a family outing or even a getaway with friends Sandals offered all the ingredients for a cosy break.

(Pix courtesy Tina)