Our first holiday for year 2014 was at a beautifully restored 19th century manor house and now boutique hotel which sits majestically perched above a hilltop on the outskirts of Galle. Tamarind Hill is located just north of Galle town.

A short stroll or tuk-tuk ride away is the Galle Fort and the stunning beaches of Unawatuna and Thalpe. Tamarind Hill is, without doubt, one of the best boutique hotels in the area.

Having visited the other tranquil property owned by Asia Leisure ‘Riverhouse Balapitiya’ , who also owns Tamarind Hill, we were looking forward to an enchanting vacation in Galle. Located on a three acre estate bordering the Ginganga River at the rear of the property, this mansion, built in the 1800s was once the residence of a British Admiral and later occupied by a High Court judge during the Colonial period.

According to the friendly hotel staff members, the original mansion has been retained in its entirety with little structural changes. A new addition at the rear built around a central courtyard blends in seamlessly and leads to a stunning infinity pool set amidst terraced landscaped gardens.

Equipped with ornate arches, verandahs, courtyards, hardwood floors, and trellised roof awnings, this hotel is enhanced with elegant interiors furnished with Dutch period antiques, vibrant local art, and luxurious soft furnishings.

The hotel consists of 12 rooms split in four categories; standard, superior, deluxe and suite. The rooms are designed and finished to top period standards, with four-poster beds, luxurious en-suite bathrooms and plenty of storage and lounge space. Each room is air-conditioned and comes with a full range of DVD/TV entertainment options.

The main restaurant serves a delectable variety of Sri Lankan and international cuisine while the bar serves a range of cocktails and wines and is a lovely place to unwind in the evening or just a casual chat with a few friends over drinks and dinner.

The hotel offers homely comforts and features, where guests walk right into the living room past an extensive front garden. Just adjoining is the formal dining area with an 18 seater table. An antique `Avana’ (an original fan that dates back centuries – a long horizontal hanging wooden structure that is manually operated to create a breeze) hangs over the dining table.

The serene infinity pool is set amidst tropical gardens and has a depth of 4 ft. 8 inches right across with no shallow or deep areas.



Must Trys:

Maryland Chicken

Thai Steamed Rice with Vegetables
Pumpkin Soup

Verdict:

Accommodation – 8/10
Food – 8/10
Ambiance – 8/10
Service – 8/10

How to Book
T: + 94 11 5769500-2
W: http://www.tamarindhill-gallehotel.com/

By Keshiya Leitch