Posted on Fri, 25 Mar 2011

Besotted – Distilled Tranquillity In Maya

For me, a good holiday doesn’t always have to be crammed with frantic sightseeing and shopping. A seriously relaxing holiday is one where I have the time and freedom to relax, be surrounded by gorgeousness and pampered in some luxury, and have the option to do as little or as much as I want. That’s why I am so taken by Maya – a breathtaking, 5-suite villa in Sri Lanka which I am determined to visit one day.

It’s not ostentatious, but just by looking at the photographs, I can imagine there’s a tranquillity and idyll that envelop this property sitting in its two acres of lush grounds which I can just reach out and touch. I can imagine sitting on the day beds of the garden pavillions or on the deck chair under a tree’s shade, watching the paddy fields around me and reading a good book, and sipping on delicate Sri Lankan tea all afternoon. And if I were to be restless, I’d jump on a bike and cycle around the village of Aranwella and to the village temple.

This is the kind of place I’d escape to for a romantic weekend – if I were still in the running for that sort of thing. But I will also bring the family along: the adults can chill and the kids can entertain themselves very happily with so much space to run around. Both options are very enticing.

Dating back to the late 19th century, it was originally a manor house built by an elite family who ruled the village. Maya has since been restored by designer Nikki Fairchild and renowned Sri Lankan architect Pradeep Kodikara. ““The house had to be simple, stylish, comfortable, practical and elegant. No statements were trying to be made; it’s all easy on the senses, nothing jarring,” she says.

Set within a tropical gardens full of coconut trees and local birdlife and surrounded by paddy fields, it’s five suites wrap you in old world gentility with new world luxury. Twenty-five feet ceilings, spaciousness all around, four-poster beds, private courtyards, rain showers, 400 thread-count bed linen, undulating grounds, open air garden pavilions, plush lounging sofas, a 20m pool, antique furniture and local craftsmanship everywhere! The villa is taken care of by five staff including villa’s manager Mendis, and Chef Darasana who is gaining an “excellent reputation for his fusion of Sri Lankan and international favourites”. He does the shopping every day so you’ll have to discuss the menu with him for your meals. How civilized!

What to do there beyond soaking up the villa? You can take bike rides around the village, go bird watching, visit UdaWalawe wild elephant park and Kalametiya bird sanctuary, or see endangered marine turtles nesting at Rakewa beach. What caught my eye is the recommendation of going to the southern coast beyond Dondra, regarded as one of the best locations in the world for spotting Blue Whales, Sperm Whales and Spinner Dolphins. From December to April, whale and dolphin watching excursions are possible from Mirissa. Then there’s the UNESCO World Heritage Fort in Galle and the Literary Festival every January which require a ‘convenient drive’ from Maya.

Stays at Maya start from an attractive US$170.00 for a double room or US$750.00 per night for exclusive use (sleeps 10) during the Low Season of May, June, September and October. Prices include full breakfast and taxes. Driver accommodation and meals are offered at no extra charge. It’s a bit of a trek there though.