Haritha Villas and Spa
Cloaked in foliage, with lemongrass and spider lilies dripping from every corner, Haritha Villas and Spa is the epitome of tropical splendour and the standout option on the gorgeous stretch of coastline between Galle and Bentota. Though just 900 metres from the beach, drive through its doors and there is green as far as the eye can see, palm trees giving way to rice paddies in the distance.
Couples can take their pick from seven intimate grass-roofed villas, each with its own butler, plunge pool, veranda and garden. Adult families and groups might prefer one of the two stunning colonial mansions, which share an infinity pool and offer one and two bedrooms respectively, but with plenty of space to add additional beds. For larger groups, the two mansions can be taken together, affording an incredible 2,353 square metres of luxury living space, with a sprawling infinity pool, private courtyards and lofty views of the jungle and treetops.
The Jungle Spa is the jewel in the crown, set among the foliage overlooking Haritha Lake, offering Ayurvedic rituals, European spa treatments and entire bespoke programmes to restore body, mind and soul.
Food is also a huge part of any stay, with the resort’s own spice, herb, vegetable and fruit gardens adding to the delicious meals served either in your villa, in the fine-dining restaurant overlooking the pool, or in private locations set up around the resort.
It’s a wrench to leave such a gorgeous idyll but it’s worth exploring some of the many great attractions not far from Haritha, including UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, the local moonstone mines and Hikkaduwa Marine National Park, a great place to swim with turtles and one of only three marine national parks in the country.