In harmony with Nature
If you love nature, and can live with the constant bird calls, the sudden rustling of leaves, the chirping of the cicadas and frogs, Apa Villa Illuketia is the place to come to. We heartily embrace the giant monitor lizards that reside deep among the distant trees and thrill to see the mongoose hurrying across the lawn. The star inhabitants are the silver-back langurs trooping from branch to branch with breathtaking aerial displays.
Our Story
Dating back to the 19th century, Illuketia stands as a local landmark spanning 10 acres of picturesque gardens and paddy fields. Boasting an outdoor pool, a tranquil library, and available massage treatments, the property offers elegantly adorned suites and houses featuring complimentary Wi-Fi and stunning views of the surroundings. All suites and houses are adorned in soft neutral and pastel colors, creating a relaxed resort ambiance. Air conditioning and private balconies are standard amenities, while en suite bathrooms are equipped with showers or bathtubs.
10 Acres Of Peace
These creatures live in the 10 acres of trees, flowering shrubs, tea bushes, rice fields and vegetable plots that are a part of the landscape of Illuketia. They have been here before we arrive some 30 years ago and will continue to share the space with us, and you as guests of Apa Villa.
On human level, we offer a splendid swimming pool at one end of the garden and if you stay silent you will have the kingfisher or the woodpecker preening themselves at close range.
At meal time, there is little to do except to order from our all-time favourite menu of our exceptional Sri Lankan rice and curry, Asian noodles and snacks, salads, fish and chips or the club sandwich. Our breakfast is a choice of Western eggs and toast and Sri Lankan hoppers.We insist that our cooks prepare food with vegetables from our greenhouse and fresh ingredients to our exacting standards.
Modern Comforts
For your comfort, all bedrooms are airconditioned with ceiling and wall fans. Bathrooms are ensuite with wardrobe and a safe deposit box. Each Main House room is furnished with seating indoor, and outdoor in your private balcony. Curl up with your book or reading device in your own space.
If you must reach out to the world, we have the fastest internet connection via fibre cable. If there is power disruption, we assure you of continued electricity with our own generator.
Indulge
There is a lot more to indulge in the peaceful environment. Have a massage, browse through our private library, take walks along the country paths, nap and regenerate yourself. What more can you ask for?
Activities
Galle Fort
Using Apa Villa Illuketia as your base, head to Galle Fort, a fortified city cited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Subsequent rule by the Dutch and the British add to the mix of European, Arab and South Asian architecture and cultures. Only 20 minutes away by three-wheeler vehicle or Tuk-Tuk.
Coastline
If you want the sea air, Sri Lanka’s southern coastline offers spots for swimming and surfing at the right season usually between December and April. Visitors must not miss the exhilarating whale-watching (known for the blue and sperm mammals) off Welligama and Mirissa.
Safaris
Then there are the jeep safaris to Yala and Udawelawe National Parks to look out for leopards, elephants, wild boars, ibis and sambar deer over two hours by expressway from Galle.
Shopping
Our guests leave Illuketia with some of our shopping suggestions: famous Ceylon tea from a nearby tea plantation; spices from a Spice Garden tour at Koggala Lake; precious gems and jewellery in Galle Fort; handloom sarong and handmade batik painting and cloths; wood carvings; brass antiquities; and trendy beach fashion found along Unawatuna and Galle Fort.
APA VILLA Main House
The Main house is the heart of the estate rebuilt from a Dutch plantation house. Past the main door reached by stone steps, there is the kitchen on the left. Enter the vestibule and you will see a wooden staircase leading to the owner’s private library and room. All wooden doors and lintels are original temple doors saved from destruction.
Then step this way to the courtyard fishpond with four bedrooms on either side. This centrepiece is pond is a delight when there is a downpour. Just sit on the steps and breathe in the rejurain.
The hall is stately with artwork, sculptures, Chinese cabinets and Balinese bamboo sofas and chandelier adding to the unique charm of the villa. Meals are taken on the veranda encircling the living room with outlook to the all-green view. From here you will be entertained by wildlife in passing whether it is a stray peacock or a lumbering monitor lizard.
Lush Green
Jungle Wonderland
Nestled in a lush, verdant slice of jungle just inland from Galle, Illuketia is an oasis for the traveller seeking rejuvenation. The botanical wonderland is rich with a diversity of flora and fauna, that contribute to the surrounding harmony of sights and sounds.
Rooms
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LOTUS SUITE
A spacious room with a queen-sized bed and windows that look out to the eternal greenery of rice fields and tea estates. The ensuite bathroom has a shower, twin basins and wardrobe. It can accommodate a single bed for a child on request. A balcony with comfortable cushions is the best escape into the open.
HIBISCUS SUITE
Sometimes known as the “Honeymoon Suite” this room with a queen-sized bed has a long veranda offering a spectacular view of giant heliconias, jack trees and distant rice fields. Guests are known to recline comfortably with a book or movie all day in this open area. The suite has a large bathroom with twin basins, shower, bidet, antique wall-sized mirror and decorated with Turkish Iznik tiles. There is a hidden walk-in wardrobe.
CITRONELLA SUITE
The pride of Citronella suite is the private outdoor terrace with a planter’s deck chair, comfortable armchairs and coffee table. It has a queen bed with top quality mattress and full mosquito netting as in all other rooms.
An ensuite bathroom with wall fan has a closet and safety deposit box, shower and twin vanity basins; always supplied with fresh bath and pool towels, pool robes, hairdryer. and a hospitality tray for hot beverages.
WATER LILY SUITE
This is the most intimate of the suites suitable for a single. The star piece is an antiquated four-poster bed with mosquito net, and its furnishings include a Dutch-style cabinet and an antique mirror stand.
The ensuite bathroom with shower has a wall fan and standard basin with toiletries and hairdryer set. The window offers a view down a Heliconia-laden path.
GINGER SUITE
Multiple doors open up to the lotus pond and surrounding foliage as you ease you into the spacious room. Here, a king-sized bed is most luxurious when cuddled under a massive net in air-conditioned comfort. The indoor-outdoor bathroom is equipped with twin basins and shower open to the sky. |
A hospitality tray is making coffee or tea at all hours. The front porch has two reclining planters’ chairs perfect for bird-watching.
JASMINE SUITE
This suite enjoys similar front to the lotus pond and differs in its open-air bathroom lay-out with an outdoor shower. It has an ample king-sized bed fitted with mosquito net and cool air-conditioning. The front porch has a day bed that is ideal for relaxing and taking in the surrounding nature.
A tray with electric kettle is for making coffee or tea. Mineral water is available in refillable glass bottles to keep up with our eco-friendly policy.
HELICONIA SUITE
The Heliconia Suite, one of our larger accommodation, offers an exceptional blend of comfort and elegance. This spacious suite is thoughtfully designed with a stunning four-poster bed, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for a restful night's sleep. The suite also includes a second bed that serves as a comfortable lounging area, or it can easily accommodate a third guest, making it ideal for small families or groups.
The room is air-conditioned with ceiling fan. Complete with our customary hospitality tray for do-it-yourself hot beverage.
